Vol74 no2 2013

March 2013 VOL. 74, NO. 2

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

Featured articles Mule Deer Foundation Becomes CFM Affiliate . . ..................................................... 3 CFM Annual Report................................................................................................ 4 Missouri Farmer Recognized As National Conservation Leader .......................... 19 CFM’s 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot Brings in 2013 With A Bang! ....................................................... 28 Mark Twain National Forest Welcomes New Forest Supervisor .................. 30 The “Voice For Missouri Outdoors” Holiday Sweepstakes WINNERS! ....................................................................... 32

news, updates and columns View From The Stone House ..........................................................................2 Agency News

Missouri Department of Conservation MDC Builds on Strong Foundation for Future Success ...................................22

MDC Working with Local Landowners to Limit CWD Spread ......................23

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Protecting Missouri’s Underground Treasures .................................................24

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks - Onondaga Cave State Park ......................26

Teaming With Wildlife

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice For Missouri Outdoors” Helps NWF Celebrate National Wildlife Week ..............................................18

Calendar............................................................................................................20 Member Information

New Members.................................................................................................3

Honorariums & Memorials ...........................................................................27

March 2013 Vol. 74, No. 2

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

Staff Dave Murphy Travis Scott

Executive Director/ Editor Director of Development

Debra Lee

Teaming With 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.

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: “Silent Sentry: Bobcat on Ozark bluff” © Glenn D. Chambers 2013. www:glenndchambers.com MIS S OURI

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view from the stone house

Y

oung Master Drezden has the world at his beck and call. I have witnessed his dexterous, creative, and intense operations long enough to admire his unrivaled effectiveness greatly. Having dealt with immersion in a foreign culture myself, and thereby been constantly challenged to communicate the simplest of wishes and concepts to those around me, my hat is off to him.

Only very recently, he also learned to walk… which he seems to have immediately cast aside in favor of the tireless, relentless trot/gallop of wolverines.

In a matter of seconds he approaches, embraces, engages and disengages from every person in any room.

He does so with a constant grin on his face, irresistibly drawing each of us into his service.

From very, very early in the game, he has been coached in sign language.

He has mastered the most basic of messages…and often hangs his hat on “please.” Now that he is speaking incessantly, in his own version of “tongues”, he fervently uses both gestures and repetition of words to communicate his thoughts and desires.

It is a marvel to witness.

His history of his universe is newer than last year’s day planner…and yet he gets all the basic stuff and a remarkable assortment of 2

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Point of View

abstractions, like “turkeys.”

The very same day of my most recent delightful audience with Drezden, I read these words from King Osric of Northumbria, an old and very wise 8th century monarch at the time: “There comes a time when the jewels cease to sparkle, the gold loses its luster, and the throne room becomes a prison—and all that is left is a father’s love for his child.”

The contrast between one exuding enthusiasm for achievement in mastery of his world and one weary of the burden of that mastery inspires me, at least for a little while, to revisit several considerations myself. As is consistently the case, my reflections remind me of things about CFM. The balance between young leaders in the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) and the more senior members of our leadership, nearly all of whom had a hand in making the Design

for Conservation Sales Tax and the State Parks and Soils Sales Tax happen decades ago, is never more apparent that at our Annual Convention. There they work in concert to formulate resolutions calling for improvements in our world.

There private citizens as fundamentally different as Drezden and King Osric prove time and again, beyond any doubt, that diversity can be an enormous strength.

More points of view than I am capable of imagining converge upon each topic with the focus of a laser beam. Every problem, every advantage, every cost, every benefit rapidly rises to the surface of public awareness. Language is crafted to express the upshot and the first step in making things happen is taken.

For 77 years, we at CFM have always accomplished together what none of us could manage alone. I would argue that mutual respect among us is our greatest protection from the sort of bad thinking which would spell our certain doom.

Should you, like me, find yourself too often inside instead of outdoors, may

I offer some very interesting points of view? Check out Jeremy Collins’ work from Kansas City. As an illustrator, cinematographer and adventurer, his contributions are stunning!

“The Wolf and the Medallion” and “The Equation” are thrilling, compelling and beautiful. His work is regularly featured in two climbing magazines, “Rock & Ice” and “Alpinist.”

“The Forest Unseen” by David George Haskell is my anniversary gift from my bride…and I pass it along to you. Nothing I have read since “The Wild Trees” by Richard Preston has stretched my horizons regarding trees, forests, or ecology like this wonderful new book.

BUT I am absolutely certain there are countless expressions of well considered, valid perspectives out there far beyond my awareness or imaginings! Drop a note and let me know about those you encounter. Better yet, share them with those around you…and, as the weather and your ability to cope with it allows, get outside!

— Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

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Mule Deer Foundation Chapter Becomes CFM Affiliate

hat does an organization based in the Western United States centered on mule deer and mule deer habitat have to do with Missouri? In one word: Conservation. No matter if you find yourself hunting deer and turkey in the Ozarks or wanting to take an adventure out west and chase mule deer at 10,000 feet, without conservation none of it is possible. Formed 25 years ago, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) wanted to focus its attention on habitat and deer issues across the western states.

Several Missourians also saw the need and in 2000 accepted the challenge and formed the Ha Ha Tonka Chapter near Lake of the Ozarks.

Over the past 25 years, MDF has worked hard and built great relationships on a national level with other conservation organizations and wild-

life agencies. The direction here is to take a more upfront direct approach at the local level. In Missouri, the obvious first step was to become affiliated with the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). The goal here is to not only make more people aware of MDF but to also assist CFM with

any local issues like Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring in deer. The second step is getting local youth introduced and inspired to participate in the shooting sports and conserva-

WELCOME C F M N E W membe r s

Terry Ambrose, Florissant Eric Bowen, Ballwin Kolton Clark, Belle Kristine Cole, Bolckow Jeanne Crews, Saint Louis Clint Dalbom, Jefferson City

Travis Goreham, Grain Valley James Granger, Chesterfield Crystal Grant, Reston, VA Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Timothy Hieronymos, Grain Valley

tion. Officially adopted in 2011, the MULEY program (Mindful, Understanding, Legal & Ethical Youth) was established with the support from the MidwayUSA Foundation. This May, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Ha Ha Tonka Chapter will host its first ever MULEY event in Missouri at the Sedalia Rod and Gun Club.

No matter if your cause is the reintroduction of elk in Missouri or habitat projects for mule deer out west the mission is still the same. Cooperation in conservation is the key and together we can make a difference. For more information locate the Ha Ha Tonka Chapter on Facebook or log onto www.muledeer.org.

Kevin Zielke, Missouri State Chair

Dale Hotard, Chesterfield Michael Hubbard, Jefferson City Tom Jansen, Scott City Jason Jensen, Piedmont Randy Jensen, Ellington Zachary Knerr, Columbia Clark Luntsford, Centralia Rex Martensen, Jefferson City Ed McCormack, Montgomery City David McDowell, Cameron Timothy McDowell, Kansas City

Parker McMillan, Saint Louis Steven McNally, Marceline George Meyer, Madison, WI Norman Murray, Jefferson City Jack Nissen, Dousman, WI Lil Pipping, Elkhart Lake, WI Steph Reed, Jefferson City Carl Sondermann, Fenton Mark Vilbert, Wentzville Betsy Wiss, Boise, ID Chris Zell, Moberly

CFM would like to thank the 372 members that renewed since our last publication.

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

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

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

Conservation Federation of Missouri Top 10 Achievements for 2012

1) Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) A new high number of participants, 75, for our great program to prepare tomorrow’s leaders today. These brilliant high school and collegiate students crafted 30 of our 47 passed resolutions at convention. CFM President Richard Ash appointed CLC students to all CFM standing and ad hoc committees solidifying their engagement as emerging leaders. Emily Wilbers was CFM’s first student intern from CLC.

This year the CLC sent representatives to Wisconsin to assist their efforts to build their own leadership development program in America’s Dairyland. Several leaders of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and their new youth corps will attend CFM convention in 2013. The CLC continued their support of the organization they helped initiate in Montana, as well.

2) Support of State Parks Youth Corps CFM handled the marketing, sale and administration of over $1,000,000 in Missouri State Tax Credits, from the Department of Economic Development, to fund the salaries and operations of the State Parks Youth Corps, a nationally award-winning program. Our efforts funded work in Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites by nearly 1,000 Missouri youth, for many their first jobs! We owe a huge debt of thanks to each of the generous businesses and individuals who answered our call to fund this endeavor by investing in these credits.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

3) Share The Harvest A significant milestone in one of our marquee programs this year, Share The Harvest passed 3,000,000 pounds of venison produced in the history of the program! This year’s record performance paid more than $316,000 for the processing of nearly 7,000 whole deer (invoices continue to come in at this writing). Over the years funding in excess of $2,058,000 from many businesses and organizations and agencies has made this possible. Consistent funding and logistic support from the Missouri Department of Conservation and its employees make everything work well. Our great partnership is able to both help the management of our Missouri wild deer herd and provide wholesome and nutritious food to those who need it most.

Governor and First Lady Nixon continue to zealously promote Share The Harvest at every opportunity and provide leads for significant funding. This year, our Governor invited 15 Missouri youth to Kirksville for his inaugural youth invitational deer hunt. Hunters were encouraged to

donate their deer to Share The Harvest. Also he held media events before deer season to create awareness and after deer season to assist in delivery of meat. And DURING deer season, he donated his deer to the program!

4) Missouri Department Of Conservation 75TH Anniversary Many festivities and celebrations happened throughout MDC’s Diamond Anniversary. At CFM we helped Missouri State Archives produce a set of 36 panels depicting the history of conservation in our state. These incredible displays are now traveling the state and are available for local bookings at http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/exhibits/ travelingexhibits.asp The new Central Regional Office of MDC was the site of one of the official celebrations in Columbia. Due mention here is that the building was christened the “E. Sydney Stephens” building to honor CFM’s first president…and MDC’s first commissioner.

Glenn D. Chambers created a bronze sculpture of the Missouri Monarch to commemorate the anniversary. This 1/3 life size original bronze is a perfect reduction of the World Record Non-Typical whitetail buck from St. Louis county.

One additional achievement worth mention was the project we jointly sponsored with the Missouri State Archives, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and the Missouri Department of Conservation. This year we learned that there were 19 historic feature length films

produced by Charles Schwartz and Glenn Chambers that had never been digitized. We raised the funds and coordinated the project. Now these iconic films are available to all through the agency websites.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

5) CFM The Voice For Missouri Outdoors In addition to our advocacy activities with all state and federal agencies and with the Missouri General Assembly and U.S. Congress, we fulfilled Theodore Roosevelt’s challenge to speak up for wildlife and its habitat in many ways in 2012.

• keeping hunters informed about Chronic Wasting Disease • negotiating new regulations to control crayfish invasions • spoke at Missouri Farm Bureau Federation’s annual resolutions committee

• lectured at Mizzou Natural Resources Policy class • spoke at regional breakfast at Pheasants Forever National Convention • testified to stop SJR 27 to expand Conservation Commission • testified in support of Missouri Department of Conservation budget • testified in support of Missouri Department of Natural Resources budget

• spoke at Commencement for MDC Conservation Agents • testified to Clean Water Commission on Missouri River and Jamison Island

• advocated for wildlife in development of Alaska National Petroleum Reserve • keynote at Iowa Sportsmen’s Rally in Des Moines

• spoke to all employees at annual meeting of Missouri State Parks

• keynote at Int. Hunter Education Association convention in Kansas City

• spoke at memorial dedication at Rock Bridge State Park

6) Promoting Conservation AND Agriculture For decades, CFM has championed the fact that conservation practices and production agriculture are both products of the land. Wise use of natural resources is at the heart of this symbiotic success. Without one, the other is invariably something less. To that end, the objective of enhancing awareness of the public, we delivered a solid performance in 2012. Among many other things, CFM: • advocated for development, funding and passage of the next Farm Bill • spoke up for release of CRP lands for moderate grazing during the drought • exchanged membership and board seats with Missouri Farmers Care • participated in Magnificent Missouri inaugural event

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• testified on behalf of the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s budget • served on task forces to address threats to our natural resources like feral hogs, Thousand Cankers Disease, and Gypsy Moths

CFM 2012 Annual Report

7) Missouri’s National Archery in the Schools Program Since CFM led the effort to bring this international program to Missouri in 2004, our efforts have encouraged its steady growth and improvement. This in school, Olympic style archery training has emerged as a premier student engagement and self-improvement activity…and as a prominent venue of hunter recruitment.

In 2012, our partnership in support of the exemplary leadership of the Missouri Department of Conservation staff who now lead the program reached new heights.

Thanks to generous funding from especially the Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, along with support from Whitetails Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Safari Club International, and CFM’s own resources, MO NASP now is serving over 59,000 Missouri students in 268 schools!

Virtually no schools are dropping out of the program and many, many new ones enroll each year. Together, we have invested almost $200,000 in support of MO NASP. Furthermore, 2012 brought two additional long term

goals to life: in 2013 the NASP World Tournament will come to St. Louis in June. And in 2014, the Missouri State Tournament will come to Mizzou.

8) Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus We have many friends among members of the Missouri General Assembly. Since 2003, members have voluntarily participated in caucus events to have fun together and to celebrate our incredible Missouri outdoor legacy. For the first time, membership in 2012 rose to 142 of the 197 members of the legislature.

Thanks especially to Senators Mike Kehoe and Ryan McKenna for enrolling every single member of the Senate! Overall Chair, Representative Eric Burlison and co-chair Linda Black, lead recruitment in the House and ran the operations of the caucus.

CFM hosted a breakfast meeting for all members with home made squirrel gravy, home made biscuits and fresh coffee…nearly 100 members in attendance!

CFM helped set and bring to life a packed agenda of concealed carry class for members, staff and their families, a sporting clays benefit shoot to raise funds for the National Archery in the Schools Program, sponsorship of the Missouri Governor’s Invitational Youth Wild Turkey Hunt, and our initial Thank you to Members Rally at the Missouri Capitol.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

9) Great Outdoors University (G.O.U.) This year a partnership between CFM and the Open Space Council resulted in bringing this incredible program from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation to Missouri.

G.O.U. is an award winning program to get inner city kids outdoors. It originated in Memphis and has expanded to Nashville and Knoxville. Missouri and North Carolina are piloting G.O.U. for the very first time outside Tennessee.

In 2012 we completed the initial training for administrators of the program. We also began planning the first events for fall, 2013, in the St. Louis area.

10) Operation Game Thief Program (OGT)

CFM continued their leadership in providing support to Conservation Agents in the field through this great tool.

Technological advances like smart phones for agents and telecheck now put enforcement tools at the agent’s fingertips instantaneously. OGT’s telephone service, 800392-1111, provides 24-7 access for the public to report violations. In 2012 OGT also paid $8,150 in rewards to

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44 individuals for information leading to arrest and conviction of violators. Since 2003, CFM has paid $107,039 in rewards for information which led to 587 convictions.

OGT is our way of doing what we can to “stop poachers in their tracks.”

CFM 2012 Annual Report

Conservation Federation of Missouri Internal Milestones for 2012 1) Record quality and attendance at Convention Since 2006, CFM convention has grown in participation and fund-raising each year. This year CLC attendance hit 75, general attendance was estimated at well over 400, and for the first time total attendance at convention likely made it to 500!

We also set a new record in fundraising of $22,409 net in 2012, up from the high water mark of $22,291 set the previous year. Forty-seven resolutions were passed to make the future even brighter for Missouri Outdoors. Thanks to our zealous and effective CFM Convention Committee this was our best event so far!

2) Outdoor Action Committee (OAKs) The OAKs are tasked with follow up on the recommendations of the 2009 A Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors. In 2012 clear roles for each of the 3 subcommittees emerged. The Education Subcommittee completed their efforts to capture every example of outdoor and environmental education already ongoing in Missouri. This inventory is the essential first step in preparations for our planned Outreach and Education Summit in 2013. The Funding Subcommittee secured resources to prepare for the next summit, in 2014, on funding for natural resource conservation. The Natural Resources Subcommittee crafted and got passed a resolution to call for the ban of tall fescue and brome grass in new Conservation Reserve Program enrolled lands.

This recommendation was adopted and put into practice in 2012.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

3) CFM Sporting Clays events Sponsorship and the number of participating shooters has grown each year in our Pull for Conservation event held each August at River Hills near Boonville. In 2012 we had 130 shooters and 74 station sponsors. Chair Tom Russell and his committee ran a first class event which netted over $14,000 for CFM! In January, we hosted the inaugural “Cabin Fever” event at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports near Millersburg. This first event attracted 78 shooters and netted over $4000 on the coldest weekend of the year!

4) Membership Recruitment in Rural Missouri and Missouri Life A multi-partner agreement was created between CFM, the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and members of the CFM Business Alliance, especially Drury Hotels and Bass Pro Shops, to provide advertising revenues for Rural Missouri, business advertising for Drury Hotels and Bass Pro Shops, and new member recruitment for CFM from among readers of Rural Missouri. For several months, we had a full page ad on the page facing the regularly featured outdoors page, thereby reaching out to over 1.4 million readers each month.

An additional opportunity for CFM came about as Missouri State Parks commissioned a very nice pull out section in Missouri Life magazine. CFM supported this with two ads, at a discounted rate, to create awareness of CFM and recruit new members. In addition to the over 20,000 regular subscribers, another 75,000+ examples of this special edition was printed and placed in all Missouri Welcome Centers.

5) National Wildlife Federation (NWF) State Power Building Task Force CFM was invited to the NWF annual meeting at the National Conservation Leadership Institute in West Virginia in 2012. Our role was to jointly host a workshop on coalition building with our Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) success as the example. Through TWW, our Missouri network connects over 310 businesses and organizations, with a combined reach to 1.35 million citizens.

Awareness of our success contributed to NWF’s working with state affiliates to attempt to grow the number of states with this sort of strength and efficacy. Our counterpart, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and members of the NWF board and staff have collaborated throughout 2012 to produce recommendations to NWF for consideration at their 2013 meeting.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

6) Marketing Plan A brand new committee has been appointed with the charge of marketing CFM. Chair Bettie Yahn-Kramer and members have worked to put together a solid plan for this big project. Two principle goals are being addressed immediately: solidifying our brand and retooling our website.

7) By-laws revision Our Constitution and by-laws Committee has taken up the task of a major rewrite of CFM by-laws. After several years of minor revisions, we found our by-laws to be, in places, redundant and even not clearly representative of how we operate. The committee, chaired by Norman Leppo, has invested great effort in ensuring that our bylaws perfectly reflect how we operate and are as succinct, logical and easy to read as possible.

8) Strategic Plan revision With some years of quarterly updates and revisions to our plan, the Strategic Planning Committee, co-chaired

by Howard Fisher and Earl Cannon, took on the task of revamping, streamlining and simplifying our plan. The product of their efforts will be ready for board consideration in 2013.

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

Income

Program Grants/Scholarship Fundraising Meetings

Membership Dues

Publications and Advertising Miscellaneous

$276,720 $25,675 $138,183 $84,331 $185,208 $6,000 $186,366 $902,483

Expenditures

Programs Grants/Scholarships Fundraising Meetings Membership Publication Miscellaneous

Capital Improvements Operating Payroll

$496,033 $1,350 $50,302 $64,238 $36,644 $34,885 $22,662 $10,773 $34,358 $310,499 $1,061,744

*232,834 in 2011 income was expended as Programs in 2012 1 2

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CFM Officers

President: Richard Ash, Ozark First Vice President: Al Vogt, Columbia Second Vice President: Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Secretary: Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Treasurer: Randy Washburn, Jefferson City

Board of Directors Craig Alderman, Buffalo Mike Baker, DeSoto Marvin Behnke, Saint Louis Jim Blair, Clayton Jeff Blystone, Independence Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Brian Brookshire, Jefferson City Robert Brundage, Jefferson City Charley Burwick, Springfield Earl Cannon, Jefferson City Jerry Castillon, Ellisville Glenn Chambers, Columbia * Charlie Davidson, Jefferson City Katherine Dockery, Saint Louis Ken Drenon, Jefferson City Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Howard Fisher, Higginsville * Howard Fleming, Moberly * Elsa Gallagher, Excello R. Jack Garrett, West Plains * David Hamilton, Saint Louis Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Linda Hanley, Oak Grove Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Donald Harris, Springfield Barry Hart, Jefferson City Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Bill Hilgeman, Manchester C.W. Hook, Higginsville * Don Johnson, Festus * Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Bill Kirgan, Saint James Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs * Seth Klein, Bland Dan Kleinsorge, Jefferson City John Knudsen, Hermann Dan Kreher, Ballwin Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City * Grace Leinberger, Linn Joel LeMaster, Fulton

Norman Leppo, Saint Louis Ike Lovan, Steelville * C.F. Luebbert, Tipton * Ranney McDonough, Poplar Bluff Bill McGuire, Jefferson City Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Arnold Meysenburg, Lees Summit Misty Mitchell, Springfield Zachary Morris, Nixa John Neporadny, Lake Ozark Tom Noyes, Lathrop * Frank Oberle, Novinger Dave Pace, Salem Rod Pennington, Rogersville Brian Peterson, Cedarcreek Albert Phillips, Saint Louis * Charley Ponciroli, Brentwood Tom Russell, Columbia Mike Schallon, Wentzville * George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis * Chad Shoemaker, Mexico Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove Dennis Stubbs, Festus Norm Stucky, Jefferson City Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City * Dan Vogt, Centralia Wallis Warren, Beaufort James Washabaugh, Jefferson City Dan Witter, Holts Summit Dick Wood, Saint Louis * Howard Wood, Bonne Terre * Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre Jerry Woodson, Perryville Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Saint Charles Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Blue Springs * CFM Past President

CFM 2012 Annual Report

CFM Affiliates Anglers of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Missouri Trappers Association

Big Game Hunters, Inc.

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association

Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association

Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Bridlespur Hunt Club

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Mule Deer Foundation

Capital City Fly Fishers

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

North Side Division Conservation Federation

Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region

Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment

Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc.

Missouri Forest Products Association

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Perry County Sportsman Club

Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association

Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.

Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Greenway Network, Inc.

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

Heaven’s Anglers

Missouri Native Seed Association

River Bluffs Audubon Society

Howardville Community Betterment

Missouri Parks & Recreation Association

River Relief, Inc.

Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc.

Missouri Parks Association

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Meramec Area Sportsman Association

Missouri Prairie Foundation

South Side Division Conservation Federation

Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman’s Club

Midwest Diving Council

Missouri Society of American Foresters

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri State Campers Association

Wecomo Sportsman’s Club

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association

Wild Elk Institute of Missouri

Missouri BASS Federation Nation

Platinum:

Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

Business Alliance Members Basic:

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Macon Realty Company

Bass Pro Shops

Cap America

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Drury Hotels

Citizens Telephone Company

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Shelter Insurance Companies

Columbia Daily Tribune

Mid America Mortgage Services, Inc.

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

Middle River Bluffs

Gold:

Dickerson Park Zoo

Midwest Mailing Services

MidwayUSA

DJ Case & Associates

Osage Canoes, LLC

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

Quality Forest Management, LLC

Silver:

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

REMAX Boone Realty

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Forrest Keeling Nursery

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC

James T. Blair IV

General Printing Service

Show Me Printing

Pyramid Home Health Services

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Tabor Plastics Company

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

The Bank of Missouri MIS S OURI

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CFM 2012 Annual Report

Lifetime Members

Cynthia Metcalfe, Clayton

Anita Siegmund, Saint Louis

Walter Metcalfe, Clayton

Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho

Davis Minton, Dexter

M. W. Sorenson, Columbia

Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City

Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove

John Moore, Jr., Gelena

Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico

Johnny Morris, Springfield

Mary Stuppy, Joplin

John & Patricia Mort, Smithville

Mark Sullivan †

David Murphy, Columbia

Jacob Swafford, Portales, NM

Dean Murphy, Jefferson City

Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Travis Taylor, Lawson

Charles Abele, Saint Louis

Blake Gornick, Kirkwood

R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph

Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg

Duane Addleman, Springfield

Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph

Michael Duane Addleman †

Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

Nancy Addleman †

Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield

Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson

Tom Addleman, Harrisonville

Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville

James Agnew, Arnold

Herman Hanley, Grain Valley

First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City

Craig Alderman, Buffalo

Milt & Deanna Harper, Columbia

Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Allen Appell, Calhoun

Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis

Jeff “J. T.” Tillman †

Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly, Nixa

Richard Ash, Ozark

Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance

Robert Tompson, Moberly

Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield

Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin

Loring Helfrich, Sikeston

Alex Uskokovich, Glendale

Austin Owens, Lebanon

J. Douglas Audiffred, Ballwin

Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph

Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City

Jeff Owens, Marshfield

Michael Baker, DeSoto

James Hill, Mexico

Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City

Sara Pauley, Hartsburg

Dane Balsman, Frankfort, KY

Allan Hoover †

Lee Vogel, Kansas City

Scott Pauley, Hartsburg

Don Bedell, Sikeston

John Hoskins, Fremont

Al Vogt, Columbia

Abe Phillips, Saint Louis

Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis

Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe

Julius Wall, Clinton

Jan Phillips, Saint Louis

Jeff Blystone, Independence

Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis

Ginny Wallace, Jefferson City

Glenn & Ilayana Pickett, Columbia

Glenn Boettcher, Owensville

Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles

Randy Washburn, Versailles

Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant

Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau

Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City

Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia

Becky Plattner, Grand Pass

Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau

Don Johnson, Festus

Mary Waters, Columbia

Jerry Presley, Centertown

Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL

Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg

Robert O. Werges, Arnold

Albert Price, Columbia

Scott Brundage, Columbia

Roger Johnson, Humansville

Mark Williams, Lawson

Nick Prough, Blue Springs

Glenn Chambers, Columbia

Pat Jones, Williamsburg

Michael Wilson, Saint Louis

Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg

Bryan Chilcutt, Columbia

Tom Karl, Farmington

Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg

Kurtis Reeg, Saint Louis

Ed Clausen, Jefferson City

Cosette Kelly, Kansas City

Addie Witter, Annville, PA

David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield

Ron Coleman, Saint Albans

Duane Kelly, Kansas City

Brenda Witter, Holts Summit

Gerald Ross, Jefferson City

Mark Corio, Arnold

Marty King, University City

Daniel Witter, Holts Summit

Tyler Ruoff, Savannah

Bill Crawford, Columbia

Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs

Owen Witter, Columbia

Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland

Andy Dalton, Springfield

Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC

Dick Wood, Saint Louis

Fred Saylor, Independence

Ryan Diener, Marthasville

Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring

Howard Wood, Bonne Terre

Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin

Joe G. Dillard, Columbia

Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS

Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre

Mike Schallon, Wentzville

Ron Douglas, Springfield

Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City

Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre

Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

Charlie Drury, Saint Louis

Larry Lackamp, Bates City

Dan Zerr, O’Fallon

Pamela Schnebelen, LaBarque Creek

Chuck Drury, Saint Louis

Kyle Lairmore, Owensville

Jim Zieger, Blue Springs

Ronald Schwartzmeyer, Arnold

Tom Drury, Saint Louis

Jay Law †

Emily Ziehmer, California

Timothy Schwent, Jackson

John Enderle, Kelso

Gerald Lee, Kansas City

Robert Ziehmer, California

Travis Scott, Columbia

Joe Engeln, Columbia

Joel LeMaster, Fulton

Ethan Zuck, Strafford

George Seek, Meadville

Howard Fisher, Higginsville

Norman Leppo, Saint Louis

E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis

Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville

John Lewis, Columbia

Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased

Sara Seidler, Saint Louis

Andrew Fleming, Columbia

Leroy Logan, Arnold

Howard Fleming, Moberly

Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell

Lori Fleming, Columbia

Bob Lorance, Stover

Matt Fleming, Moberly

Ike Lovan, Steelville

Paula Fleming, Moberly

Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry

Sara Fleming, Moberly

Chip McGeehan, Marshfield

Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis

Staff

Dave Murphy, Executive Director Travis Scott, Director of Development

Manley Fuller, Tallahassee, FL

Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield

Debra Lee, Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator

Matt Gaunt, Columbia

Richard Mendenhall, Columbia

Micaela Haymaker, Office Manager

Timothy Gordon, Belgrade

Tom Mendenhall, Columbia

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Laurie Coleman, Membership Associate/Managing Editor

CFM 2012 Annual Report

Award Winners For 2011

2012 Resolutions

1 - Ecological Flow Guidelines 2 - Gravel Mining

3 - Support the Enforcement of the MDC Crayfish Regulation 4 - Support of Further Research of Habitat Use During Flood Conditions 5 - Study of Impacts of Horses Along the Current & Jacks Fork Rivers

Conservation Educator Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Conservation Legislator Representative Steven Tilley Conservation Legislator Senator Kevin Engler

26 - Health Benefits & State Parks 27 - Support for the Reintroduction of the American Burying Beetle in SW Missouri 28 - Glade Reserve Program 29 - Support for the Research and Propagation of the Ozark Hellbender

7 - Piloting Missouri’s Open Space Plan Initiative through Columbia

30 - Support the Research on Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly and Its Habitat

8 - Updating of the State Forestry Law’s Forest Crop Land Program

31 - Unify Resources Which Encourage Beneficial Prescribed Burning

9 - Establish the Missouri Trails Alliance & Comprehensive Statewide Trails Plan

32 - Supports Public Education on White Nose Syndrome

11 - Support for the Installation of Self Service Bicycle Repair Stations on the Katy Trail

Conservation Communicator Steve Jones, Sullivan

25 - Ronald D. Oesch

6 - Continued Support for Missouri Archery Education

10 - Missouri Recreational Trails Program

Conservationist of the Year Dave Pace, Salem (pictured above)

24 - Waterfowl Management Area Party Size Increase

12 - Elimination of Tall Fescue from CRP Grasslands 13 - Incentive for Encouraging Conversion of CRP to Diverse Native Mixes 14 - Eliminating Fescue/Brome from CRP 15 - Supports the Establishment of Recycling Programs at all Missouri Institutions of Higher Education 16 - Importance of CFM Involvement in Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling 17 - Spring Archery Turkey Season 18 - (Tabled) Hunter’s Safety

33 - Protect Church Mountain 34 - Support for Missouri State Parks 35 - Conservation Internships for MO High School and College Students 36 - Encourages New Initiatives to Promote Youth Small Game Hunting 37 - Recognition for Al Vogt and Diana Mulick 38 - (Tabled) Portrayals of Nature and Wildlife in Conservation Magazine Publications 39 - CLC & PFCA Acknowledges Partnership 40 - Implementation of “Nature Education Week” 41 - Public Drinking Water 42 - Support for Clean Water 43 - Energy Efficiency 44 - Children in Nature

Forest Conservationist Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry

19 - Renewable Energy Initiative

Professional Conservationist Elsa Gallagher, Excello

21 - Share the Carp

46 - Support of the DNR Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste & Recycling Efforts

22 - Stream Mitigation

47 - Lead Legacy in Missouri

Wildlife Conservationist Frank Oberle, Novinger

20 - Addressing Asian Carp Through Public Awareness

23 - Encourages Reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act

45 - Land and Water Conservation Fund Resolution

Full titles and texts of resolutions available at www.confedmo.org MIS S OURI

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Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Check the annual member category you prefer: q $250—Basic q $1,000—Silver q $5,000—Gold q $10,000—Platinum CFM Business Alliance members will receive a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www. confedmo.org to sign up online

Business Name:_______________________________________________ Contact Name:_______________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ City:________________________________________________________ State:________________________________________________________ ZIP code:____________________________________________________ Work phone:_________________________________________________ Home phone:_________________________________________________ Fax number:_________________________________________________ E-mail address:_______________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the Conservation Federation of Missouri. We also accept MasterCard, Visa, or Discover below or online at www.confedmo.org Credit card number:___________________________________________ Expiration date:______________________________________________ Signature of cardholder:_______________________________________

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teaming with wildlife

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice For Missouri Outdoors” Helps NWF Celebrate National Wildlife Week

O

n March 18-24, 2013, National Wildlife Federation will mark the 75th anniversary of the annual national Wildlife Week celebration! The annual event is the longest running education program for connecting kids to outdoors and teaching them about the magnificent wildlife in our world.

NWF provides a website for educators and students to learn more about opportunities to watch, support, take action to help restore and to learn about the habitat and wildlife in their back yard. Please visit www.nwf.org/ wildlifeweek to find out more and see how you can spread the word.

This year’s theme is “Branching Out for Wildlife”. The focus is trees and their value for wildlife and people.

Conservation Federation of Missouri is presenting our first Missouri Celebration of National Wildlife Week through a Children’s Painting Competition and Capitol Day on March 13th, 2013. Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife have generously offered to sponsor the painting competition and will be at the Capitol on March 13th to share in the award presentation to our lucky winner. Bringing a love for everything outdoors to our children is the best legacy we can share. The theme of the painting competition for kids from age 6-14 is “Missouri Wildlife: What I love about Missouri outdoors!” It will be judged

by Conservation Leadership Corps at CFM’s Annual Convention in Jefferson City, Missouri at Capitol Plaza Hotel, February 22-24, 2013.

CFM is conducting activities prior to the National Wildlife Week so we 1 8

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Photo credit to: John Kirchner

can bring more awareness about the week to schools and the media as well as to government leaders. The Capitol Day activities on March 13th will include seminars, live wild animals, a chance to meet your legislators, the awards program for the CFM Children’s Painting Competition and an evening reception. Please mark your calendars for the event and register online at www.confedmo.org.

Looking forward to an exciting inaugural event for all fans of Missouri Wildlife to come and speak up!!!

“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.” ~Theodore Roosevelt Debra Lee Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, CFM

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Missouri Farmer Recognized As National Conservation Leader

hariton County farmer Kenny Reichert was recognized as one of the nation’s conservation leaders January 29 at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Reichert, who owns and operates a farm near Brunswick and is chair of the Chariton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors, received the Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award from Jason Weller, acting chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The award recognizes an individual who provides superior service to the conservation community in promoting and leading conservation on private lands. The late Olin Sims was a Wyoming rancher and NACD president whose life was distinguished by years of volunteerism to conservation.

“Like Olin Sims, Kenny Reichert sees conservation of natural resources as more than something you just do for yourself and for the benefit of your own farm or ranch. It’s something you do

to benefit your neighbors, community, state and country,” Weller said.

Reichert has been practicing and advocating no-till planting for nearly 30 years, and has served a key role in promoting conservation activities through NRCS’ Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI).

Reichert’s efforts have been key in getting farmers in his area to implement practices that are helping to improve water quality in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Reichert also has become an untiring promoter of soil health. He guided the Chariton County SWCD board in organizing two workshops to promote soilhealth-building practices like cover crops. More than 300 people attended the workshops.

Reichert also steered the Chariton County SWCD’s efforts in working with NRCS, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the University of Missouri and private businesses to develop a soil health demonstration farm.

The farm is one of two in the nation that is testing which

From left, NACD past president Gene Schmidt, Kenny Reichert and Acting NRCS Chief Jason Weller at NACD conference in San Antonio. Photo credit: NRCS.

cover crops perform best at improving soil health and water quality.

“I have never seen as much excitement as there is now with cover crops,” Reichert says. “We’re just revisiting the days of my grandfather.

They were using cover crops without knowing the science behind why they worked.

Now we have the technology and research to back up why they make such good sense.”

To help alleviate fears of his fellow farmers who were concerned with the costs and effectiveness of completely changing their farming practices, Reichert represented his district in encouraging

the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission to implement a pilot cost-share program in Chariton County for cover crops.

Reichert says he is honored to receive the Olin Sims award, but adds that he doesn’t view what he does as anything special.

“To me, I’m just doing what I should be doing,” he says. “And it isn’t just me doing these things; it’s the (Chariton County) board. I just happen to be chairman and am out front.”

Charlie Rahm State Public Affairs Officer, NRCS

Conserve Life:

Slow Down More than 1,100 people die on Missouri highways each year.

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

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS GREENWAY NETWORK MAR 1-3: Alpine Shop Great Canoe & Kayak Event, Kirkwood MAR 4: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) APR 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) APR 6: Mission: Clean Stream 2013 APR 20: Earth Day Eve, The Muny, Forest Park (4:00pm - 7:00pm) APR 21: Earth Day Festival, The Muny, Forest Park (11:00am 6:00pm) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAR 5: Regular Monthly Meeting, Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7:00pm) MAR 9: Special Meeting - National Speaker George Daniel, Columbia APR 2: Regular Monthly Meeting, Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7:00pm) FEB 8: Conservation Banquet, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia (5:30pm) MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATION MAR 2-3: Missouri Deer Classic, Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622 or Ron Mertz (314) 680-3596 MAR 9: American Legion Archery Range, Columbia; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622 or Ron Mertz (314) 6803596 MAR 23: Jakes Day Event, Hermann Rod and Gun Club, Hermann; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622 or Ron Mertz (314) 680-3596 APR 6: Bridges Mountain Man Spring Rendezvous; David Lohr (417) 280-6304 APR 26-28: Raging Cow Atlatl Event, Grinnell College, Grinnell MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION APR 6: Board Meeting & President’s Rodeo, Hermitage APR 7: Spring Fling, Pomme De Terre Lake, Harbor Marina (6:30am - 3:00pm) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAR 2: Christian County Chapter Dinner, The Nixa Event Center, Nixa (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Kenny Dugger 2 0

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(417) 818-8148, Jared Doty (417) 766-1826 or Brad Watson (417) 766-4552 MAR 9: Saline County Dinner & Live Auction, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Jeff Knott (660) 202-3422, David Ripley (660) 815-7732 or Dennis Yokeley (660) 202-7718 MAR 12: Moniteau County Sponsor Dinner, Madison’s Cafe, Jefferson City (6:00pm - 9:00pm); John Overbey (573) 796-4711 MAR 16: Platte City Membership Dinner, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Harry Lett (816) 806-0602 or Jim Lindsey (816) 365-2719 MAR 16: State Committee - State Convention, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia (6:00pm - 10:30pm); Tony Berter (913) 221-6119, Ginny Zinck (660) 460-0031 or Todd Carlton (573) 893-7449 MAR 23: Moberly Dinner, VFW Hall, Moberly (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Linda Leffeier (573) 470-6324 MAR 23: Troy Dinner, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Shane Creasy (636) 322-9747 MAR 30: Branson - Lakes County Membership Dinner, Big Cedar Lodge, Branson (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Ryan Zeller (417) 294-4164 APR 5: Grand River Sponsor Dinner, Country Club, Chillicothe (5:30pm 9:30pm); Eric Reeter (660) 646-8147 APR 6: Golden Valley Sponsor Dinner, Elks Lodge Banquet Room, Clinton (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Trevor Hickman (660) 221-0417 APR 6: Wetlands for Kids Day, Busch Wildlife Area, Saint Charles (10:00am - 3:00pm); Dan Crigler (636) 2992109 or Todd Carlton (573) 415-6697 APR 13: Saint Joseph Membership Dinner, Knights of Columbus Hall, Saint Joseph (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Casey Schultz (816) 390-6196, Chris Thompson (816) 383-2410 or Josh Garner (816) 261-5465 APR 13: Fort Leonard Wood - Big Piney Membership Dinner, Pershing Community Center, Fort Leonard Wood (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Mike Mette (573) 337-0226 or Adam Brill (573) 586-7704

APR 20: Saint Louis Mid County - Show-Me Black Duck Dinner, Andre’s South, Saint Louis (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Caroline Whiting (314) 583-3749 or Eddie Whiting (314) 450-6420 APR 27: Monroe City Dinner, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City (6:00pm - 11:30pm); David Willis (573) 248-6711 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION MAR 1-3: Clinic & Chukar Hunt, Hedge Hollow Ranch, Bates County MAR 16: Second Annual Spring Fling Trap & Turkey Shoot MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAR 1: Carroll County Longbeards, Rupe Center, Carrollton; Joe McCumber (660) 322-0801 MAR 1: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville; John Shene (816) 365-2853 MAR 1: Sand Burr Strutters, VFW Hall, Sikeston; Allan Lynch (573) 887-1261 MAR 2: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi; Tony Hollinsworth (543) 438-2219 MAR 2: Platte Purchase, Moila, Saint Joseph; Edward Helsel (816) 253-9583 MAR 2: Randolph County Longbeards, Saint Pius X Gymnasium, Moberly; Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 MAR 2: Sho-Me, Shrine Mosque Banquet Room, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455 MAR 7: Current River Longbeards, Southern MO Baptist Assembly, Van Buren; Delbert DeWolf (573) 323-4789 MAR 8: Carman Springs Longbeards, Willow Springs R-4 Elementary Cafeteria, Willow Springs; Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 MAR 8: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Tri County Convention Center, Versailles; Kurt Heisler (573) 378-6032 MAR 8: Osage Prairie Thunderin’ Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Bruce Rogers (417) 876-2521 MAR 8: Stealth Gobblers, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg; David McCannon (667) 747-8260 MAR 9: Heartland Gobblers, American Legion Hall, Poplar Bluff; Chuck Stewart (573) 222-7182 MAR 9: Moniteau Monarchs, Knights of Columbus Hall, Tipton; Brian Hill (573) 796-3885

MAR 9: South Grand River Gobblers, Elks Lodge, Harrisonville; Rodger Benson (816) 679-3119 MAR 9: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline; Dennis Paalhar (660) 537-3459 MAR 14: Marshfield Full Strutters, Marshfield Buildings, Marshfield; Gary Shaffer (417) 741-2006 MAR 15: Kingdom of Calloway Limbhangers, Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Pub, Fulton; John Burk (573) 676-5994 MAR 15: Rocky Top Limbhangers, West Plains Armory, West Plains; Brad McKee (417) 469-0577 MAR 15: Spring River Toms, Carthage Memorial Hall, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 793-0310 MAR 16: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville; Josh Meyer (660) 665-4300 MAR 16: NEMO, American Legion Hall, Palmyra; Travis Moore (573) 231-2859 MAR 16: Polk County Hillbilly Longbeards, Elks Lodge, Bolivar; Todd Grant (417) 376-2647 MAR 16: River Hills Thunderin’ Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 22: Nolan R. Hutcheson Memorial, Intercounty Electric Coop, Licking; Kurt Homeyer (573) 924-2340 MAR 22: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana; Timothy Brooks (573) 754-6692 MAR 22: Saint Louis Longbeards, Andres Banquet Center, Saint Louis; Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAR 23: Big River Gobblers, Deer Creek Golf Course, House Springs; Rich Christopher (636) 274-2574 MAR 23: Cooper County Limbhangers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville; Mark Moyer (660) 882-3959 MAR 23: Lead Belt Longbeards, Saint Paul Lutheran, Farmington; Michael Mahurin (573) 576-0786 MAR 23: North Central MO Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe; Nick Norman (660) 247-5445 MAR 23: Truman Lake Chapter, Benson Convention Center, Clinton; Thomas Paul (660) 351-0788 MAR 28: Triple B Chapter - Buffalo Big Birds, Double Diamond Banquet Building, Buffalo; Travis Pierce (417) 840-8761 MAR 29: Lake Show-Me Longbeards, VFW Hall, Memphis; Chris Comstock (660) 216-0634 MAR 29: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar; Kelly

Madison (417) 681-0364 MAR 30: Lincoln Hills, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy; Jay Herring (573) 898-5420 MAR 30: Saline County Strutters, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407 APR 5: Lewis County Strutters, Queen of Peace Parish, Ewing; Ron Richardson (660) 462-3640 APR 5: Rock Town Gobblers, Celebration Family Worship Center, Iberia; Travis Lawson (573) 480-1916 APR 6: Lake Area Longbeards, Old Kinderhook Resort, Camdenton; Charles & Phillip McElyee (573) 346-7231 APR 6: Putnam County Chapter, Putnam County High School Commons, Unionville; Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 APR 12: Mid-State, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia; Jody Martin (573) 999-9024 APR 13: Platte City Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Paul Lowry (816) 506-7048 APR 13: State Fair Strutters, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia; Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 APR 19: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton; Robin Chambers (660) 654-1192 APR 20: Gentry County Gobblers, Community Center, Stanberry; Tim Runde (660) 937-2580 APR 26: Hocomo Big Beards, Saint Joseph Hall, Fayette; Gene Smith (660) 537-4667 APR 26: Summit Ridge Longbeards, Saint Andrews Catholic Church, Holts Summit; Jeff Demand (573) 289-0401 APR 27: Fabius River Fantails, Knights of Columbus Hall, Edina; Jeff Morrow (660) 397-2610 WHEELIN SPORTSMAN EVENTS APR 6: Disabled Accessible Youth Spring Turkey Hunt; Cody Wilson (417) 753-3164 APR 20: Ozark Greenway Thunderin’ Gobblers, Bussard Farm; Randy Bussard (417) 827-0513 APR 28: Wheeling Sportsmen Spring Turkey Hunt, Bois D Arc - Andy Dalton MDC; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS APR 5: Platte Purchase, Camp Gieger, Saint Joseph; Sherry Hill (816) 992-3650 APR 12: Squaw Creek National Ladies Day, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Forrest City; Lori Stickler (660) 254-4287

APR 20: Ladies Turkey Hunt, Northwest Missouri Outfitters, Denver MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FEB 26-MAR 1: Annual Conference and Expo, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach MAR 26-28: 2013 Playground Safety Inspector Course, Memorial Hall, Saint Charles; Gary (573) 636-3828 MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAR 2: Bird Banding Demonstration, Fleming Park, Blue Springs (10:00am - 1:00pm) MAR 4: Backyard Banding, Jefferson City (2:00pm - 5:00pm) MAR 15: Flying Wild Educator Training, Joplin (3:30pm - 5:30pm) MAR 23-24: March Marshbird Madness MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAR 20: Monthly Meeting, Sunset Hills Community Center, Sunset Hills (7:00pm - 9:00pm) APR 17: Monthly Meeting, Sunset Hills Community Center, Sunset Hills (7:00pm - 9:00pm) MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION MAR 16: Spring Meeting, Hillview Elementary School, Directors Meeting (9:00am) and General Meeting (1:00pm) MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAR 1: Opening Day for Trout Season MAR 7: Monthly Meeting (6:00pm 9:00pm) MAR 9: Pre-Derby Meeting, Bennett Spring State Park (12:00pm) MAR 14-16: Sowbug Roundup (9:00am - 4:00pm) APR 4: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) APR 11: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) APR 13: Tri-Lakes Expo (9:00am 4:00pm) APR 18: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) APR 25: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED MAR 2: Monroe City Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City MAR 9: Mid-Missouri Deer Camp, Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia

MAR 16: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Saint Mary’s Activity Center, Pierce City MAR 23: Muddy Water Whitetails Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Saint Paul MAR 23: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Macon County Expo Center, Macon MAR 23: Miller County Whitetails Chapter Banquet, Mary’s Home School Gym, Eugene APR 6: Audrain County Chapter Banquet, Audrain County 4H Building, Mexico APR 20: Cooper County Disabled Freedom Hunt Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville MULE DEER FOUNDATION APR 13: Ha Ha Tonka Chapter, Osage Beach; Matt Bentz (573) 365-5671 or Marty Holmes (719) 221-0732 APR 13: Annual Fundraising Banquet, Truman Hotel, Jefferson City; Matt Bentz (573) 286-7938 OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAR 16: Public Work Day Project, Greensfelder Park; Katherine or Mike (636) 451-6090 MAR 30: Cleanup Event with Friends of Labarque Creek; Katherine or Mike (636) 451-6090 MAR 30: Tree Planting with Washington University; Katherine or Mike (636) 451-6090 APR 6: Tree Planting with Friends of Labarque Creek; Katherine or Mike (636) 451-6090 APR 20: Forrest Park Earth Day Litter Cleanup; Katherine or Mike (636) 451-6090 OZARK FLY FISHERS MAR 4: Board Meeting MAR 7: Members Only Fly Tying Class, Greensfelder Recreation Building, Queeny Park (6:30pm - 9:00pm) MAR 9: Chili Tie In, Marlan Graham’s Clubhouse MAR 23: Current River Water Quality Monitoring; Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335 MAR 28: General Membership Meeting, Greensfelder Recreation Building, Queeny Park (7:00pm) APR 1: Board Meeting APR 6: Mill Creek Water Quality Monitoring APR 25: General Membership Meeting, Greensfelder Recreation Building, Queeny Park (7:00pm) ARP 27: Blue Springs Water Quality Monitoring

OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAR 9: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm) MAR 9: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm) APR 1-7: Buffalo Camp on River, Ozark Campground, Buffalo River APR 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm) APR 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm) POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. MAR 15: Club Meeting and Dinner, Luckys (7:00pm); George Donner (816) 678-1623 MAR 16: Border War Tournament; Wayne Humphrey (314) 440-2173 or George Donner (816) 678-1623 APR 20: Club Meeting; George Donner (816) 678-1623 QUAIL FOREVER & PHEASANTS FOREVER MAR 8: Corner Covey Banquet, American Legion, Sweet Springs; Grant Bernard (660) 631-2927 or Tracey Bernard (660) 229-5285 MAR 9: Missouri River Valley Banquet, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center, Washington; Arvil Kappelmann (636) 239-427 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAR 2: Missouri Ridge Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Troy (5:30pm) MAR 9: Saint Louis Chapter Banquet, Moolah Shrine Center, Saint Louis (5:00pm) MAR 9: White River Chapter Banquet, Chateau on the Lake, Branson (5:30pm) MAR 9: Elk Prairie Chapter Banquet, Lions Club, Rolla (5:00pm); Carol Carmack (573) 729-5113 MAR 16: Pony Express Big Game Banquet, Saint Joseph; Michael Mooney (816) 232-9553 MAR 16: Ozarks Chapter Banquet, Bass Pro Shops Convention Center, Springfield (5:00pm) MAR 23: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Holiday Inn, Joplin (5:00pm) APR 20: Thousand Hills Big Game Banquet, Kirksville; Ron Smith (660) 626-7794 CFM EVENTS MAY 19: Board Meeting SEPT 21: Board Meeting DEC 14: Board Meeting

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agency news - department of conservation

MDC Builds on Strong Foundation for Future Success

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Department of Conservation remains committed to the promise of serving nature and you.

s we round out the Missouri Department of Conservation’s 75th Anniversary, we are reminded of the firm foundation on which YOUR Conservation Department has been built -- a foundation built by the hands and hearts of generations of conservation partners – a foundation built to serve nature and you – a foundation built from a base of core values that our more than 1,300 staff members and thousands of volunteers remain committed to as we plan for the future.

These core values focus on: • Providing excellent public service, • Treating all citizens the way we want to be treated, • Partnering with citizens and numerous conservation-related groups and organizations, and • Using fairness, objectivity, sound sciences, integrity, accountability, and transparency to guide our actions.

Based on these values, MDC staff work from five major goals that will help build Missouri’s conservation future: 1.) Ensuring healthy and sustainable forests, fish and wildlife resources throughout the state.

2.) Managing lands we hold in public trust and the associated infrastructure to ensure their continued benefits to both Missouri citizens and to forest, fish, and wildlife resources.

3.) Ensuring sound financial accountability and transparency in all areas of operation.

4.) Providing opportunities for active citizen involvement in services and conservation education in both rural and 2 2

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urban areas.

5.) Engaging partners at all levels to enhance our natural resources and effectively deliver conservation services, including individuals, communities, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and others.

The Department has identified challenges to each of these five goals, and has established conservation priorities to address those challenges over the next several years.

As we build our conservation future together, we are reminded of our founding by and for Missourians, and the countless ways citizens of the Show-Me State show you care about conserving our forests, fish, and wildlife.

As we build our conservation future together, we remain committed to working with and for all Missourians to sustain the amazing natural resources found throughout our state. These many and diverse conservation partners include citizen conservationists such as landowners, wildlife watchers, educators, hunters, and anglers, along with groups and organizations, elected officials, government agencies, and others.

As we build our future together, we build from countless examples of how conservation helps people discover nature, on their own land and at our nature centers and almost 1,000 conservation areas throughout Missouri.

Through the dedication, hard work, and support of so many partners, conservation has made Missouri a great place to hunt and fish, and enriches both our economy and quality of life.

And as we build our conservation future together, your Missouri Department of Conservation remains committed to

Robert Ziehmer. Photo credit: MDC.

the promise of serving nature and you.

We encourage all Missourians to renew your commitment to conservation in your own ways – with a fishing rod or through the lens of a camera, with a shotgun or rifle, in a boat or canoe, by looking through binoculars, or putting miles on your hiking shoes, at the end of shovel used for planting trees and other native flora, in school and out in nature’s many hands-on classrooms, with friends and family, along a trail, and in your own backyards.

For more information on how your Department of Conservation can help, visit us online at mdc.mo.gov, visit a nature center or MDC office, or speak with your local conservation agent and other staff.

Robert L. Ziehmer, Director, MDC

agency news - department of conservation

MDC Working with Local Landowners to Limit CWD Spread

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Deer-reduction effort limited to area in Linn and Macon counties where CWD has been found.

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will be working with private landowners in a small section of Linn and Macon counties to help limit the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by reducing local deer numbers. CWD is a fatal disease in deer.

The targeted reduction effort will focus on a core area around northwest Macon County where the disease has been found in six free-ranging deer since early 2012. This core area is comprised of a 29-square-mile block along the northern part of the Linn- and Macon-county border and comprises about 2 percent of the counties’ total area.

The effort will involve MDC staff working with cooperating landowners to shoot deer on their properties beginning in mid-January and ending by

The red box on this map shows the core area around where CWD has been found, and where MDC will be working with local landowners to reduce deer numbers. The core area is comprised of a 29-square-mile block along the northern part of the Linn- and Macon-county border and comprises about 2% of the counties’ total area.

mid-March.

“Our extensive CWD testing indicates that we caught the disease early while it is still limited to a small number of deer in a very concentrated area,” says MDC State Deer Biologist Jason Sumners. “We hope that by significantly reducing the number of deer in the core area where

CWD has been found, we can remove infected animals. This will help reduce, or potentially eliminate, the further spread of the disease to other deer in the area. It will also help prevent, or at least dramatically slow, the spread of the disease to other areas of Missouri.”

Sumners adds that more than 90 percent of Missouri land is privately owned, so landowners are vital to deer management and to MDC’s efforts to limit the spread of CWD. “We greatly appreciate the cooperation and sacrifices of these local landowners,” says Sumners.

“While this will greatly reduce deer numbers in this area in the short term, the effort will ultimately help protect the health of deer in the area and throughout the state by limiting the spread and impact of CWD.” MDC will continue sampling hunter-harvested deer in future years to test for CWD, continue annual reviews of its CWD efforts, and conduct a complete evaluation in three years.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

Conserve Life: Slow Down More than 1,100

people die on Missouri highways each year.

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

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agency news - department of Natural Resources

Protecting Missouri’s Underground Treasures

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issouri’s history includes many tales about how we became known as the “Show-Me State,” however, many also refer to Missouri as the Cave State. This is because we live above and around more than 6,600 recorded caves, a number that continues to grow each year. Our state is now second to Tennessee with 8,600 caves.

Caves continue to serve as valuable resources for our state’s inhabitants and visitors. They are one of the last frontiers of exploration for adventure seekers who enjoy the underground. They also reveal details of past climatic conditions and serve as an integral part of the state’s groundwater system. They provide underground conduits that move water to springs that form the headwaters of our state’s outstanding rivers and streams.

Most of Missouri’s caves are found south of the Missouri River in the Ozarks.

Bedrock in this region is primarily made up of soluble dolomite and limestone rock formations. Numerous caves are also located between Hannibal and St. Louis, as well as in central Missouri near Columbia.

Cave Tours Beneath the surface are some of the state’s most scenic natural wonders. Cave tours have been given in Missouri for more than 100 years. The 2 4

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Naturalist-led tours of Meramec State Park’s Fisher Cave provide an interesting adventure for park visitors from the low, narrow streamside passages to the huge rooms filled with calcite deposits. Credit: DNR

early tours consisted of what we would today consider ecotours. Cave visitors often scrambled over muddy banks and slogged through cave streams as they explored the caves with their guides. As tourism grew, so did tourist excursions through Missouri’s commercial caves. Now, for the comfort of visitors, most commercial caves have concrete walkways and electric lighting along the tour route.

Onondaga Cave has been a tourist attraction since 1897.

Charles Christopher was the cave’s discoverer and leader of this early tour. In 1930, Dr. William Mook learned that Onondaga Cave was under the property that he leased for use as a resort for doctors.

Dr. Mook and his brother, Robert Lee Mook, dug a tunnel into the cave and erected a barbed wire fence across “The Big Room,” at the supposed property line. Bob Bradford, the owner and tour operator of Onondaga Cave at the time, was told to stop trespassing.

This was the beginning of a

property dispute that was to last until May 1935 when the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Mook brothers.

This ruling set a precedent for the establishment of underground property rights. The ruling reached beyond caves and impacted the quarrying, mining, oil and gas industries in Missouri.

Protecting Missouri’s Caves The Missouri Department of Natural Resources considers caves important natural resources because of their unique beauty, their history, and their role in a healthy environment.

They play key roles in groundwater movement, serve as habitat for threatened and endangered animal species, and often yield the bones of prehistoric animals as well as the artifacts of prehistoric generations of mankind. They provide outstanding opportunities for studying and gaining a better understanding of the geology of our landscape, and

the relationships between the environment we see at the surface and the one that is hidden beneath.

The need to protect the fragile beauty of Missouri’s caves was recognized a century ago

by Luella Owen, one of Missouri’s earliest female geologists. “The caves in this region (southern Missouri) have been deprived of great quantities of their beautiful adornments by visitors,” she wrote. “The gift of beauty should always be honored and protected for the public good.”

In 1975, the Department of Natural Resources, supported by the Department of Conservation, the Missouri Speleological Survey, the Missouri Caves Association and others were instrumental in the passage of the Cave Resources Act in 1980 by the Missouri Legislature.

The act protects Missouri caves by prohibiting vandalism. It protects the surface of a cave as well as the natural materials it contains, such as stalactites, stalagmites, cave life, and paleontological (fossil) remains. The law also helps to protect the quality of Missouri’s groundwater supplies by establishing specific legal protection to anyone whose well supply or spring has been polluted by someone using a cave for sewage disposal or other pollution causing purposes.

The department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Speleological Survey, archives and maintains a

database of cave information.

Staff geologists use the cave information on a daily basis to provide insight into the geologic framework of karst features and groundwater movement. Geologists take into account the presence of caves when evaluating the suitability of sites for various wastewater treatment systems, landfill facilities and when assisting with the clean up of hazardous waste sites. The proximity of caves, sinkholes and other solution features are considered in determining the likelihood of sinkhole collapses forming under wastewater impoundments or landfills.

For more information on Caves of Missouri, visit the department’s website at dnr. mo.gov.

Caves in Missouri State Parks The department’s Division of State Parks also plays an important role in protecting and promoting caves in Missouri. The Missouri state park system has 183 caves in 18 state parks and historic sites.

State park caves traditionally offer casual and technical cave recreation opportunities, organized tours, wild cave adventures and interpretive programs to teach people about cave and caving.

For 2013, Missouri State Parks offers four outstanding show caves that are open to the public during the tour season. They include Fisher Cave located in Meramec State Park; Ozark Caverns with its unique and breathtaking “Angel Showers” located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park; and Cathedral Cave and Onondaga Cave located in Onondaga Cave State Park. Onondaga

Cave is justly celebrated for its beautiful deposits including colorful dripstones and flowstones, and the spectacular “lily pad” room.

A trip to one of these parks offers visitors the opportunity to see natural geologic wonders that are unique to the cave environment. Park visitors can traverse narrow passageways and behold cavernous rooms filled with spectacular geologic wonders such as stalactites, draperies and soda straws.

Bats and White-Nose Syndrome Where there are caves – one often finds bats. Many of Missouri’s bats species will spend the winter hibernating in caves and can often be found near cave entrances in summer.

Gray bats live in caves year around. Bats are major predators of night-flying insects such as mosquitoes and can annually consume thousands of tons of insects. Bat droppings called guano provide nutrients to the cave’s fragile ecosystem and form the base of the cave food pyramid.

A dangerous disease, however, is spreading across the United States and affecting the bat population in our caves.

The disease is a white fungus called Geomyces destructans and is typically found on the faces and wings of infected bats. Also known as Whitenose syndrome, or WNS, it spreads mainly through bat-to-bat contact and has not been found to infect people, pets or livestock but is highly lethal to bats.

Signs of the disease were first discovered in Missouri in 2010. Education is an impor-

Ozark Caverns, located at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, is best known for a deposit called “Angels’ Showers” - a never ending shower of water that seems to come out of solid rock. With lantern in hand, visitors can view sleeping bats, bear claw marks and the speleological wonders as the first explorers did. Credit: DNR

tant aspect of the overall effort to manage WNS and part of the state park system mission.

Missouri State Parks staff began educating and screening visitors before each cave tour to help minimize risks to bats.

While WNS is mainly transmitted bat-to-bat, scientists believe the fungus can also be carried on clothing, footwear and caving gear.

The department’s Division of State Parks received confirmation from the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in late January that a bat found near the entrance of Onondaga Cave at Onondaga Cave State Park in Crawford County has tested positive for white-nose syndrome.

Staff are increasing protection efforts and will require visitors to wear clothing and bring equipment that has not been in another cave before. In addition, staff took action by adjusting the touring season further into the spring and fall when the bats are gathering for, or preparing to leave, hibernation to avoid disturbing the bats.

The department’s Division of State Parks has a dual responsibility of preserving nature while providing opportunities for people to enjoy our state parks. Nearly 20,000 people visit Onondaga Cave every year. Staff will continue to provide information, educate and require additional measures for visitors to follow both before and after a cave tour when the cave opens for the tour season to help reduce the risk of cave-to-cave transmission of the fungus. Because the fungus can be carried from one cave to another through cave mud, recreational caving and most state park wild caving continues to be temporarily curtailed.

Protecting Missouri’s caves, groundwater that flows through these underground resources and its valuable ecosystem continues to be a priority for the department.

For more information on caves in Missouri, visit the department’s website at dnr. mo.gov.

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agency news - department of Natural Resources

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Onondaga Cave State Park

Some of the finest caverns in the state can be found at Onondaga Cave State Park, which has 29 caves with its borders. Onondaga Cave is one of America’s most spectacular caves because of the great abundance and quality of its speleothems or deposits.

Stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone dams, flowstones, draperies, soda straws and cave coral extensively decorate the cave. Because of this, Onondaga Cave was designated as a National Natural Landmark. Many of the deposits are still growing and a stream meanders through the cave in an entrenched canyon.

Onondaga Cave became popular as a tourist attraction during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Visitors

from St. Louis were brought to Leasburg by the Frisco Railroad, and then transported by wagon to the cave.

Onondaga’s fame as a tourist attraction increased during the 1950s and 1960s under the ownership of Lester B. Dill. Careful to preserve the natural integrity of the cave, Dill expressed his wish that the cave be preserved as a state park. After Dill’s death, the cave and surrounding acreage were purchased by The Nature Conservancy and subsequently transferred to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The park’s visitor center contains displays and exhibits that showcase Missouri as the Cave State and explain the significance of Onondaga

Cave. During the summer season, nature programs are held for park visitors, including tours of Onondaga Cave and the other spectacular cave in the park, Cathedral Cave.

Not all of the park’s spectacular features are underground. Located five miles from the park’s main section is a 317-acre unit that contains the Vilander Bluff Natural Area, which features some of the highest bluffs along the Meramec River.

These towering dolomite bluffs provide a spectacular view of the Meramec River valley.

There are picnic areas near the Meramec River, which borders the park, and an open picnic shelter that can

be reserved make the park a great place for family gatherings. More than six miles of hiking trails are available, and the river provides opportunities for swimming, fishing and canoeing. The park’s campground offers electric/ water campsites as well as basic campsites with concrete pads.

Onondaga Cave State Park is located off Interstate 44, seven miles south on state Route H from the Leasburg, exit 214. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Experience the geologic wonders such as the King’s Canopy, the Twins or the Lily Pad Room, shown above, while touring Onondaga Cave. With an interesting history and river flowing through the cave, Onondaga Cave is a spectacular registered National Natural Landmark. Credit: DNR 2 6

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Help Improve MDC Website Volunteers are needed to help test website improvements and provide suggestions.

Enjoy hunting, fishing or just being outdoors? Own land and manage it for wildlife? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) needs your help to improve its website, mdc. mo.gov.

The Conservation Department is redesigning its website to better meet user needs and interests, and needs volunteers to help test the new site and

provide suggestions. To participate, complete the registration form at http:// mdc.mo.gov/node/20485.

Throughout the next year, volunteers may be contacted by MDC to participate in an online survey, help group similar topics by subject, or test portions of the new site.

&

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

Honorariums In memory of Allan Hoover

Arnold & Helen Meysenburg ~ Lees Summit, MO

Memorials In memory of Jerry Case

Kenneth Eitel, Jr. ~ Kansas City, MO

In honor of Commissioner Becky L. Plattner Don Bedell ~ Sikeston, MO

In memory of Mary Katherine McGeehan Bill & Barb Dowling ~ Saint Louis, MO

In honor of Commissioner Don R. Johnson

Lynda Zimmerman ~ Columbia, MO

Don Bedell ~ Sikeston, MO

McDonald’s ~ Overland Park, KS McDonald’s

In honor of Commissioner James T. Blair, IV

Donna Powers ~ Springfield, MO

Don Bedell ~ Sikeston, MO

Capital Region Medical Center ~ Jefferson City, MO

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CFM’s 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot Brings in 2013 With A Bang!

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hose who believe that late January isn’t the time to plan a sporting clays tournament forgot to inform 112 folks suffering from cabin fever. January 26th dawned cool and clear but the brisk northwest wind didn’t chill the spirits of those who made the trek to Columbia to participate in CFM’s 2nd Annual Cabin Fever, mid-winter sporting clays event. The Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports club house was warm and there was plenty of venison chili and pulled pork and beef available for all of the day’s participants.

Ralph and Mary Ann Gates were terrific hosts as always and after completing the main course, many of the shooters hung around to try their hand at several of the fun games Ralph cooked up for the occasion. Shooters lined up to participate in the 2 and 4 man flurry, long bird and Cotton Ball Drop competitions after completing the main event.

One of the most impressive shooting displays of the day was that of Terry Nibarger who littered the ground with the crumbs of 23 crackers in the Ritz Cracker shoot!

In the main event, top honors went to James Hayhurst who won first place in A Class missing only three birds with second and third place finishes going to Tyler Schwab and Carl Sondermann respectively. B Class finishers from first through

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CFM’s Cabin Fever Clay Shoot was a big success! Photo credits: Debra Lee

third were Bob Schuette, Bryan Knowles and Tim Grace. Rounding out C Division were Carson Banks, Dave Herbert and Jim Grace in that order.

If you missed this year’s Cabin Fever Shoot, mark your calendar for the last Saturday in January, 2014 and join us at Prairie Grove.

We are already making plans to ensure that next year’s event will be even larger, with more prizes and shooting games for everyone!

CFM is grateful to the members and friends who offered donations of items and of their time to ensure our success in this 2nd annual event. A very special thank you to Marilee Knerr and family, Grayson Strodtman and the Hallsville Baptist Church for their help with our meal!

A BIG THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S CABIN FEVER CLAY SHOOT SPONSORS! And to our donors:

And to our volunteers:

Abe & Jan Phillips

Richard Ash

Bass Pro Shop Columbia

Mike Baker

Cathy Ergovich

Nathan Bias

Family Pawn, Columbia– Paris Road

Jim Choate

Hallsville Baptist Church

Alexis Cook

Marilee Knerr and Family

Judy Dixon

Mid-America Mortgage

Jerry Kemple

Midwest Gun Works

Seth Klein

Norman Stucky

Caleb Knerr

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

George Clark MO State Chapter NWTF

Delbert Knerr

Mossie & Mike Schallon

Glenn Chambers

Jared Knerr

Shafer, Kline and Warren Inc.

Grayson Strodtman

Jenna Knerr

Socket Internet Services

Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports

Marilee Knerr

Sport and Spine Rehabilitation

Renee Martin

Zachary Knerr

Trumans Bar & Grill

Scott & Sara Pauley

Zachary Morris

Whitetails Unlimited

Sierra Bullets

Tom Russell

What-Ya-Say / Cathy Ergovich

Mike Schallon

Winchester

Mossie Schallon

Zach Knerr

Garrett Strodtman

Zoom Bait Company

Grayson Strodtman

Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bank of Missouri Bass Pro Shops George Clark MO State Chapter NWTF Full Care Inc. Joe Machen’s Dealerships MidwayUSA Mid-America Mortgage Services, Inc. Mid-MO Recycling and Midwest Mailing

Levi Strodtman Norman Stucky David Urich

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Mark Twain National Forest Welcomes New Forest Supervisor

ill Nightingale is Mark Twain National Forest’s new forest supervisor.

Before moving to Missouri, Nightingale worked in USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Regional Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he was a program manager for the region.

In 1978 he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Forestry. He worked for several years as a seasonal employee before starting his career as a Forest Technician on the White River National Forest. He then worked on the Black Hills, Bighorn, Tongass and Superior National Forests in a variety of positions focusing on silviculture, sale prep, sale administration, and planning. He served as a District Ranger on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia

before joining the Forest Management staff in Milwaukee. He has also served as the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Chippewa and the Allegheny National Forests, along with being the Acting Regional Director for Public and Government Relations for the Eastern Region.

“I’m enjoying working with Mark Twain employees and the communities that surround the forest” said Nightingale. He is married with two children attending college. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family.

Nightingale’s reporting date was November 5, 2012. He followed Dave Whittekiend, who accepted a position as the Forest Supervisor for the UintaWasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah.

Mark Twain National

Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great

outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.

For more information about the Mark Twain National Forest, go to www. fs.usda.gov/mtnf or contact your local Mark Twain National Forest office.

CFM Travel Mug • A 15-oz tumbler/mug with double-wall construction and a stainless steel interior and exterior.

• Has a screw-on, lock-top lid and a curved, easy-pour spout.

• Easily fits most auto cup holders.

Only $20.00 (includes shipping/handling)

Order yours today! Just call CFM toll-free at (800) 575-2322.

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Read complete rules on next page.

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The “Voice For Missouri Outdoors” Holiday Sweepstakes WINNERS! December 1 - Mark Kross: Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40 BDC Rifle Scope - Reloaders Gun Supply - Lebanon, MO December 2 - Mike Lewis: 1 Pair of Grub’s North American Frostline 5.0 Boots & 1/4 Acre Bag of Imperial Whitetail Clover Alpha Rack Plot Mix - Farmer’s Coop Elevator December 3 - Gordon Conway: 2013-14 Missouri Raccoon Hunt - Donated by Rex Martensen December 4 - Chris Hamon: 3 Mezzanine Level Missouri Tiger Basketball Tickets & Parking Pass - Donated by Randy Washburn December 5 - Tom Russell: 2 Person Roaring River State Park Package - Donated by Missouri State Parks December 6 - Chuck Drury: 2013 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert Package - Donated by Wildwood Springs Lodge & Huzzah Valley Resort December 7 - Bob Hulsey: Remington 270 Rifle with Scope - Donated by Spradlin Insulation - Mexico, MO

Rules for 2013 B.A.S.S Missouri Spring Fling

December 8 - Bob Dinsdale: 1/2 Day 2 Person Guided Crappie/Bass Fishing Trip on Lake Ozark and 1 Night Lodging for 2 at Inn at Grand Glaize - John Blankenbeker Guide

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1. RULES: The following rules for the tournament will be used. These rules will be interpreted solely by the Tournament Officials, and all decisions will be final.

2. ELIGIBILITY: All individuals, 18 years of age or older, who paid entry fee. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Need not be a member of B.A.S.S. or Mo. B.A.S.S. Federation.

3. ENTRY FEE:$100 per boat, which includes $10 into Big Bass Pool. Entries will be accepted at Harbor Marina, Pornme de Terre Lake, between 5:30a.m. and 6:30 a.m.,April7, 2013.

4. HEADQUARTERS & TIMES: Harbor Marina. Fishing times are 6:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. Daylight Savings Time, Sunday, April?, 2013.

5. LIVE-WELL CHECK: ALL entries must participate in livewell checks.

6. DEPARTURE: Will be in sequence in which entry fees are received.

7. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial baits or lures may be used. Pork style baits are allowed. No trolling.All

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December 9 - Kevin Brady: 2013 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert Package - Donated by Wildwood Springs Lodge & Huzzah Valley Resort December 10 - Roger Adam: Shoulder Whitetail Deer Mount Gift Certificate Donated by Walker’s Taxidermy - Mexico, MO December 11 - Lowell Mohler: 1/2 Day 2 Person Guided Crappie/Bass Fishing Trip on Lake Ozark and 1 Night Lodging for 2 at Inn at Grand Glaize - Win Stevens Guide December 12 - James Agnew: CZ 104 A Silver Over/Under 12ga - Donated by Spradlin Insulation - Mexico, MO December 13 - David Illy: 2013 Fall Missouri Ozarks Fish Gigging Excursion with Alex Rutledge - Lodging Donated by Maple Tree Inn B & B December 14 - William Illy: Full Body Wild Turkey Taxidermy Mount - Donated

by Turkey Roost Taxidermy Studio December 15 - Randy Washburn: 2013 Central Missouri “Blast & Cast” - 4 Rounds of Sporting Clays at Prairie Grove Shooting Sports and Lodging and Fishing at Cedar Creek Resort

December 17 - Mark Layne: South Dakota Fall 2013 Pheasant Hunt - Donated

by White Lake Hunting Lodge December 18 - John Hart: Missouri Spring Youth Turkey Hunt for 1 - Donated by Gunn Creek Outfitters December 19 - Donna Orf: 16’ “Discovery Sport Boat” Fiberglass Canoe made

by Old Town - Donated by Steve Bradford December 20 - Randy Walker: 2013 Cardinal Package for 4 - Donated by Drury Hotels December 21 - Robert Ridgley: Southern Louisiana Saltwater Redfish and Speckled Trout Flyfishing Trip in Dulac, LA - 2 Day for 2 People - Donated by Howard Cuevas and Xpectations Guide Service December 22 - Mike Lewis: Kansas Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for 3 Days Donated by Mid-West Adventures December 23 - Raymond Rhinehart: 2 Person Big Cedar Lodge Package December 24 - Mark Zisser: Alligator Hunt in Louisiana - Donated by Louisiana Delta Plantation & Honey Brake Outfitters - Jonesville, LA

December 16 - Tom Russell: Oklahoma Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for Rio Grande Turkeys - Donated by Eastgate Outfitters

bass must be caught on rod and reel during tournament hours.

8. BOATS AND EQUIPMENT:Any boat 14 feet or longer will be accepted if powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more. Boats must be equipped with functional, aerated livewell. Boats may not be trailered during tournament hours.

Boats may not have motors which exceed the horsepower rating or BIA rating plate on boat. All Missouri Water Patrol laws and regulations apply.

9. SAFETY AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Safe boating and fishing practices must be observed. Life jackets MUST be worn during departure. Ignition “kill” switches are required. All Missouri Department of Conservation laws and regulations shall apply.

10. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Anywhere on the tournament lake, except within fifty (50) yards of a public dock that dispenses boat gas, another contestant’s boat at anchor, or the take-off cove.

11. SCORING: Largemouth Bass,Kentucky Bass and Smallmouth Bass will be counted. Total stringer weight will determine place.Any bass under thirteen (13) inches presented for weigh-in will cause two pounds to be subtracted

from total stringer weight for that day, plus the loss of the short fish. Any bass dead when presented for weigh-in (as determined by Tournament Officials) will cause a 0.25 lb. to be subtracted from total stringer weight for that day.Five (5) fish per boat may be weighed in.Any frozen, iced or mangled fish presented for weigh-in shall result in immediate disqualification.THE GATOR GRIP tournament ruler shall be the official measuring device.

12. TRUTH VERIFICATION:Each contestant shall be subject to a truth verification test. Anyone failing to pass test will be disqualified.Anyone refusing to such test shall be disqualified.

13. TIES: Ties will be broken by earliest starting position.

14. CHECK-IN LATE PENALTY: One (1) pound per minute, up to ten (10) minutes, then disqualification. NO EXCUSES. All participants must check in at official timer at end of courtesy dock of ramp.

15. TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION: If the tournament is cancelled due to reasons of safety on Sunday,April 7, 2013,the entry fees will be refunded.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR ANY OTHER REASON.

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

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org