Vol73 no3 2012

May 2012 VOL. 73, NO. 3

The 2012 Missouri Governor’s Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunt was a Huge Success!

12 young hunters participated and 7 harvested their first wild turkey.

CFM would like to extend our thanks to the George C. Clark MO State Chapter NWTF, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the landowners, guides, and volunteers who helped make this year’s hunt possible!

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

Featured articles Right on Target ........................................................................................4 Weaving the Fabric of Conservation: the Bob and the Bees .........6 CFM Debates Issues: Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions .........................8 Mission Accomplished . . .......................................................................11 Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented: Citizen Conservationists Recognized at Annual Convention .........12 6th Annual Pull For Conservation Weekend August 10-11 .. ......................16 Rim to Rim: Exploring Machu Picchu ......................................................22 Grow Native! Moving to the Missouri Prairie Foundation . . .....................23 2012 Convention - At A Glance . . .............................................................26 CFM Strategic Planning Report ...............................................................28 FilmFest 4H ............................................................................................28

May 2012 Vol. 73, No. 3

Officers Richard Ash President Al Vogt 1st Vice President Ron Coleman 2nd Vice President Mossie Schallon Secretary Randy Washburn Treasurer

Staff Dave Murphy

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

Animal-rights Group HSUS Backs Out of “Your Vote Counts” Initiative Petition Campaign . . ...................................32

news, updates and columns View From The Stone House......................................................................................2 President’s Message......................................................................................................3 Teaming With Wildlife

Capitol Hill Meetings During the Teaming With Wildlife Fly-In................................ 17

Agency News

DNR - Restoring Missouri’s Natural Resources.............................................18

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks - Spring Wildflower Hikes.............................19

MDC - Three Cases of Bat Disease Found In Missouri...................................30

Calendar.............................................................................................24 Member Information

Business Alliance Members..................................................................... 5 Affiliates of the Federation.....................................................................21 Conservationists For Life.......................................................................29 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, Sept­ ember 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: “Missouri Saddled Darter (Etheostoma tetrazonum) ; This beautiful darter lives only in Missouri. It inhabits the Ozark sections of the Osage, Gasconade, and Meramec rivers. It also exists in the Moreau river, upstream from the mouth of the Osage. - © Glenn D. Chambers.

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view from the stone house

Growing Where Planted

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he very best of farmers and nurserymen take full advantage of every circumstance to enhance their crop. There is great risk of failure at every step. There is usually some potential for a bountiful harvest, but the slimmest of chances to fully realize it. The odds are ever long, and seldom “ever in your favor” as wished upon tributes in the Hunger Games.

Consistent success in production agriculture… AND conservation… never happens accidentally. Oh sure, there have been moments in history where the accidental alignment of management practices have resulted in big crops… cultivated AND wild. But consistent success is a very rare balance of science and art blended to uniquely address the challenges of the moment and of the entire growing season. The best of the best, in my observation, even give full attention to what happens before and after the growing season… in order to further enhance the results of their investments.

I know of no other place or time in history where people have consistently succeeded with forest, fish and wildlife stewardship as we have and do in Missouri. That is how good

@

the Missouri Department of Conservation is and has been now for 75 years.

If as Shane Mahoney contends, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is a greater gift

invented, created, nurtured and defended ourselves for several generations. Isn’t it ironic that the agency we created ourselves is so effective and successful in facing every challenge that we Missourians take

from America to the rest of the world than our style of government, surely our Missouri version of the North American Model is its ultimate expression. Constitutionally guaranteed authority and funding. Not something imposed upon our citizens by government, but something we have

it mostly for granted?

Rest assured, no matter what the weather may bring, what pestilence lurks around the corner, or who may try to claim our crops for their own… the best natural resource professionals in the country have a home in MDC… and are focused

entirely on continuing to deliver the very best stewardship imaginable with the resources we provide them. Bountiful harvests for the foreseeable future, with total funds an equivalent of less than ½ of 1% of our Missouri state budget! Restoration and conservation of abundant, diverse, healthy and sustainable forests, fisheries and wildlife on the same land at the same time our population of people has doubled!

No one could imagine this level of success 75 years ago.

No one should expect such success to continue if we as a public neglect our support.

There are countless voices clamoring for the needs of our citizenry… but only each of us and MDC to speak up for our forests, fish and wildlife resources.

What acorns will you help us plant today to grow the mighty oaks for our children’s children? Start by recruiting a new member! Reach out today to someone you know who should, but does not yet belong to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

— Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

Would you like to be added to our electronic newsletter list?

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

president’s message

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And a Good Day to Each of You!

ay I ask: did you wake up and begin your day singing “Zipa-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-a-DeeAy”, or were you in the opposite mood? Well, I would say that if you rolled out of bed with a bit of doom and gloom on your mind – you were not ‘scheduled’ to spend some ‘free’ time amidst our wonderful Missouri Outdoors.

Now the truth be known – of course, it is not every morning that I open my eyes and feel like singing “My, Oh My, What a Wonderful Day!” But then I can honestly say I have been and continue to be blessed with many more morning smiles than otherwise.

Certainly a big reason has to be the luxury of often being able to spend time at my ‘farm’ near Maramec Spring Park just south of St. James, MO. Now, it is not a ‘farm’ in a strict agricultural sense.

But, there are annual crops of acorns, wildflowers, morels, summer tanagers, salamanders, perch and lots of other critters - big & small. Yes, I have been blessed to have property access where I may not only harvest some of nature’s bounty but simply enjoy what is perhaps we Americans’ favorite pastime - wildlife watching. Or put in a more philosophical way: it is a place away from the hubbub of work and the pace of city life where I have been able to relax and rejuvenate my spirit.

Then too, I was fortunate that my career path granted me perhaps a bit more than my fair share of outdoor time.

Without a doubt, my Park

& Recreation career choice did allow me to spend quite a few hours sampling some of Mother Nature’s offerings.

Yes, please do not forget: Missouri’s Outdoors is not just a country-side farm, the Mark Twain National Forest, the Ozark Scenic Riverway, Hawn State Park, the Woodson K. Woods Conservation Area, or the like. There are numerous public parks, wildlands and natural areas managed by governmental agencies; and, you do not have to be the Park Director to enjoy them. Many are close to where we live and work.

Take some time and visit them - even just a ‘drive-thru’ on your way to/from work or the grocery store can provide a little “down time” to observe the flora and fauna while you are recreating yourself.

All that said – I begin my first article by providing a little background about why I chose to become an actively involved CFM member. Of course, there is much more to my story though – particularly as it relates to: • Direction(s) I would like to

see CFM go, and, • Goals/objectives I would like to see CFM achieve.

But all that will be reserved for later President’s Message topics.

Before closing this message, I thank CFM’s membership for having enough confidence to elect me as one of CFM’s Presidents. As my friend and a CFM member, John Carter, reminded me the other day: “It is a real honor to become CFM’s President. CFM is THE oldest, most effective and most respected conservation organization in Missouri, and is known and respected nationwide.”

Yes, I have big shoes to follow. My predecessors continuously set higher and higher bars to achieve. Several past Presidents have remained integrally involved in CFM’s move toward the future. Yet, I do want to cite the efforts of the two most recent Presidents, Mike Schallon and Glenn Chambers. During difficult financial times, they truly led CFM in a progressive manner.

But more so, I want to thank them for having challenged me

to contribute more through greater involvement.

In closing, I urge you to ask yourself the following questions: • What is it about Missouri’s Outdoors that led me to become a CFM member?

• What current CFM programs or projects do I strongly support?

• What future CFM goals/ objectives can I support with enthusiasm?

• What would it take to get me more involved in CFM’s work than I am today?

• Do I have friends or relatives that I should be encouraging to join CFM? For me, it has been a rewarding journey to this point; and, I look forward to the next two years. I strongly encourage everyone to be more involved and make a difference in CFM, “The Voice For Missouri Outdoors”!

Remember to Experience Missouri’s Outdoors, Share and Promote It!

MISSOURI

Richard L. Ash Jr. President, CFM

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Right on Target

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few years ago when the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri teamed up to bring the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to the Show-Me-State, everyone involved was hoping to hit the bull’s eye. And that’s just what has happened. Today, more than 210 elementary, middle and high schools across the state are in the program which has reached more than 35,000 students. And the numbers continue to grow.

One of latest school districts to come to full draw with NASP is one of the state’s largest, Springfield Public Schools.

In late January 2012, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Greg Collier certified 30 coaches including two from each of Springfield’s five high schools and two from each of its ten middle schools.

Coach Robert Woody believes without this sort of training and program, most of the students he teaches at Jarrett Middle School would never be exposed to archery.

“I just don’t think it’s something kids would ever envision doing, let alone ever have the interest of doing if they didn’t have this kind of program for teachers to give students”, says Woody.

Health Curriculum Development Chair Teresa Miller is leading the charge for Spring-

field Public Schools and she says the teachers are excited about this program which has the potential to reach thousands of students in the months and years ahead. And

very skeptical. I was thinking I wouldn’t do an archery unit and now I don’t know why I wouldn’t. I’m very, very, very, very excited about it”, says Coach Illum.

Photo credit: Warren Rose

if you don’t believe Teresa, just ask Central High School Coach Molly Illum about how she likes the program. “I came in

While NASP may be a new program to this group of teachers, there is one school in the SPS system that has already

been involved in NASP for the past couple of years and it’s a surprise to most when they discover which school it is. “Our little alternative school has been very successful with this program”, says Teresa Miller. “In fact, it’s been so successful, that one of the teachers has taken a team to the regional tournament at Willard the last two years. It’s so highly structured (the NASP method), there have been no issues in keeping their behavior in check, their attendance in check, because they (the students) do not want to miss shooting. It’s exciting to know the kids feel good about who they are and that they can participate in something. Even those parents are excited that their kids are having success somewhere”.

Perhaps the biggest challenge now for NASP is how to handle all of this growth. Due to limited facilities and manpower, the southwest regional tournament was capped this year at 560 shooters while the state competition is expecting nearly 1,200 shooters. Both are great problems to have and show how the National Archery in the Schools Program is hitting the mark in more ways than one.

Warren Rose Southwest Regional Outreach and Education Supervisor, Missouri Department of Conservation

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Thank You! Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members. Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors!

Business Alliance Members Basic

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Macon Realty Company

Cap America

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Central Trust & Investment Company

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Platinum

Citizens Telephone Company

Midwest Mailing Services

Bass Pro Shops

Columbia Daily Tribune

Michaelanne Investments, Inc.

Drury Hotels

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

Osage Canoes, LLC

Dickerson Park Zoo

REMAX Boone Realty

Gold

D.J. Case & Associates

Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

Midway USA

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Show Me Printing

Silver

General Printing Service

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Tabor Plastics Company

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

The Bank of Missouri

Pyramid Home Health Services

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

Wood Land & Cattle, LLC

Shelter Insurance Companies

Quality Forest Management, LLC

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A

Weaving the Fabric of Conservation: the Bobs and the Bees

s an avid conservationist and someone with a deep appreciation for the bobwhite quail, I have always been deeply concerned about the abundance of invertebrates for quail chick food, and their apparent decline. This interest in inverts has led me to become fascinated with pollinators.

Though I often think of pollinators as “quail food,” I have begun to study the relationship between pollinator habitat and quail habitat and I’ve come to a startling realization – there are things out there that might be more important than the Bobwhite.

You’ll often hear the bobwhite referred to as the “barometer of ecosystem health” or the “keystone species.” Native pollinators fill that niche as well in our ecosystem, perhaps even more so than our beloved bobwhite. Pollinators sustain our way of life, particularly in the United States. Pollinators play an important role in the production of over 150 crops including: apples, alfalfa, almonds, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, honey, kiwis, melons, pears, plums, raspberries, sunflowers and squash. In addition to ensuring the success of our food sources, pollinators also make it possible for many species of native plants to reproduce.

Think about the following statistics: • About 75% of all flowering plant species need the help of animals for fertilization.

• About 1,000 pollinators are vertebrates such as birds, bats, 6

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and small mammals.

• Most pollinators (about 200,000 species) are beneficial insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and bees.

• An estimated 1/3 of all food and beverages are delivered by pollinators.

• In the U.S., pollination produces nearly $20 billion worth

of products annually.

The 2008 Farm Bill was the first Farm Bill to recognize pollinators as an important part of whole farm management. The new CP 42 practice; pollinator habitat, has been a real and practical tool for landowners interested in providing native pollinator habitat as a part of their CRP contracts. Prior to the inclusion of this practice as a USDA practice, Pete Berthelsen, senior field coordinator for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, was invited to present a program on pollinators for the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington D.C. Pete and Laura Berthelsen have since won the 2011 United States Farmer/ Rancher Pollinator Award for their pollinator work on their

Pete Berthelsen, keynote speaker for the Field Day, with willow-leaved sunflower.

farm and for their numerous outreach programs to landowners and biologists. Their farm in Nebraska not only exemplifies excellent pollinator habitat, it also supports multiple coveys of

quail with excellent brood rearing and nesting habitat provided by their pollinator plantings.

We are fortunate here in Missouri that the Berthelsens have agreed to be the keynote speak-

ers at the upcoming Bobwhite Quail and Native Pollinators Field Day during National Pollinator week. We invite all CFM members to plan to attend this great workshop on Thursday the 21st of June at Bradford

Farm just south of Columbia.

The day begins at 1pm with field programs and our keynote speaker begins at 3pm. Dinner and field wagon tours follow the 3pm presentation. We hope to see you there! For directions

to Bradford, go to http://aes. missouri.edu/Bradford.

Elsa Gallagher Quail Forever Regional Biologist

What you can do to improve pollinator success: More is Better: Increase the use of native plants in your landscape and on the farm – a good rule of thumb is to include greater than 25 species. Keep in mind that you’ll want blooming to occur from April through October, so make sure you choose a mix that will provide blooms throughout the whole season. Variation in color is also important!

Pollinator on Butterflyweed at Bradford Farm

Less is More: Reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals in and around your gardens and plantings.

Learning is Key: Educate yourself – come on out to the Bobwhite Quail and Native Pollinator Field Day at Bradford Farm during National Pollinator week on June 21st. Arrive early to do some hands on training (1pm) – but be sure to be in your seat by 3pm to hear some pollinator tips for you from Pete Berthelsen, the United States award winner of the 2011 National Farmer/Rancher Pollinator Award!

Spread the Word: Share your knowledge of pollinators with others! If you’re an engaged advocate, speak at schools & nature centers. Host tours and involve others.

Adopt an outdoor classroom.

Carpenter Bee

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o phenomenon in nature illustrates more vividly the principle that conservation measures must be directed at ecosystems, not just individual species. If the last pollinator species adapted to a plant is erased by pesticides, or habitat disturbance, the plant will soon follow. And as these and

other populations decline or disappear, the consequences spread through the remainder of the food net, weakening other interspecific relationships.

The evidence is overwhelming that wild pollinators are declining…. Their ranks are being thinned not just by habitat reduction and other familiar agents of impoverishment, but also by

the disruption of the delicate “biofabric” of interactions that bind ecosystems together. Humanity, for its own sake, must attend to the forgotten pollinators and their countless dependent plant species.

-E. O. Wilson, in the foreword to The Forgotten Pollinators (1996) MISSOURI

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CFM Debates Issues: Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions

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he delegates of this year’s Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Convention have voted to adopt forty-seven resolutions on current issues. The convention challenges more than two hundred Federation members, meeting in natural resource committee sessions, to debate current conservation issues and develop positions statements, when appropriate.

Action letters have been sent to agency heads, legislative leaders (state and national), nonprofit directors, and others requesting their response.

Each resolution concludes with “Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 26th day of February, 2012...”

#1: Ecological Flow Guidelines ...encourages the Department of Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources to collaborate with the appropriate federal agencies to develop guidelines for reestablishing ecological flows in watersheds throughout the state of Missouri.

#5: Study of Impacts of Horses Along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers ...recommends the National Park Service and other agencies conduct a research study on the impact of feral horses and excessive horse riding along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.

#2: Gravel Mining ...encourages the Land Reclamation Program (LRP) to strongly enforce existing gravel mining regulations while strongly opposing any attempt to reduce regulatory authority of gravel mining.

#6: Continued Support of Missouri Archery Education ...strongly urges the CFM and MDC to continue endorsing Missouri Natural Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and promote archery education through model programs such as ATA’s Explore Bowhunting and the National Bowhunter Education Foundation.

#3: Support the Enforcement of the MDC Crayfish Regulation ...supports the prompt enforcement of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Crayfish Regulation. #4: Support of Further Research of Habitat Use During Flood Conditions ...urges the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers to emphasize studies that monitor the effects of floods to Missouri’s rivers on floral and faunal biodiversity.

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#7: Piloting Missouri’s Open Space Plan Initiative through Columbia ...support Missouri Department of Conservation, Boone County, City of Columbia, Greenbelt Land Trust and elected officials in developing an Open Space Plan for the city of Columbia. This plan should follow the success of Nashville, Tennessee’s Open Space Plan with the objectives and inventorying, evaluating, and developing an implemental plan to conserve and enhance the natural areas and resources of Columbia.

Once this plan is successfully implemented

in Columbia this Open Space Plan should also be adapted to other urban areas in Missouri.

#8: Updating of the State Forestry Law’s Forest Crop Land Program ...strongly encourages the Conservation Commission to advocate the update of the State Forestry Law and the FCL Program. #9: Establish the Missouri Trails Alliance and Comprehensive Statewide Trails Plan ...supports the full appropriation of general funds necessary to develop, maintain and staff this project. The Conservation Federation of Missouri strongly encourages the governor, state legislature, federal and state agencies to proceed with any actions necessary to ensure the establishment of a Missouri Trails Alliance and a Comprehensive Statewide Trails Plan for the purposes of overseeing and promoting Missouri’s trails and for expanding Missouri’s trail system and for managing a statewide trail plan.

#10: Missouri’s Recreational Trails Program ...calls on U.S. Congress to implement legislation fully funding the Recreational Trails Program. #11: Support for the Installation of Self Service Bicycle Repair Stations on the Katy Trail ...supports the request for funding to install self service bike repair stations at beneficial locations along the Katy Trail.

#12: Elimination of Tall Fescue from Missouri’s (CRP) Grasslands ...petitions the Secretary of Agriculture, National Farm Service Agency, the Missouri FSA State Director, the Missouri FSA State Committee and the Missouri NRCS State Conservationist to make program eligibility

and EBI scoring changes and adjustments to insure that: 1. No CRP reenrollment offers are accepted that contain dominant stands of tall fescue without being converted to native warm-season grasses and forbs; 2. Eliminate tall fescue as an acceptable introduced grass under CP1; and 3. FSA National Headquarters reinstate State authority to designate which conservation practice cover mixes are eligible to receive the wildlife priority zone points when scoring the EBI.

#13: Incentive for Encouraging Conversion of CRP to Diverse Native Mixes ...petitions the Missouri Department of Conservation to offer a sign up incentive payment to CRP landowners who are willing to convert fescue to a diverse mixture of native grasses and forbs, similar to the CREP incentives offered in 2007. #14: Eliminating Fescue/ Brome from CRP ...recommend that the United States Department of Agriculture remove smooth brome and tall fescue from all Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practices. #15: Support the Establishment of Recycling Programs at all Missouri Institutions of Higher Education ...supports the foundation and continuation of recycling programs and other waste management initiatives that divert waste from landfills at all of Missouri’s institutions of higher learning.

#16: Importance of CFM Involvement in Waste Restoration, Reuse, and Recycling ...will set an example of maintaining a positive influence in regards to recycling.

#17: Spring Archery Turkey Season ...recommends a spring archery turkey season for 2013 and following years. #18: (Tabled) #19: Missouri Renewable Energy Initiative ...recommends support of the Missouri Renewable Energy Initiative.

#20: Addressing Asian Carp through Public Awareness ...encourages the Missouri Department of Conservation to increase public awareness of the impacts and potential values of Asian carp.

#21: Share the Carp ...recommends investigation of markets for Asian carp, possibly including the Share the Harvest program and increase state funding and Missouri private corporation and not-for-profit organization in Asian carp research. #22: Stream Mitigation ...supports transportation agencies to implement span bridges as replacements for low water crossings in appropriate areas as determined by appropriate natural resource agencies. #23: Encourage Reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act ...urges the Missouri Congressional Delegation to support authorizing the NAWCA Program for 2012 through 2017 at 75 million dollars annually, which is no change from the previous authorization.

#24: Waterfowl Management Area Party Size Increase ...supports an evaluation of methods to increase youth participation in public waterfowl hunting areas to facilitate the increase in youth participation in outdoor activities. #25: Ronald D. Oesch ...commends Ronald D. Oesch for his lifelong contributions to wildlife conservation and encourages recognition of his accomplishments by all parties concerned with wildlife conservation in Missouri. #26: Health Benefits and State Parks ...endorses efforts by the Missouri State Parks, Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, and the Department of Health and Senior Services to encourage health care providers to prescribe outdoor activity as a tool to provide healthy and active lifestyles for all Missourians.

#27: Support for the Reintroduction of the American Burying Beetle in Southwest Missouri ...supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Saint Louis Zoo in the reintroduction of the American Burying Beetle and upon a successful introduction will support the expansion of the project to other suitable habitats in Missouri.

#28: Glade Reserve Program ...encourages USDA to establish reserve programs for glades as a supplement to their already successful wetland, grassland, and conservation reserve programs. #29: Support for the Research and Propagation of the Ozark Hellbender ...expresses its support to the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Saint Louis Zoo’s Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation in their propagation and research of Ozark Hellbenders. #30: Support the Research on Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly and Its Habitat ...supports the protection and research of Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly. #31: Unify Resources Which Encourage Beneficial Prescribed Burning ...encourages cooperation from the entities of the United States Forest Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Prescribed Fire Council in order to form a centralized outlet to access prescribed fires and improve landowner education on appropriate timing and techniques for increased fire efficiency and safety. #32: Support Public Education on White Nose Syndrome ...supports the continued education of the general public of Missouri about White Nose Syndrome in bats by public agencies and public and private organizations with interest in cave and karst resources. #33: Protect Church Mountain ...convey its support for the long-term protection of Church Mountain by: 1. ComSee CFM Resolutions on next page MISSOURI

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See CFM Resolutions on next page

mending the governor for his strong support for the long-term protection of Church Mountain and asking him to intercede with FERX and the federal administration to ask that transfer of Ameren property on Church Mountain and in Taum Sauk Creek Valley to the State of Missouri be incorporated as a condition of the license for the Taum Sauk Plant in mitigation of the facility’s massive environmental and recreational impacts; 2.

Creating and encouraging appropriate CFM affiliate organizations to create opportunities for members to volunteer their services for trail construction on Church Mountain and nearby land and thereby become more familiar with the extraordinary values of the area.

#34: Support for Missouri State Parks ...convey its support for Missouri State Parks by: 1.Supporting an amendment to House Joint Resolution No. 57 Fifth State Building Fund or any state bond issue for capital improvements to specify that 10% of the total ($80-100 million) be designated for back-logged infrastructure rehabilitation and other capital improvements in Missouri State Parks; 2. Supporting the retention of interest on moneys in the State Park Earnings Fund within the fund to be used for state park purposes as provided by House Bill 1191; 3. Including within CFM’s media mix information about the Missouri State Parks Donation Program, including but not limited to, articles in CFM’s Missouri Wildlife publication and by adding a hyperlink from the Conservation Federation of Missouri website to the State Parks Donations website; 4. Recommending that Governor Jay Nixon provide all possible support to the management of the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks in seeking creative solutions to this crisis that will sustain its employees and facilities while maintaining the level of integrity and excellence for which Missouri state parks are known across the nation. #35: Conservation Internships for Missouri High School and College Students ...take the lead in partnering with nongovernmental conservation organizations and conservation agencies to create and fund five 10

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new internships for Missouri high school and college students.

#36: Encourage New Initiatives to Promote Youth Small Game Hunting ...encourages new initiatives to promote youth small game hunting. #37: Recognition for Al Vogt and Diana Mulick ...commend Al Vogt and Diana Mulick for their efforts and their work with the CLC. #38: (Tabled) #39: CLC and PFCA Acknowledges Partnership ...recognizes this partnership between the CLC and PFCA. Be it further resolved that the CLC and CFM support a continuation of partnership between PFCA and the CLC for the years to come.

#40: Implementation of “Nature Education Week” ...recommends that a “Nature Education Week” be established by the Governor of the State of Missouri through the inclusion of the label “Nature Education Week” to a specific school week each year, by which levels of awareness of Nature Education Programs might be increased. #41: Public Drinking Water ...supports the extension of the existing public drinking water fee structure. #42: Support for Clean Water ...supports the development of a system to provide adequate support for Missouri clean water effort as it may be considered over the next year. #43: Energy Efficiency ...urges the Missouri General Assembly, the Public Service Commission, the regulated electric utilities and other interested stakeholders to work together to find a resolution that is fair to both customers and shareholders and results in increasing investments in energy efficiency programs in an expeditious manner, for the benefit of the

State of Missouri.

#44: Children in Nature ...supports the Missouri Children in Nature initiative and calls on all Missourians to increase opportunities for children to have an active, healthy lifestyle. #45: Land and Water Conservation Fund ...supports HCR 32 in the Missouri General Assembly and calls on Congress to implement legislation specifying an annual allocation of at least 40% of LWCF funds to the State Assistance program. #46: Support of the DNR Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste and Recycling Efforts ...supports the Department of Natural Resources and its various Citizen Boards and Commissions that direct or advise the Department in their efforts to enhance recycling, ensure proper disposal of wastes, and to perform proper cleanup of contaminated sites so as to ensure the protection of human health and the environment both now and in the future. The CFM wants to ensure that the Department and its supporting Boards and Commissions have the authority to develop appropriate fees, rules and regulations needed to protect Missouri’s citizens, wildlife and the environment. #47: Lead Legacy in Missouri ...supports the Department of Natural Resources and its various Citizens Boards and Commissions that direct or advise the Department in their efforts to establish and implement a robust cleanup program of lead contaminated sites. The CFM supports assessment, remediation and restoration of these contaminated sites so as to mitigate the impact of lead on human health, wildlife, and the environment.

To view the complete text of any or all resolutions please visit the CFM website at www.confedmo.org.

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he JROTC Sporter Class National Champion title belonged to the Ozark High School JROTC rifle team for the last three consecutive years. Shooters Tessa Howald, Makennon Doran, Shelby Brummett, and Logan Hunt, along with their coach 1st Sgt. Terry Thompson (ret.), grew hungry for something more, something historic.

The coach didn’t know how far they would go but knew that these shooters had the ability to work hard and that they have always carried a strong desire to compete.

All four of the team members’ ultimate goal after high school is to attend college and shoot. Collegiate shooting contests are not in the sporter class, but the precision class. The logical move was to move up to the precision class.

The next major hurdle was acquiring the appropriate equipment. Each shooter’s precision rifle alone costs over $2,000 and they needed specialized clothing and gear. The high schoolers bought all of their equipment by themselves with no help from the school.

A young sporter team joined the experienced precision team.

The new sporter team members are Tyler Gregory, Benjamin Estes, Brianna Sawyers, Robert Broadstreet and Libby Horton.

The qualifying match for nationals was both teams’ first major match. The precision team placed first for the first time, setting a national team scoring record for Army JROTC, and the sporter team placed fifth.

Both teams traveled to Anniston, Alabama, with their coach and supporting family members.

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Mission Accomplished

Ozark High School JROTC rifle team. Photo Credit: Civilian Marksmanship Program

shots each in the prone, standing and kneeling positions. After scores are final, the top eight shooters compete in a standing match final.

Doran and Howald from the precision class and Estes from the sporter class made it into the first day’s finals.

After one day, the Ozark precision team led Shelby County, Kentucky, the 2011 national champions, by six points with a score of 2324. The Ozark precision team unanimously decided that their weakest position was their kneeling.

All four shooters went to their hotel rooms and put their shooting suits back on to see if they could make any last-minute improvements to their positions.

The second day’s match was a head-to-head battle with Shelby County, the championship wavering with every shot. It started with prone, the steadiest position.

Many say that a match cannot be won in prone, but it can be lost. The Ozark shooters fought for every point and claimed 797 points out of 800, bringing them 21 points ahead of Shelby County.

With the standing position

came nerves and frustration, bringing Ozark and Shelby County to the exact same score. This tie was to be broken in kneeling.

The extra effort the day before came through. Ozark scored a second day overall score of 4645, eight points above Shelby County, making the Ozark JROTC rifle team the 2012 precision national champions.

“No school has ever switched divisions and won the championship that first season,” Brad Donoho, Match Director for the Civilian Marksmanship Program said.

Individually, Howald placed fourth with a score of 1271.5

out of 76 shooters competing.

Doran placed sixth with a score of 1265.3. Brummett placed 18th with a score of 1155 and Hunt placed 20th with a score of 1152.

Sporter shooter Estes, was involved in a 6-way tie due to his score of 553. In a five shot shoot off, Estes placed second, qualifying him to be in the match final. The sporter team came in third place with an overall score of 4356 behind two veteran national-level shooting teams from Flowing Wells High School, Arizona, and Daleville High School, Alabama.

Individually, Estes placed fourth with a score of 1197.35 out of 142 shooters. Sawyers placed 22nd with a score of 1087. Broadstreet placed 27th with a score of 1084 and Gregory placed 35th with a score of 1079.

This year’s goals were to work harder than their competition, grow as shooters, compete at a national level, and have fun as a team doing what they love-shooting.

First Sgt. Thompson says, “Mission Accomplished!”

Cadet SSG Shelby Brummett

Members of Ozark High School’s JROTC precision rifle team purchased their own specialized suits and rifles in order to compete. The result of their investment: a 2012 national championship, the school’s first in its first year competing in the precision class. Photo credit: Ozark Public Schools.

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Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented Citizen Conservationists Recognized at Annual Convention

A group of Missouri citizen conservationist were awarded prestigious Conservation Federation of Missouri statuettes for their volunteer and professional efforts to improve and protect our natural resources at the Annual Convention of the Conservation Federation of Missouri on February 24, 2012, at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO. Chosen from a select group of nominees, the 2011 award winners represent the best of the best. A large group of CFM members and friends celebrated the elite group’s accomplishments at a reception sponsored by Bass Pro Shops. Presenting the 2011 awards were CFM President Mike Schallon and Martin MacDonald with Bass Pro Shops.

Conservation Educator of the Year: Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs

Keith Hannaman recently has made his mark on the international scene. He has been to Costa Rica on behalf of the Toyota International Teacher Program. He received a Fulbright Award for the Japan Fulbright International Teacher Exchange Program.

He was chosen among US teachers to address the United Nations committee on Community and Place Based Education.

This educator lives what he teaches and consistently demonstrates the difference that teachers make when they teach beyond the walls of their classrooms.

Conservation Communicator of the Year: Steve Jones, Sullivan

For 38 years, Keith Hannaman has been in the business of inspiring students interested in conservation and the outdoors. He works very hard, accomplishes much and opens countless doors for others. One Hallmark of his performance is that he recognizes and reaches for almost unimaginable heights in everything he does. Such leadership inspires all of us to focus on the possibilities and not the limitations.

What began as an MDC and National Wildlife Federation recognized Outdoor Classroom in the park next to Blue Springs South school, Hannaman leveraged in to the Young Park Prairie Project and Restoration, which was recognized by Fuji Film and Busch Gardens as one of the top ten school and nature outdoor projects in the United States. Hannaman was runner up (#2) that year (2005) for Outstanding Environmental Educator of the United States.

Next the Mayor appointed Hannaman to the Park Commission. He and his students then became involved in the design of the new Ground’s Park near I-70. They also started one of the largest school Earth Day celebrations anywhere with over 500 elementary school students actively involved. Hannaman helped a new Arbor Walk be installed in Rotary Park, the largest and most used park in Blue Springs. He currently is working on the new Community Garden Committee and the city’s new 5 acre Community Garden as a part of the Blue Spring Let’s Move Initiative to get students and citizens outdoors and involved.

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For nearly three decades Steve Jones has been at the forefront fighting for common sense conservation in the great state of Missouri. In 2011 he wrote a commentary that was instrumental in preventing a misguided NRA attempt to affect legislation in our Missouri House and Senate that would have been an “end run” around the authority of the Missouri Department of Conservation and our world class regulations process.

This essay was carefully researched, prepared, verified and delivered to thousands of Missouri sportsmen electronically. It also was published by the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and printed by several other newspapers as well. Soon after this essay reached the public, the legislation stopped moving through the General Assembly and died at the end of the Legislative Session. Jones’ fair and accurate treatise greatly enhanced the knowledge of all who read it and contributed greatly to protecting MDC’s authority.

Last fall, he penned “Big Bucks for Big Bucks” published by the Outdoor Guide. In this editorial he pointed out the folly of pursuing deer for monetary gain, and the pitfalls intrinsic to such no holds barred competitions. He has demonstrated clearly and repeatedly that he is a writer who speaks directly to active outdoors folk. The publisher of the Outdoor Guide, when asked about Jones, said “He is a man of ethics and integrity, and when a controversial issue is brought to our attention here at the magazine, he is the one we go to first for cogent thinking and wise perspective.”

Our state is a richer and better place because of Steve Jones.

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year: Frank Oberle, Novinger

Reserve Program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), and cost share programs for both SWCD and MDC all have improved and benefited from his involvement. In 2011 Frank was the driving force in getting a CRP subcommittee established as part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s State Technical Committee. When it comes to getting the most out of millions of taxpayers’ dollars invested in CRP for the benefit of all wildlife, and all Missourians, this is a tremendous improvement.

Frank Oberle always gives tenfold more than he gets, he puts the resource above all else and dearly loves Missouri’s wildlife.

He is richly deserving of our commendation for his inspiring advancements in wildlife conservation in Missouri.

Forest Conservationist of the Year: Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry

For those who know Frank Oberle well, many adjectives come to mind, especially when it comes to advancing the cause for Missouri prairies and associated wildlife: determined, unrelenting, stubborn, persistent, knowledgeable, generous, persuasive.

For over a decade, Oberle has been working non-stop to bring attention to north Missouri prairies. He was instrumental in bringing the North American Prairie Conference to Kirksville in 2000. At that conference, he took action on the concerns of several Missouri native seed growers with the Grow Native! Program. His involvement was key in strengthening what has become a very successful program, one which has brought awareness to the public of the importance and value of Missouri’s native plants.

As a private landowner, his personal involvement with US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conservation programs have earned him first name recognition with nearly every conservation leader in our state and many on the national level. The thing that makes Frank Oberle so special is that when he finds something that to him is obviously not right or which does not use the best current scientific information or even which contradicts policy and program administration, or simply lacks common sense, he will not give up and will invest tremendous personal time and effort to persuade and bring folks together to find positive solutions.

Many programs work better because of him: the Grassland

Wayne Lovelace has been a leader throughout his extensive career as a nurseryman. Right out of Horticulture school at Mizzou, he went to Forrest-Keeling Nursery where he remains as President and CEO. Along the way, he has served as president of the Missouri Association of Nurserymen, the Western Association of Nurserymen and the Wholesale Nursery Growers of America. He has served on the Board of Directors of the International Plant Propagators Society.

At the same time, Lovelace has worked his way up through the ranks at Forrest- Keeling and now owns this business which is recognized for excellence far and wide in our world. He is the inventor, developer and patent holder of the RPM Plant Production System (a container seedling system) which has revolutionized plant propagation.

His leadership roles in his community range from President of the local school board to beautification commissions, health boards, road districts, and countless others.

He has proudly volunteered service to state level Agriculture advisory boards for years, and is presently Chair of the Missouri Forest Resources Advisory Council.

His dedication and commitment to conservation has few equals. His efforts to continually improve planting stock to regenerate native oaks are unmatched in success. RPM seedlings MISSOURI

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consistently provide in excess of 90% survival. RPM seedlings outgrow and outperform bare-root seedlings, as demonstrated by recent studies at Mizzou.

Wayne Lovelace’s character, work ethic, integrity and dedication to his profession are inspirational. His performance in continued improvements in all aspects of native woody plant propagation is an example for all conservationists.

Conservation Legislator of the Year: Senator Kevin Engler, Farmington

As Chair of the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee, Senator Kevin Engler’s (R-3) commitment to enhancing and protecting Missouri’s natural resources, promoting our state’s tourism industry, and defending Missouri’s unique system of conservation was unparalleled in the Legislature in 2011.

Senator Engler was a champion for the conservation community in a number of ways: • He lead the effort to stop legislation to hold the Department of Conservation liable for damages caused by wild elk and to allow landowners to destroy elk on their property.

• He toured the elk restoration zone with Department of Conservation leadership. His District covers the eastern Ozarks, including Carter and Reynolds Counties, where tourism and forest products are key industries.

• He supported legislation allowing for a special license plate for members of the National Wild Turkey Federation (HB430).

• He worked to pass legislation to improve Missouri’s noxious weed law and enhance Missouri’s conservation easement laws (HB458).

• He helped pass legislation that strengthens Missouri’s natural resource laws (HB89).

• He has always been a member of the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.

During a legislative session where the conservation community was threatened, it was Senator Kevin Engler who answered our call and did most to ensure the future of conservation and natural resources for Missouri families.

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continuing our partnership with Senator Engler to protect and strengthen Missouri’s unique system of conservation and our citizen’s love for fish, forest and wildlife.

Conservation Legislator of the Year: Representative Steven Tilley, Farmington As Speaker of the House for the 96th Legislative Session, Representative Steven Tilley (R-106) has provided dedicated service, leadership, and assistance to all citizens in promoting and protecting Missouri’s unique system of conservation and enhancing our state’s natural resources.

The Speaker’s commitment to addressing natural resource concerns and protecting the conservation commission’s constitutional authority was unparalleled in the Legislature.

Representative Tilley was a champion for conservation in a number of ways during the past session: • During a session where a number of organizations directly attacked Missouri’s unique system of conservation, Speaker Tilley played a key role in stopping bad ideas from becoming law.

• He helped stop efforts to hold the Department of Conservation liable for damages caused by wild elk or allowing landowners to destroy elk on their property.

• Under His leadership, legislation was stopped that would challenge the Conservation Commission’s authority of setting hunting and fishing seasons, methods and limits.

• He supported legislation that allows for a special license plate for members of the National Wild Turkey Federation (HB430).

• He stopped legislation that would sunset the citizen-created one-eighth of one percent conservation sales tax.

• Under His leadership, legislation was passed that improves Missouri’s noxious weed law and enhances Missouri’s conservation easement laws (HB458). Clarifying Missouri’s conservation easement law was a top priority during the 2011 legislative session and Speaker Tilley played a vital role in the passage of this legislation.

• He passed legislation that strengthens Missouri’s natural resource laws (HB89).

Missouri citizens and our members are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Representative Tilley to protect and strengthen Missouri’s unique system of conservation and our citizen’s love for fish, forest and wildlife.

Professional Conservationist of the Year: Elsa Gallagher, Excello

person for quail in Missouri in recent years. No one knows Missouri’s quail habitat needs and challenges better than Elsa Gallagher.”

Conservationist of the Year: Dave Pace, Salem

Elsa Gallagher is a well known and respected biologist who started her career with the Department of Conservation before becoming the Regional Biologist for Quail Forever. She works with chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri, which includes 21 chapters in Missouri – more than any other state! She assists chapters in raising money and investing in wildlife habitat and conservation education.

She works tirelessly to promote quail and early successional habitat on private and public land by working with landowners, state and federal agencies and numerous conservation and agricultural partners. Elsa serves as the vice-chair of the Conservation Federation’s Quail and Quail Habitat Committee and was instrumental in organizing the 2011 Quail Summit at Bradford Farm. Over 200 landowners and agency staff attended this well organized event. Elsa’s influence helped bring the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic to Kansas City in February 2012.

The event attracts thousands of upland bird hunters each year and will provide an opportunity once again for Missouri to shine as a national leader in quail conservation.

She has been instrumental in promoting the enrollment of CRP acres in Missouri and is an active leader in the Outreach Committee of the National Bobwhite Quail Technical Committee. Her skills in marketing and landowner relations have been especially beneficial.

Her passion for birddogs and hunting goes beyond bobwhite quail. She shares her enthusiasm for the outdoors with youth and adults alike by hosting or assisting with numerous outdoor events, lady and youth quail and pheasant hunts, youth rabbit hunts. In fact, the Mid-MO Young Guns Chapter of Quail Forever, based in Macon, her hometown, received the 2011 No Child Left Indoors National Award. Elsa’s enthusiasm and leadership played a key role in developing this young team of future conservationists.

Elsa’s supervisor, Jim Wooley, Quail Forever’s Director of Field Operations said it best, “Elsa brings a tremendous amount of talent and experience to Quail Forever. Elsa has also been a tireless worker for the bobwhite and the most visible spokes-

Dave Pace’s personal efforts and leadership to restore wild elk to Missouri bore fruit during the spring of 2011 when he saw Missouri’s first elk walk off the trailer at Peck Ranch Conservation Area. In his own words, “Seeing these animals come back, so generations and generations of Missourians will get to see them, is a very momentous occasion. This is a great day for wildlife, it’s a great day for conservation and it’s a great day for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and all our volunteers. This is what we work for.”

Pace has worked tirelessly as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Missouri Chairman to promote and educate communities, legislators, landowners, conservation and agriculture groups on the topic of elk restoration. Last year, Pace wrote several articles for publication and attended numerous public meetings. During the 2011 Legislative Session, he played a key role in stopping legislation that threatened tenets of the North American Model for Conservation by communicating with members of the General Assembly and rallying citizens to legislative hearings. Currently, he continues to work with landowners, chambers of commerce and local business leaders in communities around the elk restoration zone to develop and promote elk tourism.

Tom Jones, former Regional Director for RMEF says “The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s greatest asset is the dedication of our volunteers. Dave Pace has taken this dedication to an entirely new level with his commitment to the restoration of elk back to his home state. Dave’s leadership is a significant part of this elk restoration. His ability to mobilize other volunteers, bridge communication gaps among stakeholders and build new partnerships has been instrumental in the success of this program.”

A lifelong sportsman, Dave Pace is a very well-rounded conservationist who is interested in all aspects of the Missouri Outdoors. His life of zealous service is making an exceptional contribution to the benefit of wild elk, all wildlife and all Missourians. His exemplary performance richly deserves our highest recognition.

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T

6th Annual Pull For Conservation Weekend August 10-11

he date for CFM’s 6th Annual Pull For Conservation Sporting Clays Classic has been set for August 11, 2012. Although spring is just now upon us the CFM shoot committee is already planning to ensure this year’s late summer event is our biggest yet. Columbia Bass Pro Shops is once again providing the prizes and if you have never attended this annual fun shoot make plans to join us this year for a great time at River Hills Sporting Clays.

In addition, David Smith and his Columbia Bass Pro team along with CFM and Mid MO Recycling will be hosting a pre-shoot banquet featuring guest speaker Alex Rutledge. A Missouri Ozarks native and outdoor celebrity, Alex is the host of Bloodline Out-

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doors television and radio shows. www.bloodlineoutdoors.com Mark your calendars now and don’t miss out on a fun filled evening with Alex on Friday, August 10 and stick around and have a blast at the shoot on Saturday, August 11.

Register early for the shoot or purchase your banquet tickets by contacting the CFM office. www.confedmo. org Have a safe and successful spring and we’ll see you in August!

Teaming With wildlife

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Capitol Hill Meetings During the Teaming With Wildlife Fly-In

ome Rain or shine your Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) Steering Committee is working for you! The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) held the Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) Fly-In on February 28th & 29th, 2012. Gene Gardner, Missouri Department of Conservation, Carol Davit, Missouri Prairie Foundation and Debra Lee, Conservation Federation of Missouri visited offices of Missouri’s congressional leaders to discuss the importance of the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program, Wildlife Diversity Funds and the impact that the funding has on conservation in the state of Missouri.

Debra Lee with Christina Mahoney, Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Cleaver.

AFWA conducts this annual event to showcase the national TWW Coalition asking Senators and Representatives in Congress for their support.

The Fly-In draws attention to conservation projects that are a direct result of the funding.

It gives conservation partners an opportunity to visit face to face with staff in congressional offices and to meet colleagues from other states. Reaching out to staff opens the door for conversation about the habitat and wildlife that is restored from the SWG program and the projects taking place in their district, statewide and across the nation.

The Missouri team secured meetings with all 11 Missouri Congressional offices. Senator Blunt, Congressman Carnahan, Congressman Clay, Congressman Long and Congressman Luetkemeyer took time out of their busy schedules to meet with the Missouri team in person. To help Missouri’s elected officials understand the importance of the SWG Program and the need for their support , the team delivered to each a Teaming With Wildlife success report complete with financial graph, matching funds, partners and conservation work on-the-ground by district. The request for representatives was to sign-on to a “Dear Colleague” letter supporting the State Wildlife Grant Program. In March, Congressman Carnahan, Congressman Clay and Congressman Cleaver signed-on to the SWG “Dear Colleague” letter.

In addition, both Senator McCaskill and Senator Blunt supported the Restore Act. Debra Lee Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, CFM

Gene Gardner and Carol Davit in front of the Russell House Office Building.

Photo credit: Debra Lee.

Congressman Clay with Carol Davit, Gene Gardner and Debra Lee.

Congressman Carnahan with Debra Lee and Carol Davit.

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Agency News - Department of natural resources

Restoring Missouri’s Natural Resources

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he quality of life for each Missourian can be closely tied to the health of our state’s natural resources. We depend on good quality water for drinking. We depend on an abundance of water and healthy land for agriculture and industrial purposes. We want to be surrounded by clean, pristine rivers and lakes when we are swimming, canoeing, boating and playing in our waters during the recreational season. Clean air is essential to our health and very existence as we are working in the garden, hiking through a state park or playing a round of golf. As conservation enthusiasts, we understand that our next hunting or fishing trips are only productive and successful if those properties and streams are healthy, well maintained and thriving.

When our natural resources are injured or destroyed, our quality of life, environment and economy suffer. That is why the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has dedicated its mission to protect, preserve and enhance Missouri’s natural, cultural and energy resources.

There are several methods the department uses to address and improve our natural resources.

One example is through the department’s Brownfields/ Voluntary Cleanup section.

Staff within the department’s Hazardous Waste Program provides state oversight for voluntary cleanups of properties contaminated with hazardous substances. Many of the sites entering the program are not heavily contaminated, and are 18

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contaminated by sources not addressed by any of the department’s regulatory programs.

The brownfield cleanups help restore the property and return it back into productive use, encourage redevelopment and increase economic development in distressed areas of the state.

The department’s abandoned mine land section has made significant progress in eliminating public health, safety and environmental problems from past mining areas. Staff within the department’s Land Reclamation Program have made significant progress toward reclaiming and restoring Missouri’s most severe abandoned coal mine problems since 1980. These formerly barren and acidic wastelands are being reclaimed to productive uses such as recreation, pasture, forage and wildlife habitat.

Through the reclamation projects, acid mine drainage is being mitigated in order to return streams and lakes to productive uses and restoring aquatic life.

And finally, I’d like to share with you some additional information about the department’s natural resource damages program that was established in 1998. Our rivers, lakes, prairies and the aquatic life swimming in those waters; the air we breathe; the deer and other wildlife thriving in the woods; the water we drink; and those beautiful wildflowers are the natural resources that we cherish. If these resources are affected by a release of oil or a hazardous waste substance, the department looks for ways to fix that damage.

The core philosophy encompassing natural resource damag-

The Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources has made significant progress toward reclaiming and restoring Missouri’s most severe abandoned coal mine problems since 1980 as shown in these before and after photographs. Photo credit: DNR

es is that a state’s public lands, waters and living resources are held in “trust” for the benefit of the citizens of the state.

Citizens have the right to use and enjoy natural resources and as a natural resource trustee, the department has the duty and responsibility to protect these resources.

As the director of the Department of Natural Resources, I am designated by the governor as the state natural resource trustee. Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service serves

as a trustee for the United States. Based primarily upon authority vested in the federal Superfund law, natural resource trustees are tasked with determining the type and extent of injuries to natural resources and with restoring injured natural resources for public use.

The department and Fish and Wildlife work cooperatively on Natural Resource Damage issues in the state and decisions regarding restoration efforts from natural resource damages are made by both agencies.

We have several approaches

Department of natural resources - Agency News to assessing and restoring injured natural resources. One approach is the cooperative-based restoration approach. This approach focuses on restoration with the trustees and responsible parties working together through cooperative assessment agreements. A second approach is settlement negotiations.

Settlements should include the cost of restoring the natural resources; the cost of the lost use of the resources; and the cost incurred by the trustees to assess the injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, the trustees can conduct a formal Natural Resource Damages assessment and proceed with litigation.

There are areas with natural resource damages all across the state. One of these areas we have recently been focusing

on is the Springfield Plateau ecoregion.

The Springfield Plateau lies in the western Ozark Highlands of southwest Missouri. It is comprised of the major portions of Cedar, Dade, Jasper, Newton, Lawrence and Greene counties; portions of Polk, Webster, Christian and Barry counties; and minor portions of St. Clair, Hickory, Barton, McDonald, Stone and Douglas counties.

Earlier this year, we held a series of public meetings in southwest Missouri to discuss a regional restoration plan the department – along with our friends at U.S. Fish and Wildlife – developed for natural resources in this ecoregion that have been injured by hazardous substances releases.

Steps for the restoration plan

include: Identifying the natural resources and services potentially injured by the release of hazardous substances; developing a request for proposal process to evaluate and select restoration projects to achieve restoration strategies; and working cooperatively with communities and organizations in the area during the restoration process.

Through restoration funds, the trustees hope to complete restoration of injured areas or to potentially purchase compensatory resources to replace the injured resources for the public.

The amount of land and waterways that have been affected by hazardous waste spills is staggering and can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we have a program that facilitates

restoration of these precious resources.

Clean drinking water and air are integral to our survival.

Wildlife, trees and prairies are just as necessary for a healthy, sustainable planet. The department will continue our efforts using these many tools to continue restoring and enhancing the precious natural resources.

To learn more about the department’s Natural Resources Damage and Assessment Program or the Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment, visit the Web at dnr.mo.gov/ env/hwp/sfund/nrda.htm.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks - Spring Wildflower Hikes

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pring is a great time to explore the outdoors in Missouri State Parks, you can explore our trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, equestrian and all-terrain vehicles. Missouri offers 85 state parks and historic sites that are operated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The parks and sites offer activities that range from tours through historic homes and caves to camping, fishing, hiking and simply enjoying nature.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon this spring – step outdoors for a wildflower hike scheduled in many of our state parks and historic sites. Visitors will see a field of wildflowers standing at attention to display the vibrant colors of their petals and will smell their sweet

aroma as it drifts across the field as they wave in the wind. The world is changing color every day as the spring season continues to bloom.

Enjoy the beauty of spring on a wildflower hike every Saturday in May! Learn more about Missouri’s forest wildflowers and other spring occurrences along several trails during our May wildflower hikes happening in our state parks and historic sites. For additional details, see the list of events on the next page or visit mostateparks. com.

Enjoy the beauty of spring on a wildflower hike every Saturday in May at Missouri State Parks. Visit mostateparks.com to learn more. Photo credit: Missouri State Parks.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR See the list of events on page 20

The yellow lady-slipper orchid, which blooms in spring, is among the showiest of the 36 species of orchids found in Missouri. Photo credit: Missouri State Parks.

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Wildflower Hikes in Missouri State Parks April 28 – 10 a.m. to noon Wildflowers Amongst the Trees Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10th, Knob Noster For more information contact the park at 660-563-2463.

May 12 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Navigating through Nature Robertsville State Park, 900 State Park Drive, Robertsville For more information, contact the park at 636-257-3788.

April 29 – 3 to 5 p.m.

Where the Wildflowers Grow Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, 5901 S Highway 163, Columbia For more information, contact the park at 573-449-7402.

May 12 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wings of Spring Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park, 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton For more information, contact the park at 636-899-1135.

May 2, 5, 6 May Days Flower Hikes Crowder State Park, 76 Highway 128, Trenton For more information, times, locations and to pre-register for a hike, contact the park at 660-359-6473.

May 19 – 10 to 11 a.m.

Wild Edibles Hike Sam A. Baker State Park, Route 1, Box 113, Patterson For more information, contact the park at 573-856-4411.

May 5 – 9 a.m. to noon Spring Wildflower Workshop Roaring River State Park, 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville For more information, contact the park at 417-847-2539.

May 19 – 10 to 11 a.m.

Wildflower Hike Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines For more information, contact the park at 417-843-6711.

May 5, 12, 19 & 26 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Spring Wildflower Hike Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, 800 Guy Park Drive, Wildwood For more information, contact the park at 636-458-3813.

June 2-3 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hermann Garden Tour Deutschheim State Historic Site, 109 W. 2nd Street, Hermann The garden visit and barn tour are free of charge. Tours of the 1840s PommerGentner House and Strehly House/ Winery/Print Shop are conducted at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for the regular admission price of $4 for adults and $2.50 for children. Group rates are available.

For more information, contact the site at 573-486-2200.

May 5 – 9 to 10 a.m.

Big Oak Tree State Park, 13640 South Hwy 102, East Prairie For more information, contact the park at 573-649-3149.

May 12 – 10 a.m.

Garden Show Arrow Rock State Historic Site, 39521 Visitor Center Drive, Arrow Rock For more information, contact the park at 660-837-3330.

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C onser v ation F ederation of M issouri A F F I L I A T E S Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association Bridlespur Hunt Club Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Gempp Park Commission Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Howardville Community Betterment Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc. Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club Meramec Area Sportsman Association Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri Bass Federation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station

CFM Spring 2012

Gift Membership Drive For a limited time only, CFM is offering existing members the opportunity to bring 5 friends into the CFM family for only $100. Gift membership offer only applicable to NEW members.

In addition, for participating in this offer you will receive a free CFM water bottle!

Offer valid through June 1st.

Please mail to

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Monett Sportsman League North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Relief, Inc. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri University of Missouri Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club WOLF Parent Organization Wonders of Wildlife

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)

If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.org

Credit card #: ___________________________________ Exp. date: _________

CFM is an IRS-approved tax-exempt not-for-profit, so your donations are tax deductible.

Signature of cardholder: _____________________________________________ MISSOURI

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Rim to Rim: Exploring Machu Picchu

tanding atop the mountain overlooking the ancient ruins, there were moments where I couldn’t tell if I was still on earth or within the clouds. That is the magic of Machu Picchu. There are even moments in which the clouds sprawl over the valley and completely obscure the view of the Incan ruins and others when the clouds roll on past and the ruins reappear!

In November of 2011, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit a close friend, Maren, who was temporarily performing volunteer work in Lima, Peru.

During my first visit to South America, we planned to do a lot of hiking, or trekking, as they call it in Peru. With our bags packed, we began the journey from Lima to the “Old Peak”, which is what Machu Picchu translates to from Quechua, the Incan language.

Just to get to the city where Machu Picchu is located was an adventure. We had to take: a plane from Lima to Cusco, a taxi ride (along windy mountain roads at high speeds during a rainstorm) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and a bus ride from the valley in Aguas Calientes up the mountainside to the park entrance of Machu Picchu.

Once we were in the park, we began our morning trek into the ruins. The grounds are kept in pristine condition, and the colorful vegetation accentuates the pre-Columbian architecture beautifully. Once inside the grounds, most visitors just explore the ruins, walking in an out of the maze-like structures, but we also purchased tickets to hike

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up a mountain that overlooks the entire Machu Picchu community. This peak is called Wayna Picchu, has ruins of its own, and the trek is about an hour long. From my understanding, the Incans were a people short in stature, but for some reason, each step they built in the winding staircase up the side of the mountain was very tall. We definitely got a workout climbing all those tall, steep stairs! Luckily, we didn’t experience any “sorroche” (altitude sickness) however, despite being nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, but we did have to stop periodically to catch our breaths. During the trek to the top of Wayna Picchu, there were metal hand rails and ropes at times to assist in the assent, but these were few and far between. If someone falls, there are no safety or rescue measures in place. (This risk made me really appreciate the patrolled local, state, and national parks in the U.S.!) Once we reached the top, we spent about two hours walking around, weaving in and out of the ancient structures and hidden caves within the mountain, and climbing the ruins. While on top of Wayna Picchu we had a great view of the classic Incan construction of dry, stone walls. There was also a multitude of lizard, bird, insect, and plant species that caught our attention.

After we trekked back down to Machu Picchu, we wandered around the ruins for most of the afternoon. During this time, however, fifteen children asked to get their photo taken with Maren, who is 5’10”. Tall people are rare among native Peruvians, and the children thought she was a model! After

Machu Picchu with Wayna Picchu in the background. Photo Credit: Danielle Zemmel

Wandering through the ruins of Machu Picchu. Photo Credit: Danielle Zemmel

participating in many spontaneous photo shoots, we continued trekking to another high point to overlook the ruins as the sun began to set. A light rain had just come through, and then a beautiful rainbow arched across the entire valley. As if that wasn’t picture-perfect, a flock of bright green parrots swooped across our main field of vision from around the edge of one mountain. With the setting sun shining on their bright green feathers, clouds and rainbow in the background, it felt like we were in paradise.

By far, Machu Picchu is one

of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen and Wayna Picchu is a fantastic place to hike and has the best view in the area. I have been lucky enough to hike in many countries but will always remember our trek through the ancient ruins as one of the best. In case you end up traveling there someday, be sure to wear lots of sunscreen and insect repellant and bring a camera!

Danielle Zemmel Administrative Manager, Open Space Council

Grow Native!

Moving to the Missouri Prairie Foundation

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Me (left) and Maren atop Wayna Picchu. Photo Credit: Danielle Zemmel

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 $_____________

he Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) began 2012 with exciting news: the organization was selected to become the new home of the Grow Native! program. Ten years ago, the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Agriculture began Grow Native! to promote the use of native Missouri plants for landscaping. Because of the program’s educational and marketing activities, the use of native plants in the state has increased dramatically.

Recognizing the constraints placed on this program by government agencies, the Missouri Department of Conservation assembled a team of Grow Native! members to look at options for moving the program to another home. MPF was approached, and after considering a variety of options, the team decided that MPF

would be an ideal fit for the program.

The missions of the Grow Native! program and MPF are very similar. Both are dedicated to educating the public about native plants and the benefits of using them in small landscapes as well as larger landscapes and preserving existing native landscapes. MPF’s leadership is excited about the reach of Grow Native! and is eager to increase interest and support for prairie conservation and the benefits of Missouri native plants.

The Grow Native! program will be fully transitioned as part of MPF

by July 1, 2012. Barbara Fairchild, Grow Native! communications specialist, will continue to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation until that time, doing her great native plant outreach and education and working with MPF on the transition.

Name: __________________________________________________ Addressss: _______________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________ E-mail (Optional): _________________________________________

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

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS GREENWAY NETWORK MAY 6: Missouri River Watershed Monitoring Day (8:00am - 4:00pm); Larry Ruff (636) 498-0772 MAY 6: Dinner and Bikes Rolls Into Saint Louis, William A. Kerr Foundation, Saint Louis (4:00pm - 7:00pm) MAY 7: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) MAY 13: Maline Creek Monitoring, Forestwood Park, Ferguson (1:00pm - 4:00pm); David or Mark (314) 388-1423 MAY 16-17: Invasive Plant Workshop, Powder Valley Nature Center, Kirkwood (8:45am - 4:30pm - Both Days); Tim Banek (573) 522-4115 ext. 3371 MAY 16: Ride and Walk of Silence, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis (5:15pm - 6:00pm); John Cameron (314) 323-1726 ext. 106 MAY 31: Water Quality Monitoring in Deer Creek (9:00am - 12:00pm); Danielle (314) 961-4410 JUNE 2: Jacks Fork River Rats Annual Litter Pickup Float Trip/Picnic/ Camp (8:30am - 4:30pm) JUNE 4: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Charles Community Center - Suite 202, Saint Peters (7:00pm 9:00pm) MAY 9: Grand Glaize Creek Monitoring, Valley Park, Manchester (8:00am - 12:00pm); Darlene (636) 225-3946 or Bob (314) 494-8432 JUNE 15-17: Mark Van Patten’s Fly Fishing for Invert Nuts (8:30am 4:00pm) JUNE 24: Missouri River Watershed Monitoring (8:00am - 4:00pm); Larry Ruff (636) 498-0772 JUNE 28: Water Quality Monitoring in Deer Creek (8:00am - 12:00pm); Danielle (314) 961-4410 MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAY 19: Fly Fishing Film Tour, Ragtag Cinema, Columbia (1:00pm) JUNE 5: Chapter Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) JUNE 5: Annual Hot Dog Burn,

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Gordon Shelter, Stephens Lake Park, Columbia (5:30pm) MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATION MAY 5-6: Cat Ranch Voo (Blackpowder Rendezvous), Marble Hill; Chris Waggoner (573) 866-0046, Jeff Lake Packey (573) 783-3662 MAY 18-19: Spring Osage Knap-In, Boonville; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622 JUNE 1-3: 2nd Annual Pioneer Ridge Atlatl Throw; Kevin Verhulst (641) 777-5053 JUNE 29-30: Montauk State Park; Ron Mertz (314) 680-3596 or Jon Wood (573) 881-6622 MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION JUNE 3: Open-Buddy Bass Tournament - Summer Sizzler, Truman Lake, Long Shoal Marina (6:00am - 2:00pm) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAY 4: Mid County/Show Me Black Duck Dinner, Andre’s South, Saint Louis (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Eddie Whiting (314) 450-6420 MAY 5: Sedalia Sponsor Dinner, Wood Dale Farm, Sedalia (5:30pm 9:00pm); Ginny Zinck (660) 460-0031 MAY 11: Cassville Ducks Unlimited Dinner, American Legion, Cassville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Julie Snodgrass (417) 489-1078 MAY 12: Old Monroe Shoot, Blackhawk Valley Shooting Club, Old Monroe (9:00am - 3:00pm); Cathy Kleinsorge (314) 578-1245 MAY 12: Troy Dinner, Fairgrounds, Troy (6:00pm - 10:30pm); Justin Butler (314) 435-9945 or Todd Keithly (636) 262-6681 MAY 19: Gateway Greenheads Gun Raffle, Town and Country (5:30pm - 6:00pm); Chris Rhynerson (314) 435-5723 MAY 19: Golden Valley Sponsor Dinner, Rotary Building on the Square, Clinton (5:30pm - 11:30pm); Parker Mills (660) 885-3368 or Trevor Hickman (660) 221-0417 JUNE 7: Greene County Art Exhibit, Drury University, Springfield (6:00pm 11:30pm); Kelley Still (417) 873-7458, Richard Warriner (501) 307-3152 or

Heath Rogers (417) 887-1891 JUNE 30: State Committee License Plates (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Todd Carlton (573) 893-7449 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION MAY 30 - JUNE 2: International Hunter Education Association Annual Conference, Kansas City JUNE 10: Board of Directors Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUND RAISING BANQUETS MAY 10: Capitol City Strutters, Donita’s Banquet Center, Jefferson City; John Slicker (573) 680-5903 MAY 17: Sand Hills Thundering Toms, Wild Idea Archery, Seymour; Jeff Ford (417) 880-7173 MAY 18: Reynolds County Struttin Gobblers, Reynolds County Fairgrounds, Redford; Gary Black (573) 637-9344 MAY 25: Turkey Creek Longbeards, Jack Lawton Webb Convention Center, Joplin; Terry Greer (417) 206-6447 JUNE 2: Hunting Heritage Banquet, Brashear; Mike Allen (660) 323-5562 JUNE 8: Booger County Gobblers, Ava High School, Ava; Chad Sullivan (417) 573-7843 JUNE 9: Branson Tri-Lakes, Clarion Hotel, Branson; Fred Sharbrough (417) 331-0965 JUNE 10: Eight Fun Raffle, Kirksville Ridge Runners, Brashear; Mike Allen (660) 323-5562 JUNE 15: Brickyard Hill Drummers, Atchison County Memorial Building, Rock Port; Troy Cook (660) 744-3456 JUNE 16: Bollinger County Double Beards, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Randy Pogue (573) 238-3234 JAKES FIELD DAYS MAY 12: Southern Warren County Strutters, Saint Ignatius Community Center, Marthasville; Amy Mergelmeyer (636) 221-1538 MAY 25: Spring River Toms, Howard Farm, Carthage; Jerry Hartman

(417) 793-0310 JUNE 2: Green Hills, Boy Scout Camp, Trenton; Scott Roy (660) 359-2299 WHEELING SPORTSMAN EVENTS MAY 19: Ridin with Turkeys, Cape County Park #4; Tim Hendershott (573) 270-3030 JUNE 2: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Clay Bird Shoot, Midwest Shooting Sports Clay Range; Randy Kuehn (573) 587-6184 JUNE 2: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Heartland Banquet Hall; Paul Strickland (573) 579-5833 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION MAY 14: 28th Annual Two-Person Scramble Benefit Golf Tournament, Fred Arbanas Golf Course - Longview Lake, Kansas City (9:00am); Bob McMillin (816) 765-8405 MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION MAY 5: Sand Prairie Tour in Missouri’s Southeastern Lowlands (10:00am - 2:00pm); (888) 843-6739 MAY 12: Glade Botany Workshop with Justin Thomas (9:00am 3:00pm); (888) 843-6739 MAY 20: Tour of Locust Creek Prairie Wetland at Pershing State Park (10:00am - 12:00pm); (888) 843-6739 MAY 26: Guided Hike of Valley View Glades Natural Area (10:00am); (888) 843-6739 MAY 26: Tour of Welsch Tract Restoration Project (10:00am - 12:00pm); (888) 843-6739 JUNE 9-10: 3rd Annual Prairie BioBlitz; (888) 843-6739 JUNE 23-24: Prairie Pain Out, Art Show and Botany Walks, Bethany Springs Farm, Berger (9:00am 5:00pm); (888) 843-6739 MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAY 2-4: Bueker Middle School’s Fifth Grade Field Days, Van Meter State Park MAY 12: 3rd Annual Wings Over Weston Festival, Weston Bend State Park MAY 26: Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Program MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAY 16: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub

CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

(314) 894-8945 JUNE 20: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAY 3: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) MAY 4-5: 11th Annual Smallmouth Rendezvous, Tahlequah, OK MAY 5: MSU Fishing Trip to Roaring

River State Park (9:00am - 4:00pm) MAY 19-20: Derby at Bennett Springs JUNE 1-3: Discover Nature Women’s Event at Windermere JUNE 7: Monthly Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) JUNE 23: Annual Fish Fry OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAY 5: Passport to Meramec River Trails; (636) 451-6090 MAY 22: Board Meeting, Forest Park

Visitor Center; (636) 451-6090 JUNE 2: Greenrock Trail Challenge; (636) 451-6090 JUNE 7: 47th Annual Meeting, Frontenac Hilton; (636) 451-6090 OZARK FLY FISHERS MAY 3: Intermediate Fly Tying, Tilles Park (7:00pm – 8:30pm) MAY 7: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAY 10: Intermediate Fly Tying, Tilles Park (7:00pm – 8:30pm) MAY 17: Intermediate Fly Tying, Tilles Park (7:00pm - 8:30pm) MAY 18-19: Montauk Summer Outing JUNE 4: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) JUNE 23: Mille Creek Water Quality Monitoring

OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAY 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) MAY 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) JUNE 9: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) JUNE 9: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) JUNE 10-16: Spring Canoefest, Current River CFM EVENTS JUNE 10: Summer Board Meeting, Neosho SEP 14-16: Annual Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point, Osage Beach

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

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2012 Convention

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e wish to once again thank all who made this year’s convention our most successful to date.

THANK YOU to all who attended the 2012 convention! The 10th Anniversary of Conservation Leadership Corps saw the largest number of CLC students ever in attendance, nearly 50 resolutions passed out of committee, nine

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individuals committed to CFM Life membership and several outstanding individuals were formally recognized for stellar conservation achievements.

Behind the scenes, the convention planning committee began work on this year’s event earlier than ever before so it is no small wonder that this year’s CFM annual gathering of members was better attended, more organized,

n – At A Glance and more effective in its fundraising efforts. Special thanks goes out to our Chairwoman, Mossie Schallon and the entire convention committee for all of their hard work in advance to ensure CFM’s members were well taken care of and staff, well prepared. Without the vital financial support of key convention partners our 2012 would certainly have been something less. Our sincere thanks

to this year’s Major Convention Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, George C. Clark MO State Chapter NWTF, Drury Hotels, Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Whitetails Unlimited, Commerce Bank, Missouri Conservation Pioneers, National Wildlife Federation, and The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust.

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CFM Strategic Planning Report

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ince we last reported to you there has been a lot happening regarding the CFM Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Planning Committee met a couple times with the E. Sydney Stephens Committee (ESS) to receive their input.

Their members include the past presidents of CFM. Among the recommendations were: 1. The CFM officers and committee chairpersons need to be more involved in the strategic planning process.

Consequently all the officers are invited to participate in the Strategic Planning Committee meeting scheduled for May 23, 2012.

2. Need to identify the focus or priorities for each one or two year period coinciding with the officer’s terms.

3. Committee chairpersons need to inform the Strategic Planning Committee of the committee’s priorities.

4. The goal of 25,000 sustaining members by 2020 seems too high.

5. Need to be sure there is a balance of items in the strategic plan but funding is a major issue.

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ture that CFM hopes to create.

An alternate wording suggested by the CLC might be “The Voice for Missouri’s Continued Outdoor Heritage”.

2. The strategic plan is well written and periodic reviews of the plan are very important in order to maintain a current set of goals.

3. Focus on youth is important with some emphasis on mentoring and attendance.

4. CFM programs need to be pushed and encouraged more.

5. CFM members need to spend time taking young people to activities that involve the outdoors.

6. Need to teach young people more about the history of CFM for young people need to understand where the past generation has been.

7. Need to Educate and inform students of the process for developing CFM resolutions and activities at the Annual Convention.

8. Regarding reaching out to increase and further diversity CFM the CLC members are often very active conservation and related fields and this could be utilized.

9. Have more community service and/or CLC/CFM events for these might help grow membership.

10. Prior to the annual spring convention a CLC resolution exploration interest inventory survey would help CLC students gauge ideas.

11. A considerable number of CLC students are into photography and other arts. By hosting a competition amongst CLC students to create a multimedia project representing the spirit of Missourians as it relates to conservation and to their community would further promote outreach of CLC students into their community with education about CFM. We welcome comments and suggestions at anytime from CFM members or Missouri Wildlife readers pertaining to the Strategic Plan. Our email addresses are as follows: Howard Fisher: hnfisher@ctis.net, Earl Cannon: earl.cannon.62@ gmail.com Howard Fisher and Earl Cannon

FilmFest 4-H

onservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is a new sponsor to an exciting event for kids in 4H and their families. CFM is working with the University of Missouri Extension and the National 4-H Task Force on Communications and Expressive Arts to sponsor the national film

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6. Consideration should be given to re-establishing the Kids Involved Developing Outdoor Skills (KIDOS) program that was held successfully in the Hannibal area a few years ago.

7. A program for low income inner city youth known as Great Outdoors University could benefit from CFM support.

8. The ESS Committee members seemed to think the Mission and Vision statements were good and applicable.

During the past six months the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) was asked to submit input for the members of the Strategic Planning Committee to consider their views and input critical to the CFM and conservation in Missouri. We appreciate very much the effort of Al Vogt, Diana Mulick, Dan Witter, Kat Dockery, Mike Baker and all the CLC members who participated. Following is a summary of the CLC input: 1. The CLC students think the Mission Statement is good but perhaps the words “Future” and “Action” need to be incorporated into the Vision statement. A Vision Statement should briefly describe the fu-

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festival called “FilmFest 4-H”.

The 2nd annual event will take place on August 6-8, 2012 in Branson, Missouri.

This national film festival is an event connecting participants to professionals in the film industry. It celebrates the work of young filmmakers ages 11 and up. There are four categories: Narrative, Animation, Documentary and 4-H

Promotional. As with any medium, an outdoor flavor can be added to any of the categories and of course CFM would love to see more participants showing their Missouri pride with an outdoor heritage perspective. This is a great opportunity for CFM to work with 4H kids, volunteers and youth with an interest in filmmaking. It includes workshops, showcases

and family fun. Keep watching for new updates on CFM support for FilmFest 4H!!

Please visit the website to find out how you can be a part of the fun! http://4h.missouri. edu/go/events/filmfest

CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution)

Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane Addleman, Springfield Michael Duane Addleman † Nancy Addleman † Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield Tom Addleman, Harrisonville Craig Alderman, Buffalo James Agnew, Arnold Allen Appell, Calhoun Richard Ash, Ozark Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin Michael Baker, DeSoto Dane Balsman, Frankfort, KY Don Bedell, Sikeston Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Jeff Blystone, Independence Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL Scott Brundage, Columbia Glenn Chambers, Columbia Ed Clausen, Jefferson City Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Arnold Bill Crawford, Columbia Ryan Diener, Marthasville Joe G. Dillard, Columbia Ron Douglas, Springfield Charlie Drury, Saint Louis Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Tom Drury, Saint Louis John Enderle, Kelso Howard Fisher, Higginsville Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard Fleming, Moberly Lori Fleming, Columbia Matt Fleming, Moberly Paula Fleming, Moberly Sara Fleming, Moberly Matt Gaunt, Columbia Timothy Gordon, Belgrade Blake Gornick, Kirkwood

Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Loring Helfrich, Sikeston Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph James Hill, Mexico Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill John Hoskins, Fremont Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City Don Johnson, Festus Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg Roger Johnson, Humansville Pat Jones, Williamsburg Tom Karl, Farmington Cosette Kelly, Kansas City Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Larry Lackamp, Bates City Kyle Lairmore, Owensville Jay Law (Deceased) Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis John Lewis, Columbia Leroy Logan, Arnold Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell Ike Lovan, Steelville Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield

Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Tom Mendenhall, Columbia Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis Davis Minton, Dexter Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City John Moore, Jr., Gelena Johnny Morris, Springfield John & Patricia Mort, Smithville David Murphy, Columbia Dean Murphy, Jefferson City First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield Austin Owens, Lebanon Jeff Owens, Marshfield Sara Pauley, Hartsburg Scott Pauley, Hartsburg Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant Becky Plattner, Grand Pass Jerry Presley, Centertown Albert Price, Columbia Nick Prough, Blue Springs Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg Kurtis Reeg, Saint Louis David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Tyler Ruoff, Savannah Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland Fred Saylor, Independence Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin Mike Schallon, Wentzville Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Ronald Schwartzmeyer, Arnold Timothy Schwent, Jackson George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Sara Seidler, Saint Louis Anita Siegmund, Saint Louis Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho M. W. Sorenson, Columbia Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove

Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Mary Stuppy, Joplin Mark Sullivan † Jacob Swafford, Columbia Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Travis Taylor, Lawson Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Jeff “J. T.” Tillman † Robert Tompson, Moberly Alex Uskokovich, Glendale Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Julius Wall, Clinton Ginny Wallace, Jefferson City Randy Washburn, Versailles Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia Mary Waters, Columbia Robert O. Werges, Arnold Mark Williams, Lawson Michael Wilson, Saint Louis Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Addie Witter, Annville, PA Brenda Witter, Holts Summit Daniel Witter, Holts Summit Owen Witter, Columbia Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre Dan Zerr, Lake Saint Louis Jim Zieger, Blue Springs Emily Ziehmer, California Robert Ziehmer, California Ethan Zuck, Strafford Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased

When will you add your name to the list?

CFM Life Membership Application Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________ Payment Method (circle one): Cash Check or Credit Card __________________________________ Exp. Date:__________

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Agency news - Department of Conservation

Three Cases of Bat Disease Discovered in Missouri

MDC confirms White-Nose Syndrome in bats from two caves in Lincoln County.

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he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) received confirmation that a deadly disease in bats called “White-Nose Syndrome” (WNS) has been found in three bats from two caves in Lincoln County.

The name describes a white fungus, Geomyces destructans, typically found on the faces and wings of infected bats. WNS spreads mainly through bat-to-bat contact and has not been found to infect humans or other animals.

WNS was confirmed in a little brown bat from one public cave and in two tri-colored bats from a second public cave north of St. Louis by the U. S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis. The specific names and locations of the caves are not being disclosed to help prevent human disturbance of remaining bats in the caves.

Evidence of the fungus was first detected in Missouri in April 2010 on a little brown bat found in a privately owned cave in Pike County. In May 2010, evidence was detected on five federally endangered gray bats and on a northern long-eared bat netted outside a public cave in Shannon County. The three bats with WNS in Lincoln County are the first confirmed cases in Missouri of the actual disease.

The earlier detected cases of the fungus means the bats had contact with the fungus that causes WNS, but may or may not have been infected with the WNS disease. These first confirmed cases of the disease mean the bats have WNS and the disease is present in Missouri and likely to spread.

MDC has been working with DNR, ONSR, USFS and USFWS, along with conservation groups and private cave owners to address the threat of WNS. Efforts include restricting access to most publiclyowned caves that contain bats and educat30

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A deadly disease in bats called “White-Nose Syndrome” was confirmed in three bats from two caves in Lincoln County in March 2012. The name describes the white fungus, Geomyces destructans, shown on the face and wings of this infected little brown bat. Photo credit: MDC

ing the public about the value of bats and the threat of WNS. Approximately 74 percent of the more than 6,300 caves in Missouri are privately owned. Visitors to private caves are asked to check with landowners before entering caves, and to use USFWS decontamination protocols before and after visits to reduce the risk for accidental spread of the fungus.

Information on these protocols is available at fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/pdf/ WNSDecontaminationProtocol_v012511. pdf.

The WNS fungus thrives in cool, damp conditions, which are also ideal hibernation and roosting sites for many bat species.

Bats with WNS exhibit unusual behavior such as flying outside and clustering near entrances of caves and mines during the day in cold winter months when they should be hibernating. This activity uses up stored fat reserves needed to get them through the winter, and they may freeze or starve to death.

USFWS biologists and partners estimate that at least 5.5 million bats have now died from the disease. WNS is decimating bat populations across eastern North America, with mortality reaching up to 100 percent at many sites. First documented in New York in 2007, the disease has spread quickly into 19 states and four Canadian provinces.

Bats provide tremendous value as natural pest control for farms and forests, and also play a role in helping to control insects that can spread disease to people.

Bats are long-lived but slow-reproducing animals with most species having an average lifespan of about 15 years and giving birth usually to only one pup each year.

People should not handle any bats, and should contact their local MDC office or conservation agent if they find dead bats or see bats flying outside during the day during cold winter months when they typically would be roosting or hibernating.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

More information on WNS is available at: fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/ nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/ fort.usgs.gov/wns/ nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/wns_definitions.jsp

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CFM would like to thank the 398 members that renewed since our last publication.

MISSOURI

WILDLIFE

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Animal-rights Group HSUS Backs Out of “Your Vote Counts” Initiative Petition Campaign

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n the last issue of Missouri Wildlife, we told you about sportsmen and farmers common foe: animal-rights group HSUS (the Humane Society of the United States). At the time, HSUS was fully engaged in an initiative-petition campaign called “Your Vote Counts.”

“Your Vote Counts” proposed to radically alter Missouri’s state constitution to require a three-fourths supermajority of the state legislature to amend any future initiative-passed law. If passed, HSUS would have undoubtedly used this new power to target animal agriculture and sportsmen alike.

The “Your Vote Counts” initiative was panned in many corners of Missouri. On “Your Vote Counts,” Governor Jay Nixon said “we need to preserve the ability of the Legislature to fix things, and if they don’t fix them right, we come back next year and fix them again.”

HSUS put serious money behind “Your Vote Counts,” over $330,000 as of this writing. Their animal-rights ally ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) contributed $50,000.

This graph shows that “Your Vote Counts” was a special-interest fueled campaign that had little to nothing to do with the will of Missouri voters.

Although Missouri Farmers Care was primarily concerned about the impact that this change would have on animal agriculture, hunting, and fishing, HSUS’s initiative petition would have opened Missouri up to a flood of out-of-state money.

There is one state in the nation that already has a situation like “Your Vote Counts,” – California. The California legislature has little to no say on initiativepassed laws and that has made California a magnet for out-of-state funded initiative petitions and radical proposals. HSUS has bought their way on to the California ballot box repeatedly and has recently stepped up their anti-hunting efforts in California.

HSUS tried to force the resignation of 32

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California State Fish and Game Commission President Daniel Richards after he went on a perfectly legal cougar hunting trip in Idaho. Hunting cougars is illegal in California and HSUS demanded Richards’ resignation because he would dare to go on a legal hunt in Idaho.

In just the last few weeks HSUS has also sponsored a bill in the California state legislature to ban the use of dogs in bear and bobcat hunts. One pro-conservation group in California stated “Passage of this bill would simply open the door for a ban on the use of dogs for bird hunting, as there is no difference between the two: Dogs are used to find and hold the game until the hunter approaches for the shot.” (http://www.wonews.com/Blog. aspx?id=1740) HSUS targets sportsmen in California for two simple reasons: 1)Hunters and fishers are outnumbered in California and 2)Big-money special interest groups like

HSUS can easily buy their way on to the ballot through California’s flawed initiative petition process.

Missouri Farmers Care is committed to making sure Missouri doesn’t end up like California. Fortunately, we have scored a major victory in that goal: HSUS recently announced that they are suspending their “Your Vote Counts” campaign. We’ve stopped HSUS for now by organizing early and effectively. But they know they will come back again soon – HSUS will not be satisfied until we live in a government-mandated vegan nation.

We need to be prepared before HSUS comes back to Missouri – whether they train their crosshairs on sportsmen or farmers next time. Please share this information with your fellow conservationists and please sign up for our newsletter at www.MissouriFarmersCare.com.

Dan Kleinsorge Operations Manager, Missouri Farmers Care

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.

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