Vol75 no2 2014

March 2014 VOL. 75, NO. 2

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

Featured articles

March 2014 Vol. 75, No. 2

2013 Annual Report . . ................................................................................................. 4 CFM’s 3rd Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot Was A Big Success! ................................... 12 Conservation Federation of Missouri 2014 Annual Convention Registration . . ........ 14 NWTF Nationally Recognizes Missourians . . .......................................................... 17 Celebrating the Life of Ed Stegner . . ..................................................................... 17 Dale Hall Named Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year .. ............. 21 Where Are They Now? Life After CLC ................................................................. 24 Sixth Annual Governors Youth Hunt .. .................................................................... 25 Why I Became a Life Member of CFM . . ............................................................... 29 Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Management Plan CFM endorses plan “Alternative B” .................................................................. 30 Spring Fling . . ............................................................................................................... 31

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

Staff Dave Murphy

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

news, updates and columns President’s Message..............................................................................................2 Calendar.................................................................................................................22 Teaming With Wildlife

Victory! The New Farm Bill is a Major Win for Wildlife ....................................16

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Agency News

Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri Deer Harvest Follows Regional Trend ...............................................18

Share the Harvest Provides More Than 227,350 Pounds of Deer Meet This Year to Feed Hungry Missourians ......................................19

Department of Natural Resources Our Missouri Waters - A Cherished Resource ...................................................26

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks - Grand Gulf State Park ..............................28

Member Information

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

New Members....................................................................................................13 Honorariums & Memorials.................................................................................20

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: “Gobbler with a forward look - looking forward to the next receptive hen”, © Glenn D. Chambers 2014, www.glenndchambers.com

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president’s message

“My, Oh My, What a Wonderful Day!”

Things are looking up.

In my last article, I said I’m not good at predicting the future. Yet here I go again. I’m “going out on a limb” per the search for CFM’s Executive Director.

When you get this issue of Missouri Wildlife, the Executive Committee will have selected someone to recommend to the Board to fill the vacancy. Barring any unforeseen issues, you should be able to meet our Executive Director at CFM’s Annual Convention.

CFM’s Annual Convention is scheduled for March 21-23, 2014. Again, I emphasize, we’d love to have you join us! Bring a friend and introduce them to CFM. This is a great way to expand CFM’s membership. If your friend enjoys Missouri’s Outdoors, there is no better way to discern the value of being a CFM member. Celebrating conservation achievement illustrates success, and updates from DNR and MDC inform the interested.

But, to me it’s the discourse during the Resource Committee Meetings that allows one to really participate in policy matters affecting Missouri’s Outdoors.

This year we have a special ceremony: A Celebration of the Life of Ed Stegner – truly one of conservation’s stalwarts of all time. Ed served as CFM’s Executive Director longer than anyone and there is no question “he made a huge 2

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difference” for Missouri’s Outdoors. At a special ceremony on Friday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., we’ll have the chance to pay tribute to Ed. Do consider attending and adding your personal recognition.

Returning to thoughts about CFM’s membership - seriously do consider inviting your friends to the Annual Convention. Surely you have a friend or two with outdoor interests.

They don’t have to hunt or fish; they can just enjoy our outdoor world. Recently the Outdoor Foundation reported their 2013 survey findings which indicated nearly half of all Americans participated in some form of outdoor recreation last year. What would you guess were the five most popular by population rate of participation and frequency?

Surprise! Not a single

team sport, like baseball or soccer, made the list. And I was really taken back when neither golf nor swimming were denoted. So what did make the top five?

By Participation Rate: Running/Jogging; Fishing; Biking; Camping; and Hiking;

By Frequency: Running/ Jogging; Biking; Bird/Wildlife Watching; Fishing; and Hiking.

Consider, if you will, Bill Kirgan’s lead as CFM’s Membership Committee Chair. Review your email contact list. Who on that list isn’t a CFM member but who “ought to be” to your way of thinking? Do they participate in any of the aforementioned outdoor activities? If so, or they have other outdoor interests such as forestry or hunting; try applying the same queries to them that I once asked of you. If CFM is THE most respected Conservation Organization within the state: What about Missouri’s Outdoors would bring them to become a CFM member?

What current CFM work or projects would they strongly support?

What future CFM goals/ objectives could they support with enthusiasm? And, What might it take to get them more involved in CFM’s work?

Afterwards, like Bill did,

put together some reasons why they ought to join CFM and then simply ask them to do so. It would certainly help enhance CFM’s work.

Now all that said, let me seek to tweak your memories somewhat by pondering another question I asked in one of my early articles. Are you now waking up with a “Spring Smile” because you’ve got some “free” time slated to be in Missouri Outdoors?

Without a doubt, Spring is the time you’ll most often find me in a positive mood.

Why? Oh come on – that’s a “no-brainer” for anyone who spends time afield.

As Ma Nature stirs with the promise of new and renewed life, she can’t help but give even the gloomiest person reason to enjoy a bit of Spring Fever.

Spring fever isn’t a symptom of some illness at all.

No, it’s a sense of renewal.

There’s the raw beauty of floral display as myriads of wildflowers open with a splash of color to complement the blooms of service berry, redbud, hawthorn, and dogwood trees. Along with scenery, one can’t help but smell the fresh clean air and the aromatic scents of literally thousands of flowers. And, I ask: what goes on in your mind as you hear the wonderful symphony presented by cardinals, tanagers, quail, bluebirds, wrens and others as they proclaim their

arrival and set up nesting territories? Don’t forget to listen to the chorus of whippoorwills, barred owls, tree frogs and perhaps coyotes.

Take some time and experience Missouri’s Outdoors somewhere - even just a “drive-thru” the local park on your way to/from the grocery store can help recreate yourself.

Don’t forget about the 2014 Spring Fling on Pomme de Terre Lake scheduled for April 6th. This will be

the fourth year the Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation has held this event to benefit 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”.

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

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CFM 2013 Annual Report

2013 A Year of Improvements and Performance

Convention at Capitol Plaza in Jefferson City well over 500 attendees and a net of over $50,000, both firsts in history for us. Many resolutions crafted and passed to enhance the future of the outdoors and outstanding performances by citizens and professionals recognized for excellence through our Conservation Awards.

Celebration of National Wildlife Week more than 175 attendees at our first ever celebration of National Wildlife Week.

Members of the Missouri Legislative Sportsmens Caucus, leaders of CFM affiliated organizations, business alliance partners, state and federal agencies all came together to share enthusiasm for wildlife conservation. We had dozens of school children and their familes attend the evening event and receive awards for their outstanding works of art to express “what wildlife means to meâ€?‌there were over 200 entries to the art competition!

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CFM 2013 Annual Report

Tee-It-Up For Missouri Outdoors Golf Tournament a gracious gift from Union Pacific Railroad, a lot of hard work by our special committee, beautiful weather together produced an outstanding inaugural event and introduced lots of folks to CFM! Staff and volunteers produced record participation in our second Cabin Fever Shoot in January

(over 120 shooters), in the Spring Fling BASS Tournament, hosted by Missouri BASS Federation Nation and benefiting CFM; and in our August Pull For Conservation Sporting Clays Shoot (over 170 shooters). All yielded important revenue for CFM, new members and lots of FUN!

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CFM 2013 Annual Report

Multiple Actions to Improve the Federation special committees were formed to address long term, important projects to improve and strengthen CFM. A by-laws committee convened to rewrite our operational guidelines to reflect how we operate in clear, concise terms. Inconsistencies from many years of piecemeal refinements were specifically addressed. A Major Gifts

committee was convened to put together a development plan to enhance available funds for all aspects of CFM operations.

Strategic Planning committee completed a revision of the CFM Strategic Plan which condensed and simplified the plan. The Outdoor Action Committee (OAKs) worked toward CFM hosting an Outreach Summit in 2014.

Dedicated to improving our Missouri Outdoors

The Voice For Missouri Outdoors hosted a special task force to bring together our many affiliated organizations concerned with the arrival in Missouri of Chronic Wasting Disease.

Members of the task force include representatives of the Quality Deer Management Association, Whitetails Unlimited, Missouri Deer Hunters, Missouri Outdoor Communica-

tors, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, the Wildlife Society, Safari Club International, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s Share The Harvest Program. CFM also served on the Department of Natural Resources’ Kitchen Cabinet of trusted advisors; attended and provided support and encouragement to the Missouri Department

The Stonehouse received designation as an official Jefferson City Historic Landmark this year. This great honor commemorates The Stonehouse as officially among the most historic in the city. The Board Room in The Stone6

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of Conservation at many levels; served the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Forest Service and the United States Parks Service as a partner and advocate. CFM Executive Director provided keynote remarks at Missouri’s first ever Missouri Conservation Volunteers Convention and at the first ever Community

Conservation Workshop.

CFM participated in discussions and submitted written commentary on the first discussions of Ecological Flow in Missouri history. Details of these and countless other actions are available via www.confedmo.org or by calling the office at 800575-2322.

house received a dozen matching, very nice chairs as a generous personal gift from President Richard Ash, his fiancé Judy Dixon and Treasurer Randy Washburn.

CFM 2013 Annual Report

A Retirement Party/Roast for Dave Murphy was held in the ballroom of the Tiger Hotel in Columbia in May. Over 150 guests joined in the festivities…

and contributed over $120,000 net to launch the Tenth Legion Endowment Fund to provide resources to support CFM in perpetuity.

“The Nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”

- Theodore Roosevelt MIS S OURI

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CFM Officers

CFM 2013 Annual Report

2013 Income

Program $647,310 Grants/Scholarship $115,725 Fundraising $287,518 Meetings $89,874 Membership Dues $161,961 Miscellaneous $188,323

$1,490,710

Expenditures

Programs Fundraising Meetings Membership Publication Miscellaneous Capital Improvements Operating Payroll

$512,569 $58,409 $43,615 $40,602 $35,786 $72,549 $11,820 $35,902 $258,173 $1,069,425

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

Board of Directors

Craig Alderman, Buffalo Mike Baker, DeSoto Marvin Behnke, Saint Louis Jim Blair, Clayton Jeff Blystone, Independence Brian Brookshire, Jefferson City Robert Brundage, Jefferson City Tim Brunsman, Saint Louis Earl Cannon, Jefferson City Jerry Castillon, Ellisville Glenn Chambers, Columbia * Charlie Davidson, Jefferson City Katherine Dockery, Saint Louis Ken Drenon, Jefferson City Howard Fisher, Higginsville * Howard Fleming, Moberly * Elsa Gallagher, Excello Gene Gardner, Jefferson City R. Jack Garrett, West Plains * David Graber, Columbia David Hamilton, Saint Louis Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Linda Hanley, Oak Grove Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Donald Harris, Springfield Barry Hart, Jefferson City Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Bill Hilgeman, Manchester Kurt Homeyer, Bonne Terre C.W. Hook, Higginsville * Don Johnson, Festus * Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Bill Kirgan, Saint James Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs * Dan Kleinsorge, Jefferson City John Knudsen, Hermann Dan Kreher, Ballwin Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City *

Grace Leinberger, Linn Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis Ike Lovan, Steelville * C.F. Luebbert, Tipton * Ranney McDonough, Poplar Bluff Bill McGuire, Jefferson City Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Arnold Meysenburg, Lees Summit Misty Mitchell, Springfield Dave Murphy, Columbia John Neporadny, Lake Ozark Tom Noyes, Lathrop * Dave Pace, Salem Rod Pennington, Rogersville Brian Peterson, Cedarcreek Albert Phillips, Saint Louis * Charley Ponciroli, Brentwood Tom Russell, Columbia Mike Schallon, Wentzville * George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis * Chad Shoemaker, Mexico Dennis Stubbs, Festus Norm Stucky, Jefferson City Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City * Dan Vogt, Centralia Jerry Wade, Columbia Wallis Warren, Beaufort James Washabaugh, Jefferson City Emily Wilbers, Jefferson City Dick Wood, Saint Louis * Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre Jerry Woodson, Perryville Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Blue Springs Colton Zirkle, Saint Joseph * CFM Past President

Staff

Dave Murphy, Interim Executive Director Debra Lee, Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Haymaker, Office Manager Laurie Coleman, Membership Associate/Managing Editor 8

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CFM 2013 Annual Report

CFM Affiliates Anglers of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Audubon Society of Missouri

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Trappers Association

Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc.

Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society

Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association

Big Game Hunters, Inc.

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Mule Deer Foundation

Capital City Fly Fishers

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

North Side Division Conservation Federation

Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International

Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council

Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region

Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment

Missouri Farmers Care

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Deer Creek Sportsman’s Club, Inc.

Missouri Forest Products Association

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Perry County Sportsman Club

Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association

Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.

Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Greenway Network, Inc.

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

Heaven’s Anglers

Missouri Native Seed Association

River Bluffs Audubon Society

Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc.

Missouri Parks & Recreation Association

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Meramec Area Sportsman Association

Missouri Parks Association

South Side Division Conservation Federation

Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited

Missouri River Bird Observatory

St. Louis Audubon Society

Midwest Diving Council

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman’s Club

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Missouri Society of American Foresters

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri State Campers Association

Wecomo Sportsman’s Club

Missouri BASS Federation Nation

Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association

Wild Elk Institute of Missouri

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

Business Alliance Members Basic:

Goodwin Brothers Construction Company

Quality Forest Management, LLC

Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Greenbrier Wetland Services

REMAX Boone Realty

Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC

Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc.

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC

Bass Pro Shops

Brown Printing

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Sapaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

Drury Hotels

Cap America

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

Second Creek Deer Blinds

Shelter Insurance Companies

Citizens Telephone Company

Hunting Works for Missouri

Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Columbia Daily Tribune

Joe Machens Dealerships

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Gold:

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Land & Water Partners, Inc.

Socket Internet Service, LLC

MidwayUSA

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

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Sport & Spine Rehabilitation

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Tabor Plastics Company

Silver:

Dickerson Park Zoo

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

The Bank of Missouri

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

Mid America Mortgage Services, Inc.

Thirty 3 Bar & Grill

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Middle River Bluffs

Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc.

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Midwest Mailing Services

Trumans Bar & Grill, Inc.

Pyramid Home Health Services

Friends of Ryan McKenna

Osage Canoes, LLC

United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Platte-Clay County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Platinum:

Full Care Inc. General Printing Service

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CFM 2013 Annual Report

Lifetime Members

John Lewis, Columbia

George Seek, Meadville

Leroy Logan, Arnold

E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis

Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell

Sara Seidler, Saint Louis

Bob Lorance, Stover

Anita Siegmund, Saint Louis

Ike Lovan, Steelville

Douglas Smentkowski, Jefferson City

Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry

Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho

Chip McGeehan, Marshfield

M. W. Sorenson, Columbia

Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield

Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove †

Richard Mendenhall, Columbia

Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico

Tom Mendenhall, Columbia

Mary Stuppy, Joplin

Cynthia Metcalfe, Clayton

Mark Sullivan †

Walter Metcalfe, Clayton

Jacob Swafford, Portales, NM

Davis Minton, Dexter

Jim Talbert, Jefferson City

Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City

Norman Tanner, Cape Girardeau

John Moore, Jr., Gelena

Travis Taylor, Lawson

Johnny Morris, Springfield

Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis

John & Patricia Mort, Smithville

Jeff “J. T.” Tillman †

David Murphy, Columbia

Robert Tompson, Moberly

Dean Murphy, Jefferson City

Alex Uskokovich, Glendale Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City

Charles Abele, Saint Louis

Manley Fuller, Tallahassee, FL

R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph

Matt Gaunt, Columbia

Duane Addleman, Springfield

Jason Gibbs, Saint Charles

Michael Duane Addleman †

Timothy Gordon, Belgrade

Nancy Addleman †

Blake Gornick, Kirkwood

Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield

Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg

Tom Addleman, Harrisonville

Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph

James Agnew, Arnold

Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

Craig Alderman, Buffalo

Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis

Allen Appell, Calhoun

Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson

Richard Ash, Ozark

Tom & Margaret Hall, Arrow Rock

Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin

Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville

J. Douglas Audiffred, Ballwin

Deanna Hamon, Kirbyville

Michael Baker, DeSoto

Herman Hanley, Grain Valley

Dane Balsman, Frankfort, KY

Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs

Don Bedell, Sikeston

Milt & Deanna Harper, Columbia

Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis

Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis

Jeff Blystone, Independence

Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance

First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City

Glenn Boettcher, Owensville

Loring Helfrich, Sikeston

Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Dale & Linda Bourg, Ozark

Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph

Lee Vogel, Kansas City

Frank & Judy Oberle, Novinger

Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau

Bill Hilgeman, Manchester

Al Vogt, Columbia

Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly, Nixa

Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau

James Hill, Mexico

Julius Wall, Clinton

Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield

Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL

C.W. & Deloras Hook, Higginsville

Ginny Wallace, Jefferson City

Austin Owens, Lebanon

Scott Brundage, Columbia

Allan Hoover †

Randy Washburn, Versailles

Jeff Owens, Marshfield

Alan Buchanan, Columbia

John Hoskins, Fremont

Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia

Sara Pauley, Hartsburg

Glenn Chambers, Columbia

Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe

Mary Waters, Columbia

Scott Pauley, Hartsburg

Bryan Chilcutt, Columbia

Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis

Robert O. Werges, Arnold

Randy Persons, Poplar Bluff

Ed Clausen, Jefferson City

Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles

Mark Williams, Lawson

Abe Phillips, Saint Louis

Edward Clayton, Clayton

Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City

Michael Wilson, Saint Louis

Jan Phillips, Saint Louis

Ron Coleman, Saint Albans

Don Johnson, Festus

Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg

Glenn & Ilayana Pickett, Columbia

Mark Corio, Arnold

Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg

Addie Witter, Annville, PA

Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant

Bill Crawford, Columbia

Roger Johnson, Humansville

Brenda Witter, Holts Summit

Becky Plattner, Grand Pass

Andy Dalton, Springfield

Pat Jones, Williamsburg

Daniel Witter, Holts Summit

Jerry Presley, Centertown

Ryan Diener, Marthasville

Tom Karl, Farmington

Owen Witter, Columbia

Albert Price, Columbia

Joe G. Dillard, Columbia

Cosette Kelly, Kansas City

Dick Wood, Saint Louis

Nick Prough, Blue Springs

Ron Douglas, Springfield

Duane Kelly, Kansas City

Howard Wood, Bonne Terre

Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg

Charlie Drury, Saint Louis

Marty King, University City

Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre

Kurtis Reeg, Saint Louis

Chuck Drury, Saint Louis

Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs

Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre

David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield

Tom Drury, Saint Louis

Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC

David Young, Windsor

Gerald Ross, Jefferson City

John Enderle, Kelso

Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring

Dan Zerr, O’Fallon

Tyler Ruoff, Savannah

Joe Engeln, Columbia

Chris Koster, Jefferson City

Jim Zieger, Blue Springs

Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland

Howard Fisher, Higginsville

Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS

Emily Ziehmer, California

Fred Saylor, Independence

Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville

Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City

Lauren Ziehmer, California

Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin

Andrew Fleming, Columbia

Larry Lackamp, Bates City

Robert Ziehmer, California

Mike Schallon, Wentzville

Howard Fleming, Moberly

Kyle Lairmore, Owensville

Ethan Zuck, Strafford

Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

Lori Fleming, Columbia

Jay Law †

Pamela Schnebelen, LaBarque Creek

Matt Fleming, Moberly

Gerald Lee, Kansas City

Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased

Ronald Schwartzmeyer, Arnold

Paula Fleming, Moberly

Joel LeMaster, Fulton

Timothy Schwent, Jackson

Sara Fleming, Moberly

Norman Leppo, Saint Louis

Travis Scott, Columbia

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Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City

CFM 2013 Annual Report

Award Winners

2013 Resolutions

1 - Continued Support of NASP 2 - Call Before You Cut 3 - Thousand Cankers Disease Education and Awareness

4 - Extending Antler Point Restriction Exemption for Youth 5 - Expansion of Bait Dumping Education 6 - Water Quality in Missouri Streams, Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands 7 - Creation of a Pilot Program to Promote Wildlife on MDC Vehicles 8 - Ten Year Non-Native Cool-Season Grass Eradication Plan Conservationist of the Year Chris Vitello, Holts Summit (pictured above) Conservation Communicator Bob Whitehead, Saint Louis Conservation Educator Regina Knauer, Jefferson City Conservation Legislator Representative Eric Burlison, Springfield Conservation Legislator Senator Tom Dempsey, Saint Charles Conservation Organization Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City Forest Conservationist John Fleming, Jefferson City Hunter Education Instructor Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill Professional Conservationist Kelly Srigley-Werner, Columbia Soil Conservationist Richard Fordyce, Bethany Water Conservationist George Sims, Mansfield Wildlife Conservationist Vance Vanderwerken, Savannah Youth Conservationist Dan Fuller, Pineville

9 - NRCS Seed Mix Development Protocol 10 - Terminate the Fertilizer Requirement for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Practice CP2 11 - Have Missouri Farm Service Agency Come Up With a Different Way to Determine CRP Soil Rental Rates 12 - Creation of New EQIP Food Plot Mix That Benefits Quail 13 - Creating a New CFM Grasslands Resource Committee 14 - Reinstatement of MDC Food Plot Program 15 - 2013 Farm Bill Conservation Compliance Priorities 16 - Appropriating Funds for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) 17 - Bird Watching Event for Families 18 - Implementation of Regional Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems Programs 19 - Hooking Schools on Fishing

20 - Habitat for Humanity’s Cans for Habitat Program 21 - E-Cycle Missouri 22 - Statewide Implementation of P2D2 (Safe Disposal of Pharmaceuticals) 23 - Closed Landfill Technical Assistance Project 24 - Lead Legacy in Missouri 25 - Management of Scrap Tires 26 - Missouri House Bill 545 27 - Junior Hunter Education Instructors Program 28 - Small Game Hunting Mentor Program 29 - MO Water Quality Standards 30 - Clean Water Permit Fee Increases 31 - Angler Recruitment and Retention 32 - Combine Heat and Power(CHP) and Distributed Generation 33 - Low-Impact Development Education and Implementation 34 - Designate the Ozark Trail as Missouri’s State Trail 35 - Revaluation of Antlerless Permit Issued 36 - Impose a Moratorium on any New High Fence Hunting/Breeding Facility for Cervids and/or any Other Non Native Species That Could Negatively Impact Missouri’s Native Flora Fauna 37 - Missouri State Park Funding 38 - Service Project Lists 39 - Wildlife Collector’s Permits 40 - Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Full titles and texts of resolutions available at www.confedmo.org

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CFM’s 3rd Annual Cabin Fever Clay Shoot Was a Big Success!

hose who believe that late January isn’t the time to plan a sporting clays tournament forgot to inform 145 folks suffering from cabin fever. January 25th didn’t chill the spirits of those who made the hike to Columbia to participate in CFM’s 3rd Annual Cabin Fever, mid-winter sporting clays event. The Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports club house was warm and there was plenty of venison and beef chili, hamburgers and hotdogs available for all of the day’s participants.

Ralph and Mary Ann Gates were terrific hosts as always! After completing the main course, many of the shooters hung around to try their hand at several of the fun games. Shooters lined up to participate in the 2 and 4 man flurry, long shot and the Ritz cracker shoot.

In the main event, top honors went to John Doolittle who won first place in A Class with second and third place finishes going to John Keller and Brian Hopper respectively. B Class finishers from first through third were Kurt Brooke, Cody Githens, and David Herbert. Rounding out C Division were Chris Davis, Tom Nichols, and Tim Grace in that order.

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

CFM is grateful to the

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

members and friends who offered donations of items and of their time to ensure our success in this 3rd annual event!

A BIG THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S CABIN FEVER CLAY SHOOT SPONSORS! Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bank of Missouri Bass Pro Shops George Clark MO State Chapter NWTF Joe Machen’s Dealerships Midway USA Mid-America Mortgage Services, Inc. Missouri Conservation Pioneers Mossie & Mike Schallon Shafer, Kline and Warren Inc.

Mike Baker Nathan Bias Glenn Chambers Brent Hassler Gene Kelly Kira Kirk Delbert Knerr Jenna Knerr Marilee Knerr

Bass Pro Shop Columbia Marilee Knerr and Family Mid-America Mortgage George Clark MO State Chapter NWTF Glenn Chambers Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports Tom Russell What-Ya-Say / Cathy Ergovich Winchester

WELCOME C F M N E W mem b e r s

David Appleton, Fair Grove

And to our volunteers:

And to our donors:

Robert Clarkson, Kansas City

Zachary Knerr Brian Rickard Tom Russell Travis Scott Norman Stucky Gary Van De Velde Brock Wilson Tye Wilson

Kenneth Gelhot, Jr., Saint Louis

Frederic Rissover, Saint Louis

David Gray, Lees Summit

Hannah Rogers, Warrensburg

Sarah Havens, Bourbon

Carolyn Samuels, Maryland Heights

Jeffrey Hill, Camden Point

Marvin Schuette, Saint Louis

Robert Kindle, Saint Louis

Warren Solomon, Jefferson City

Kathleen Lastarria, Ballwin Dennis LeBrun, Saint Louis

Esther Banta, Bridgeton

Merle Coughlin, Fenton

Eleanor Baxter, Creighton

James Daoukas, Saint Louis

Betsy Blake, Clark

Jerry Diederichs, Cedar Hill

Larry Martien, Ozark

Thomas Carroll, Kansas City

Mark Entrup, Springfield

Robert Morton, Saint Louis

Karen Cernicek, Maryland Heights

Jeffrey Farris, Saint Charles

Stephen & Beverly Price,

James Civiello, Branson

Anna Forder, Saint Louis

June Clark, Saint Louis

James & Linda Frisch, Saint Louis

Robert Stanke, Independence

Nancy Lingo, Liberty

Jefferson City Peter Raven, Saint Louis

Aaron Spor, Excelsior Springs

Warren Taylor, Hazelwood Colleen Teepe, Bismarck John Wesemann, Poplar Bluff Philip Willman, Saint Louis John & Dorothea Wood, Shelbina

CFM would like to thank the 323 members that renewed since our last publication.

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Conservation Federation of Missouri 2014 Annual Convention

March 21-23 2014

Resource Committee Meetings Keynote Session 8:00 - 8:45 Natural Resource Committee Meetings 9:00 - 10:30 Archery Chair: Dick Wood

Vice Chair: David Smith

Natural Resource Committee Meetings 11:00 - 12:30 Deer, Wild Turkey & Elk Chair: Dan Zerr Vice Chair: Dave Pace

Camping, Hiking Trails & Water Sports Chair: Steve Coates Vice Chair: Charlie Davidson

Ecology, Environment, Climate Change & Energy Chair: Wallis Warren Vice Chair: Jerry Castillon

Forestry Chair: Ed Keyser

Vice Chair: John Fleming

Fisheries & Water Resources Chair: Norman Leppo Vice Chair: Jim Zieger

Quail & Quail Habitat Chair: Tom Lampe

Vice Chair: Elsa Gallagher

Natural History, Parks & Wildlands Chair: Chad Shoemaker Vice Chair: Deb Schultehenrich

Rivers & Streams Chair: Norman Stucky

Vice Chair: Holly Neill

Small Game & Furbearers Chair: Ken Drenon Vice Chair: Dan McMurtry

Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste & Recycling Chair: Bob Geller Vice Chair: Alice Geller

Sportsman’s Rights, Firearms & Hunter Safety Chair: Vice Chair:

Waterfowl & Wetlands Chair: Mickey Heitmeyer Vice Chair: George Seek

Youth Leadership & Conservation Education Chair: Diana Mulick Vice Chair: Al Vogt

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teaming with wildlife

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Victory! The New Farm Bill is a Major Win for Wildlife

n February 4th, 2014 the Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 6832. It was the final major hurdle to becoming law for the next 5 years. President Barack Obama signed the newly enacted Farm Budget Bill during his visit to Michigan State University on February 7th, 2014 and discussed the economic impact on Michigan and the nation. After a long, long wait, and lots of hard work, wildlife lovers can celebrate a farm bill that is a major win for conservation. Many great partners in conservation are to thank for this victory.

At the helm, the National Wildlife Federation has provided much hard work and a plethora of information to its affiliates and members in the course of this process.

It has taken a great deal of compromise between legislators, conservation groups and agriculture groups. Now the farm bill is complete.

So, what does the farm bill have to do with wildlife?

Certain wildlife priorities that directly relate to the farm bill were supported by NWF and

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without them the farm bill had the potential to be bad for wildlife.

NWF supported these important priorities for the farm bill: 1) Link conservation compliance to crop insurance subsidies to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not subsidizing the destruction of wetlands and soil, 2) Include a sodsaver provision in the bill to protect native grasslands, and 3) Ensure robust funding for conservation programs that help farmers protect, soil, water, and wildlife.

The new farm bill gives conservation proponents nearly all of the items asked for on the NWF wish list.

There are still obstacles to overcome and it isn’t perfect, but the new farm bill is one with enough overall conservation funding to ensure that the conservation programs continue.

Conservation programs were provided $57.6 billion over the next 10 years.

Furthermore, at least 5% of the Environmental Quality

Incentives Program (EQIP) will fund wildlife practices; this is a big win for wildlife that will ensure that millions of dollars can help farmers create habitat for wildlife on their lands.

Still, there is still a lot of work to be done to protect grasslands and the wildlife that depend on them. The new farm bill provides some protection and decreases incentives to destroy our beautiful native prairies, but we want to make sure that grassland songbirds have a place to build their nests, and

that ducks flying south for the winter have a safe place to land in the future.

Overall, the new farm bill is a great victory! Partners are encouraged to continue working on conservation measures. Thanks to everyone who reached out to their members of Congress to ensure this wildlife victory!

For more information please visit: http://blog.nwf. org/2014/02/victory-the-newfarm-bill-is-a-major-win-forwildlife/

NWTF Nationally Recognizes Missourians

Kyle Lairmore - NWTF 2013 Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year

Jeff Berti - NWTF 2013 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Dan Zerr - Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Society Award

Celebrating the Life of Ed Stegner The Conservation Federation of Missouri will have a special tribute ceremony in honor of Ed Stegner. Ed served as CFM Executive Director for 40 years (1953-1994). As part of this tribute the Conservation Commission will be inducting Ed into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame.

The Conservation Commission established the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame to honor individuals who, during their lifetimes, made significant contributions to the cause of conservation in Missouri.

Please join the Commission as it inducts: Edwin “Ed” Stegner into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame Friday, March 21, 2014 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Capitol Plaza Hotel, 415 W. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO You are cordially invited to attend a social hour hosted by the Conservation Federation of Missouri which begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Annual Conservation Award Ceremony immediately following the social hour.

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agency news - department of conservation

Missouri Deer Harvest Follows Regional Trend

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unters checked 50,507 Deer during Missouri’s archery deer season, bringing the state’s overall deer harvest to 250,787. That number is down from the 10-year average of 293,056.

The archery deer harvest was the second-largest in Missouri’s history, reflecting the continued growth in popularity of bowhunting. Top archery deer harvest counties were Jefferson, with 1,205 deer checked, St. Louis with 1,130, and Franklin with 1,018.

Resource Scientist Jason Sumners says the overall decrease is in line with deer-harvest figures from other Midwestern states.

“Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota all reported decreases of 7 to 26 percent in their firearms deer harvests,” says Sumners. “The relative importance of the factors responsible for those decreases differs from state to state, but the history behind them is similar.”

The “history” Sumners mentioned relates to the challenges state agencies have faced in managing deer numbers over the past 10 to 20 years. As deerrestoration programs that began in the 1930s and 1940s finally came to full fruition, agencies faced a different challenge – how to balance deer populations that provide excellent hunting without also causing unacceptable levels of human-deer conflict.

Reversing the decades-long emphasis on protecting female deer from harvest, biologists increasingly urged hunters to shoot does. This was aimed at shifting the sex ratio of deer herds from doe-heavy to a 50:50 mix of bucks and does. The goal was to reduce deer population growth in some areas, hold deer numbers steady in others and reduce deer numbers in areas that already were significantly 1 8

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Two white-tailed deer does stand in icy field. Photo Credit: Noppadol Paothong, MDC

above deer population targets.

“Over the course of about 15 years, we were able to apply the brakes to deer population growth,” says Sumners. “Then came a perfect storm of conditions we had no way of anticipating.”

Those unanticipated conditions were driven by a severe drought that began in 2012 and carried over into 2013. It caused the worst outbreak of hemorrhagic diseases – blue tongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease, collectively referred to as HD – in recorded history. Those losses were deepened when the drought caused the smallest acorn crop since the department started keeping records in 1960. The lack of acorns forced deer to move more during the 2012 deer season, making it easier for hunters to find them and contributing to the second-largest deer harvest in Missouri history.

Hunter behavior changes slowly, so they continue to shoot the same number of deer they have in recent years.

Consequently, the harvests in the first and second years after a HD die-off remain relatively stable. By the time hunters adjust their harvest behavior, a significant loss has accumulated.

Sumners says the Conservation Department’s Regulations Committee will consider these factors, along with the many comments they have received from hunters, when drafting recommendations to the Conservation Commission regarding 2014-2015 deer-hunting regulations. The Commission approved deer season dates for the 2014-2015 season to provide hunters adequate notice, but season regulations may still be adjusted by the Conservation Commission. He says the remedy for the current dip in deer numbers is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.

“Missouri’s deer population isn’t evenly spread across the state or a county,” he says. “Blanket, one-sizefits-all answers aren’t necessarily the right solutions. But we want people to know that we are hearing their concerns and are committed to identifying ways to find the right balance.”

Sumners says it is important to view the current situation from a broad historical perspective. It took 50 years of cooperation between the Conservation Department, landowners, and hunters to reach the point where Missouri’s annual deer harvest topped 200,000 in 1995. It took another 10

agency news - department of conservation years to achieve the balance of doe and buck harvest needed to stabilize deer numbers in parts of Missouri where deer had grown too numerous.

Maintaining that stability in the face of weather extremes, disease outbreaks and annual harvest variations is a balancing act. Sumners also says it is important to keep this years’ harvest in perspective.

“The average deer harvests of approximately 290,000 over the past 10 years have given us a lopsided view of what the annual harvest should be,” he says. “We’ve seen dips and bumps in total harvest before and expect the ebb and flow will continue in the future. We are committed to continuing

the science-informed management that has enabled successful management of a deer resource that supports 12,000 Missouri jobs and pumps $1 billion into our economy annually.”

The Department evaluates season information each year and last year reduced unlimited antlerless permits in some counties. The management of white-tailed deer has always been both a biologically and socially complex issue, but management today is more challenging due to interrelated factors such as land use, ownership, hunter density, and human population levels.

Today’s research efforts allow the agency to forecast population changes and evaluate the impact of various

regulation options on the deer population. Research, management, and public input will help the Department make more informed management decisions.

The Conservation Department plans to hold public meetings around the state this summer to gather input from hunters, wildlife watchers and others about the future of deer management in Missouri. Public input has always been and will continue to be an important part of the future of deer management.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

Share the Harvest Provides More Than 227,350 Pounds of Deer Meat This Year to Feed Hungry Missourians

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ccording to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), 4,487 deer hunters donated 227,358 pounds of venison from the 2013 Missouri deer harvest to the state’s Share the Harvest program.

The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC to help feed hungry Missourians. Share the Harvest orchestrates the efforts of thousands of hunters, numerous local supporting organizations, and more than 100 participating meat processors to get ground venison to people in need through food banks and food pantries around the state. Hunters donate their extra venison to participating meat processors who then prepare the donated venison by grinding it into one-pound packages that are given to food banks and food pantries for distribution to those in need.

Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local program sponsors, and statewide sponsors that include the Conservation Department, Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Chapter Whitetails Unlimited, Missouri Chapter Safari Club International, Missouri Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation, Midway USA Inc., Missouri Deer Hunters Association, and the Missouri Food Banks Association.

Since the program started in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided more than 3.1 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed Missourians in need.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/ node/2544

Share the Harvest is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC to help feed hungry Missourians. Share the Harvest orchestrates the efforts of thousands of hunters, numerous local supporting organizations, and more than 100 participating meat processors to get ground venison to people in need through food banks and food pantries around the state.

Photo credit: MDC.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC MIS S OURI

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Honorariums Memorials In honor of Al Vogt Tara & Annalise Vogt - Decatur, GA

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Dale Hall named Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year

ucks Unlimited (DU) CEO Dale Hall has been named Bass Pro Shops 2013 Conservation Partner of the Year. Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro, recently presented Hall with the prestigious award during a special ceremony at Bass Pro’s national headquarters in Springfield, MO. “This is such an honor for me and our entire Ducks Unlimited family to be recognized by an organization we hold in such high regard,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “Johnny Morris and all the associates at Bass Pro Shops are great partners and contribute so much to conservation each and every day. I am humbled by this wonderful recognition.”

Hall has served as CEO of DU since 2010 and during his tenure the organization has celebrated numerous milestones including DU’s 75th anniversary. The organization has achieved numerous conservation goals under Hall’s leadership, including 13 million acres conserved, making DU one of the world’s largest and most effective wetlands and waterfowl conservation organizations.

“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are proud to honor Dale Hall and Ducks Unlimited for everything they have done to conserve habitat,” Morris

said. “DU is one of the foremost conservation organizations, and they continue to deliver on their mission to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and other important habitats for North America’s waterfowl.”

Prior to joining DU, Hall was the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 2005 to 2009. During his 31-year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he served in numerous roles at local, regional and national levels. Before joining the USFWS in 1978, Hall spent four years in the U.S. Air Force, where overseas assignments took him to Italy and the Philippines.

DU and Bass Pro Shops have a rich history of working together on behalf of conservation with the most recent project being the Waterfowling Heritage Center. Bass Pro Shops has given space at their future store in the Memphis Pyramid to create a Waterfowling Heritage Center in cooperation with DU. This museum will serve to inform and entertain millions of visitors, including schoolchildren as well as shoppers and tourists, who are interested in wildlife and learning the value of hunting and conservation.

For more information about the Conservation Partner of the Year award, visit www.basspro.com.

Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris (left) with DU CEO Dale Hall at Bass Pro’s national headquarters in Springfield, MO. Morris presented Hall with the 2013 Conservation Partner of the Year award during a special ceremony. Photo credit: Bass Pro Shops.

Do You Hear Them, Daddy?, a children’s book about animal sounds, will be presented by authors Andrea Godfrey Brown and Lloyd Herring and illustrator Debbie Gremmelsbacher at the 2014 annual convention.

Ten percent of the profits from convention sales will be donated to CFM. We hope to see you there and personally inscribe your purchase.

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI MAR 8: Public Field Trip, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia (9:00am); Kevin Wehner (573) 815-0352 MAR 22: Public Field Trip, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia (9:30am); Edge Wade (573) 268-3714 APR 5: Public Field Trip, Chert Hollow Farm, Boone County; Eric Reuter (573) 474-0989 APR 12: Public Field Trip, Grindstone Nature Area, Columbia (8:00am); Greg Leonard (573) 823-4759 APR 26: Public Field Trip, Forest Park, Saint Louis; Kevin Wehner (573) 815-0352 GREENWAY NETWORK MAR 3: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) MAR 8: Kiefer Creek Hike, Castlewood State Park, Ballwin (10:00am - 12:00pm) MAR 12: The People’s Expedition: Love Your Big Muddy, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30pm) APR 7: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) APR 12: Mission: Clean Stream 2014 (8:00am - 1:00pm) APR 27: Booth at 2014 Saint Louis Earth Day (11:00am - 6:00pm) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAR 4: Escapades of Gary Kula, Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7:00pm) MAR 15: Fly Fishing Film Tours, Ragtag Cinema, Columbia (12:30pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION MAR 24: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion APR 28: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION APR 5: Board Meeting & Presidents Rodeo, The Harbor APR 6: Spring Fling, Pomme de Terre Lake MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAR 1: 13th Annual Christian County Chapter Dinner, Meeting Event Center,

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Nixa (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Kenny Dugger (417) 724-8173 MAR 8: Saline County Dinner, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Jeff Knott (660) 202-3422 MAR 8: Callaway County Dinner, Saint Peters Catholic Church, Fulton (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Tim Johnson (573) 6763191 or Matt Kuhl (573) 220-1648 MAR 8: Mid-East Missouri Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Best Western, Festus (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Matt Morgan (636) 288-6710, Jamie Morgan (314) 223-9427 or Justin Raith (573) 783-9784 MAR 8: Dexter Greenheads Spring Sponsor Banquet, Hidden Trails Country Club, Dexter (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Darren Burnett (573) 421-2607 MAR 8: Independence Membership Dinner, FOP Lodge 1, Independence (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Bob Cole (913) 927-0757 MAR 11: Moniteau County Sponsor Event, Madison’s Cafe, Jefferson City (6:00pm - 10:00pm); John Overbey (573) 796-4711 or Phil Schroeder (573) 584-8008 MAR 15: Platte City Dinner, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy (5:30pm 9:30pm); Harry Lett (816) 719-4523 MAR 15: River Bend Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Eagles Lodge, New Madrid (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Jonathan Riggs (573) 748-0890 MAR 29: Perryville Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, American Legion Hall, Perryville (6:00pm - 9:00pm); David Leadbetter (573) 352-0746 MAR 29: Troy Dinner, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Shane Creasy (636) 322-9747 MAR 29: Bluff City Mallards Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Grant Collins (573) 718-9737 or Eric Blaich (573) 776-4313 MAR 29: Branson Tri-Lakes County Dinner, Big Cedar Lodge - Grandview Conference Center, Ridgedale (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Ryan Zeller (417) 335-4835 or Matt Hogensen (417) 538-2736 MAR 29: Lake Stockton Dinner, Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton (5:30pm 9:30pm); Jan Grady (417) 809-8423 or Mike Grady (785) 691-8491 APR 4: Grand River Sponsor Event, Knight of Columbus Hall, Chillicothe

(5:30pm - 9:00pm); David Hamilton (660) 247-0825 or Alan Jeffries (660) 247-0705 APR 5: Lees Summit - Glenn Chambers Dinner, Sportsman’s Club, Lake Lotawana (5:00pm - 9:30pm); Tony Berter (816) 763-8289 APR 5: Saint Joseph Dinner Presented

By Commerce Bank, Moila Shriners Country Club, Saint Joseph (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Chris Thompson (816) 3832410, Josh Garner (816) 261-5465 or Casey Schultz (816) 390-6196 APR 12: Rolla South Central Chapter Dinner, Meadow Oak Country Club, Rolla (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Steve Baker (636) 667-4441, Rich Perkins (314) 330-0456 or Jim Maddox (573) 3644358 APR 12: Neosho Membership Dinner, Neosho (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Mike or Patty Krueger (417) 451-3427 APR 26: Puxico Pintails Sportsman’s Dinner, Auction House, Puxico (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Wesley Hood (573) 625-0413 MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR’S ASSOCIATION MAR 7-9: Annual Conference, Country Club Hotel and Spa, Lake Ozark APR 6: Regular Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Columbia (10:30am) MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAR 1: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi; Tony Hollinsworth (573) 438-2219 MAR 1: Sho-Me, Shrine Mosque Banquet Room, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455 MAR 1: Young’s Creek Strutters, Holy Spirit Multi Purpose Building, Centralia; Eddie Schultz (573) 682-1900 MAR 1: Platte Purchase, Moila Shriners Country Club, Saint Joseph; Edward Heisel (816) 253-9583 MAR 6: Current River Longbeards, Baptist Assembly, Van Buren; Delbert Dewolf (573) 660-1114 MAR 7: Stealth Gobblers, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg; David McCannon (660) 747-8260 MAR 7: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Tri County Convention Center, Versailles; Kurt Heisler (573) 569-0550 MAR 7: Carman Springs Longbeards, Elementary Cafeteria, Willow Springs; Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 MAR 7: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville; John Shene (816) 365-2853

MAR 7: Osage Prairie Thunderin Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Bruce Rogers (417) 876-2521 MAR 8: Heartland Gobblers, American Legion Hall, Poplar Bluff; Chuck Stewart (573) 222-7182 MAR 8: Moniteau Monarchs, Knights of Columbus Hall, Tipton; Brian Hill (573) 796-3885 MAR 8: Saint Louis Longbeards, Genesis Banquet Center, Saint Louis; Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAR 8: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline; Dennis Paalhar (660) 258-3851 MAR 14: Rocky Top Limbhangers, Armory, West Plains; Larry Lindeman (417) 256-0980 MAR 14: Lake Show-Me Longbeards, VFW Post 4958, Memphis; Chris Comstock (660) 216-0634 MAR 14: Spring River Toms, Memorial Hall, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 793-0310 MAR 15: South Grand River Gobblers, Cass County Elks Lodge, Harrisonville; Rodger Benson (816) 679-3119 MAR 15: River Hills Thunderin Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 15: Osage Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Westphalia; Steve Brune (573) 897-2211 MAR 15: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville; Josh Meyer (660) 665-4300 MAR 21: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies, Hickory County Senior Center, Wheatland; David Wright (417) 7224488 MAR 21: Putnam County Chapter, Putnam County High School Commons, Unionville; Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 MAR 22: Big River Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, House Springs; Rich Christopher (636) 274-2574 MAR 22: Truman Lake Chapter, Benson Convention Center, Clinton; Thomas Paul (660) 351-0788 MAR 22: Lead Belt Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bonne Terre; Donald Sparks (573) 760-3770 MAR 22: Cooper County Limbhangers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville; Mark Moyer (660) 882-3959 MAR 28: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar; Jared Chestnut (417) 682-3767 MAR 28: Marshfield Full Strutters, Marshfield Buildings, Marshfield; Kenny Jones (417) 689-2104 MAR 28: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana; Tim Brooks (573) 754-6692

MAR 29: Meramec Valley Strutters, Knights of Columbus Hall, Sullivan; Dennis Twyman (573) 468-5010 MAR 29: Saline County Strutters, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407 MAR 29: North Central Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe; Nick Norman (660) 247-5445 APR 4: Lewis County Strutters, Queen of Peace Parish, Ewing; Ron Richardson (660) 462-3640 APR 4: Lost Creek Longbeards, VFW Post, Warrenton; Gary Janes (636) 456-1161 APR 5: Platte City Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Paul Lowry (816) 506-7048 APR 5: Mid-State, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia; Jody Martin (573) 999-9024 APR 5: Nemo, American Legion Hall, Hannibal; Travis Moore (573) 231-2859 APR 5: Triple B Chapter - Buffalo Big Birds, Double Diamond Banquet Building, Buffalo; Travis Pierce (417) 840-8761 APR 11: Jefferson City Strutters, Lions Club, Wardsville; John Slicker (573) 680-5903 APR 12: State Fair Strutters, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia; Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 APR 18: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton; Robin Chambers (660) 654-1192 APR 19: Gentry County Gobblers, Community Center, Stanberry; Tim Runde (660) 937-2580 APR 26: Hocomo Big Beards, Knight of Columbus Hall, Glascow; Gene Smith (660) 537-4667 CALLING CONTESTS MAR 1: 2014 Mid America Open, The Edwards Jones Dome - Rooms 150 & 151, Saint Louis; Norb Geniec (314) 842-3370 WOMAN IN THE OUTDOORS MAR 28-29: Platte Purchase, Camp Gieger, Saint Joseph; Melissa Elam (816) 294-1811 APR 11: Squaw Creek National WR Ladies Day, Forrest City; Lori Stickler (660) 254-4287 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION MAR 19-20: Aquatic Facility Operator Course, Community Center, Nixa MAR 25-27: Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course, Memorial Hall, Saint Charles MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION MAR 21-22: Partners for Native Land-

scaping: A Workshop for Homeowners, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis MAR 22: Grow Native! Plant Sale, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Jefferson City (10:00am - 2:00pm) APR 12: Board of Directors Meeting, Burns & McDonnell Headquarters, Kansas City (10:00am) APR 19: Annual Native Plant Sales, City Market, Kansas City APR 26: Annual Native Plant Sales, City Market, Kansas City MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAR 1: Bird-Banding Demonstration, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (1:30pm - 4:30pm) MAR 4: “Get to Know Missouri’s Winter Birds”, Area Career Center, Carrollton (6:00pm - 8:00pm) MAR 7-8: Flying WILD Certification Workshop & Teacher Training, Prairie Fork Conservation Area MAR 14: Banding in the Bird Garden, Birds-I-View Store, Jefferson City (2:00pm - 4:30pm) MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION MAR 15: Board Meeting, American Legion Hall, Salem (9:00am) MAR 15: General Meeting, American Legion Hall, Salem (1:00pm) MAR 29: First Statewide Banquet & Fundraiser, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Montgomery City (5:00pm) MO TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOC. SPRINGFIELD EVENTS MAR 1: Opening Day for Trout Season at Missouri State Parks MAR 6: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) MAR 8: Pre-Derby Meeting, Bennett Springs (12:00pm) MAR 20: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) MAR 27: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) APR 3: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) APR 10: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) APR 12: Tri-Lakes Expo, Brighton (9:00am - 4:00pm) APR 24: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) KANSAS CITY EVENTS MAR 1: Bass Pro Extravaganza, Independence MAR 25: Monthly Meeting (7:00pm) APR 22: Monthly Meeting (7:00pm)

MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED MAR 1: Muddy Water Whitetails Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Old Monroe MAR 1: Tall Tines Chapter Banquet, Nemo Fairgrounds, Kirksville MAR 8: Monroe City Area Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City MAR 15: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Saint Mary’s Activity Center, Pierce City MAR 22: Miller County Whitetails Chapter Banquet, Mary’s Home School Gym, Eugene MAR 22: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Macon County Expo Center, Macon APR 12: Audrain County Chapter Banquet, Audrain County 4H Building, Mexico MULE DEER FOUNDATION APR 12: Ha Ha Tonka Chapter Fundraising Banquet, Truman Hotel, Jefferson City (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Matt Bentz (573) 286-7938 OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAR 29: Invasive Bush Honeysuckle Removal, Bluebird Park, Ellisville (9:00am - 12:00pm) APR 26: Trail Building, Rock Hollow Trail, Glencoe (9:00am - 1:00pm) OZARK FLY FISHERS MAR 4: Intro to Fly Tying, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:30pm - 9:30pm) MAR 6: Fly Fishing Techniques (7:30pm - 9:30pm) MAR 8: All Day Meeting MAR 10: Special Tying Class - Hopper Patterns MAR 12: Membership Tying Class Ant and Beetles MAR 13: Reading the Water, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:30pm - 9:30pm) MAR 25: Intro to Fly Fishing, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:30pm - 9:30pm) MAR 29: Chili Tie In - Marlins Clubhouse (9:00am - 3:00pm) APR 1: Intro to Fly Fishing, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:30pm - 9:30pm) APR 8: Beginning Fly Casting, Tilles Park (7:00pm - 8:00pm) APR 15: Beginning Fly Casting, Tilles Park (7:00pm - 8:00pm) APR 24: General Membership Meeting, OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB

MAR 8: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) MAR 8: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) APR 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) APR 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAR 1: Missouri Ridge Big Game Banquet, Troy; Chris Kaimann (314) 808-3763 MAR 8: Mid Missouri Big Game Banquet, Columbia; Adam Augustine (585) 748-1207 MAR 15: Ozark Big Game Banquet, Springfield; Janet Long (417) 380-2344 MAR 22: Pony Express Big Game Banquet, Saint Joseph; Michael Mooney (816) 232-9553 MAR 29: Southwest Missouri Big Game Banquet, Joplin; Rocky Swearingen (417) 438-4928 APR 19: Thousand Hills Big Game Banquet, Kirksville; Ron Smith (660) 626-7794 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAR 1: Beginner Bird Walk - Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15am - 10:30am) MAR 4: Pathways Through Nature, A Lifetime Journey Speaker Series, The Green Center, University City (6:00pm - 8:00pm) MAR 8: Woodcock/Owl Prowl, Busch Memorial Conservation Area (5:00pm - 8:00pm) MAR 11: Board Meeting, Sunset Hills Community Center (7:00am - 8:00am) MAR 15: Confluence Trash Bash (9:00am - 1:00pm) MAR 21: Partners for Native Landscaping, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis (5:30pm - 9:00pm) MAR 22: Partners for Native Landscaping, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis (9:00am - 5:00pm) MAR 22: Birding Field Trip, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia (9:30am - 5:00pm) MAR 27-28: Naturescaping: Landscaping for Life, Saint Louis County Library Headquarters UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF MISSOURI MAR 15-16: Kid’s Bow Give-away Booth - Missouri Deer Classic, Columbia CFM EVENTS MAR 21-23: CFM Annual Convention, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City

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Where Are They Now?

Life After the Conservation Leadership Corps

Marissa Jo Daniel After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Biology in 2009, I began working on the Gila National Forest for the Gila Hotshots in New Mexico. In the fall of 2009 I began working for Dr. Francisco Aguilar as a research assistant at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I researched the potential social availability of woody biomass in Missouri from a non industrial private landowners viewpoint while studying under his guidance. I continued to work as both a hotshot and graduate student until I graduated with my Master’s of Science in Forest Economics and Policy in 2012 from which I chose to work one last season as a Gila hotshot. Currently, I’m working on the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri as a forestry technician for the Houston/Rolla/ Cedar Creek Ranger District.

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Katherine “Kat” Dockery I am the Executive Director of the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region. I spend each day working to conserve and enhance the region’s land and water resources. Serving as an active board member for the Conservation Federation of Missouri, I actively volunteer at CFM’s annual convention and serve on CFM’s award committee.

I have represented CFM’s constituents on several trips to Jefferson City and Washington D.C. and continue to share my passion for conservation and the great outdoors with policymakers.

I plan to continue my work defending and protecting our state’s natural resources so the next generation of Missourians may enjoy quality fish, forestry, and wildlife that me and my family have enjoyed so much.

Zach Knerr Shortly after completing the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) program I graduated from College of the Ozarks. From there Bass Pro Shops in Columbia hired me on as a lead associate. Little did I know that retail could have such an impact for conservation.

As a lead in the fishing department, I am able to give advice on techniques, tackle and tricks for pursuing game fish. Along with programs and seminars geared toward these tips, I also volunteer with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Protection Division, Hunter Education Program and DNR’s Missouri State Parks. Recently, I started a local Quail Forever chapter in Columbia that works towards habitat restoration and getting youth outdoors. All this to say, my involvement with the Conservation Federation of Missouri has and will not end with the CLC program. It has engrained a sense of commitment to conservation, showing me how I can make a difference. I am excited about the opportunity of serving on various committees, board of directors and beyond.

Sixth Annual Governors Youth Hunt

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Those interested are encouraged to submit applications for the 2014 Governors youth turkey hunt that will be held April 11-13, 2014 Governors Youth Hunt represents, qualified applicants should be youths ages 11 to 15 that, ideally, are interested in giving hunting a try but have not yet had the opportunity.

The format for the 2014 hunt will be the same as in the previous 2 years. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an orientation Friday afternoon that will include hunter safety, regulations, and a chance to shoot their shotguns. Friday night, the hunters and their chaperones will then attend a fancy spread at the mansion hosted by the Governor and First Lady. After the meal and a few words from the Governor, the hunters

he Governors Youth Turkey Hunt has been a very successful event over the last 5 years and serves both as a celebration of Missouri’s leading role in providing outdoor recreational opportunity as well as recruiting and retaining additional outdoor enthusiasts. This hunt is a cooperative effort between Governor Jay Nixon, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, National Wild Turkey Federation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, elected officials from the Capitol, and a host of private landowners and other volunteers.

In the spirit of what the

will depart for their hunting destinations consisting of several high quality properties offered for the event by gracious landowners close to the Capitol. The youth hunters will then be guided

on a turkey hunt Saturday and Sunday if need be.

If you think that you may know of a youth that may enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity, fill out the application below.

Missouri Governors Youth Hunt Registration Form Date of Event: April 11-13, 2014 Name of Student ___________________________________________________________

Date of Birth _______________________

Age __________

E-mail address _______________________________________________ Phone Number ____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________________ Zip ________________________

Students must be 11-15 years of age to participate.

All information is due by March 14, 2014.

Send completed application to: John Burk 7152 Tomahawk Lane Steedman, MO 65077

In addition to filling out the information above please enclose a letter describing why you wish to participate in the hunt and whether or not you have ever hunted previously.

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agency news - department of natural resources

Our Missouri Waters – A Cherished Resource

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.

Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

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hese words spoken

by Theodore Roosevelt resonate deeply with me as I reflect not only on my childhood and adult life spent in the outdoors, but also time that I spend as I reflect on my time with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. As you know, this year marks the department’s 40th anniversary of taking care of Missouri’s natural resources. I am honored to work alongside my DNR colleagues and our many external partners, like the CFM members, as we safeguard these rich resources together.

One of our most vital and necessary resources in Missouri is our waterways.

Our Missouri waters are not only essential for our health and quality of life; they also play a critical role in the state’s overall economic well-being. Our lakes, rivers and streams provide us with quality drinking water, abundant fish stocks, irrigation, recreation and other vital services.

In late 2011, the department launched its Our Missouri Waters efforts to look at watershed management in a new way, viewing our water supply and water quality together. Our efforts created a coordinated approach to better protect

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water resources and preserve our Missouri waters.

Historically, the department has directed its efforts toward implementation of the federal Clean Water Act. In doing so, we focused on point-source discharges or discharges from a pipe. By addressing these types of discharges, we have made great strides in reducing pollution.

However, pollutants remain and finding their source has become more challenging. Today, we need more collaborative approaches to further identify the source of pollution.

Our state waters and watersheds have a story to tell, and we’re listening. The Department of Natural Resources has been working through the pilot phase of the Our Missouri Waters effort. We have joined with many of you, as our partners, as we began or continue conversations within the local communities of the Spring, Lower Grand and Big rivers. With your help, we have made great strides in bringing into focus the shared vision for water resources within these watersheds.

We’ve learned about the great activities already being championed within these pilot watersheds. And, we’ve learned valuable lessons that will help us as we continue

View of the Mississippi River from Trail of Tears State Park. The Upper Mississippi – Cape Girardeau watersheds are included in the next phase of the Department of Natural Resources’ Our Missouri Waters effort. Photo credit: Scott Myers, DNR

to implement the department’s Our Missouri Waters effort.

The department posted several resources of information on its website following the three watershed summits held earlier in 2013, including videos of the summit proceedings, photos, informational packets and final reports for the summits. If you were unable to attend one of the three pilot

summits, the additional resources are available at dnr. mo.gov/omwi.htm. A full report of the goals, activities and lessons learned from the pilot phase is also available on the main Our Missouri Waters website.

The three pilot watersheds (shown in green/aqua on the Our Missouri Waters map) Big, Lower Grand and Spring – will remain in focus during 2014. In addition, the department will include

agency news - department of natural resources the Salt River Basin, Meramec Basin and the Missouri River corridor, as well as the Sac, Niangua and Upper Mississippi – Cape Girardeau watersheds. See the Our Missouri Waters map.

Our Missouri Waters provide us with quality drinking water, abundant fish stocks, vital services and recreation. This kayaker is enjoying spending some of his time outdoors recreating in Mark Twain State Park and paddling in Mark Twain Lake. Photo credit: Scott Myers, DNR

The following is a full listing of each watershed with its HUC-8 identifying number: Missouri River Corridor watersheds Independence – Sugar; 10240011 Lower Missouri; 10300200 Lower Missouri – Crooked; 10300101 Lower Missouri – Moreau; 10300102 Salt Basin North Fork Salt; 07110005 Salt; 07110007 South Fork Salt; 07110006

We are excited to begin the next phase of the Our Missouri Waters effort. As we bring several more watersheds into focus each year, the department’s overall goal will be to work through all of the 66 (HUC-8) watersheds over the next five years.

Continued public participation and building strong partnerships will be the key to our success. We can’t do this alone. We all need to understand and protect our waters to ensure a positive future, and the department needs the help of citizens, landowners, communities, industries and local leaders for this effort to be successful. We hope to empower and support the local community as they help create a plan for ensuring clean and abundant water for generations to come. The department will help focus additional resources to increase the success of local plans and maintain a supportive role. To learn more about Our Missouri Waters, visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/omwi.htm.

Together, we can ensure Missouri continues to “cherish the natural resources” as Theodore Roosevelt said, and provide a valuable quality of life “for your children and your children’s children.”

Meramec Basin Big; 07140104 Meramec; 07140102

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Other Watersheds Lower Grand; 10280103 Niangua; 10290110 Sac; 10290106 Spring; 11070207 Upper Mississippi – Cape Girardeau; 07140105 MIS S OURI

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agency news - department of natural resources

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Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Grand Gulf State Park

elebrating its 30th anniversary in 2014, Grand Gulf State Park is often referred to as Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The park has a long history as a geologic curiosity. It is a spectacular sight and is a true chasm, deeper than it is wide.

To understand its origin, oTo understand its origin, one must understand the geology of the area. The limestone and dolomite bedrock are very soluble in the mildly acidic groundwater that percolates down from the surface. The water seeps into the fissures and fractures in the bedrock, eventually enlarging the cracks into caves.

Grand Gulf’s cave system has a roof that collapsed an estimated 10,000 years ago. The result is a verticalwalled canyon about threequarters of a mile long.

Bussell Branch, a surface creek that drains about 28 square miles, empties into the chasm through a process called stream piracy. All of this water passes down the length of the chasm, under a 250-foot natural bridge (an uncollapsed remnant of the original cave) and back into the open canyon. Finally, at the lower end of the chasm, it enters the mouth of the remaining underground cave system. It travels nine miles underground, and re-emerges at Mammoth Spring in Arkansas. Mammoth Spring flows as much as nine million

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gallons of water per hour, part of it from the Grand Gulf.

The steep walls of the chasm are covered with herbaceous greenery, and from the upstream end down, the canyon gets rapidly deeper.

The natural bridge, which spans the canyon at about its midpoint, is some 75 feet high at the upstream end, but the ceiling drops to about 10 feet high on the downstream side. The floor of the chasm is strewn with tumbled dolomite blocks that were once part of the cave roof, now collapsed.

The mouth of the portion of the cave that has not collapsed (at the downstream end of the chasm) is blocked only a short distance inside by mud and debris that allows the water from Bussell Branch to percolate through, but bars human access. In the early 1990s, a robot vehicle, equipped with a digging tool and remote camera, penetrated a significant distance into the cave. As a result of this reconnaissance, it was determined there is no feasible way through the massive blockage to gain access to the rest of the cave.

Early explorers were able to enter the cave. Luella Agnes Owen, in her book Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills (1898), recounted her explorations in the Grand Gulf. After entering the cave at the downstream end of the chasm, “The ceiling dipped

Some people call Grand Gulf State Park, located in Thayer, the “Little Grand Canyon.” Some just call it “breathtaking.” The park is one of the natural wonders of the Ozarks, presenting the most spectacular collapsed cave system in the Ozarks. Photo credit: Scott Myers, DNR

so we were not able to stand straight, and the guide said he had never gone farther; but to his surprise here was a light boat which I am ready to admit he displayed no eagerness to appropriate to his own use, and swimming about it, close to shore, were numerous, small, eyeless fish, pure white and perfectly fearless; the first I have ever seen, and little beauties,” she wrote. Owen used the boat to explore the underground system for a considerable distance.

Access to the deeper portions of the cave remained possible until the 1920s when a severe storm washed many downed trees and other debris into the gulf, filling the cave. Today, heavy rains fill the gulf to depths exceeding 100 feet, and the water drains

out slowly over a period of several weeks.

In 1971, Grand Gulf was designated a National Natural Landmark, and in 1984, the property became a Missouri state park through a lease agreement between the L-A-D Foundation and the Department of Natural Resources. The department has laid out trails and installed boardwalks at this day-use park, and there are many picnic sites scattered on the tree-shaded rim of the chasm.

To learn more about Grand Gulf State Park, visit mostateparks.com Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Why I Became a Life Member of CFM Jeff Blystone

I have enjoyed Missouri’s natural outdoors my whole lifetime so for me it is a perfect fit to be a CFM life member. The Conservation Federation of Missouri is the best way I know to have a voice in the managing of our states game, fish, & fauna...such as endorsing and participating in urban archery hunting. By becoming a lifetime member I am joining thousands of Missourians in supporting Missouri’s #1 citizen’s conservation organization!

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, hiker, fisherman, hunter, or outdoor photographer your voice is needed to help keep the Missouri Outdoors wild and wonderful!

Norman Leppo

I became a Life Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) because I strongly believe in the principles of and objectives of CFM. Experience has shown that far too much of the public is unaware of what it takes to maintain at a high quality level Missouri’s multiple and wonderful natural resources or of the essential role the Conservation Federation of Missouri plays in helping that to happen.

John Moore

As a youngster I grew up in the Ozarks fishing and hunting with my grandfather. Through these early experiences I came to love the outdoors and in retirement today enjoy living on

a farm on the lower James River south of Springfield.

Our outdoor resources, the fish and game, fields and forests, have been handed down to us, but perhaps even more importantly today they are things we are borrowing from our own grandkids. I became a life member of CFM as one small way I can be sure this debt is paid in full.

field of natural resources conservation for 30+ years, I want to make sure that Missouri’s resources will always be here for future generations of Missourians to enjoy. That is why I am a life member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Jim Zieger

Ginny Wallace

In a recent conversation, my Dad and I reminisced about the many outdoor experiences we had when I was growing up - from close-to home outings to the Morton Arboretum and every property in the DuPage County forest preserve system, to farther flung adventures such as fishing in clear, Minnesota lakes, hiking and camping in just about every National Park west of the Mississippi, and rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The point is, as a child growing up near Chicago, I was taught from an early age to enjoy and value the outdoors. Now, as an adult working in the

I am a life member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri because I believe that without this organization we would not have the great resources to the outdoors in Missouri like we do. The future is always being threatened by outside interests and having the CFM lobbying for the citizens in Missouri is something that has to be done and supported financially as well as personally. I am proud to be a life member of this organization and encourage everyone to give their support in one of the many options that are available.

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Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Management Plan CFM endorses plan “Alternative B”

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ver its 78- year history the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has been a consistent voice for conservation, preservation and outdoor recreation in Missouri.

Twenty-five years ago CFM was one of the three partners along with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Department of Natural Resources in establishing the Missouri Stream Team Program to help restore and protect Missouri Rivers and Streams. We understand the value of these great water resources and what they mean to the people of Missouri and to the economy, health and quality of life for our state.

The Current River and its tributary the Jacks Fork (which make up 134 miles of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways) are a threatened national treasure which deserves our highest level of support as a unit of our National Parks System.

CFM clearly understands the need to plan for the future protection of the ONSR fish, forest, wildlife and unique cultural and natural resources in a manner that insures long term sustainability of the park. Such planning that can hopefully result in best management practices for the resource, a safe and rewarding visitor experience and sensitivity to legitimate local, regional, 3 0

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Photo credits: Ron Coleman.

statewide and national interest.

The National Park Service (NPS) over the past year has been seeking public comment on preliminary alternatives for a new general management plan and wilderness designation for 3,430 acres in the park. This designation represents approximately 4% of the entire acreage of the park land which is already in the hands of the park service.

The three plan alternatives proposed by the NPS ranged from a more restrictive “Plan A” to “Do Nothing Plan C”. The comment period for the public ended on Friday, February 7th.

CFM by past resolutions

adopted by its board of directors has long supported good planning for the ONSR and has encouraged the NPS to implement a new plan to help ensure quality park management services in the future.

The following comment letter was submitted by CFM president, Richard Ash to Ozarks National Scenic Riverways Superintendent William N. Black prior to the comment deadline.

This letter is to advise you that The Conservation Federation of Missouri is in support of “NPS Alternative B”, a balanced plan that would address many of the lingering abuses and issues associated with the degradation of the park resources and a diminished visitor experience. We also support the need for adequate staffing, the enforcement of necessary park rules/ regulations and the monitoring of existing conservation easements. In addition, CFM favors the designation of a 3,430 acre tract near Big Spring as wilderness.

CFM feels that “Plan B” offers both balance and flexibility for enhancing and protecting the park. If properly designed and implemented this new plan will hopefully be a start towards reversing nearly two decades of benign

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he Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation will be holding their 25th Annual “Spring Fling” Open Buddy Bass Tournament on Sunday, April 6, 2014. The tournament will be held again on Pomme de Terre Lake.

Last year the tournament as well as the prior two years was made a benefit tournament and proceeds were donated to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

There were 65 boats that participated and a total of $2,340 was raised for the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). The win-

neglect in the ONSR that has lead to less than a positive visitor experience and negative impacts on the park and river.

We encourage your support for helping to produce a plan that will bring resolution to the numerous perils faced by the park and allow NPS to

capitalize on future opportunities for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Ron Coleman CFM 2nd Vice President

Spring Fling 2014 ners of last year’s event were Steve Olive and Brad Dickey.

First Place heavy boat weight paid $1,230, Second Place $600, Third Place $490, Fourth Place $420, Fifth Place $350, Sixth Place $280 and Seventh Place $140. The overall Big Bass won $650 and was caught by Greg Becker.

Several members of MOBASS and Affiliate Members of CFM fished the tournament.

Thanks to donations from both Bass Pro Shops 10 boats received Bass Pro Shops gift certificates of $100 each.

Bass Pro Shops donated

$1,000 to the event. This allowed 10 of the boats entered to receive their $100 entry fee back in a Bass Pro Shops gift certificate. Along with a 60% payback to the field this tournament is one of the best values for a tournament fisherman as well as benefitting a great organization.

I am happy to announce that Bass Pro Shops has agreed to do the same for 2014 and the Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation continues to make this tournament an annual benefit tournament for the CFM. An entry form is available and will be mailed to all

participants from 2013. They will also be available on the following websites www.mobass.com, www.confedmo. org, and www.conservationcafe.com.

I hope to see everyone back from last year and would like to see a lot of new entries this coming April.

The more entries will allow for better paybacks as well as raise additional money for the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

MIS S OURI

B.A.S.S. Wishes Jim Zieger-President

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1. RULES: The following rules for the tournament will be used. These rules will be interpreted solely by the Tournament Officials, and all decisions will be final. 2. ELIGIBILITY: All individuals, 18 years of age or older, who paid entry fee. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Need not be a member of B.A.S.S. or Mo. B.A.S.S. Federation. 3. ENTRY FEE: $100 per boat, which includes $10 into Big Bass Pool. Entries will be accepted at Harbor Marina, Pomme de Terre Lake, between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., April 6, 2014. 4. HEADQUARTERS & TIMES: Harbor Marina. Fishing times are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Daylight Savings Time, Sunday, April 6, 2014. 5. LIVE-WELL CHECK: ALL entries must participate in live-well checks. 6. DEPARTURE: Will be in sequence in which entry fees are received. 7. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial baits or lures may be used. Pork style baits are allowed. No trolling. All bass must be caught on rod and reel during tournament hours. 8. BOATS AND EQUIPMENT: Any boat 14 feet or longer will be accepted if powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more. Boats must be equipped with functional, aerated live-well. Boats may not be trailered during tournament hours. Boats may not have motors which exceed the horsepower rating or BIA rating plate on boat. All Missouri Water Patrol laws and regulations apply. 9. SAFETY AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Safe boating and fishing practices must be observed. Life jackets MUST be worn during departure. Ignition “kill” switches are required. All Missouri Department of Conservation laws and regulations shall apply.

10. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Anywhere on the tournament lake, except within fifty (50) yards of a public dock that dispenses boat gas, another contestant’s boat at anchor, or the take-off cove. 11. SCORING: Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Bass and Smallmouth Bass will be counted. Total stringer weight will determine place. Any bass under thirteen (13) inches presented for weigh-in will cause two pounds to be subtracted from total stringer weight for that day, plus the loss of the short fish. Any bass dead when presented for weigh-in (as determined by Tournament Officials) will cause a 0.25 lb. to be subtracted from total stringer weight for that day. Five (5) fish per boat may be weighed in. Any frozen, iced or mangled fish presented for weigh-in shall result in immediate disqualification. THE GATOR GRIP tournament ruler shall be the official measuring device. 12. TRUTH VERIFICATION: Each contestant shall be subject to a truth verification test. Anyone failing to pass test will be disqualified. Anyone refusing to such test shall be disqualified. Anyone that has refused to take or failed a truth verification test will not be allowed to participate. 13. TIES: Ties will be broken by earliest starting position. 14. CHECK-IN LATE PENALTY: One (1) pound per minute, up to ten (10) minutes, then disqualification. NO EXCUSES. All participants must check in at official timer at end of courtesy dock of ramp. 15. TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION: If the tournament is cancelled due to reasons of safety on Sunday, April 6, 2014, the entry fees will be refunded. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR ANY OTHER REASON. 16. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to not allow entry for any reason.

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Conservation Federation of Missouri The Voice For Missouri Outdoors Convention Gun Raffle

The CZ 912 is built with a high gloss finish and sleek look with attractive lines both on the alloy receiver and on the walnut stock. The modern-style recoil pad provides for not only a significant reduction in perceived recoil, but is snag-free as well. A long recoil spring is located in the butt of the stock, simplifying assembly and allowing it to cycle a wide variety of loads across the power spectrum in both 2 ¾” and 3”.

In addition, the rearward spring design makes required cleanings less frequent and easier when they are needed. Removal of the installed magazine plug is simple, requiring only the magazine cap to be unscrewed. Without the plug it gives the upland hunter a 4+1 capacity. With superb balance and an average weight of 7.4 lbs, the 912 is well-suited to the pursuit of both birds and clays.

RAFFLE RULES: Tickets: 1 - $10.00, 3 - $20.00 or 10 - $50.00 RAFFLE* RULES:

* Winner will be drawn at the CFM Annual Convention on Saturday, March 22 * Tickets: 1 - $10.00, 3 - $20.00 or 10 - $50.00 (Winner need not be present to win) * Winner* will be drawn at the CFM Annual Convention on Saturday, March 22 To purchase tickets contact Laurie at the CFM office (573) 634-2322 or email (Winner need not be present to win) lcoleman@confedmo.org

* To purchase tickets contact Laurie at the CFM office (573) 634-2322, email lcoleman@confedmo.org or visit the CFM website at www.confedmo.org

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

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org