Vol75 no1 2014

January 2014 VOL. 75, NO. 1

road# CR 276

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Prairie Grove Shooting Sports

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1.7 miles Exit 137

Columbia, MO

I-70

St. Louis, MO Millersburg

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

Featured articles Wildlife and Water: From the Mountains to the Rivers to the Oceans — National Wildlife Week, March 17-23, 2014 .. ............ 6 Passion for the Outdoors .......................................................................................... 7 Methane Offers a Choice .......................................................................................... 9 The 25th Annual B.A.S.S. Nation Spring Fling ...................................................... 9

January 2014 Vol. 75, No. 1

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

CFM Strategic Planning ............................................................................................... 13

Staff Debra Lee

CFM Nomination Committee Proposed Slate For 2014-15 ................................... 21

Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Haymaker Office Manager Laurie Coleman Membership Associate/ Managing Editor Joe Pendergrass Design & Production

news, updates and columns

Mission Statement: Missourians for Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Our Outdoor Heritage.

State Acquires 330 Acres Near Current River State Park . . ................................... 15 The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region Names New Executive Director ........ 16 CFM Annual Convention ............................................................................................... 18

President’s Message..............................................................................................2 Calendar.................................................................................................................12 Teaming With Wildlife

Teaming With Wildlife Looks to the Future with a Strategic Planning Retreat! ....14

School of Natural Resources

An Update from the Director’s Office .................................................................17

Agency News

Missouri Department of Conservation Schools Invited to Fight Litter Through “No MOre Trash!” Contest .................20

Discover Nature with MDC Eagle Days Events Around the State ......................22

Marilynn Bradford Joins Conservation Commission ..........................................23

Recovery Begins at Dunn Ranch for Endangered Topeka Shiners .......................24

Department of Natural Resources Celebrating 40 Years of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources .......................28

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks ...................................................................29

Member Information

Business Alliance Members....................................................................................3 New Members......................................................................................................4 Honorariums & Memorials.................................................................................21 Affiliates of the Federation..................................................................................27 Conservationists For Life.....................................................................................32

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 • mhaymaker@confedmo.org Online • http://www.confedmo.org MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bi­ monthly 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: “OUT OF HERE, Just ahead of the blast !!! “ Ducks After Dark, © Glenn D. Chambers 2014, www.glenndchambers.com

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president’s message

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Enjoy this Winter Wildlife Watching

y last article’s ending was: “What did... woolly worms and persimmon seeds tell…?”

Now, I’m not sure if either is really a good prognosticator of the future.

As I write this article, it isn’t even officially Winter yet; but, here in Ozark, Missouri we’ve fields of sparkling snow around us. And yes, we’re soaking up the warmth of our fireplace.

What does that say to you? Can we believe what fortune tellers prophesy; or for that matter, can we always rely on the weather forecast?

Now that leads me to a warning about my ability to predict the future.

Whatever you do; don’t bet on “it” when that “it” is a prediction from me. In the last issue of Missouri Wildlife I stated that “By print time, a new chapter for CFM will have begun and a person employed to fill the vacancy in our Executive Director position.”

Well, what’s the saying about “the best laid plans of mice and men”?

Oops, we’ve experienced a disconnect or two since my last article. The Board at their October 26th Special Meeting disagreed with the first choice of the Executive Committee.

And then, the Executive Committee’s second choice, Travis Scott our Development Director, regrettably chose instead to accept another job.

As such, the Executive Committee has re-opened the search for an Executive Director and will be accepting resumes through January 31st. Again “if all goes according to Hoyle” – we may have CFM’s new Executive Director on board before our Annual Conference. Note the “may” instead of “will.”

Additionally, I had thought Missouri’s Interim House Committee per CWD would have brought forth their report in early December. I’d indicated also that it would be known 2

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what was the outcome of MDC’s public meetings and surveys relative to Missouri’s Deer Health. I supposed too we’d know any proposed regulatory changes affecting hunters and operators of captive deer facilities. At print time, none of that has occurred.

But, I did say something you can be assured of: “… more information will be forthcoming in CFM’s Missouri Wildlife and MDC’s Missouri Conservationist” and “discussions will happen at our Annual Conference.”

If you’re interested – be there; you’re always welcome.

CFM’s Annual Convention is scheduled for March 21-23, 2014. Let me emphasize, we’d love to have you join us! Bring a friend and introduce them to CFM. This is the time when CFM members get together to hear updates per Missouri’s Department of Conservation and Department of Natural Resources; to celebrate conservation achievement; to elect CFM’s leadership; and, to form resolutions regarding matters affecting Missouri’s Outdoors. There also will be

programs for children and families, a silent and live auction, and annual banquet.

Too this year we have a special ceremony: A Celebration of the Life of Ed Stegner – truly one of conservation’s stalwarts of all time. Indeed it was a sad day when I was told that Ed had passed away. But when I recall what Ed has done for Missourians, I smile. Many have known Ed for longer time than I have but I’ve been blessed with him as part of my life for more than 30 years. He was among my mentors and someone whom I aspired to emulate. Ed served as CFM’s longest tenured Executive Director. In that role he made quite a difference for Missourians and he did receive several honors for his efforts.

Two notable ones would be that he was among the Missouri Park & Recreation Association’s first class of its Hall of Fame; and most recently, the Conservation Commission approved that he join Missouri’s Conservation Hall of Famers. Missouri and really our nation have been blessed with Ed Stegner’s time here on earth. Do consider attending and celebrating with us!

But let me suggest you consider other Federation Winter/Spring activities. In 2012, CFM held its inaugural “Cabin Fever Clay Shoot” and this winter a third one is slated for January 25th at the Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports facility. When we awoke the morning of last Winter’s clay shoot, Judy and I saw that we had a snow overnight. We wondered if the weather would diminish participation.

It can be said that neither snow nor cold temperatures keeps shooters from enjoying a day of busting clay birds.

There were 112 shooters on hand and their skill level ranged from novice to exceptional. Seemed everyone who attended, shooters and volunteers, re-

ally enjoyed themselves. Do consider joining us if you’re interested – as a volunteer or a shooter.

Then there’s the 2014 Spring Fling on Pomme de Terre Lake scheduled for April 6th. This will the fourth year the Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation has held this event to the benefit of CFM. In 2013 there were 65 boats and it generated $2,340 for CFM. If you love to fish, especially for bass, come on out. Pomme de Terre is a beautiful lake and April is a good time to “get out there amongst them.”

For details pertinent to the Cabin Fever Clay Shoot, the Spring Fling or CFM’s Annual Convention, check out promotions in this magazine, CFM’s website or call CFM’s office.

Experience Missouri’s Outdoors, Share It & Support It! Richard L. Ash, Jr. President, CFM

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.

Thank You!

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

Platinum Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bass Pro Shops Drury Hotels Shelter Insurance Company Gold MidwayUSA Silver Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Pyramid Home Health Services

Basic Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Brown Printing Cap America Citizens Telephone Company Consolidated Electric Cooperative Cooper’s Oak Winery and A & K Cooperage, LLC Dickerson Park Zoo Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel) Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Forrest Keeling Nursery Friends of Ryan McKenna Full Care Inc. General Printing Service

Goodwin Brothers Construction Company Greenbrier Wetland Services Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc. Heartland Restoration, Inc. Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Hunting Works For Missouri Joe Machens Dealerships Land & Water Partners, Inc. Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative McRoberts Farm, Inc. Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Mid America Mortgage Services, Inc. Middle River Bluffs Midwest Mailing Services Osage Canoes, LLC

Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. Quality Forest Management, LLC REMAX Boone Realty R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC Sapaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc. Sierra Bullets, LLC Socket Internet Services, LLC Sport & Spine Rehabilitation Tabor Plastics Company The Bank of Missouri Thirty 3 Bar & Grill Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc. Trumans Bar & Grill, Inc. United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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WELCOME C F M N E W mem b er s

Michael Kenney, Arnold

Mary Reid, St. Charles

Lawrence Kessler, St. Peters Steven Kestle, Ballwin

Corinne & Joseph Remeika, Columbia

Raymond Kirsch, St. Louis

Justin Richner, St. Louis

Cheryl Knight, Exeter

Patricia Rixe, Springfield

Jim & Mary Kriegshauser, St. Louis

Timothy Saxton, Galena Ken Schallon, St. Louis

Pauletta Aldridge, Springfield

Dale Felder, Higginsville

Troy Krodinger, Fletcher

David Allen, Columbia

Mary Ellen Ferrell, Fenton

Wayne Kuechler, Warrenton

Sandra Ashurst, Old Monroe

Elaine Freese, Foristell

Paul Lam, St. Louis

Tyler Schild, Dardenne Prairie

Shirley Bailey Cronin, Lees Summit

Betty Freise, Union

Janet Lasley, Columbia

Kris Schroder, Greenwood

Byron Banta, Jr., Lees Summit

Rich Gamble, Kimberling City

Patrick Latier, Kansas City

Bente & Neil Seitz, St. Louis

David Beaton, Cape Fair

Gamblin Lumber Company, Poplar Bluff

Warren Lichius, Eureka

Jeff Simmons, Jefferson City

Jason Lindsey, Kansas City

Julia Goforth, King City

Mike Simons, Warsaw

Carolyn Livergood, Lake St. Louis

Paul Goodwin, Springfield

Buddy Sims, Racine

Clint Long, Lees Summit

Scott Gower, Lees Summit

Josh Louiselle, Archie

George Grateke, Lake Ozark

Bill Loveland, St. Joseph

Bradley Green, St. Louis

Julia Luke, Independence

Parker & Kim Hall, Columbia

Ronald Markosky, Monett

William Broderick, St. Louis

Trace Hannaford, Mountain Home, AR

Gary Martin, Kansas City

Joyce Broughton, St. Louis

Barbara Harrison, Revere

Karen Burner, Bernie

Gene Haun, Richmond

Donald Beck, Jefferson City Gary Behrman, St. Louis Meredith Bentson, Kansas City William Blakey, Clarksville Nancy Bowling, Saint Louis Lydia Bridges, Albany Dorothy Briggs, Armstrong

Douglas Camenzind, St. Louis

Tom Hausmann, Washington

David Cantoni, O’Fallon

Jason Hawkins, Lansing, KS

Marie Casey, St. Louis

Sharon Herschend, Branson

J. Chambers, Maryville

Geraldine Holt, Lees Summit

Benjamin & Bonna Combs, Farmington

Joni Hoover, Brookfield Ryan Hopping, Lake St. Louis

Corey Cottrell, Steelville

Scott Hopping, Troy

James & Mary Crownover, Saint Louis

Harry & Janice House, O’Fallon Jacob Howdeshell, Point Lookout

Ted Daniels, St. Louis

Glennon & Patricia Hunn, Chesterfield

Gene Derr, Kansas City Beverly Elliott, Winona

Sam Schaumann, Billings

Bryan Snider, Sikeston Donald Souder, St. Louis James Starck, Ballwin Carl Stiek, Jr., Marshall C. Stone, Jefferson City

Stephen Mattis, St. Louis

Shirley Suddarth, Liberty

Kathy May, Hazelwood

Martha Sweeney, Marquand

Edwin McKay, Joplin

James Tanner, Lawson

Donald Mills, St. Louis John Mohrle, Imperial

William & Blair Thompson, St. Louis

Timothy Morrison, Ellisville

Thomas Tucker, Kansas City

Kathy Moss, Archie

J. Verkamp, Lisle, IL

William Mueller, Jefferson City

Dan Voss, Florissant

Jon Nichols, Cassville

Kenneth Wetter, Perryville

Gregory Oehring, Kansas City Sarah Penick, Columbia Paul Perez, Raymore Jane Peterson, Deerfield

Jean White, Springfield Debra Wicker, Fenton Paul Willett, Blue Eye Jane Woodard, Columbia

Jesse Hunter, Florissant

Robert Peterson, Kansas City

Mary Kay Jamboretz, St. Louis

Evelyn Phillips, Kansas City

Bernard Worful, St. Charles

David & Jessetta Joswick, Springfield

John Plumlee, Branson West

Charles Wright, Holts Summit

Angela Ewing, House Springs

Marvin Proffer, St. Louis

Adrian Zeimet, Camdenton

Katie Falch, Ballwin

Lori Kelly, Lone Jack

William Rector, Kansas City

The Zitella Family, Bolivar

Ray Elmore, St. Louis Gina Essig, Richmond

CFM would like to thank the 353 members that renewed since our last publication.

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

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

Applications Now Being Accepted For The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust and the Conservation Federation of Missouri are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Charles Bell Conservation Scholarships.

applicants must have 60 credit hours or more and should have enrolled in an area related to conservation. Preference in all cases will be given to applicants enrolled in Missouri schools.

In the 2014 Bell Scholarship Program, eight scholarships will be awarded: one graduate ($600), one undergraduate ($500) and six for elementary, high school or youth groups ($250 each). In this later category, CFM members who work with Boy Scouts, 4-H, environmental clubs or youth chapters of their affiliate are eligible and encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications is January 15, 2014.

Graduate applicants must be enrolled in a field of study related to conservation, natural science or earth resources at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate

These scholarships are named in memory of CFM past president Charles P. Bell, whose family provided major funding for this program.

For an application form write to: Conservation Federation of Missouri, Bell Scholarships, 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (573) 634-2322 or (800) 575-2322 or visit or website at www.confedmo.org.

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Wildlife and Water: From the Mountains to the Rivers to the Oceans National Wildlife Week, March 17-23, 2014

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or National Wildlife Week 2014 National Wildlife to ensure wildlife have clean water at www.nwf.org/wildlifeFederation is celebrating wildlife and water. The week. theme “Wildlife and Water—From the Mountains “National Wildlife Week has inspired generations to take to the Rivers to the Oceans” links the important a moment to learn and reflect on wildlife and our environrole that water plays in the ment. NWF is encouraging lives of wildlife and people, every American to take a wherever they may be. Clean moment during this week water is not only a critical to join us in celebrating our resource for wildlife, but also amazingly diverse wildlife and vitally important habitat. wild places and to think about Featuring 45 different species, what you can do to make a with activities for learning difference where you live – at about freshwater, coastal and home, in your community, marine wildlife, National at your school or place of Wildlife Week will give youth business. Organize a stream and families a chance to spend cleanup, plant a tree, remove the week exploring wildlife an invasive species, provide and water. habitat for wildlife - make a Since 1938, National difference,” says Eliza Russell, Wildlife Week has been a Director of Education.”Give time to learn about wildlife yourself 90 minutes during and nature. Past themes have the week to get outside and focused on trees, prairies reconnect to the outdoors and or conservation topics like nature.” recycling. This year’s theme National Wildlife Week of Wildlife and Water helps was first observed in 1938 to raise awareness about the under the name “National vital role that water plays in Wildlife Restoration Week”. the lives of wildlife, as a vital Past spokespeople of National resource for survival and as Wildlife Week include Walt habitat. We are featuring maDisney, Shirley Temple, and rine mammals, wetland birds, Robert Redford. aquatic and wetland plants, Founded in 1936, National freshwater fish, reptiles and Wildlife Federation’s mission amphibians, invertebrates that Northern Pintail. Photo credit: USFWS. is to inspire Americans to prohelp us to assess water qualtect wildlife for our children’s ity, and many more! future. The organization is currently developing programs to NWF has a host of resources for exploring these amazcounteract nature deficit disorder in children by encouraging ing wildlife species, including posters, wildlife trading cards, parents and other caring adults to help children spend more lessons and activities, blogs and webinars. Visit www.nwf. time outdoors everyday. Learn more at www.nwf.org. org/wildlifeweek to learn more and explore the resources Nicole Rousmaniere available to help plan your adventure with wildlife - whether Sr. Coordinator, Community Outreach you are birding, canoeing, going fishing, or hiking along a riverbank or lake shore. Donate today to support our efforts National Wildlife Federation 6

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Every summer without fail my family would pack up our little white and blue Jayco camper and head out for a weekend of camping.

Up until my senior year in high school my dad, mom, sister, myself and our two dogs would cram into the pick-up three or four times during the summer to visit one of Missouri’s many state parks. These are some of my favorite childhood memories.

There was nothing like jumping in the cold water at Bennett Springs State Park during one of their park programs in which we went “sculpin hutin” for small fish during a catch and release activity. Exploring the different ponds and rock features at Johnson ShutIns State Park and Elephant

Passion for the Outdoors Rock State Park was also a favorite camping memory I can remember well, even though it has been almost 14 years since I was last at the natural areas.

I am grateful to my parents for providing my sister and I the opportunity to explore the outdoors even if it meant scraped knees and muddy clothes. By my junior year in high school it became harder to make the weekend trips due to my increasing

involvement in activities.

My parents ultimately made the hard decision to sell our camper. I am already looking forward to going on camping trips once again in future summers.

During my high school years I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Runge Nature Center where I was

able to work outside in nature and help both adults and children experience that same wonder of nature I had as a child. Eventually I joined the Conservation Leadership Corps which allowed me to experience a completely different side of conservation and lead to my internship with the Conservation Federation the summer of 2013.

I began my college career at Northwest Missouri State University as a Wildlife and Conservation Management major. During my second semester at school I switched my major to Multimedia Journalism where I began working for the school newspaper where I covered conservation and agriculture

topics. I found that through pictures and words I could explore Missouri’s natural resources in a different light and still be able to share it with others as well.

This year I was able to go hunting for the first time and even though was not successful I enjoyed every moment; although, I did find that I don’t like to sit outside when it’s near zero degrees.

My love of the outdoors still continues to this day as I spend time riding horses during the summer on trails, in shows, and at rodeo’s which sadly still seems to lead to muddy clothes and scraped knees.

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Methane Offers a Choice Biogas is a product of decomposing organic material and is typically 50-80% methane with the rest mostly carbon dioxide.

Methane is a heat-trapping gas and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates it as the #2 most prevalent of greenhouse gases in the United States that results from human actions. Methane emissions come from petroleum extraction, transportation, refining, and storage as well as from animal agriculture and decomposition of waste (landfills and wastewater). And, methane can be emitted by natural sources including wetlands, wildfires, and bacterial decomposition in the absence of oxygen.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (November 25, 2013 on-line version) include a study that shows U.S.

methane emissions may be 50% greater than government estimates. Methane from livestock sources may be 2X greater and fossil fuel extraction and processing in the south-central U.S. may be 4.9X greater. The bottom line is that there is much energy being wasted in the form of methane (a greenhouse gas); reducing this waste could help meet U.S. energy goals while sustaining native ecosystems and biodiversity.

Promising partnerships are developing to capture and use methane that would otherwise simply be lost. An article in The Guardian reports that food companies including Smithfield Foods and Kroger as well as national football league (Cleveland Browns), are engaging with energy partners to turn otherwise costly and problematic waste into something ben-

eficial. The Kroger project uses food waste (an estimated $1 trillion/year in food is wasted) to produce biogas. The Cleveland Browns provides a National Football League connection which will direct 35 million tons of food waste per year to energy purposes. Smithfield Farms reports a Utah project that will convert manure from 350,000 hogs into electricity for 3,000 homes. Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy are partnering in Missouri to capture biogas from 100+ lagoons of liquefied waste. Roeslein Alternative Energy is also pursuing restoration of diverse, native grasslands

on marginal lands in the Midwest for biomass and bioenergy as well as watershed and wildlife conservation. Grasses harvested from native grass restorations can be mixed with animal waste to contribute to biogas production.

It seems wise to capture and utilize biogas that would otherwise slip away into the atmosphere and contribute to greenhouse gas challenges. Society and policymakers have an important choice in the pursuit of energy independence.

Bill McGuire and NWF’s BIO Review

The 25th Annual B.A.S.S. Nation Spring Fling The Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation will be holding it’s annual “Spring Fling” Open Buddy Bass tournament benefiting the Conservation Federation of Missouri again in 2014. Last year we had 65 boats entered and raised $2,340.00 for CFM. The tournament has been growing every year and we would like to see 100 boats compete this year. Thank you to all that have fished in the past and we hope that everyone brings a friend and fishes with us this upcoming year.

Details and entry forms will be available in January on the website. Visit www.mobass.com

Sunday, April 6, 2014 — Pomme De Terre Lake — The Harbor Lighthouse Ramp MIS S OURI

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Please join CFM today to conserve our natural resources for tomorrow!

Check the membership category you prefer: q $25—Individual q $15—Student q $30—Family q $100—Sustaining q $1000—Lifetime Your dues include a 1-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, a logo sticker and a membership card.

Please mail this application with your membership dues to: Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main • Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.org Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________ State: _____________________ ZIP code: ________________________ Work phone: ____________________________________________ Home phone: ________________________________________________________ E-mail address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.* If you prefer, you may charge your membership dues to your MasterCard, Visa, or Discover card.

Credit card number: ______________________________________________________________ Expiration date: ______________________________ Signature of cardholder:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

AFFILIATE EVENTS MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED JAN 7: Meramec River Trout - Jen Girondo, MDC Fisheries Management Biologist, Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7:00pm - 9:30pm) FEB 21: 27th Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION JAN 27: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion FEB 24: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED JAN 25: Lexington Dinner, Adkins Auction and Riverview Realty, Lexington (5:30pm - 9:30pm); John Christopherson (660) 232-1432 or Craig Rodekohr (816) 699-5109 JAN 25: Warrenton Dinner, Lions Club, Wright City (6:00pm - 11:30pm); John Molitor (314) 920-2011 FEB 1: Weston Membership Dinner, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Boyd Hiatt (816) 210-7015 FEB 1: Kearney Membership Dinner, Annunciation Community Center, Kearney (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Jody Williams (816) 985-9314 or Lee Setser (816) 813-3417 FEB 1: Warrensburg/Blackwater Dinner, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Brad Bromwell (660) 238-1380 or Gary Carter (660) 747-8414 FEB 8: Longview Area Membership Dinner, Turners - German American Hall, Belton (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Rene Sersch (816) 763-3482 FEB 22: Saint Charles Dinner, Stegton Regency, Saint Charles (6:00pm 10:00pm); Dunstan Disselhorst (636) 699-9869 FEB 22: Odessa Membership Dinner, Community Building, Odessa (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Vic Barker (816) 456-6100, Artie Lett (816) 699-9299 or Tonya Winfrey (816) 238-2708

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FEB 22: Smithville Membership Dinner, American Legion Hall, Smithville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Andrew Drummond (816) 810-4893 or Dennis Drummond (816) 590-5640 MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR’S ASSOCIATION JAN 19: Monthly Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Columbia (10:30am) MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION JAN 3-6: Hunter Education Clinic, Nodaway County; Jeffrey Blackton (816) 678-5722 JAN 11-12: Trapper Education Clinic, Cass County; Jeffrey Blackton (816) 678-5722 JAN 19: Annual Membership Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence JAN 24-26: Hunter Education Clinic, Bates County; Dan Margita (816) 797-3714 MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS JAN 17: Shaky Ground Gobblers, Southern Comfort, New Madrid; Walter Campbell (573) 380-7928 JAN 18: Current River Callers, School, Winona; Troy McAfee (573) 325-4475 JAN 18: Dent County Thundering Toms, Indian Trail Archery, Salem; Cheryl Smith (573) 247-0111 JAN 18: Springtown Wattlenecks, American Legion Hall, Smithville; Troy O’Dell (816) 628-4254 JAN 24: Willard Thunderin Gobblers, Community Building, Willard; Carrie Bussard (417) 827-0782 JAN 24: Honey Creek Strutters, Lake Viking Club House, Gallatin; Scot Estep (660) 334-0529 JAN 25: Union Covered Bridge Gobblers, Community Building, Madison; Bruce Mills (573) 721-2268 JAN 25: Indian Creek Chapter, Lampo Building, Neosho; Matt Friend (417) 825-3305 JAN 25: Delta Bootheel Gobblers, VFW, Kennett; Lynn Smith (573) 888-0054

JAN 25: Southern Ozark Longbeards, His Place, Doniphan; Sam Griffin (573) 996-2148 JAN 25: Ray County Shortspurs, Veterans Memorial Building, Richmond; Mark McCorkendale (660) 398-4785 JAN 31: Rogersville Strutters, First Baptist Church, Rogersville; Cody Wilson (417) 753-3164 JAN 31: Great Rivers Longspurs, The Boeing Machinist Building, Hazelwood; Brian Duckett (314) 574-9213 JAN 31: Salt River Sharp Spurs, Father Buhman Center, Shelbina; Billy Gibson (573) 633-2318 FEB 1: Gateway Long Spurs, Knights of Columbus, Saint Paul; Dan Zerr (636) 699-7000 FEB 1: Tick Ridge, Expo Center, Macon; Matthew Burks (660) 395-1404 FEB 1: Clearwater Longbeards, Trinity Methodist Church, Piedmont; Richard Ayers (573) 223-2356 FEB 1: Charlton River Full Stutters, Knight & Rucker Building, Brunswick; Jordan Harmon (660) 247-5306 FEB 7: Meramec Valley Strutters, Knights of Columbus, Sullivan; Dennis Twyman (573) 468-5010 FEB 7: Tabo Creek Thunderin Toms, American Legion Hall, Higginsville; Kevin Whitworth (660) 909-6078 FEB 7: Heartland Longbeards, Masonic Lodge, Lees Summit; James Drake (816) 718-1100 FEB 8: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Bavarian Hall, Jackson; Bronson Senn (573) 225-3087 FEB 8: Four Rivers, Knights of Columbus, Washington; Eldo Meyer (573) 484-3102 FEB 8: Grand River Gobblers, American Legion Hall, Bethany; Bryan Gray (660) 425-3353 FEB 21: Kingdom of Callaway Limbhangers, Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Pub, Fulton; John Burk (573) 676-5994 FEB 21: Bayou Strutters, Top of the Town Banquet Hall, East Prairie; Clinton Wolford (573) 275-9084 FEB 21: Lincoln Hills, Sacred Heart Parrish, Elsberry; Jay Herring (573) 898-5420 FEB 22: Fabius River Fantails, Knights

of Columbus, Edina; Jeff Morrow (660) 397-2610 FEB 27: Swampeast Strutters, United Methodist Church, Charleston; George Curtis (573) 258-0851 FEB 28: Sand Burr Strutters, VFW, Sikeston; Allan Lynch (573) 887-1261 FEB 28: Upper Meramec Longspurs, Knights of Columbus, Cuba; Shane Staples (573) 259-7405 WHEELIN SPORTSMAN EVENTS JAN 11: Missouri State Banquet, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach; Tim Besancenez (636) 262-0815 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION JAN 14: Northeast Region Marketing and Media Relations Mini-Conference, The Arc, Columbia FEB 25-28: Conference and Expo, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION JAN 11: Short-Eared Owl and Bird of Prey Trip, Prairie State Park, Mindenmines; Jeff Cantrell (417) 629-3423 FEB 8: Getting to Know Your Raptors: Bird of Prey Workshop, Prairie State Park, Mindenmines; Jeff Cantrell (417) 629-3423 FEB 15: Work Day at Coyne Prairie (10:00am - 3:00pm); (417) 818-1138 FEB 22: Work Day at Stilwell Prairie (10:00am - 3:00pm); (417) 818-1138 MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY JAN 4: Winter Bird Workshop, Arrow Rock State Historic Site Visitors Center (10:00am - 1:00pm) MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION SPRINGFIELD EVENTS JAN 7: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) FEB 4: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED JAN 11: Missouri Kids Outdoors Banquet, State Fairgrounds, Sedalia JAN 18: River Hills Chapter Banquet, Osage Community Center, Cape Girardeau JAN 25: Harold Hoey Chapter Banquet, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall FEB 1: Harrisburg Big Bucks Chapter Banquet, Lions Club, Harrisburg FEB 8: Lincoln Whitetails Chapter

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

Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Warsaw FEB 15: Central Missouri Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Brookfield FEB 22: Mid-Missouri Deer Camp, Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia OZARK FLY FISHERS JAN 7: Membership Class, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm - 9:00pm) JAN 13: Intro to Fly Tying, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park JAN 14: Special Tying Class, Shurway Auto (7:00pm - 9:00pm) JAN 18: Annual Banquet, Auction and Fundraiser, Sunset Hills Golf Course and Banquet Center JAN 20: Intro to Fly Tying, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park JAN 21: 25 Best Flies for Missouri Trout, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:30pm - 9:30pm) JAN 27: Intro to Fly Tying, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park FEB 4: Special Tying Class, Shurway Auto (7:00pm - 9:00pm) FEB 8: FYAO, Montauk State Park FEB 10: Last Day of Catch and Release Season in Trout Parks FEB 11: Membership Class, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny

Park (7:00pm - 9:00pm) FEB 20: Fly Fishing Missouri Trout, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park(7:30pm - 9:30pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB JAN 3-5: New Years Trip - Niangua River, Sand Spring Resort JAN 11: Water Quality Testing - Blue River (10:00am - 11:00am) JAN 11: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) JAN 11: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) FEB 8: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) FEB 8: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) FEB 15: Blue River Parkway Trails (10:00am - 2:00pm) QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION FEB 20: Kaw Valley Chapter Banquet, Ramada Inn, Topeka, KS (5:00pm - 10:00pm); Tony Konrade (785) 220-3342

QUAIL FOREVER AND PHEASANTS FOREVER FEB 8: Annual Four Rivers Banquet, Lions Club, Owensville (5:30pm); Kyle Lairmore (573) 294-9147 FEB 8: Bootheel Bobwhites Annual Banquet, Elks Lodge, Dexter (5:30pm); Tim Kavan (573) 823-6366 FEB 21: Heartland Annual Banquet, Adams Point Conference Center, Blue Springs (5:30pm); Roger Bennett (816) 807-3286 or Joe Haney (816) 550-5622 FEB 22: Missouri River Valley Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Washington (5:30pm); Larry Hanks (573) 2372623, Terry Stricklin (573) 764-2398, Arvil Kappelmann (636) 239-4127 or Bill Miller (636) 239-2481 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION FEB 15: White River Big Game Banquet, Branson; Barbara Rowland (417) 334-5018 FEB 22: Elk Prairie Big Game Banquet, Salem; James Pace (573) 729-5325 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY JAN 4: Beginner Bird Walk - Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15am - 10:30am) JAN 4: Birds of Winter Raptor Program, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 5: Birds of Winter Eagle Watch, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 9: Regal Eagles Program, Busch Memorial Conservation Area (9:30am - 11:00am) JAN 11: Birding Field Trip - Riverlands, Riverlands Migratory Bird

Sanctuary (9:00am - 1:00pm) JAN 11: Birds of Winter Raptor Program, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 12: Birds of Winter Eagle Watch, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 18: Eagle Days, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (9:00am - 3:00pm) JAN 18: Birds of Winter Raptor Program, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 19: Eagle Days, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (9:00am - 3:00pm) JAN 19: Birds of Winter Eagle Watch, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 25: Birds of Winter Raptor Program, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 26: Birds of Winter Eagle Watch, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (10:00am - 2:00pm) JAN 26: Open House Social, Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton (3:00pm - 6:00pm) UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF MISSOURI FEB 7-9: 2014 Festival, Country Club Hotel & Spa, Lake Ozark; Darren Haverstick (417) 693-5304 or Brian Peterson (417) 331-1135 CFM EVENTS JAN 25: Cabin Fever Clay Shoot, Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports, Columbia MAR 21-23: CFM Annual Convention, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City

CFM Strategic Planning

The plan in both long and short versions, while not currently updated on the website, is available in the office.

Planning as performed by the Committee and presented to the Board for its approval is at low ebb. This is quite normal for strategic planning as with some other activities for the Federation until we have a new Executive Director in place. This is pretty normal for any organization during its search for that executive.

Our staff has done an outstanding job of carrying on the many tasks that CFM has on its plate. Our officer

group has, of necessity, had to concern itself with the many things involved in the search for a new executive.

In CFM, as in any organization, there is no substitute for the leader who can keep all the different elements welded together and functioning.

We hope in the January time frame to hold a Strategic Planning Committee meeting. We will look forward to reviewing the basic plan and making any recommendations the committee may have for moving forward.

Earl Cannon & Howard Fisher MIS S OURI

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teaming with wildlife

Teaming With Wildlife Looks to the Future with a Strategic Planning Retreat!

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he Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) Steering Committee is gearing up for a more active future. It is comprised of leadership from The Nature Conservancy, Missouri Audubon, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Ozark Regional Land Trust, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. The TWW Steering Committee listens to coalition members, works for healthy habitats and wildlife and advocates for conservation funding on Capitol Hill.

We are excited about the new direction the Teaming Coalition is going and are making arrangements for a strategic planning retreat that will focus on invigorating the coalition and achieving outcomes that are action oriented. We hope to accomplish more in the future by building awareness, getting coalition members involved and sharing more about the impact they have on conservation. We want to see: (1) more people (2) doing more outdoors, (3) contributing their voice and (4) taking action to protect, restore and conserve Missouri outdoors. Healthy habitats and wildlife provide a better quality of life for all Missourians.

Not only are we going to try to build the coalition, but we are going to design fresh tools and opportunities to engage members in a conservation culture that continues to grow.

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Reaching out to draw in a new audience can be intimidating.

However, often the audience is hungry for something they have not “tasted” before. The economic figures show that Missouri has a passion for wildlife and our outdoor heritage. No matter how we connect to the outdoors - watching, gardening, fishing, hunting, floating, hiking, archery, biking, …you name it, we do it because it revitalizes us and makes our quality of life so much better! Whatever we do in the outdoors with or for wildlife ties very strongly to national and state legislative matters. We want to amplify the voice of conservation and raise the value our citizens place on the outdoors. The Teaming With Wildlife Steering Committee is working with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) to develop a plan and tools that will enable our coalition to speak to the Congressional Leaders about work on the ground and funding necessary for the future of our outdoor heritage.

If you belong to an organization that would like to endorse Teaming With Wildlife, please contact Debra Lee the Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator at Conservation Federation of Missouri (dlee@confedmo.org | 573-634-2322).

To address the funding challenges of the future we need a strong coalition that is active and vibrant in their passion to make Missouri a shining star and the blue ribbon leader in the conservation movement. We need you! Please join us! Visit www.teaming.com or www.moteaming.org to learn more.

State Acquires 330 Acres Near Current River State Park

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Honorariums Memorials Mark special days or show tribute to someone you care about with a donation to CFM. You could honor loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries or other special events. This could be a respectful remembrance of friends and relatives who have passed away. We will list honorariums and memorials within the pages of Missouri Wildlife.

Your gift would help in so many ways: to benefit our Share the Harvest Program, the Conservation Leadership Corps, our publications or website, our building fund or help our day-to-day operations. We gladly accept cash, check or credit card–just return the form to CFM.

Missouri State Parks announced that the state has acquired 330 acres of property in Shannon County.

The property, historically referred to as Camp Zoe, is located adjacent to Current River State Park and downstream from Montauk State Park. It also abuts the 64,000-acre Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, which is managed by Missouri State Parks.

Originally opening in 1929 as a youth camp, Camp Zoe provided opportunities for thousands of young people to connect with the outdoors. Missouri State Parks has looked to acquire the property for several years, recognizing its beauty and the potential to give visitors even more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in this beautiful part of the State.

“This Ozark gem showcases beautiful natural resources, including Sinking Creek near its confluence with the Current River.” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Its location near Current River State Park and minutes away from the beloved Montauk State Park will provide visitors great opportunities to enhance their Missouri State Parks experience in the Ozarks.”

Plans for development of the property and future use are in the preliminary stages.

For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Mail this form and payment to: Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 o $25 o $50 o $100 o $250 o $500 o $Other ______________ In memory of _______________________________________________________________ In honor of ________________________________________________________________ Please notify (name) _________________________________________________________ (address) __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Donor Info: o I would like more information about including the Conservation Federation of MIssouri in my will or trust.

Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________ State_________ Zip____________________ Phone _________________________ Email ______________________________________ CC# ______________________________________________________________________ Exp Date ________________________________

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Open Space Council

The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region Names New Executive Director

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he Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region (OSC) an affiliate of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has named Katherine Dockery as its new Executive Director. She will assume her duties with the Kirkwood based land and water conservation organization starting on January 1, 2014. Ms. Dockery has served the Open Space Council as its Director of Development and Programs for the past two years. Prior to coming to work for OSC she was employed by the St. Louis Academy of Science as a Manager of Membership, Marketing and Programs.

Katherine Dockery

Katherine is a graduate of Webster University, St. Louis, MO. One of Katherine’s many other service roles is serving on the Board of Directors of the Conservation

Federation of Missouri.

Katherine will be replacing Ron Coleman who served the Open Space Council for over 30 years as a Board Member, a Past President and its Executive Director for the past 15 years. Coleman who also serves as CFM’s 2nd VicePresident will retire from OSC at the end of December to pursue other conservation and outdoor recreation interest.

Coleman said “ The Open Space Council and its Board of Directors is very pleased to have selected such a well qualified and enthusiastic young professional like Katherine Dockery . Her love of conservation and open space

Ron Coleman

will provide an exciting new direction for the group. I am confident that Katherine will be a capable leader in shaping the future of OSC”.

Now Available from CFM Missouri River Country

100 Miles of Stories And Scenery From Hermann To The Confluence The places and stories in Missouri River Country are part of the fabric and life of East Central Missouri and the St. Louis Region, a piece of its heritage and culture. It captures the essence of both the land and waters associated with one of the world’s greatest rivers. The route that Lewis and Clark took, and that made St. Louis the Gateway to the West, was the Missouri River. The original essays and photographs in this book follow the first 100 miles of that river west from St. Louis. We think that you will enjoy the trip.

Missouri River Country is a great gift as a table top book or as an addition to your own conservation library. The book can now be ordered from the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) for $39.95 plus shipping and handling by contacting the CFM office.

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An Update from the Director’s Office

or my remarks at the School of Natural Resources Commencement ceremony this past semester my theme was to PAUSE (with some fun wordplay about Tigers PAWS). I gave each graduate a button with the word PAUSE on it, so that they could hit the pause button as life got busy. The take home point for our graduates was to avoid the activity trap…busier and busier but achieving less and less. I quoted the noted leadership consultant, Kevin Cashman, about his Pause Principle. Cashman says, that “…stepping back for perspective, awareness… allow[s]… transformative clarity to emerge.” He goes on to say that “Pause is a universal principle inherent in living systems. It is part of the order…that arises from slowing down. As activity lessens, order increases… Yet, as a culture we have ignored [pausing], turning instead to…fast thinking and reactiveness.”

My advice to our graduates was to learn to “hit the pause button;” to take time to stop the frantic activity and allow the mind to re-focus on priorities and let, in Cashman’s word the “transformative clarity emerge.” I told them that when they pause they should look, not into their smart phones, but into nature for a moment of respite and calm.

This morning as I was rushing around the house to get ready I chanced to look out the window and saw the western sky alight with pinks and purples, tinges of mauve and deep red… and it literally brought me to a stop. I stopped and looked in awe at the beauty of nature; I breathed deeper and slower; and I smiled…just enjoying the art in the sky before me. And so I

realized that nature can be more than the focus of my pausing, but the very trigger to initiate the pause.

We all are busy. Family, work, friends, social media, laundry, yard work, bills…daily life. And, the activity trap is always there to capture and distract us from what are our true priorities. Nature is the antidote to activity trap disease.

It is best if we can be out in nature to fully take advantage of its healing powers, its re-focusing ability, but sometimes just a glance out the window at the morning sky, a drive through snow-shrouded forest, the smell of wood smoke, the hoot of an owl can help us pause. That pause can shift us from reacting to life, to proactively living it. It can help us see our priorities with Cashman’s “transformative clarity.” Or, maybe it is just is a moment to appreciate with awe and wonder the beauty of nature. To relax, smile, breath deep.

So, my advice for all of us is to hit the pause button every day, even for just a moment…and immerse ourselves in the restorative power of nature.

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

Mark Ryan Director, The School of Natural Resources University of Missouri Columbia

CFM Would Like to Thank the Donors and Contributors Who Have Made Our 2013 Holiday Gift Grab Possible Farmer’s CO-OP Elevator Saint Peters, MO - (636) 278-3544

Bass Pro Shops - Springfield, MO (800) 227-7776 - www.basspro.com

Drury Hotels - (800) 378-7946 www.druryhotels.com

Powder Horn Guns & Sporting Goods Columbia, MO - (573) 875-4867

Randy Washburn

Big Cedar Lodge - Ridgedale, MO (800) 225-6343 - www.big-cedar.com

Walker’s Taxidermy - Mexico, MO (573) 473-2400 Turkey Roost Taxidermy Studio Kirksville, MO - (660) 665-8109 - www.theturkeyroost.com

Webb’s Guide Service - Branson, MO (417) 425-7513 - www.webbsguideservice.com Roaring River State Park Cassville, MO - (417) 847-2539 MIS S OURI

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Conservation Federation of Missouri 2014 Annual Convention

March 21-23 2014

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS: • Tribute to a Great Champion and Leader of Conservation - Remembering Edwin (Ed) Stegner - 9/24/1925 – 10/25/2013 • Annual Conservation Awards Ceremony • Meet Conservation & Natural Resource Leaders • Natural Resource Committee Reports • Special Guests/Key Note Speakers • Social Hour/Live Entertainment • Banquet, Silent and Live Auctions • Family/Youth Programs

Visit the CFM website at www.confedmo.org for Registration Information. Register early and be automatically entered for the “Early Bird Prize Drawing”. The winner will be announced at convention.

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CFM 2014 Annual Convention

he Conservation Federation of Missouri would like to thank you for your contributions and generous support in 2013! We hope you will make plans to join us in late March at our 78th Annual CFM Convention in Jefferson City. We are making preparations now for our biggest and best convention ever.

earliest convenience. This will allow us time to plan for their effective use.

So, mark your calendar, then bring yourself and a bunch of friends along to share this March weekend with us in Jefferson City!

Our 2014 CFM Convention will be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Missouri on March 21, 22 and 23. It is the only time each year where we gather to share fellowship, present awards, and craft resolutions to improve the outdoors.

Each year many businesses, affiliates and individuals contribute to our success by underwriting part of our costs for the weekend. We are deeply grateful for this incredible generosity! If you are already planning to attend and have any items or ideas for our use in fundraising please get them to us at your

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agency news - department of conservation

Schools Invited to Fight Litter Through “No MOre Trash!” Contest MDC and MoDOT sponsor “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trash-can contest.

Missouri public, private and home-school students in grades K-8 are invited to help in the fight against litter in the Show-Me State -- and to have creative and educational fun -- by participating in the 2014 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest.

The annual trash-can contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” (NMT) statewide litter campaign. This partnership between MDC and MoDOT, along with thousands of volunteers, is working to prevent and reduce litter in Missouri through education, prevention, and cleanup activities.

“In addition to teaching kids about how litter hurts them, their communities, and their environment, the contest gives students an opportunity to help prevent littering by creating and providing a trash can with the No MOre Trash! message in their schools or communities,” says MoDOT NMT Coordinator Stacy Armstrong.

Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools.

All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the sponsoring school.

There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online and up to three photos to www.nomoretrash.org by March 14.

Contest rules, entry forms, logo, past contest entries and winners, and educational information can also be found at www.nomoretrash.org.

Southwest Livingston County R-1, Littlejohn Homeschool in West Plains and Cowgill R-VI Elementary were winners of the 2013 contest. They were among 18 Missouri elementary and middle schools and almost 200 students who helped fight litter by participating in the annual contest.

Marj Locker’s 7th Grade Art Class at Southwest Livingston County R-1 won the grade 6-8 category, and the grand prize with their entry, “Give Trash the Boot-Recycle!” The 14 students created a cowboy boot around a trash can.

Angela Littlejohn’s Siblings Class at Littlejohn Homeschool in West Plains won the grade 3-5 category with their Transformers-themed entry, “Transform and Roll Out Trash!”

Erin Brister’s Kindergarten/1st Grade Class at Cowgill R-VI Elementary won the grade K-2 category with their Dr. Seuss-themed entry, “Lorax Says No MOre Trash.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates 4.3 pounds of solid waste per day. Based on this average and the state’s population of approximately six million people, Missouri accounts for more than 25 million pounds of garbage in one day – more than nine billion pounds of trash per year.

“A great deal of that trash shows up on the Show-Me State’s roadsides, natural areas and waterways,” says MDC NMT Coordinator Joe Jerek. “Litter harms water quality and plant health, degrades natural areas and hurts wildlife. Litter poses health risks and creates roadway and waterway safety hazards. It hurts property values, housing prices, landscape appearance, and our overall quality of life.”

Littering is illegal in Missouri and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

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CFM Nomination Committee Proposed Slate For 2014-15

The Conservation Federation of Missouri Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of individuals to serve as Officers, National Wildlife Delegates, Executive Committee Nominees, and At-Large Directors Elected Nominees.

Officers: President – Al Vogt 1st Vice President – Ron Coleman 2nd Vice President – Gary Van De Velde Secretary – Nicole Wood Treasurer – Randy Washburn National Wildlife Representative – Don Johnson National Wildlife Alternate Representative – Ron Coleman

Elected At-Large Directors: Mike Baker, DeSoto Marvin Behnke, Saint Louis Earl Cannon, Jefferson City Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Bill Hilgeman, Manchester

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Honorariums Memorials In memory of Ed Stegner Judd & Judy Kirkham ~ Climax Springs Judy Reese ~ Overland Park, KS Arnold & Helen Meysenburg ~ Lees Summit Jack Greer ~ Boonville Charles Fillmore ~ Unity Village

Darwin Hindman, Columbia Kurt Homeyer, Bonne Terre John Hoskins, Fremont Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City

Executive Committee Nominees: Mossie Schallon term expires 2017 Howard Fisher term expires 2017 Nom Stucky term expires 2016 John Knudsen term expires 2015

Zack Knerr, Columbia John Knudsen, Hermann Arnold Meysenburg, Lees Summit Charley Ponciroli, Brentwood Tom Russell, Columbia George Seek, Meadville Dennis Stubbs, Festus Norm Stucky, Jefferson City

This proposed slate was considered formally, as an amended slate, at the December meeting of the CFM Board of Directors. The slate will now be proposed for formal approval at the annual meeting of the membership, to be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City, MO. MIS S OURI

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agency news - department of conservation

Discover Nature with MDC Eagle Days Events Around the State Events include live captive-eagles, exhibits, activities, videos and guides with spotting scopes.

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rom December through February, Missouri’s winter eagle watching is spectacular. Discover nature with Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Eagle Days events around the state, or enjoy eagleviewing on your own.

Because of its big rivers, many lakes and wetlands, Missouri is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in the Show-Me State. Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food.

More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter. Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. View them early in the morning to see eagles flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather and don’t forget cameras and binoculars.

The following locations are hot spots for eagle viewing and MDC offers Eagle Days events on the dates listed. The events include live captive-eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos and guides with spotting scopes: • Jan. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Smithville Lake north of Kansas City.

Call 816-532-0174 for more information.

• Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MDC Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

• Jan. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 in St. Louis. Call 314-8771309 for more information.

• Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lock and Dam 24 and Apple Shed Theater in Clarksville. Call 660-785-2420 for more information.

Mature bald eagles are relatively easy to identify. They have a dark brown body with white head and tail. In Missouri, they are observed near lakes, rivers, and marshes, particularly in winter. Photo credit: MDC

Can’t make an Eagle Days event? Other hot spots for winter eagle viewing include: • Lake of the Ozarks Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell • Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia • Lock and Dam 25 east of Winfield • Mingo National Wildlife refuge northwest of Puxico • Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary east of West Alton • Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner • Table Rock Lake southwest of Branson • Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays

• Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Schell City Community Center in downtown Schell City and the MDC Schell Osage Conservation area north of El Dorado Springs. Call 417-876-5226 for more information.

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agency news - department of conservation

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Marilynn Bradford Joins Conservation Commission

overnor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon has appointed a central Missouri native with a lifelong interest in the outdoors and a proven commitment to public service to a six-year term on the Conservation Commission.

Marilynn J. Bradford, (I), Jefferson City, has a diverse background in government, private business and citizen conservation. Her term on the Conservation Commission will run through June 30, 2019.

Bradford’s diverse career includes more than 20 years of public service in state government with the departments of Agriculture and Social Services, working primarily in community and media relations.

While employed by the state, Bradford worked with national media, including the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Public Broadcasting Service. She worked extensively with state and national foundations developing grant funding for Missouri initiatives.

A life member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Bradford served on the planning committee for the federation’s 2009 Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors.

Conservation Department Director Robert L. Ziehmer says the agency is certain

to benefit from Bradford’s diverse experience.

“Her long-time commitment to Missouri, interest in the outdoors and her work with various organizations gives her a firm foundation of knowledge about conservation issues. We could not be more pleased with her selection to serve on the Conservation Commission.”

Bradford and her husband are co-owners of Pyramid Home Health Services, which serves more than 3,000 elderly and disabled Missourians. They also coown a 1,000-acre timber and hunting property in Wayne and Madison counties and a rice farm in Pemiscot County.

Bradford says her interest in conservation began as a child growing up in the “Mayberry-like” setting in Jefferson City.

“To my mother’s dismay, I was a tomboy from the get-go,” says Bradford. “My dad ran a Western Auto store and my main interests were the cap-guns and BB rifles they sold. I always wanted a Daisy BB gun.”

“We had a creek across the street and all the kids in the neighborhood took advantage of catching tadpoles, frogs, turtles, fish, and even a few small snakes. There were woods nearby where we could invent games and let our imaginations run wild.

“That’s where I remember

the early evening call of the whippoorwills and owls later at night. My family enjoyed fishing and boating and we took many outings on the Osage River and to the Lake of the Ozarks and Bennett Springs.”

Her early exposure to Missouri’s trout parks was reinforced when her husband introduced her to flyfishing, one of her favorite pastimes today.

“We have taken fishing trips across the country,” says Bradford, “but there is

no better fishing than right here in Missouri.”

Bradford counts her Great Aunt Fredricka Simonsen among her formative influences.

“She was my role model,” says Bradford. “She was a true trailblazing woman.

She was Missouri’s first woman pharmacist in 1899.

Her spirit shaped my beliefs today and my desire to serve the public.” continued on page 25

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agency news - department of conservation

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Recovery Begins at Dunn Ranch for Endangered Topeka Shiners

iologists watched with hope as 3,300 hatchery-reared minnows of the endangered Topeka shiner swam away in ponds and a creek in Harrison County in northwest Missouri. A decades-long effort to protect and restore a fish that evolved in prairie streams now has fresh fins in the water.

“Our goal is for them to eventually not be endangered,” said Jerry Wiechman, a fisheries management biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

MDC fisheries crews and conservation partners released the Topeka shiners at Dunn Ranch and at MDC’s Pawnee Prairie Natural Area. Both are in the Grand River Grasslands, a combined public and private prairie restoration effort spanning 70,000 acres in Missouri and Iowa.

Bison in fenced grasslands at Dunn Ranch are an icon for the effort, and so are endangered prairie chickens that use the wildflower-rich native or restored prairie remnants across the countryside on both sides of the state line.

But prairies nurture fish as well as birds, wildlife, wildflowers and native grasses.

Creeks born from rainwater on ridges feed rivers. Plants cleanse runoff from heavy rains. Prairies soak up rain

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and release clear water from seeps and springs into headwaters that feed the big rivers.

Topeka shiners were once common in such waters in prairie states. Their numbers are in sharp decline for reasons biologists don’t fully understand, though they know most native prairie is gone and the landscape is greatly changed by development and agriculture.

MDC for two decades has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a recovery plan for Topeka shiners because fish are part of a prairie’s natural web of life. The shiner restoration is also a partnership with The Nature Conservancy of Missouri, which owns Dunn Ranch. Todd Sampsell, the Conservancy’s Missouri director, took a turn pouring hatchery-raised shiners from a water-filled cooler into a pond.

“This restores another piece of a functioning prairie ecosystem,” Sampsell said.

“We’re thrilled. To us it’s a testament to how a healthy prairie can keep a prairie stream healthy.”

Topeka shiners, silvery and growing up to threeinches long, can survive in creek pools during drought, Wiechman said. But they’ve dwindled to populations in only two streams in Missouri. Topeka shiners are on the state’s endangered species list but also federally en-

Jerry Wiechman, an MDC Fisheries Management Biologist releasing Topeka shiners and orangespotted sunfish into a creek at Dunn Ranch. Photo credit: MDC.

dangered due to declines in other states. Those released on Wednesday were raised at the MDC Lost Valley Fish Hatchery at Warsaw. But the parent stock came from a surviving native population in Sugar Creek in Harrison County.

The hatchery-raised shiners are considered a

non-essential, experimental population by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That designation means there will be no restrictions or regulations that affect property owners in areas where they are released. Future plans call for additional Topeka shiner releases until the state has seven watersheds with

agency news - department of conservation self-sustaining populations.

Those releases will also be non-essential, experimental populations.

Although, there will be future opportunities for property owners to voluntarily participate in grant or cost-share programs that improve water quality and stream corridor habitat, Wiechman said. For example, financial assistance could help farmers develop reliable and clean water sources for cattle away from streams, which could help keep livestock out of channels so they don’t increase turbidity and damage stream beds. Anyone interested in those programs can contact Wiechman at 816-675-2205 or go to mdc.mo.gov.

The shiners released are a vanguard. Biologists hope they reproduce in the ponds to provide Topeka shiners for stocking in other locations. If some fish wash out

A Topeka shiner. Photo credit: MDC.

of the ponds during heavy rains, that will also stock the prairie headwaters. Orangespotted sunfish were also stocked in the ponds, previously cleansed of other fish, as a “spawning associate.”

Topeka shiners will lay eggs in an active sunfish nest, and sunfish fanning and guard-

ing the eggs helps the hatch.

Natural life is interconnected between species, land and water. Conservation saves those connections for future generations of people to enjoy.

“It’s our job to protect diversity for all species in Missouri,” Wiechman said.

“For Topeka shiners, MDC is being proactive to avoid worse problems for an endangered species.”

to contributing my energies and efforts for the Missouri Department of Conservation and our children’s future.”

Bradford replaces Don Johnson, Festus, who served from 2007 through 2013.

The Missouri Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all

wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.

Bill Graham Media Specialist, MDC

Marilynn Bradford Joins Conservation Commission Continued from page 23.

Summing up her commitment, she says, “I am a fourth generation Missourian and deeply love this state – its beauty and diversity are unmatched. There truly is no better place to live. It is a great honor to be asked to serve as a Conservation Commissioner, and I am

proud to join the ranks of so many volunteer conservation leaders who have worked together to preserve our state’s natural beauty and environment for future generations.”

“Being a grandmother of 4-year old twins reminds me daily of the important task that is ahead and the significance of this position,” says Bradford. “I look forward

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Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

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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C o n s e r v a t i o n F e d e r a t i o n o f M i s s o u r i A F F I L IATES Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association Bridlespur Hunt Club Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Meramec Area Sportsman Association Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri BASS Federation Nation

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

Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Mule Deer Foundation North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Bluffs Audubon Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Saint Louis Audubon Society South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman’s Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman’s Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

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department of natural resources

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Celebrating 40 Years of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources

very happy New Year to our Conservation Federation of Missouri colleagues! As is the nature of things, this time of year brings both reflection and an expectant look forward. Reflecting on 2013, we celebrate our successes, bid adieu to our accomplished challenges and perhaps reconsider a few of those resolutions that didn’t get checked off the list. And with the fresh start that a new year affords, we are filled with the hopeful suspense of all that may come with the turning of the calendar’s pages. This year holds something else special – the opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources!

So what has changed in the last 40 years? Decades ago, we could see the visual impacts of pollution to our natural resources. Our air quality was so contaminated with pollutants that larger metropolitan areas urged people to stay home from work and school because the air was dangerous to breathe.

The water in our lakes and rivers was littered with trash and pollutants, looking more like murky mug shots than picturesque portraits. But then citizens throughout the nation determined that it was time to make a difference—to turn the tide toward protecting and improving our natural resources.

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In 1970, the National Environmental Policy and Clean Air acts and later the Clean Water Act in 1972 were among the first environmental laws designed to build a foundation for a healthier America. The people in our great state recognized the need to protect and preserve its resources and created the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on July 1 under the Omnibus State Reorganization Act of 1974.

This effort brought together nearly 15 existing agencies with complementary missions to achieve common goals in environmental cleanup and protection, conservation and management of natural, cultural and energy resources.

Although the department is relatively young, it includes older entities that joined the department due to their shared missions. Two of the oldest entities were the Missouri Geological Survey and Missouri state park system.

The Geological Survey was established in 1853, largely in response to extensive mining activities that began in 1740 when settlers began mining resources such as lead, iron, limestone, sand and gravel. The Missouri state park fund was created in 1917, which supported the purchases of the first state historic site and state park in 1923 and 1924.

Today, the department helps develop mineral, oil and gas resources in an

Celebrating 40 years of protecting Missouri’s air, land, water and parks. With your help, we will continue to work together to provide all Missourians a healthy environment in which to live, work and recreate. Photo credit: Scott Myers - DNR.

environmentally safe manner.

The department protects the quality of water Missourians drink and the air they breathe, as well as Missouri’s land resources. The department provides outreach and education, technical and financial assistance to the state’s citizens, communities and businesses to protect public health and improve

quality of life. Finally, the department preserves the state’s natural landscapes and cultural features through an outstanding network of state parks and historic sites, along with the efforts of the state historic preservation office.

During the last 40 years, we have made significant improvements to our air, land, and water quality, such as

agency news - department of natural resources properly disposing of nearly 17 million scrap tires from Missouri’s landscapes. With your help, the department has enacted state implementation plans to address poor air quality and reduce emissions from permitted facilities. We’ve improved water quality by issuing and enforcing permits to control the quality and amount of wastewater that enters our waters. And we’ve benefited from advancements in science and technology that have paved the way for federal standards to be strengthened through time. As an example, lab equipment that once mea-

sured contaminants in parts per thousand now measure them in parts per billion.

The last 40 years also reflect a long history of working with external partners to achieve these many successes.

The department communicates with these partners through commission meetings, forums, public meetings and other avenues. These relationships are critical in our efforts to protect, preserve and enhance Missouri’s resources. The Conservation Federation of Missouri has been one of our strongest supporters – of parks, soil and water, and many other

department issues and activities. We appreciate CFM’s on-going support.

You have joined with us to improve Missouri’s natural resources and public health, giving us all great reason to pause and celebrate a successful 40th anniversary.

And though the impact of pollution may not be as visibly evident 40 years later, we know there is still work to do. The department’s monitoring efforts document this fact. Our next set of environmental challenges will include some obstacles that we will have to overcome together – with due diligence,

sound science and collaborative approaches. With your help, we will continue to work together to provide all Missourians a healthy environment in which to live, work and recreate.

As we move further into 2014, I hope you will join us for a year of activities that both commemorate our past achievements and afford us an opportunity to look ahead to the next 40 years of protecting Missouri’s air, land, water and parks.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Castlewood State Park and Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

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oth Castlewood State Park and Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site share their 40th anniversaries with the Department of Natural Resources. Castlewood State Park is considered St. Louis’ peaceful escape and is located on Kiefer Creek Road in Ballwin.

City dwellers flocked to Castlewood for weekends of water fun, dancing and clubhouse partying in the early 1900s. At the bottom of the palisade bluffs, visitors ferried across the river to a large sandbar known as Lincoln Beach. At the height of Castlewood’s popularity, more than 10,000 visitors

would descend on the area each summer weekend.

Numerous attempts were made to preserve the resort like quality of the area, and a citizen conservation group, the Open Space Council of St. Louis, helped the state acquire the land that in 1974 became Castlewood State Park. The park is the centerpiece of the Meramec River Recreation Association (MRRA), established in 1975 for the protection and preservation of the Meramec River corridor.

The dance clubs are gone, but the winding Meramec River and the lush valley that surrounds it remain. The park straddles both sides

of the Meramec River and stretches in linear fashion for nearly five miles. At the heart of the park, the last mile of Kiefer Creek meanders toward the Meramec River.

The river itself swings south, east, north and east again through the park, with broad floodplains averaging more than a half-mile wide.

Just as it was 100 years ago, majestic white limestone bluffs tower above the Meramec River, while some 250 feet below is River Scene Trail. On the south side of the river near the old community of Morschels, nature lovers can find a small stand of native bottomland forest, a rapidly vanishing natural

feature. By contrast, on the north side, a more typical upland forest of white oak, northern red oak and shagbark hickory dominates the landscape. Wildlife includes cricket frogs, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and river birds, such as kingfisher and great blue heron.

The World Bird Sanctuary is also located within the park on leased land and is open to the public. It houses live birds and features interpretive displays on birds of prey and their activities.

It can be accessed from Lone Elk County Park. See their website for more information continued on page 30

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department of natural resources

The winter season is a wonderful time to explore Castlewood State Park and its trails. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time. Photo credit: Scott Myers - DNR.

and hours of operation.

The park has hiking and mountain biking trails that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time. The park is considered one of the best mountain biking locations in the St. Louis area. Good fishing, broad meadows filled with wildlife, and plenty of recreational facilities make the park a favorite for people who want an adventure or just to get away. For more information on Castlewood State Park contact the park office at 636-227-4433 or visit the Web at http://mostateparks.com/park/castle3 0

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wood-state-park.

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is Sedalia’s castle on the hill located seven miles north of Sedalia, off Highway 65. With a commanding view from atop a bluff, the site is one of the best representations of early 20th Century sensibilities in the Midwest. Walk through the 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge built atop two natural caves by Sedalia lawyer John Homer Bothwell, which took 31 years and four building phases to complete. You will marvel at the owner’s eclectic tastes and how country gentlemen furnished a recreational lodge for himself and his friends. Most of the

furnishings in the house are original, and the property also has a three-mile hiking and mountain biking trail.

Bothwell moved to Sedalia in 1871 and opened his first law office. From the time of his arrival in Sedalia, Bothwell promoted the community. He also represented the Sedalia area for eight years as a legislator to the Missouri General Assembly and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 1904. His influence helped to make Sedalia the permanent location for the Missouri State Fair.

In hopes of saving the wooded hilltop for future generations, Bothwell purchased the property that he

called Stonyridge Farm in 1896, now the home of Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site. Frustrated that much of the timber on top of the ridge had been cut, Bothwell spent years restoring the native vegetation. Bothwell built a trail along the wooded slope surrounding the lodge. Visitors hiking Stonyridge Trail will pass by one of three rock quarries, a stone gazebo and a small three-sided stone shelter used as a resting spot.

Bothwell died in 1929 leaving his estate to a group of friends and relatives he called “The Bothwell Lodge Club,” who used it until 1969 when it was offered to the state of Missouri. In

agency news - department of natural resources

Photo credit: DNR.

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site includes Bothwell’s private library including many first-edition books from the 1870s and 1880s. The library is a favorite among visitors with its fine woodwork, cozy fireplace, inspiring view of the valley. Photo credit: DNR.

1974, the state acquired the property and began development of Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Today, visitors can tour Bothwell’s lodge and enjoy the natural beauty of Stonyridge Farm while hiking Stonyridge Trail. The newest trail, Radiant Trail, provides challenging hiking or mountain biking for outdoor enthusiasts. For more information on Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site contact the site at 660-827-0510 or visit the Web at http://mostateparks. com/park/bothwell-lodge-state-historic-site.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

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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CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution)

Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane Addleman, Springfield Michael Duane Addleman † Nancy Addleman † Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield Tom Addleman, Harrisonville James Agnew, Arnold Craig Alderman, Buffalo Allen Appell, Calhoun Richard Ash, Ozark Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin J. Douglas Audiffred, Ballwin Michael Baker, DeSoto Dane Balsman, Frankfort, KY Don Bedell, Sikeston Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Jeff Blystone, Independence Glenn Boettcher, Owensville Dale & Linda Bourg, Ozark Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL Scott Brundage, Columbia Glenn Chambers, Columbia Bryan Chilcutt, Columbia Ed Clausen, Jefferson City Edward Clayton, Clayton Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Arnold Bill Crawford, Columbia Andy Dalton, Springfield Ryan Diener, Marthasville Joe G. Dillard, Columbia Ron Douglas, Springfield Charlie Drury, Saint Louis Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Tom Drury, Saint Louis John Enderle, Kelso Joe Engeln, Columbia

Howard Fisher, Higginsville Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard Fleming, Moberly Lori Fleming, Columbia Matt Fleming, Moberly Paula Fleming, Moberly Sara Fleming, Moberly Manley Fuller, Tallahassee, FL Matt Gaunt, Columbia Jason Gibbs, Saint Charles Timothy Gordon, Belgrade Blake Gornick, Kirkwood Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson Tom & Margaret Hall, Arrow Rock Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville Deanna Hamon, Kirbyville Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Milt & Deanna Harper, Columbia Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Loring Helfrich, Sikeston Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph Bill Hilgeman, Manchester James Hill, Mexico C.W. & Delores Hook, Higginsville Allan Hoover † John Hoskins, Fremont Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City Don Johnson, Festus Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg Roger Johnson, Humansville

Pat Jones, Williamsburg Tom Karl, Farmington Cosette Kelly, Kansas City Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring Chris Koster, Jefferson City Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Larry Lackamp, Bates City Kyle Lairmore, Owensville Jay Law † Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis John Lewis, Columbia Leroy Logan, Arnold Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell Bob Lorance, Stover Ike Lovan, Steelville Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Tom Mendenhall, Columbia Cynthia Metcalfe, Clayton Walter Metcalfe, Clayton Davis Minton, Dexter Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City John Moore, Jr., Gelena Johnny Morris, Springfield John & Patricia Mort, Smithville David Murphy, Columbia Dean Murphy, Jefferson City First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City Frank & Judy Oberle, Novinger

Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly, Nixa Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield Austin Owens, Lebanon Jeff Owens, Marshfield Sara Pauley, Hartsburg Scott Pauley, Hartsburg Randy Persons, Poplar Bluff Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Glenn & Ilayana Pickett, Columbia Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant Becky Plattner, Grand Pass Jerry Presley, Centertown Albert Price, Columbia Nick Prough, Blue Springs Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg Kurtis Reeg, Saint Louis David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Tyler Ruoff, Savannah Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland Fred Saylor, Independence Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin Mike Schallon, Wentzville Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Pamela Schnebelen, LaBarque Creek Ronald Schwartzmeyer, Arnold Timothy Schwent, Jackson Travis Scott, Columbia George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Sara Seidler, Saint Louis Anita Siegmund, Saint Louis Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho M. W. Sorenson, Columbia Ed Stegner † Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Mary Stuppy, Joplin Mark Sullivan † Jacob Swafford, Portales, NM

Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Norman Tanner, Cape Girardeau Travis Taylor, Lawson Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Jeff “J. T.” Tillman † Robert Tompson, Moberly Alex Uskokovich, Glendale Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Julius Wall, Clinton Ginny Wallace, Jefferson City Randy Washburn, Versailles Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia Mary Waters, Columbia Robert O. Werges, Arnold Mark Williams, Lawson Michael Wilson, Saint Louis Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Addie Witter, Annville, PA Brenda Witter, Holts Summit Daniel Witter, Holts Summit Owen Witter, Columbia Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre David Young, Windsor Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Blue Springs Emily Ziehmer, California Lauren Ziehmer, California Robert Ziehmer, California Ethan Zuck, Strafford Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased

When will you add your name to the list?

CFM Life Membership Application Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Payment Method (circle one):

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Email: __________________________________________________ Check ________________________________________________

Credit Card_________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:__________________ 3 2

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Tickets: Name: _________________________________________________________________________________

1 Chance - $20.00 3 Chances - $50.00

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Only 200 tickets will be sold

City: __________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________

Winner will be drawn at the CFM’s Annual Convention on Saturday, March 22, 2014

Email: _________________________________________________________________________________

To Purchase Tickets:

Call: (800) 575-2322 Email: lcoleman@confedmo.org Or Mail To: Conservation Federation of Missouri Credit Card #: _____________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________ 728 West Main Street (Your information will be shared with Second Creek Deer Blinds) Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Credit Card: o MasterCard o Visa o Discover

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

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