Vol73 no2 2012

March 2012 VOL. 73, NO. 2

For results, sponsors, donors, and volunteers see inside.

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

FEATURED ARTICLES

March 2012 Vol. 73, No. 2

CFM Annual Report ..........................................................................................4 Operation Wild Lands ..................................................................................13 Passport To Meramec River Trails ......................................................13 CFM Affiliate, Whitetails Unlimited Names Dan Vogt Field Director Of The Year ......................................................15 Farmers And Sportsmens’ Common Foe: Animal-Rights Extremist ..16 Hiking The Ozark Trail ..........................................................................20 Update From The School Of Natural Resources ........................................22 State Wildlife Grant Program Helps Protect Prairies ................................23 Spring Fling Buddy Bass Tournament ........................................................28 CFM’s 1st Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot ................................................30

OFFICERS Mike Schallon President Richard Ash 1st Vice President Al Vogt 2nd Vice President Secretary Dan Zerr Randy Washburn Treasurer

STAFF Dave Murphy

Executive Director/ Editor Travis Scott Director of Development Debra Lee Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Haymaker Office Manager Membership Laurie Coleman Associate/ Managing Editor Joe Pendergrass Design & Production Mission Statement: Missourians for Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Our Outdoor Heritage.

NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNS View From The Stone House ....................................................................2 President’s Message..................................................................................3 Teaming With Wildlife

What’s Happening Now! ..................................................................14 Not Enough Wildlife In Your Backyard? ..........................................14 Missouri TWW Coalition Receives State Wildlife Grant Funding ......15 Agency News MDC - Help Bash Trash In April ......................................................17 MDC - Discover Nature Through MDC 75th Anniv Photo Contest ..17 DNR - Maximize Your Adventures In Missouri State Parks ..............18 DNR - Roaring River State Park Spotlight ..........................................19 Calendar ..................................................................................................24 Member Information

Affiliates of the Federation ................................................................10 Business Alliance Members ..............................................................10 Conservationists For Life ..................................................................11 New Members....................................................................................31

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205 Email • dmurphy@confedmo.org Online • http://www.confedmo.org MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO. and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 COVER: “The Little Beggar” Female Pileated Woodpecker and youngster - © Glenn D. Chambers.

To view additional photos visit www.glenndchambers.com

M IS S OURI

WIL DL I F E

1

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

Spring Forward “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” — Martin Luther

T

he longer I live, the more challenging springtime is for me.

Perhaps it is because I continue to mature and to become more and more aware of the furious pace of events in our world of men. Perhaps it is because of the real, springtime intensity of the outdoors here in the middle USA. Perhaps it is because I grew up a farmer’s son, and know that preparations now determine our future harvest.

No matter the explanation, the concept of spring fever is very, very real. Legislatively all the ideas, good and bad, are still alive and on the table.

Perennial efforts to challenge either the authority or funding of our great citizen-created agencies, though beaten back at times, seem never to go away. An adequate explanation and thorough understanding of governance is always a very good thing. Every citizen has the responsibility and benefits of our unique Missouri system of caring for our natural resources. But relentless

rock throwing and outright bullying for power is not a good thing. A few politicians seem bent on keeping up the din here at The Capitol, while their constituents back home remain unaware of their rheto-

ric, scabbard rattling, and outright destructive efforts in Jefferson City. Speak up, when you get the chance…make certain your Senator and your Representative hear from you personally about conservation and natural resources. Both MDC and DNR are well run, balance the needs and desires of society and the outdoors very well, and receive no general revenue in the case of MDC and only a pitiful and miniscule amount in the case of DNR. Tell your Senator

and Representative to leave them alone and let them do their important work without the destructive distractions of constantly playing defense with certain members of the legislature. Time and money are very limited these days, let these effective, professionally run outfits that we citizens have designed, created, nurtured and defended do their jobs! The vast majority of the Missouri public agrees with us, this handful of legislative critics is not the voice of the mainstream Missouri public.

One compelling consideration for each of us is what we should do on that fine day when we get beyond the distractions of politics? Once we get beyond playing defense, how do we prepare best for the future of the outdoors? CFM for years has been looking far ahead. The celebration of our own 75th anniversary gave us pause for remembering the lessons of our past, and also encouraged us to look far ahead, just as our great citizenconservationist ancestors did long ago.

The millennia old knowledge of people of the land, their first hand awareness that planning, sowing, cultivating,

and harvesting are vital, sequential components of the cycle of life governing our world, can serve us well as we prepare for the future of the outdoors. This is why we host the summits, to convene Missouri leaders today about tomorrow. This is why we constantly probe, inquire and learn from our members and affiliate organizations to cultivate and nurture relationships within our circle of influence.

This is why we invest in the Conservation Leadership Corps to prepare the leaders of tomorrow, under our tutelage today.

Yes, the sand in the hourglass is swiftly running out.

Yes, the accelerated pace of change in the world around us is awe inspiring, if not outright daunting. Yes, the relevance and importance of each of us making our mark through CFM is at an all time high.

Let’s continue to face together whatever comes next. Our grandchildren will applaud and be inspired by our performance. Let’s always remind ourselves to give them the best possible tomorrow.

— Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

Conserve Life: SLOW DOWN More than 1,100 people die on Missouri highways each year.

Don’t become a statistic. Conserve life by slowing down and by always making sure your seatbelt is buckled. BUCKLE

UP

REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE 2

MAR C H

2 012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Passion for CFM Never-ending

B

efore I ride off into the sunset as your president I want to thank our Conservation Federation board members for any success I achieved during my two year tenure as CFM President. Dave Murphy, our Executive Director and his staff in Jefferson City provided me excellent advice and support and I thank them for that as well.

My passion for nature and the outdoors began at an early age and has never diminished.

(Just ask my wife) Early on I thought I wanted to work in some capacity for the Department of Conservation. The opportunity never arose and I spent my working life as a teacher. Over a period of thirty years, I taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Wildlife Conservation. It was a most satisfying career.

At some point in the early 1980’s I found my way to the Conservation Federation of Missouri. As I made myself familiar with the organization I recognized how my involvement and financial support would enable me to give back to Missouri on behalf of fish, forest and wildlife. I’ve been actively engaged ever since.

As your president I traveled over five thousand miles in our state over the past two years, attending CFM meetings, visiting affiliate organizations, speaking at legislative committee hearings, attending MDC meetings, etc. I tell you all of this to let you know that representing CFM to the best of my

ability has been one of the biggest highlights of my life.

I think the most important lesson that I learned early on in my tenure was that not everyone in Missouri is proud to

changed to provide a wide range of opportunities. Land owners are fortunate to have access to trained MDC employees in every county that are only a phone call away.

have is a poorly managed Department of Conservation.

MDC is the envy of the rest of our country. Let us not forget that in 1976 the people of Missouri voted to tax ourselves

have a well-managed Department of Conservation. No matter how long I live I will never be able to understand this. As a people we are fortunate to live in Missouri, a place where there is an abundance of fish, forest and game, I think we face two important concerns; one, is apathy and the other is a concern that there are some state legislators with agendas to dismantle conservation here in Missouri as we know it.

Apathy should concern all of us. Things are so good now in our state in terms of wildlife populations, game and forest management, etc., that it is easy for the outdoors men and women to become complacent.

Our various seasons have been expanded over the years and regulations in many cases have

When citizen land owners need management help it is available. Apathy on our part could bring all of this to an end.

If you care about our outdoor heritage as I do, I humbly ask you to care enough to know how your legislators vote on conservation issues.

Some of you would be surprised to learn that your legislator is actively working to dismantle conservation here in Missouri. I believe there are some Missouri legislators that need to be put on notice by the people who live in their districts. In my opinion, hampering the Department of Conservation is not in the best interest of the citizens of Missouri.

Unfortunately we do have lots of problems in Missouri, but one problem that we don’t

1/8 of 1% to provide for fish, forest and wildlife! This is working! We also voted a long time ago to keep politics out of the arena of wildlife management and this has been a tremendous success.

Please ask your elected officials to work on the issues that are in true need of their attention and leadership…and tell them to stop trying to fix something which is not broken!

My presidential term ends in late February. I will continue to serve CFM but in other capacities. Richard Ash will be your next president and CFM will be well served by his presence as our new leader.

M IS S OURI

Yours in Conservation, Mike Schallon President, CFM WIL DL I F E

3

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Conservation Federation of Missouri’s Top 10 Achievements for 2011 1) Missouri Water Summit 2011.

This event was the next major step in follow-up to a Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors CFM hosted in 2009. Over 1500 Missouri leaders were surveyed in advance of the Summit on their opinions and awareness of current water issues in our state.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Colorado Supreme Court Justice Greg Hobbs presented keynote remarks. Panel discussions and interactive break-out sessions identified priority actions, the top two being: • Develop a simple, unified water awareness campaign that connects with all Missouri citizens; and, • Establish, incentivize and evaluate best management practices, strategies and water goals at the watershed level.

2) Share The Harvest Program.

This great program is a CFM partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, dozens of businesses and hundreds of volunteers. This season set a new record for the number of whole deer donated and for the number of pounds of venison processed. New supplementary funding ($320,000) was provided by the Missouri Food Banks Association.

3) OAKs. Outdoor Action Committee.

This team of leaders, guiding follow-up to the 2009 Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors, completed a basic plan for action. OAKs also formed three subcommittees to tackle the major tasks identified at the Summit: • Education; • Natural Resources; and, • Funding.

4

MAR C H

2 012

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

4) Conservation Leadership Corps.

Our national award winning youth program brought 55 high school and college students to convention. There these bright, shining young leaders helped draft 21 of our 31 resolutions. Throughout the year, they served on all standing and ad hoc CFM committees. Also new this year was the start of an endowment fund generated of, by and for these remarkable students. Not only have they learned that fund-raising is an essential component of effective leadership, they are succeeding.

5) Rallying Citizens and Speaking Up for our Natural Resources.

Charles Callison’s historic call to our members in 1948 was “The Conservation Federation of Missouri as an organization serves to discover, even to stimulate, to express and translate to action the public will in matters affecting conservation.” The Call was answered countless times by CFM leaders in 2011. Among many high points in citizen action:

• Defeated end-of-session legislative efforts to circumvent MDC authority in setting methods for hunting seasons; • Hosted a Quail Summit at MIZZOU’s Bradford Farm along with the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation and Quail Forever; • Blocked legislation which would have interfered with wild elk restoration; • Successfully promoted legislation beneficial to all Missourians and Missouri DNR to extend critical fees and to enable Conservation Easements; and, • Presented the “Opening Remarks” at 75th Anniversary of National Wildlife Federation in Washington, D.C.

6) Teaming With Wildlife.

Received the National Partnership Award from Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and National Wildlife Federation in Washington, D.C.!

Sent a full crew to Washington to meet with Missouri delegation in Congress and Senate to speak up for federal wildlife funding. Our efforts greatly contributed to reinstating full funding of State Wildlife Grants nationally, and brought over $1 million to Missouri to benefit all wildlife.

• Grew the Missouri coalition to 304 businesses and organizations in 2011, up from 275 in 2010; and • Up-graded to our new Teaming website in 2011.

M IS S OURI

WIL DL I F E

5

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

7) Getting Families Outside.

• Achieved record participation in the Second Annual Great American Campout hosted in partnership with Missouri State Parks in June in all Missouri State Parks; • Hosted the International Walk in the Woods Day in conjunction with Missouri Tree Farm Day in May enjoyed by over 175 participants; • Hosted a Sporting Clay Shoot at River Hills near Boonville in August for a record 110 shooters; • Benefited from a BASS hosted Spring Fling Tournament at Pomme de Terre Lake, with 51 boats and netted over $1,800 for CFM; • Participated in the Harvest Fest at the Governor's Mansion hosted by Governor and First Lady Nixon and attended by 3,800 in October; • Conservation Leadership Corps facilitated and lead two events for kids at Prairie Fork.

8) Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Record participation of 138 of 197 members of General Assembly and full calendar of events: • Hunter Education and Concealed Carry courses for members and staff; • Several membership meetings in Capitol; • Hosted benefit shoot at the end of session; and, • Assisted with Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt.

9) Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program.

• More and more districts coming on board across our state (with 210 in 2011 compared to 120 in 2010).

• This year got the Missouri National Archery Program into every school district in three Missouri counties! 1st, Callaway County; 2nd, Boone County; then 3rd, Greene County! Our partners at Bass Pro Shops and the MDC Outdoor Skills staff worked very effectively to get this done.

• Nearly 1000 youth participated in the State Championship this year. Participation has nearly doubled each year.

6

MAR C H

2 012

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

10) Operation Game Thief.

This year our program to provide rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions of poachers paid out $10,000 to 52 anonymous informants.

OGT, now in its 30th year, continues to provide vital support to agents in the field. The OGT hotline number is 1-800-392-1111. MDC agents continue to have better response tools as alerts can now be delivered directly to them in the field via smart phones.

Conservation Federation of Missouri Internal Milestones for 2011 1) Strengthening Staff.

The year brought two real challenges. Our Director of Development left CFM for a private business opportunity; and, then our Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator accepted a significant promotion to work as a Public Involvement Coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

While CFM lost two quality staff, the recruitment process blessed us with extremely qualified applicants and subsequent hires for both positions: • Our new Director of Development, Travis Scott, began August 1. During his 13 year career as the Senior Regional Director and Regional Field Supervisor for the National Wild Turkey Federation, he had great success in fundraising, working with committees and growing NWTF

membership. In his short time with CFM, his efforts have already brought thousands of dollars in sponsorship of events and programs and opened many doors to new business alliance members and partners. • Our new Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, Debra Lee, began November 1. During her 18 year career with the Missouri Division of Tourism, she developed exceptional communications, marketing and promotional skills, which are serving our Teaming With Wildlife Coalition and CFM very well.

M IS S OURI

WIL DL I F E

7

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

2) Enhancing great relationships with our affiliates.

• With regular elections of new volunteer leaders, it became apparent that it is very important for CFM to consistently meet with the leaders of the 80 plus organizations with whom we are affiliated. As such, face-to-face meetings occurred with of some of our largest affiliates (Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation) to discuss topics of common interest and mutual concern. And consideration is underway to develop a routine multi-year schedule of future meetings with all of CFM’s affiliates.

• A fantastic new affiliation with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives began in 2011. That great membership organization and CFM have a lot in common! We have already begun working together with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, for example, to achieve greater emphasis on wildlife habitat enhancements on AMEC rights of way and properties.

3) Upgrading CFM Facilities.

• Complete renovation and remodeling of upstairs offices; • Donation of magnificent Missouri Oak table for CFM Board room by Randy Washburn. Built, delivered and installed by craftsmen from Versailles.

4) Putting CFM’s Financial Resources to work.

• Moved our investments to Sundvold Financial after a competitive proposals process among several firms, directed by our Budget and Finance Committee; • Moved Share The Harvest funds to Bank of Missouri to secure insurance coverage for every dollar; • Drafted 2012 budget and carried its approval through the Budget and Finance Committee, Executive Committee and CFM Board; and, • Completed a clean annual audit for 2010.

8

MAR C H

2 012

5) Don Johnson selected as finalist in Budweiser Conservationist of the Year!

Our former President being honored as one of the four great citizenconservationists this year was a real highlight. We took the opportunity to repeatedly communicate with all our members and worked hard to improve our communications and effectiveness in networking. It was a great honor for Don and for CFM and we learned a lot about ourselves in the short voting period.

6) First selection and awarding of the CFM Kirkham Family Scholarship.

Our initial recipient is Nick Fowler, from MIZZOU. Our former CFM President, Judd Kirkham, donated several extremely collectible firearms to build an endowment for a scholarship to honor his family, CFM and some very talented young scholars. Judd’s lifelong love of big game, zeal for the training of excellent professionals and relentless championing of conservation will endure a long, long time through awardees of this scholarship.

THE PEOPLE OF CFM

Income

Program $526,193 Grants/Scholarships $25,050 $95,366 Fundraising Meetings $70,322 Membership Dues $169,666 Publications and Advertising $7,595 Miscellaneous $100,532 $994,724

Expenditures

Programs Grants/Scholarships Fundraising Meetings Membership Publication Miscellaneous Capital Improvements Operating Payroll

$543,118 $ $36,171 $51,117 $36,999 $35,779 $6,795 $9,426 $32,905 $271,501 $1,023,811

*$38,275 in 2010 income was expended as Grants/Scholarships in 2011

CFM Officers

President: Mike Schallon, Wentzville First Vice President: Richard Ash, Ozark Second Vice President: Al Vogt, Columbia Secretary: Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Treasurer: Randy Washburn, Jefferson City

Board of Directors Mike Baker, DeSoto

Norman Leppo, Saint Louis

Marvin Behnke, Saint Louis

Leroy Logan, Arnold

Jim Blair, Clayton

Ike Lovan, Steelville

Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau

C.F. Luebbert, Tipton

Charley Burwick, Springfield

Ranney McDonough, Poplar Bluff

Earl Cannon, Jefferson City

Richard Mendenhall, Columbia

Jerry Castillon, Ellisville

Arnold Meysenburg, Lees Summit

Glenn Chambers, Columbia

John Neporadny, Lake Ozark

Ron Coleman, Saint Albans

Tom Noyes, Lathrop

Mark Corio, Arnold

Frank Oberle, Novinger

Charlie Davidson, Jefferson City

Sara Parker Pauley, Hartsburg

Jerry Dow, Saint Louis

Rod Pennington, Rogersville

Ken Drenon, Jefferson City

Albert Phillips, Saint Louis

Chuck Drury, Saint Louis

Charley Ponciroli, Brentwood

Howard Fisher, Higginsville

Nick Prough, Blue Springs

Howard Fleming, Moberly

Winnie Runge Stribling, Mexico

Elsa Gallagher, Excello

Tom Russell, Columbia

R. Jack Garrett, West Plains

Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

David Hamilton, Saint Louis

George Seek, Meadville

Herman Hanley, Grain Valley

E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis

Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs

Chad Shoemaker, Mexico

Donald Harris, Springfield

Caitlin Shoults, Lake Ozark

Barry Hart, Jefferson City

Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove

Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance

Dennis Stubbs, Festus

Bill Hilgeman, Manchester

Jim Talbert, Jefferson City

C.W. Hook, Higginsville

Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis

Steve Jarvis, Jefferson City

Tim Turpin, Columbia

Don Johnson, Festus

Gary Van DeVelde, Jefferson City

Duane Kelly, Kansas City

Dan Vogt, Centralia

Marty King, University City

Wallis Warren, Beaufort

Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs

James Washabaugh, Jefferson City

Zachary Knerr, Columbia

Tom Westhoff, Montgomery City

John Knudsen, Hermann

Dan Witter, Holts Summit

Dan Kreher, Ballwin

Matt Wolken, Greentop

Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City

Dick Wood, Saint Louis

Tom Lampe, Harrisonville

Howard Wood, Bonne Terre

Grace Leinberger, Linn

Jim Zieger, Blue Springs

Joel LeMaster, Fulton M IS S OURI

WIL DL I F E

9

THE PEOPLE OF CFM

Affiliates

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri Trappers Association

Missouri Bass Federation

Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association

Anglers of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Monett Sportsman League

Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

North Side Division Conservation Federation

Big Game Hunters, Inc.

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Open Space Council

Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association

Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Bridlespur Hunt Club

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Perry County Sportsman Club

Capital City Fly Fishers

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.

Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International

Missouri Department of Agriculture

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment

Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve

Missouri Forest Products Association

River Relief, Inc.

Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc.

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association

Saint Louis Audubon Society

Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.

South Side Division Conservation Federation

Gempp Park Commission

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

Greenway Network, Inc.

Missouri Native Seed Association

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club

Heaven’s Anglers

Missouri Parks & Recreation Association

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Howardville Community Betterment

Missouri Parks Association

Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc.

Missouri Prairie Foundation

University of Missouri Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods

Meramec Area Sportsman Association

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Wecomo Sportsman Club

Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream

Missouri Society of American Foresters

Wild Elk Institute of Missouri

Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

Midwest Diving Council

Missouri State Campers Association

WOLF Parent Organization

Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station

Wonders of Wildlife

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Business Alliance Members Platinum:

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

DJ Case & Associates

REMAX Boone Realty

Bass Pro Shops

Pyramid Home Health Services

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Drury Hotels

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Michaelanne Investments, Inc.

Shelter Insurance Companies

Basic:

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Osage Canoes, LLC

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Quality Forest Management, LLC

Gold:

Cap America

Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

MidwayUSA

Central Trust & Investment Company

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

Show Me Printing

Citizens Telephone Company

Silver:

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Columbia Daily Tribune

Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc.

Macon Realty Company

Cooper’s Oak Winery and A & K Cooperage, LLC

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Dickerson Park Zoo

1 0

MAR C H

2 012

Mid America Mortgage Midwest Mailing Services

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC Sierra Bullets, LLC Tabor Plastics Company The Bank of Missouri Wood Land & Cattle, LLC

THE PEOPLE OF CFM

Life Members

Johnny Morris, Springfield

Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico

John & Patricia Mort, Smithville

Mary Stuppy, Joplin

Charles Abele, Saint Louis

Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

David Murphy, Columbia

Mark Sullivan †

R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph

Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson

Dean Murphy, Jefferson City

Jacob Swafford, Columbia

Duane Addleman, Springfield

Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville

Jim Talbert, Jefferson City

Michael Duane Addleman †

Herman Hanley, Grain Valley

First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis

Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield

Jeff “J. T.” Tillman †

Austin Owens, Lebanon

Robert Tompson, Moberly

Jeff Owens, Marshfield

Alex Uskokovich, Glendale

Sara Pauley, Hartsburg

Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City

Scott Pauley, Hartsburg

Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City

Abe Phillips, Saint Louis

Lee Vogel, Kansas City

Jan Phillips, Saint Louis

Al Vogt, Columbia

Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant

Julius Wall, Clinton

Becky Plattner, Grand Pass

Randy Washburn, Versailles

Jerry Presley, Centertown

Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia

Albert Price, Columbia

Mary Waters, Columbia

Nick Prough, Blue Springs

Robert O. Werges, Arnold

Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg

Mark Williams, Lawson

Kurtis Reeg, Saint Louis

Michael Wilson, Saint Louis

David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield

Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg

Gerald Ross, Jefferson City

Addie Witter, Annville, PA

Tyler Ruoff, Savannah

Brenda Witter, Holts Summit

Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland

Daniel Witter, Holts Summit

Fred Saylor, Independence

Dick Wood, Saint Louis

Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin

Howard Wood, Bonne Terre

Mike Schallon, Wentzville

Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre

Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre

Ronald Schwartzmeyer, Arnold

Dan Zerr, Lake Saint Louis

Timothy Schwent, Jackson

Jim Zieger, Blue Springs

George Seek, Meadville

Emily Ziehmer, California

E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis

Robert Ziehmer, California

Sara Seidler, Saint Louis

Ethan Zuck, Strafford

Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho

Guy Zuck, Strafford

Nancy Addleman †

Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis

Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield

Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance

Tom Addleman, Harrisonville

Loring Helfrich, Sikeston

James Agnew, Arnold

Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph

Allen Appell, Calhoun

James Hill, Mexico

Richard Ash, Ozark

Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill

Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin

John Hoskins, Fremont

Michael Baker, DeSoto

Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe

Dane Balsman, Frankfort, KY

Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis

Don Bedell, Sikeston

Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles

Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis

Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City

Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau

Don Johnson, Festus

Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau

Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg

Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL

Roger Johnson, Humansville

Scott Brundage, Columbia

Pat Jones, Williamsburg

Glenn Chambers, Columbia

Tom Karl, Farmington

Ed Clausen, Jefferson City

Cosette Kelly, Kansas City

Ron Coleman, Saint Albans

Duane Kelly, Kansas City

Mark Corio, Arnold

Marty King, University City

Bill Crawford, Columbia

Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs

Ryan Diener, Marthasville

Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC

Joe G. Dillard, Columbia

Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring

Ron Douglas, Springfield

Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS

Charlie Drury, Saint Louis

Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City

Chuck Drury, Saint Louis

Larry Lackamp, Bates City

Tom Drury, Saint Louis

Kyle Lairmore, Owensville

John Enderle, Kelso

Jay Law †

Howard Fisher, Higginsville

Gerald Lee, Kansas City

Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville

Joel LeMaster, Fulton

Andrew Fleming, Columbia

Norman Leppo, Saint Louis

Howard Fleming, Moberly

John Lewis, Columbia

Lori Fleming, Columbia

Leroy Logan, Arnold

Matt Fleming, Moberly

Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell

Paula Fleming, Moberly

Ike Lovan, Steelville

Sara Fleming, Moberly

Chip McGeehan, Marshfield

Matt Gaunt, Columbia

Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield

Timothy Gordon, Belgrade

Richard Mendenhall, Columbia

Blake Gornick, Kirkwood

Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis

Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg

Davis Minton, Dexter

Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph

Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City

Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

John Moore, Jr., Gelena

Travis Taylor, Lawson

M. W. Sorenson, Columbia Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove

† Deceased

Staff Dave Murphy, Executive Director/Editor Travis Scott, Director of Development Debra Lee, Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Haymaker, Office Manager Laurie Coleman, Membership Associate/Managing Editor

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IFE

1 1

CFM 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Award Winners For 2010 Conservationists of the Year Larry & Brenda Potterfield, Columbia

Hunter Education Instructor David Rush, Belton

Conservation Communicator Bob Priddy, Jefferson City

Water Conservationist Bill Ambrose, Jefferson City

Conservation Educator Norman Ridder, Springfield

Wildlife Conservationist John Murphy, Kirksville

Forest Conservationist Gus Raeker, Washington

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Wayne Morton, Osceola

2011 Resolutions 1 Publicizing of Quail Habitat Opportunities 2 Missouri Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Allocation 3 CLC Volunteer Group for the Cleanup of Illegal Dumps 4 Hazardous Waste Program 5 CFM Support of Hellbender Protection Through the Public & Private Rivers and Streams 6 Increasing Awareness and Education of Didymo 7 Support of Adoption of Missouri Woody Biomass Harvesting Best Management Practices Manual 8 CFM Support of Pathways Committee Guidelines

9 Improving Timber Management by Supporting the Education and Certification of Missouri Loggers 10 CFM Establishment of an Urban Family Environmental Education Outreach Task Force 11 Request Action to Better Control Deer Population 12 The Potential Hazard of Kudzu Destroying Missouri Habitats 13 CFM Supports Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species 14 Implementing Off-Road Vehicle Usage in the Mark Twain National Forest 15 Bats and Wind Energy

16 Study the Population of the Gray Fox 17 Modify Share the Harvest to be More Donation Friendly 18 Mountain Lion Education 19 Conservation Easements 20 Conservation Sales Tax 21 North American Wildlife Conservation Model

25 Using Pittman-Robertson Funds to Construct Archery Ranges in Missouri 26 Create a Less Expensive Mentor Permit to Satisfy License Requirement for Adult Chaperones of Young Hunters 27 Land and Water Conservation Fund 28 Support for Missouri State Parks (Reintroduced)

22 Felt Sole Ban 29 State Parks Youth Corps 23 Continuation and Expansion of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan 24 Remove Livestock from Missouri’s Last Remaining High Quality Prairies

30 Missouri’s Recreational Trails Program 31 Statewide Trail Linkage System 32 Mill Creek

* Full titles and texts of resolutions available at www.confedmo.org M IS S OURI

1 2

MAR C H

2 012

WIL DL IFE

1 2

Operation Wild Lands

T

he Open Space Council’s volunteer land stewardship program, Operation Wild Lands (OWLs), has trained hundreds of volunteers since the program’s inception in 2007. OWLs prepares citizen volunteers of all ages to restore and maintain public lands throughout the St. Louis region. These trained volunteer land stewards assist with the proactive management of public open space to improve wildlife habitat and nature-related outdoor recreation.

Recognizing that natural habitats are a precious resource and that most of the public-owned urban wild acreage in the St. Louis region is passively managed as a matter of practicality, The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region created OWLs

to help facilitate ongoing wildlife habitat improvements that include: • Area cleanups • Trail development and maintenance • Invasive species removal and native plant re-vegetation • Tree plantings • Educational field trips Last fall, Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts, college students, and citizen volunteers made up our crews of environmental stewards for our 6 OWLs events. With large, enthusiastic crews we have been able to clear litter and invasives, such as Bush Honeysuckle and Euonymus Vine, from various parks and conservation areas in the St. Louis region. We totaled over 20 hours of events with nearly 150 volunteers!

This spring, we plan on

With hard work and a little muscle, anything is possible! Credit: Danielle Zemmel.

having 3 events to engage community members with their local environments. We will once again remove Bush Honeysuckle from some forested areas, but this year we will also be helping coordinate native plantings and trail maintenance projects.

Want to volunteer at the next OWLs event? Or just want more information about the program? Check out the

schedule and more detailed information at http://openspacestl.org/programs/operation-wild-lands or give us a call at 636-451-6090.

Passport to Meramec River Trails

T

he Passport to Meramec River Trails is a year-long program

by The Open Space Council (OSC) that will encourage outdoor recreation along the Meramec River.

OSC is encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy the trails during this surprisingly warm winter!

By hiking six designated trails along the Meramec River, participants will receive a free OSC water bottle! Participants should sign and date the Passport each time they complete a trail. When all

trails are completed, the passport can be mailed to P.O. Box 1468, Ballwin, MO 63022.

The six trails include: The Greenrock Trail, Al Foster Memorial Trail, Minnie Ha Ha Trail, Rock Hollow Trail, Arnold's Grove Trail, and any trail within Castlewood State Park. Passports can be obtained by request via info@openspacestl.org or by calling 636-451-6090. For more information about the trails, visit our website, http://openspacestl.org/events.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland. Credit: Ron Coleman.

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

1 3

TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE

What’s Happening Now! TWW Fly-in

D

uring the cold winter months when we look forward to the green of spring we must not forget we have some very unique opportunities to see a glaze of ice in the sun and the outdoor wildlife scampering about with fervor.

I love to watch the birds as they flock to the feeders in the morning and the cute little chipmunk that taunts my squirrels from the woodpile where I leave surprise snacks for him. This is the perfect time to plan for spring and the goals of our TWW program.

At the end of February, Debra Lee, Conservation Federation of Missouri, will be attending the 2012 Teaming With Wildlife Fly-In along with Carol Davit, Director of Communications and Development, Missouri Prairie Foundation and Gene Gardner, Wildlife Diversity Chief, Missouri Department of Conservation. The Fly-In will be held in Washington D.C. February 28March 1, 2012. The group will attend training and meet with Missouri’s congressional leaders to emphasize the importance of TWW initiatives

Photo by Debra Lee. Snowy morning at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports during the Cabin Fever Clay Shoot.

and to encourage their support of conservation funding, especially State Wildlife Grants.

With March winds breezing through and April showers on the way, the TWW Steering Committee is working on a media day to rally members and highlight Teaming With Wildlife success stories. The

one day event will offer Missouri TWW coalition members a chance to share ideas and network while bringing attention to the highly successful TWW program. National Wildlife Week, March 19-25, 2012, is held annually as a signature event of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out

There Campaign. Conservation Federation of Missouri would like to meet with media during that time to connect families and communities with nature.

Not Enough Wildlife In Your Backyard?

In case you don’t have enough wildlife in your backyard, or you are trying to substitute “something else” for the real thing, there are some fascinating publications available online from Missouri Department of Conservation. The publications are free and can be found at http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/05/free_infor mation_2011.pdf The Discover Nature section of the MDC 1 4

MAR C H

2 012

website is a plethora of suggestions for getting outdoors and finding new recreational activities involving nature. Places to go, ideas for your next outdoor adventure and how to attract wildlife for watching are but a few of the topics covered on the site.

There are also many events and opportunities at nature centers and conservation areas in your region. Check it out and get outdoors!

TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE

Missouri Teaming With Wildlife Coalition Receives State Wildlife Grant Funding

T

hank you Teaming With Wildlife Coalition (TWW) members for urging Congress to restore federal funding for State Wildlife Grants Program (SWG). Our combined team efforts worked! The end of 2011 was eventful to say the least on the funding front with continuing resolutions postponing the vote for State Wildlife Grant appropriations from Congress. Finally, an omnibus funding bill was signed by the president with $61.4M for State Wildlife Grants, with a 65:35 federal:non-federal match

ratio.

Funding available through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s internal grant program, called the Wildlife Diversity Fund (WDF), is directly related to SWG apportionment from the previous year. Because of the delay in Congress approving SWG funds for federal FY2011, funding available for WDF projects was limited during MDC’s FY2012. So, MDC had to delay making some WDF available until after January 1, 2012, contingent upon a mid-year reallocation of available funds. The coopera-

tion of partners that accepted this delay in funding for their WDF projects, or portions thereof, is greatly appreciated.

Good news! Last month, MDC gave the go ahead to release the remaining funds in the WDF account to conduct the delayed WDF projects.

More good news! Missouri will receive a SWG apportionment from Congress for federal FY2012 (MDC FY2013) with almost as much funding as Federal FY2011 (approximately $950,000). The good news is that WDF funds will again be available for competitive grant proposal projects.

The Request for Proposals process is currently underway and is on a very tight timeline.

Questions regarding the WDF projects and the competitive grant process should be directed to Gene Gardner, Wildlife Diversity Chief at Missouri Department of Conservation.

Email: gene.gardner@mdc.mo.gov Phone: 573.522.4115, ext.

3353.

CFM Affiliate, Whitetails Unlimited Names Dan Vogt Field Director of the Year Dan Vogt has been named as the Whitetails Unlimited Field Director of the Year for the fiscal year 2010-11.

Vogt, who conducts events in Missouri, Louisiana, and Arkansas, was honored based on chapter performance, service to local chapters, and internal performance benchmarks. “Dan always does an outstanding job for Whitetails Unlimited, and that translates to doing an outstanding job for the WTU chapters in his territory,” said Dave Hawkey, vice president of field operations for Whitetails Unlimited.

Vogt grew up in Columbia, Missouri, and now lives in

Centralia, Missouri with his wife, Michelle, and their eight-year-old son, Jacob. He is an accomplished deer and turkey hunter, and enjoys spending time at home when not on the road. “I’m very proud to bring this award to the Show Me state,” said Vogt, “but the recognition really belongs to my incredible group of chapters and volunteers, who really deserve all the credit.”

According to Hawkey, Vogt set a new record of 18 points (lower score is better), beating the previous record of 21 set three years ago. Tim Powers of Iowa came in second, and Wisconsin’s Jamie

Merckx placed third.

“It’s taken a little over five years for Dan to develop his territory and become WTU’s number one field director,”

said WTU’s Executive Director Pete Gerl. “That in itself is an outstanding accomplishment. Dan is a true asset to Whitetails Unlimited.”

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

1 5

Farmers and Sportsmens’ Common Foe: Animal-Rights Extremists For years there has been a growing awareness in both the agriculture and sportsmen communities about a growing threat to our way of life: animal-rights extremists.

Animal-rights groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and their allies in PETA, ASPCA and other anti-meat organizations have grown increasingly bold in their attacks on farmers and sportsmen alike. Just two years ago HSUS spent millions passing Proposition B, a direct attack on legitimate dog breeders. HSUS aimed their crosshairs at agriculture with Proposition B, but breeders specializing in hunting dogs would have been harmed too.

Although the attacks on agriculture get a lot of attention in Missouri, animal-rights extremists have been just as active attacking hunting, fishing, and common-sense conservation across the nation.

Here are just a few examples of HSUS’ attacks on the American hunting tradition: • Banned Mourning Dove hunting in Michigan through the initiative petition process. – 2006 • Nearly banned bear hunting in Maine through the initiative petition process. When HSUS was defeated they attempted to federalize bear hunting laws. – 2004 • Get the Lead Out Campaign – HSUS is currently trying to ban the use of lead in all bullets and fish hooks by manipulating misleading data.

1 6

MAR C H

2 012

The true purpose of this campaign is to raise the price of hunting and fishing to make these activities less popular.

• Wildlife Land Trust – HSUS has started the Wildlife Land Trust, an organization that solicits land donations and buys prime hunting land.

Although their stated purpose is conservation, HSUS bans all hunting and trapping on these lands.

Make no mistake – animalrights extremists have just as much of a problem with hunters and fishers as they do with farmers.

It is time for farmers and sportsmen to stand together and tell the extremists that enough is enough. In the coming months, Missouri Farmers Care will be reaching out to sportsmen of all stripes to discuss this mutual threat. This article is the first step of many

raise the bar for the state legislature to amend an initiative petition like Proposition B from 50% all the way to 75%.

This would effectively make it impossible to ever fix an errant proposition in the future.

HSUS is trying to make the argument that “Your Vote Counts” is not about animal

that we hope will bring our communities closer together in the fight against animal-rights extremists.

We have to stand together now or hang separately later because HSUS is not done with Missouri. When the state legislature amended Proposition B, HSUS was enraged. Now they are funding a new initiative petition in Missouri – one misleading titled “Your Vote Counts.”

Your Vote Counts would

rights. They are arguing that a wide array of Missourians support this initiative. But, as always, the money trail tells the true story. In the fourth quarter of 2011, over 99% of “Your Vote Counts’” money came from outside of Missouri. HSUS contributed over $87,000. ASPCA contributed $50,000.

How much support did “Your Vote Counts” receive in Missouri? Two Missouri donors gave a grand total of

$150. The money trail tells the story: Your Vote Counts is about out-of-state animalrights groups imposing their will on Missouri.

Missouri Farmers Care looks forward to working with the hunting, fishing, and conservation community to stop this threat to our way of life. If you want updates from Missouri Farmers Care as this fight evolves, please visit www.MOFarmersCare.com and sign up for our e-newsletter or join us on Facebook at MO Farmers Care and on Twitter @MOFarmersCare.

Remember – we can stand together now or we hang separately later. I know that together we can stop the animal-rights extremists before it is too late.

Don Nikodim Chairman, Missouri Farmers Care Executive Vice President, Missouri Pork Association

AGENCY NEWS - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Help Bash Trash in April

M

any signs of spring in Missouri are a sight for sore eyes. Tiny green shoots pushing through the frozen earth promise us warmer weather ahead. Unfortunately some other signs of spring aren't so welcome. After four or five months of cold outdoor temperatures that keep us indoors, litter begins to pile up. That’s why it’s a good thing April is the annual No MOre Trash! Bash so we can all get outside and spruce up our beautiful state.

The No More Trash! Trash Bash is an annual event sponsored by the Missouri departments of Conservation (MDC) and Transportation (MoDOT) as part of their ongoing No MOre Trash! statewide anti-litter campaign. During the entire

month of April, efforts are aimed at getting people to clean up litter all across Missouri from roadsides, parks, neighborhoods, rivers, streams and other places.

"This is the 10th year of No MOre Trash! in Missouri," said Stacy Armstrong, MoDOT No MOre Trash! coordinator. “Through the years hundreds of thousands of volunteers have picked up more than half a million bags of trash just during the month of April," she said.

"Now that's a lot of litter!"

MDC No MOre Trash!

Coordinator Joe Jerek added that littering isn’t just ugly, it hurts wildlife, costs Missourians millions of tax dollars each year, and it’s illegal.

“Birds, fish, turtles and other animals get tangled in litter, such as plastic six-pack holders and fishing line, and

it can kill them," Jerek explained. “Missourian care about conserving our forests, fish and wildlife. Litter poisons fish, birds and other wildlife and can cost a litterer up to $1,000 in fines and one year in jail.”

MoDOT spends more than $5 million each year cleaning litter from Missouri’s roadsides, while MDC spends almost $1 million a year to clean litter from conservation areas and other department locations.

Last year more than 157,000 bags of trash and many more truckloads of debris were collected by more than thousands of volunteers during April. Volunteers included MoDOT and MDC employees, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers, Stream Team members, as well as many members of the public and

community groups.

Each year the activities grow. Many educational efforts take place in schools, at rest areas, at community events, during Earth Day celebrations, on radio talk shows, news conferences, television promotions and more. Make plans now to participate.

Anyone can report their activity at www.nomoretrash.org and get a free lapel pin for their efforts.

“Besides the recognition, we all get a little exercise, some fresh air, and a cleaner place to work, live and play,” Armstrong said.

For more information, visit www.nomoretrash.org.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

Discover Nature Through MDC 75th Anniversary Photo Contest

T

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites photographers around the state to enter its 75th Anniversary Photo Contest. The contest is an effort to help Missourians discover nature by capturing and sharing photos that celebrate the natural wonders of Missouri.

Winners will be featured in the October issue of the Missouri Conservationist, as well as on the MDC website and in other media.

The photo contest has seven categories: mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, birds, outdoor recreation, and habitats and landscapes.

Entries will be accepted through May 15. Photographers must tag their photos with the exact name of the category they are entering.

A panel of photography and nature experts will select the best entry in each category. Category winners will then be posted on the MDC

website starting July 1 for the public can vote for their favorite photo from category winners. The photo with the most votes will be named “Best of Show.” All seven winners will be displayed in the October magazine and other MDC media.

More information and examples of category photos are featured in the February issue of the Missouri Conservationist or online at mdc.mo.gov/conmag. A full list of rules and guidelines can

be found on the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/16689.

Entries will only be accepted via Flickr, an Internet photo sharing service. To join Flickr, visit flickr.com/groups/mdc75than niversary/.

M IS S OURI

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

WIL DL IFE

1 7

AGENCY NEWS - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Maximize Your Adventures in Missouri State Parks

M

issouri’s State Parks have always been a dog-friendly place to spend time in the great outdoors hiking and camping.

This year, however, your best friend is also welcome to stay indoors at several state parks that offer lodging facilities.

Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, launched Cabins for Canines in January allowing park visitors and their canine companions to enjoy the outdoor experiences while benefitting from the amenities provided by sleeping indoors. With the new program, 30 percent of lodging units will be made available for owners with dogs, following certain guidelines. Specific lodging units including outpost cabins, camper cabins, yurts, single-unit cabins, fourplexes and duplexes will be available allowing park visitors to travel and vacation and not leave one of their furryfamily members behind.

Park-operated facilities including Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Lake of the Ozarks and Mark Twain state parks are the first parks to offer the program.

Implementation of the program in lodging facilities operated by private concessionaires 1 8

MAR C H

2 012

will be phased in during 2012 based on availability and fully implemented in 2013. Lodging facilities operated by private concessionaires include: Sam A. Baker, Bennett Spring, Lake Wappapello, Meramec, Montauk, Roaring River, Stockton, Thousand Hills and Washington state parks.

So, the next time you’re planning your family vacation – don’t forget to take advantage of the Cabins for Canines program. I know my beloved golden retriever, Callie, and the newest addition to our family, Scout, a black Labrador, is anxiously awaiting their first cabin stay within a Missouri State Park. The new program provides a wonderful opportunity to maximize a family’s experience by including more of the family allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoor and indoor adventures.

Speaking of adventures… my next adventure in a Missouri State Park will be on March 1 at Roaring River State Park for the opening of trout season. Missouri is blessed to have three majestic state parks available to share in a tradition of becoming one with nature while standing in a cold-water stream awaiting the 6:30 a.m. horn.

Sara Parker Pauley, DNR director, and her beloved Callie are looking forward to taking part in Missouri State Parks’ Cabins for Canine’s program this year.

Many of you know that hunting has been a passion of mine for many years. However, I also enjoy spending time with family and friends fishing in one of Missouri’s picturesque waterways. The springfed, pristine waters flowing through Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem provide the essential quality required for trout to thrive for fisherman to enjoy.

Trout season in Missouri State Parks is a cooperative effort of the Department of Natural Resources, which manages state parks, and the Department of Conservation, which operates the hatcheries and stocks the streams with trout. The season begins March 1 and runs through

Oct. 31.

I would like to encourage anyone who is not an avid trout fisherman today to take time this season to enjoy one or all of Missouri State Park’s three trout parks. Once you have experienced the rainbow trout pulling on your line followed by the calm patience it requires reeling in that prizewinning catch, I think you’ll be hooked.

For more information about Missouri state parks and facilities available in the Cabins for Canines program or parks that offer trout fishing, call Missouri State Parks toll-free number at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

AGENCY NEWS

Roaring River State Park Spotlight

T

he rugged and scenic landscape of Roaring River State Park, located in Cassville, paints a colorful setting for much of the intriguing history and folklore associated with the Ozark hills. With its deep, narrow valley, mountainlike terrain and deep blue spring, the park's natural beauty is breathtaking.

Over thousands of years, the White River cut into the flat plateau, creating deep, steep-walled valleys and exposing an unusual variety of rock formations for such a small area. The area's geology and rugged landscape influence the growth of more than 600 species of plants in Roaring River State Park, many of which cannot be found in any other region of the state.

In the early 1800s, settlers discovered the beauty of the Ozarks and cabins began to dot the hills. By the outbreak of the Civil War, the Roaring River valley was an established community. The canyonlike gorges near the river provided excellent hideouts for Civil War bushwhackers.

By the early 1900s, Roaring River had been discovered as an ideal place for fishing retreats. In 1928, Thomas Sayman, a St. Louis businessman, bought 2,400 acres surrounding the river and, within a month, donated the land to the state. Many of the park's existing facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, including some of the buildings that

Step into one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable at Roaring River State Park, near Cassville, this trout season beginning March 1.

make up Camp Smokey, the park's organized group camp.

Today, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources administers the park.

Roaring River Spring originates in a deep canyonlike gorge beneath a high cliff. A trickling flow of water falls from the bluff into a deep blue pool below, and an average of 20 million gallons of water gush from the spring daily.

Young and old alike enjoy feeding and watching the fish in the spring pool.

Some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the park can be accessed by trails that lead to hardwood forests, small Ozark streams, and scenic views atop open dolomite glades. Fire Tower Trail offers access to the 2,075-acre Roaring River Hills Wild Area, where you can find rare Ozark chinquapin trees on chert-covered ridges. Devil's Kitchen Trail takes hikers to the rock shelter known as Devil's Kitchen and gives them a

chance to see the unusual geologic history of the park.

Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center exhibits interpretive displays that inform visitors on the park's natural history. Park naturalists present nature programs and slideshows and conduct nature hikes.

Roaring River, stocked regularly by the park's hatchery, is known for its premier trout fishing. Fishing licenses and tags are available in the park store, which also sells fishing equipment, tackle, camping supplies and groceries. Take your catch-of-the-day to the park's cleaning and fillet station and enjoy fresh fish for your next meal.

During the summer months, visitors can also cool off in the park's swimming pool, or hike a trail to explore the park. A shaded picnic area provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy lunch.

The park offers campsites ranging from basic to electric hookups, some of which can

be reserved. The camping areas feature hot showers, modern restrooms, laundry facilities and sanitary dumping stations.

The park also offers 26 secluded, rustic cabins with kitchens located throughout the park.

Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center houses 26 guest rooms and kitchenette suites, a restaurant, gift shop and meeting rooms. Reservations are required for inn and cabin rentals.

Roaring River State Park is located eight miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. To make reservations or learn more about the park, contact the park directly at 417-847-2539 or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-3346946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

M IS S OURI

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR WIL DL IF E

1 9

Hiking The Ozark Trail Twenty years ago, I hiked from Taum Sauk Mountain to Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park on the Ozark Trail. I remember it being a nice hike. Last spring, I backpacked between the two state parks on the same trail, and it sure seemed a lot farther, with steeper climbs, less shade and more rugged terrain. Yes, the trail has been re-routed so it is a tad longer, and although the St. Francois Mountains are rugged, they are no more rugged than ever. Of course, I am 20 years older, so I have a better perspective on the trail today.

This hike is epic. The scenery is awesome. The terrain is formidable. The challenge is unparalleled in our state park system. In fact, I have been fortunate to have hiked some legendary trails around the country, and this trail deserves its place among the best. The park-to-park hike is our very own elite trek connecting two iconic Missouri destinations, and not to be overlooked — or taken lightly.

Our 2011 trip began on a sunny, cool Saturday afternoon. After attending a ceremony marking the completion of Katy Trail State Park with the opening of the Machens section, my buddy Mike Strauss and I headed straight for the Taum Sauk trailhead where we were met by friends who helped shuttle our vehicle to Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park. We laced up our boots and cinched our packs.

Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri, so 2 0

MAR C H

2 012

we quickly checked off the high point and then headed for Mina Sauk Falls—Missouri’s tallest waterfall. This short hike helps prepare you for what lies ahead because even though it is short, it is scenic and rocky.

Since we got a late start, we decided to camp near the falls off the Ozark Trail to enjoy

Mina Sauk Falls at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.

the sounds of falling water and the night sky. There are areas near the falls that look like a great campsite but really show how park visitors can love a place to death, plus they may not be open for camping. Find a more secluded spot off the Ozark Trail, which does allow camping, and make sure you Leave No Trace.

The night was clear and breezy. Mike and I huddled in our sleeping bags and watched the spectacular night sky—untouched by city lights—unfold. It was a great evening.

In the morning, we swiftly

broke camp and retrieved our food, which I had secured in a bear bag the night before.

While I had taken bear precautions in other places, this was a first for me in Missouri.

Since the black bear is making a strong comeback in Missouri, I think this is a good practice to start following Be Bear Aware.

The climb down from Mina Sauk Falls tested our patience.

We were eager to put some trail behind us, with full packs and more than 10 miles to go but the trail wouldn’t allow speed. The footing must be tested in some places and you will face your first route-finding challenge. The trail is blazed, so keep an eye on the blazes and you will make your way to the Broadway section of the hike.

A long flat section through open woodland and along a tumbling stream may lull you into thinking this is going to be an easy day, but don’t be fooled. Mike and I enjoyed the streamside amble complicated only by a few tricky water crossings while we could, because we knew what lie ahead. As a portent of what would follow shortly, we soon reached the Devil’s Tollgate.

The Tollgate itself is not an obstacle—the trail slides neatly between two enormous outcroppings on easy terrain— but it is a worthy spot to stop and reflect on the dramatic conditions that caused such a place to exist today. We had a snack and lounged as the day was starting to grow unseasonably warm.

After more water crossings, we left the permanent stream and began a long gradual climb through the pines. We encountered no more water until we reached the East Fork of the Black River at Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park.

Instead, we entered the glades.

Glades are spectacular places and we soon were traversing some of the biggest glades I had ever seen. They were also some of the hottest glades I had ever seen! Midday temperatures were in the 80s and the only thing keeping us relatively cool without any shade was a constant south wind. We enjoyed lunch atop Wildcat Mountain, and then started the steep climb down, which is littered with loose rock.

The long climb over Proffit Mountain meanders through glades and intermittent woodland, so we were happy to find some relief from the sun.

The air temperature was 90 degrees by this time, and Mike and I were glad we had plenty of water.

The final downhill to the trailhead at Johnson's ShutIns State Park is mostly wooded and pleasant. It is a great feeling to know it is “all downhill from here.” At one point you can choose from the Scour Trailhead or you can head directly to the East Fork of the Black River, which is what we did. After making the river crossing and refilling our water bottles at the park fountain, we dumped our packs and soaked in the river.

We didn’t expect to take a dip in April, but we were blessed

Mike crossing the East Fork of the Black River at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Mike Strauss at Devil’s Tollgate

with a hot day so we made the most of it after suffering though the heat! It was a great end to a great trip.

There are several factors one must plan for on this hike.

First, the distance makes for a long day. Get an early start at the trailhead, or plan to camp in the backcountry. Second, take enough food and water to fuel your body. After leaving the trailhead, there are no treated water sources. The half of the trail nearest Johnson’s Shut-ins has no reliable water source at all, so a water purification system won’t save the day either. Plan accordingly. Third, the trail is strenuous

emergency, but at most points along the trail you are a long way from help. Fifth, if you overnight on the trail, pick a site where you will enjoy the evening and camp smart. This means you should use lowimpact principles and Be Bear Aware. In 2011, I used a bear bag for the first time camping in Missouri. You are highly unlikely to encounter a bear, but it is important to recognize that black bears are making a

and rugged. Many state park trails are neatly groomed by many feet or even paved—not this trail. This is altogether different, and you need to be prepared. You will encounter steep slopes and loose rock that can make the going slow and challenging. No one you are hiking with will want to Bill Bryan carry you out after you twist your ankle on this trail. Fourth, this is wild country and you are on your own. Of course, we’ll do our best to help you in an

comeback in Missouri, and this is a prime area. If you spend time in wild Missouri today, you need to Be Bear Aware. Learn more at mostateparks.com/page/5893 4/be-bear-aware. To learn more about the Ozark Trail and to find detailed maps of each section, go to ozarktrail.com.

What a difference 20 years makes. I look forward to hiking park-to-park again in 2032, and I hope to see you on the trail.

Bill Bryan Director of Missouri State Parks

Fill out and mail in the pledge form below today. All proceeds go to CFM! (Donors contributing $20 or more will receive a set of 4 National Park image note cards)

Tell us about your outdoor adventure in the next issue of Missouri Wildlife.

Please find my donation in support of “Rim to Rim for CFM” in the amount of $_____________ Name________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________ E-mail (Optional)________________________________________________________________

Mail to: Attention “Rim to Rim for CFM”, 728 West Main St., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101-1559 M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

2 1

An Update from the Director’s Office

E

nrollment in the School of Natural Resources is at an alltime high! Beginning the Spring Semester we had ~785 undergraduates enrolled in our 4 departmental majors and about 120 graduate students – over 900 students pursuing education toward the their professional goals!

Student numbers were up in all 4 of our departments (Forestry; Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences; Parks, Recreation, & Tourism; and Soil, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences) this year. And, the future looks bright for employment for Natural Resources’ graduates. A recent study from Purdue University estimated 54,400 new jobs per year through 2015 in the natural resource and agricultural sector. Renewable energy jobs will be among the leading opportunities. Our students can build a strong background in renewable energy via degrees in Forestry, Environmental, or Atmospheric Sciences. Double-digit growth in jobs has occurred recently for natural science majors (e.g., Fisheries & Wildlife; Forestry) and soil and plant science majors (e.g., Soils; Forestry). And, with a huge pulse of retirements by natural resource professionals (up to 40% of the workforce in many state and federal natural resource agencies) in the next several years, the job

market looks to get even stronger for our graduates.

There is a particularly strong demand for our Forestry graduates – MU, and many other forestry programs around the country are not producing enough graduates to meet the needs of state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry. This is attributable, in part, to lower student recruitment into Forestry majors. Surveys indicate that many young people equate Forestry only with unsustainable timber harvest and perceive that as “anti-environmental.” Amazing! Forestry – the original “green science” seen as non-sustainable? So much of what natural resource professionals practice as “sustainable” environmental management we learned from Forestry beginning at the start of the 20th century. Professional timber management is, of course, all about sustainability. Forestry, too, is much more than timber management. Urban forestry, forest ecosystem reserve management, forest/park stewardship, watershed management, agroforestry, endangered species conservation, forest health, international forestry,…

Opportunities to help preserve, sustainably use, and enjoy forests abound. Great careers are available for those who chose to pursue them.

Environmental science,

Would you like to be added to the CFM e-newsletter list?

Please email your name and email address to lcoleman@confedmo.org or call us toll free at 800-575-2322 2 2

MAR C H

2 012

with its focus on water and air quality, pollution abatement, and soil conservation is another employment growth area.

Water resource management is a notable strength within the School of Natural Resources. Faculty from Environmental Science, Soil Science, Forestry, and Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences are national and international leaders in water quality and quantity – issues that affect human health, economic stability, agriculture, and recreation.

So, although our enrollment is at new heights, there is still opportunity for more students. If you are the parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or simply friend of a young per-

son interested in natural resources management in any of its many forms – encourage them to explore options and opportunities at MU in The School of Natural Resources.

We are always looking to help the very best and brightest young people to develop exciting, rewarding careers in Natural Resources.

I always enjoy hearing from alumni, stakeholders, natural resource professionals, or anyone interested in Natural Resource education and management. You can reach me at RyanMR@missouri.edu.

Mark Ryan Director, School of Natural Resources

State Wildlife Grant Program Helps Protect Prairies Thanks to three FY2012 SWG-funded grants, the Missouri Prairie Foundation is carrying out vital prairie conservation work on 4,500 acres of prairie.

T

wo weeks ago, a group of Missouri Prairie Foundation volunteers braved a 27-degree day and waded through chest-high brush to clear a prairie swale of invading woody growth at Stilwell Prairie, which will help prairie plants rebound. It’s the kind of commitment that prairie lovers are known for, and is much appreciated.

Volunteer labor also helps stretch funds to get more conservation work done. The Missouri Prairie Foundation, like other conservation groups in Missouri, works hard to get the most out of every dollar.

That is why funding from the federal State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program is highly valued by the Missouri conservation community.

This year, the Missouri Prairie Foundation is fortunate to be carrying out much-needed prairie management activities funded by three SWGfunded grants—two Wildlife Diversity Fund grants and a Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative grant—to fight invasives and conduct prescribed burns on 4,500 acres of prairie owned by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and other prairie owners. SWG funding is augmented with matching funds and volunteer labor from MPF and other partners, making those federal dollars

Credit: Cathy Hansen

go farther to do the most good.

Consider that ecologists rank temperate grasslands— which include Missouri’s tallgrass prairies—as the least conserved, most threatened major habitat type on earth.

Prairie protection efforts in Missouri, therefore, are not only essential to preserving our state’s natural heritage, but also are significant to protecting our country’s natural legacy and even global conservation work.

We also know that protecting our state’s wildlife diversity is what Missourians consistently value. State Wildlife Grant program funding helps deliver what matters to Missouri and the nation. —Carol Davit, MPF executive director For more information on the work of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, visit www.moprairie.org. You are invited to experience beautiful Schwartz Prairie—one of our

15 properties—at our Third Annual Prairie BioBlitz on June 9 and 10 and to participate in our many other events.

Carol Davit Executive Director Missouri Prairie Foundation

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IFE

2 3

CALENDAR M I S S O U R I F E S T I VA L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S

AFFILIATE EVENTS CAPITAL CITY FLY FISHERS MAR 1: Trout Season Opens MAR 1: Winter Fly Tying Session 9, CenturyLink, Jefferson City (6:00pm – 8:00pm) MAR 1: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) MAR 8: Winter Fly Tying Session 10, CenturyLink, Jefferson City (6:00pm – 8:00pm) MAR 10: Banquet, Donita’s, Jefferson City (6:00pm) MAR 13: Board Meeting, First Baptist Church – Room 101, Jefferson City (6:00pm) MAR 13: Membership Meeting, First Baptist Church – Room 101, Jefferson City (7:00pm) MAR 15: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) GREENWAY NETWORK MAR 2-3: Great Canoe and Kayak Event, Alpine Shop Store 2386, Kirkwood (10:00am – 3:00pm) MAR 3: Wintertime Litter Pickup, City Park, Arnold (7:30am – 12:00pm) MAR 4: Live Green or Die, Cicero’s, Saint Louis (3:00pm – 5:00pm) MAR 5: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 6: Duchesne Dolphins Stream Team, Duchesne Elementary School (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 6: Polar Bear Population Projections: Reliability in the Face of Uncertainty, Zoo Living World Auditorium (7:30pm – 9:00pm) MAR 10: Beans, Brews and Bikes, Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, Maplewood (6:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 10: Sandy Creek Watershed-wide WQM (8:00am – 12:00pm) MAR 15: Build a Rainbarrel Work-

2 4

MAR C H

2 012

shop, Missouri Botanical Gardens (6:30pm – 9:00pm) MAR 16: Missouri Stream Team Introductory Workshop, Babler State Park (8:00am – 5:00pm); Susan Higgins (573) 526-1002 or (800) 781-1989 MAR 17: Missouri Whitewater Races at Millstream Gardens (9:00am – 3:00pm) MAR 17: Grand Glaize Creek Monitoring (8:00am – 12:00pm); Darlene Haun (636) 225-3946 or Bob Jung (314) 494-8432 MAR 17: Build a Rainbarrel Workshop, Missouri Botanical Gardens (9:00am – 11:00am) MAR 17: Missouri Stream Team Introductory Workshop, Babler State Park (8:00am – 5:00pm); Susan Higgins (573) 526-1002 or (800) 781-1989 MAR 18-20: Water Protection Network Membership Meeting, Saint Louis; George Sorvalis (202) 797-6617 MAR 23: Cougars in Missouri, Powder Valley Nature Center, Saint Louis (7:00pm – 8:30pm) MAR 24: Confluence Trash Bash (9:00am – 12:00pm) MAR 31: Water Quality on Fox Creek (9:00am – 12:00pm); Jim Rhodes (314) 821-7758 or Leslie Lihou (314) 725-2140 APR 2: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) APR 5-6: Earth Day Symposium: “Eco-Logical”, Missouri Botanical Gardens APR 14: Fishpot Creek Honeysuckle Removal, Ballwin (9:00am – 12:00pm); Barb Cerutti (314) 4155305 APR 14: Free the Forest, University City (9:00am – 12:00pm); Laura Street (314) 725-8314 ext.

101 APR 14: Missouri River Relief, Saint Charles (8:30am – 12:00pm) APR 14: Mission: Clean Stream (8:30am – 1:00pm); Dardenne Prairie (636) 561-1718, Cottleville

(636) 498-6565 ext. 203, Wentzville/Lake Saint Louis (636) 332-9236, O’Fallon (636) 5795408, Saint Charles (636) 9493237, or Cora Island (636) 4980772 APR 18: Saint Louis Community College Earth Day, Meramec Community College (10:00am – 4:00pm) APR 21: Kimmswick Clean Up, Rock Creek (8:00am – 12:00pm); Kim Bess (314) 681-2292 APR 22: Saint Louis Earth Day Booth, Forest Park (11:00am – 6:00pm) APR 29: Deer Creek Water Quality Chemistry Monitoring (9:00am – 12:00pm); Danelle (314) 961-4410 APR 30: Ferguson-Florissant School District Science Fair Night, McCluer High School (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAR 6: Chapter Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) APR 3: Chapter Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATION MAR 24: Jakes Event, Herman Rod & Gun Club, Herman (4:00pm); Ron Mertz (314) 6803596 APR 28: Raging Cow Atlatl Event, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION APR 21: Board Meeting, Pomme de Terre Shrine Club APR 22: Spring Fling, Pomme de Terre Lake, Harbor Marina MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAR 3: Odessa Dinner, Community Building, Odessa (5:30pm – 9:30pm); Chris Coleman (816) 838-4401, Artie Lett (816) 6999299, or Tanya Winfrey (660) 2382708 MAR 3: Christian County 75th

Anniversary Celebration, Meeting Event Center, Nixa (5:30pm – 9:30pm); Jason Pritchard (417) 234-4096 MAR 3: Glennonville/Campbell Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Knights of Columbus Hall, Glennonville (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Matt Bader (573) 429-1731 MAR 10: Dexter Greenheads Sponsor Dinner, Hidden Trails Country Club, Dexter (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Brian Jones (901) 2302704 or Mike Wilburn (573) 4213713 MAR 10: Saline County Dinner, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Jeff Knott (660) 202-3422 MAR 10: River Bend/New Madrid Sportsman’s Dinner, Eagles Lodge, New Madrid (6:00pm – 11:30pm) MAR 16-18: State Convention, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark; Tony Berter (913) 221-6119 or Ginny Zinck (660) 460-0031 MAR 30: Perryville Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, American Legion, Perryville (6:00pm – 9:30pm); David Leadbetter (573) 824-5415 MAR 31: Big Piney (Fort Leonardwood) Dinner, Pershing Community Club, Fort Leonardwood (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Mike Mette (573) 7597685 MAR 31: Branson – Lakes Country Dinner, Branson (6:00pm – 9:30pm) APR 7: Saint Joseph Membership Dinner, Saint Joseph (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Michael O’Malley (816) 387-1669 or Casey Schultz (816) 390-6196 APR 13: Lebanon Dinner, Mills Center, Lebanon (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Kevin Williams (417) 3223893 or Tony Reahr (417) 3651634 APR 19: Gateway Greenheads Gun Raffle, Town and Country (5:30pm – 6:00pm); Chris Rhynerson (314) 435-5723 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION MAR 11: Board Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence JAN 29: Annual Meeting and Banquet, Bass Pro Shops, Independence

CALENDAR M I S S O U R I F E S T I V A L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S

FEB 18-20: Booth – Hunter Expo, KCI Expo Center, Kansas City MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUND RAISING BANQUETS MAR 2: Nolan R. Hutcheson Memorial, Intercounty Electric Coop, Licking; Kurt Homeyer (573) 924-2340 MAR 2: Osage Prairie Thunderin Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Bruce Rogers (417) 876-2521 MAR 2: Polk County Hillbilly Longbeards, Smith’s Restaurant, Bolivar; Rick Lowry (417) 777-1280 MAR 3: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi; Tony Hollinsworth (573) 438-2219 MAR 3: Platte Purchase, Moila, Saint Joseph; Edward Heisel (816) 253-9583 MAR 3: Randolph County Longbeards, Saint Pius X Gymnasium, Moberly; Larry Terry (660) 6518636 MAR 3: Sho-Me, Executive Conference Center, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455 MAR 8: Current River Longbeards, Baptist Assembly, Van Buren; Delbert Dewolf (573) 3234789 MAR 9: Bayou Strutters, Top of the Town Banquet Hall, East Prairie; Tim Kaven (573) 823-6366 MAR 9: Carroll County Longbeards, Rupe Center, Carrollton; Joe McCumber (660) 322-0801 MAR 9: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Community Center, Stover; Kurt Heisler (573) 378-6032 MAR 9: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville; John Shene (816) 365-2853 MAR 9: Stealth Gobblers, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg; David McCannon (660) 7478260 MAR 10: Heartland Gobblers, American Legion, Poplar Bluff; Chuck Stewart (573) 222-7182 MAR 10: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies, Hickory County Senior Center, Wheatland; David Wright (417) 722-4488

MAR 10: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline; Ken Polley (660) 2585340 MAR 15: Carman Springs Longbeards, Willow Springs R-4 Elementary Cafeteria, Willow Springs; Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 MAR 16: Rocky Top Limbhangers, Armory, West Plains; Brad McKee (417) 469-0577 MAR 16: Spring River Toms, Memorial Hall, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 793-0310 MAR 17: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville; Josh Meyer (660) 6654300 MAR 17: Moniteau Monarchs, Community Building, Jamestown; Brian Hill (573) 796-3885 MAR 17: Nemo, American Legion, Hannibal; Dan Minor (573) 8224779 MAR 17: River Hills Thunderin Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 22: Swampeast Strutters, United Methodist Church, Charleston; George Curtis (573) 427-9112 MAR 23: Marshfield Full Strutters, Marshfield Buildings, Marshfield; Gary Shaffer (417) 741-2006 MAR 23: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana; Timothy Brooks (573) 754-6692 MAR 23: Saint Louis Longbeards, Genesis Banquet Center, Saint Louis; Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAR 24: Big River Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, House Springs; Brad Crum (314) 7132398 MAR 24: Lead Belt Longbeards, Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Farmington; Michael Mahurin (573) 5760786 MAR 24: North Central Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe; Matt Holder (660) 707-1828 MAR 24: Truman Lake Chapter, Benson Convention Center, Clinton; Thomas Paul (660) 351-0788 MAR 30: Boonslick Trail Gobblers,

Community Building, Jonesburg; Dan Robb (636) 488-5441 MAR 30: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar; Jared Chestnut (417) 682-3767 MAR 31: Saline County Strutters, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407 APR 6: Lincoln Hills, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy; Jay Herring (573) 898-5420 APR 6: Platte County Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Paul Lowry (816) 431-0323 APR 7: Putnam County Chapter, Putnam County Middle School Commons, Unionville; Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 APR 13: Lake Show-Me Longbeards, VFW Post 4958, Memphis; Dorsey Swearingen (660) 8924596 APR 13: Osage Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Westphalia; Steve Brune (573) 897-2211 APR 14: Four Rivers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Washington; Eldo Meyer (573) 484-3102 APR 14: Mid America Chapter, The Cashew, Kansas City; Steven Moore (816) 309-1150 APR 14: State Fair Strutters, MEC Building – Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia; Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 APR 20: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton; Robin Chambers (660) 654-1192 APR 21: Gentry County Gobblers, Community Center, Stanberry; Tim Runde (660) 937-2580 APR 27: Hocomo Big Beards, Saint Joseph Hall, Fayette; Gene Smith (660) 537-4667 APR 27: Triple B Chapter – Buffalo Big Birds, Shriners Building, Buffalo; Matt Hitchings (417) 345-0485 APR 28: Fabius River Fantails, Knights of Columbus Hall, Edina; Adam Doerhoff (660) 216-4277 APR 28: Grindstone Gobblers, Community Center, Cameron; John Hahn (816) 449-5613 WHEELING SPORTSMAN EVENTS APR 7: Disabled Accessible Youth Spring Turkey Hunt; Cody Wilson (417) 838-2451 APR 28: Wheelin Sportsman Spring Turkey Hunt, Bois D Arc; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455

WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS MAR 30-31: Platte Purchase, Camp Gieger, Saint Joseph; Sherry Hill (816) 992-3650 APR 13-14: Squaw Creek National Ladies Day, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Forrest City; Lori Stickler (660) 446-2336 APR 20-22: Ladies Turkey Hunt, Denver; Karla Ledom (816) 5822241 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FEB 28-MAR 2: Conference and Expo, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark MAR 20-22: Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course, Memorial Hall, Saint Charles APR 4-5: Certified Pool Operator Course, The Musco Lighting Building, Jefferson City MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAR 3: Public Education Event, Runge Nature Center, Jefferson City (12:30pm – 4:30pm) MAR 27: Gardening for Birds and Your Health, Saline County Career Center, Marshall (6:00pm – 8:00pm) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAR 20: Gone Fishin Seminar, Queeny Park, Saint Louis (7:30pm – 9:30pm) MAR 21: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 APR 18: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAR 1: Opening Day Trout Season MAR 1: Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm) MAR 10: Pre Derby Meeting, Bennett Spring State Park (12:00pm)

See Calendar on page 26 M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

2 5

CALENDAR M I S S O U R I F E S T I V A L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S

MAR 22-24: Sowbug Roundup (9:00am – 4:00pm) MAR 29: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm – 10:00pm) APR 5: Regular Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm) APR 12: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm – 10:00pm) APR 14: Tri Lakes Expo (9:00am – 4:00pm) APR 19: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm – 10:00pm) APR 26: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm – 10:00pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED MAR 3: Mid Missouri Deer Camp, Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia MAR 10: Monroe City Area Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City MAR 17: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, VFW, Monett MAR 24: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Macon County Expo Center, Macon MAR 31: Miller County Chapter Banquet, Maries Home School Gym, Eugene APR 14: Audrain County Chapter

Banquet, Audrain County 4H Building, Mexico APR 21: Cooper County Disabled Freedom Hunt Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAR 3: Passport to Meramec River Trails; (636) 451-6090 MAR 10: Chesterfield OWLs; (636) 451-6090 MAR 27: Board Meeting, Forest Park Visitor Center; (636) 4516090 MAR 31: Cliff Cave Park OWLs; (636) 451-6090 APR 7: Passport to Meramec River Trails; (636) 451-6090 APR 14: Ellisville OWLs; (636) 451-6090 APR 21: Chesterfield Earth Day Celebration; (636) 451-6090 APR 22: Forest Park Earth Day Celebration; (636) 451-6090 OZARK FLY FISHERS MAR 1: Fly Fishing Techniques, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) MAR 5: Intermediate Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) MAR 5: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 7: Members Only Class,

Gift memberships are a great way to support conservation and CFM! Your gift will include 6 issues of Missouri Wildlife, a logo decal and a membership card, as well as a note identifying you as the sender. Please check the membership level you would like to give as a gift:

q $25—Individual q $15—Student q $30—Family q $100—Sustaining q $1000—Lifetime Please mail to

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.org CFM is an IRS-approved tax-exempt not-for-profit, so your donations are tax deductible.

2 6

MAR C H

2 012

Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 12: Intermediate Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) MAR 15: Reading the Water for Trout, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) MAR 22: Fly Fishing Film Tour/General Meeting, Tivoli Theater, Saint Louis MAR 29: Intro to Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) APR 4: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) APR 5: Intro to Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) APR 10: Beginning Fly Casting, Tilles Park (7:00am – 8:00am) APR 12: Intro to Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) APR 14: Trivia Night, Wild Acres Park (7:00pm) APR 17: Beginning Fly Casting, Tilles Park (7:00am – 8:00am) APR 19: Intro to Fly Tying, Queeny Park (7:30pm – 9:30pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAR 3: Big Piney (12:00pm – 4:00pm) MAR 10: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) Mar 10: Business Meeting, Swope

Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) APR 14: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) APR 14: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAR 31: Banquet and Fundraiser, Lions Club, Rolla; Carol Carmack (573) 729-5113 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAR 3: Honeysuckle Work Day, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park (9:00am – 1:00pm) MAR 3: Saint Louis Garden Blitz: Solve – Grow – Enjoy, Missouri Botanical Garden (8:00am – 4:00pm) MAR 10: Woodcock and Owl Prowl, Busch Memorial Conservation Area (5:00pm) MAR 22: Restoring the Confluence, Saint Louis County Library Mid County Branch, Clayton (7:30pm) CFM EVENTS SEP 14-16: Annual Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point, Osage Beach

Gift of conservation from Name: __________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________ Given to: Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP code: _________________ Phone: _________________________________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________ Pay via check (payable to Conservation Federation of Missouri) or charge (MasterCard, Visa or Discover)

Credit card #: ___________________________________________ Exp. date: ______________________________________________ Signature of cardholder: __________________________________

The “Voice For Missouri Outdoors” Holiday Sweepstakes WINNERS! 1-Dec

Glenn Chambers - 1 pair of Woody Max Muck Boots in your size – Farmers Coop Elevator - St. Peters, MO

2-Dec

Bill Bryan - 2 person canoe trip with Bass River Resort - Steelville, MO with lodging for 2 at Fair Winds Cabins - Cherryville, MO

3-Dec

Charlie Drury - 4 person float trip with Huzzah Valley Resort and 4 Tickets to Meramec Music Theater - Steelville, MO

4-Dec

Larry Whiteley - 3 tickets to Mizzou Tigers Basketball against Baylor 2-11-12 with parking pass & $50 gift certificate to Coley's Restaurant - Columbia, MO

5-Dec

Chris Hamon - 1 night deluxe accommodations @ Lodge of 4 Seasons Resort with 2 rounds of golf at The Ridge - Lake Ozark, MO

6-Dec

Jerry Castillon -2012 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert pkg. Includes 2 concert tickets, 2 dinners, upstairs lodging and 2 breakfasts - Steelville, MO

7-Dec

Tom Drury - 1 shoulder whitetail deer mount from Walker's Taxidermy - Mexico, MO 2012-2013 seasons

8-Dec

Daniel Obrecht - 2012 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert pkg. Includes 2 concert tickets, 2 dinners, upstairs lodging and 2 breakfasts - Steelville, MO

9-Dec

Norman Leppo - 2 person Mississippi River guided catfish excursion 6-8 hour trip on the river between St. Louis and Louisiana, MO - Joe’s Jug

10-Dec Jim Zieger - 1 day central Missouri waterfowl hunt for 2 hunters donated by Yellow Creek Farms - Keytesville, MO 11-Dec Tom Westhoff - 2 person guided Crappie/Bass fishing trip with 1 nights lodging for 2 at Inn at Grande Glaize - John Blankenbeker guide 12-Dec Bruce Mills - Winchester SXP black syn 12ga - 28 in barrel + 3 chokes donated by Spradlin Insulation Co. - Mexico, MO 13-Dec Mossie Schallon - 2 person Bennett Spring State Park pkg. including 2 dinners for 2, one 2 person canoe trip and $40 in apparel 14-Dec Jon McRoberts - 1/2 day 2 person guided Bass/Crappie fishing trip for 2 with 1 nights lodging for 2 at Inn at Grande Glaze - Win Stevens guide 15-Dec Shawn Taylor - Mossberg 835 - 12ga shotgun - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass donated by Bruce Mills 16-Dec Dan Witter - full body wild turkey taxidermy mount donated by the Turkey Roost Taxidermy Studio to be redeemed in 2012 or 2013 season 17-Dec Robert Stout - NE-MO Spring Youth turkey hunt with fishing - meals and lodging included (1 youth w/adult) donated by Tim Thompson 18-Dec Dick Wood - 4 person 2012 Drury Hotels, Cardinal pkg. includes 4 Club Seats to Cardinal Baseball game 19-Dec Blake Gornick - 1 person MO firearm whitetail deer hunt for 3 days, includes one evening meal per day - Triple H Outfitter - Richards, MO 20-Dec Gene Gardner - 4 person 2012 Drury Hotels, Cardinal pkg. includes 4 Club Seats to Cardinal Baseball game 21-Dec Gary and Darlene Thurman - 2 person Big Cedar Lodge pkg. includes 2 nights lodging for 2, dinner for 2 at Worman House not to exceed $100, 2 person carriage ride, 2 $100 Bass Pro Gift cards and 1/2 day guided Crappie/Bass fishing trip for 2 on Table Rock Lake - Webb's Guide Service - Mike Webb guide 22-Dec Randy Walker - 2 person SE Oklahoma Hog hunt for 3 days to be filmed by Campfire Stories TV series film crew to air on the Pursuit Channel - lodging, meals and fishing included donated by Rockin' E Ranch 23-Dec Blake Gornick - 2 person Kansas Spring Wild Turkey hunt for 3 days with lodging and meals donated by Mid-West Adventures 24-Dec Tom Russell - 1 person Alligator hunt in Louisiana, 2 person lodging and meals included and second person may upgrade to hunt for additional fee donated by Louisiana Delta Plantation and Honey Brake Outfitters - Jonesville, LA

Our sincerest thanks to those individuals and businesses that helped make our first annual Holiday Sweepstakes a success!

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

2 7

2 8

MAR C H

2 012

M IS S OURI

WIL DL IF E

2 9

J

CFM’s 1st Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot, The Start of a Mid-winter Tradition

anuary 28th dawned with fresh snow and a brisk northwest wind however, that didn’t chill the spirits of the nearly 80 shooters who made the trek to Columbia to participate in CFM’s first annual Cabin Fever, mid-winter sporting clays event. The Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports club house was warm and there was plenty of venison and wild turkey chili available for all of the day’s participants.

Ralph and Mary Ann Gates were terrific hosts as always and after completing the main course, many of the shooters hung around to try their hand at several of the fun games Ralph cooked up for the occasion.

In the main event, top honors went to Terry Nibarger who won first place in A Class missing only three birds with second and third place finishes going to JR Robinet and Ryan Mason respectively. B Class finishers from first through third were Matt Brunk, David Moore and Davis Minton and rounding out C Division were

Brent “Bubby” Bayer, Bruce Mills and Michael Lindsay in that order.

Shooters lined up to participate in the 2 and 4 man flurry, long bird and Targo competitions after completing the main event and probably the most impressive shooting displays of the day were that of Cheryl Dowil and Andrew Gates who finished with a perfect tie score of three straight on the Ritz Cracker shoot!

CFM is grateful to the members and friends who came out to offer their help in order to see us through this first annual event and a very special thank you to Cathy Ergovich for providing a wonderful Damascus knife for our silent auction as well as nice items for each of our shoot volunteers listed below.

Mike Schallon - Michael Baker Mathew Baker - Tom Russell Dan Witter - Jamie Bergsieker Beth Fisher - Doc Holliday Norm Stuckey - Richard Ash Judy Dixon - Guy Loyd Jacob Swafford

The silent auction was a big success Credit: Debra Lee

3 0

MAR C H

2 012

Ready. Aim. Fire! Credit: Debra Lee

Cold weather didn't hamper the turnout. Credit: Debra Lee

His esteemed eminence and Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports owner, Ralph Gates, offering pre-shoot council. Credit: Debra Lee

A BIG THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S CABIN FEVER CLAY SHOOT SPONSORS! Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Mid-MO Recycling and Midwest Mailing

George Clark MO State NWTF

MFA Incorporated

Joe Machen’s Dealerships

Pheasants Forever

Midway USA

Whitetails Unlimited

And to our donors:

George Clark MO State NWTF

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Panera Bread Co.

Applebees

Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports

Bandana’s BBQ

RSC Equipment Rental

Bass Pro Shop Columbia

Sierra Bullets

Colton’s Steakhouse and Grill

Spradlin Insulation

Family Pawn, Columbia– Paris Road

Tom Russell

Hooters

What-Ya-Say / Cathy Ergovich

Hostess Brands

Whitetails Unlimited

Lone Star Steakhouse

Winchester

Mid-America Mortgage

Zoom Bait Company

Tune’s Locker Plant

Midwest Gun Works

WELCOME Barbara Anderson, Kansas City Bob Ball, Columbia Tom Beckmann, Beaufort Thomas Bottini, Saint Louis Debbie & Mark Brunner, Jefferson City Joshua Canaday, Hartsburg Eric Druhe, Bismarck Jack Dulaney, Saint Charles Jan Dulaney, Saint Louis Morgan Dulaney, Saint Louis Dwight & Wendi Ervin, Saint Louis

Andy Fearheiley, Saint Louis Grace Fearheiley, Saint Louis Katie Fearheiley, Saint Louis Ryan Fearheiley, Saint Louis Ben Grossman, Maryland Heights Thomas Hall, Arrow Rock Kevin Hedgpeth, Willard Bob Heine, Saint Louis Peter Holmes, Columbia Bill & Karen Kohne, Sullivan Michael Kromrey, Springfield George Leontsinis, Saint Louis

CFM NEW MEMBERS Nancy Leppo, Ballwin Charlie Lindquist, Jefferson City Dan Logan, Saint Louis Lynn Mitchell, Columbia Don Neese, Kansas City William Osburn, Harrisonville Jerry Phelan, Saint Louis Charles Place, Albany Frank Riekhof, Higginsville Hannah Rogers, Warrensburg Jennifer Rowe, Columbia Walter Shull, Tebbetts Brent Sutter, Saint Louis

Claire Sutter, Saint Louis Dana Sutter, Saint Louis Sydney Sutter, Saint Louis John Sweet, Saint Louis Don Townsend, Clearmont David Vernon, Columbia Patsy Walker, Saint Louis Dorothy Watson, Columbia Kristy Weber, Baltimore, MD James Weisenborn, Quincy, IL Darin Wood, Saint Louis Don Wood, Wimberley, TX Jewell Wood, Bonne Terre Charles Wormek, Montreal

CFM would like to thank the 481 members that renewed since our last publication.

REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE M IS S OURI

WIL DL IFE

3 1

3 2

MAR C H

2 012

If there are any errors in your name and address, if you’ve moved from this address, or if you plan to move, please notify us at Missouri Wildlife, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (800) 575-2322.

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org