Missouri Wildlife Issue 6, 2014

November 2014 VOL. 75, NO. 6

Now Available Discover the unique history of the “Missouri Model” of wetland and waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated new book.

The success of Missouri’s waterfowl and wetland conservation is not an accident.

Careful planning, skillful execution of welldesigned strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support, and dedicated funding have all led to the quality wetland habitats and migratory bird populations that we enjoy today.

A new book, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri: A Model of Collaboration, chronicles and celebrates this success. Sponsors, anchored by Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, and private citizens, have covered all production costs. The book’s authors, many of them former waterfowl biologists and wetland managers, have donated their services to produce this new book. The book is edited by Kenneth M. Babcock and W. Alan Wentz. Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, and Johnny

Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, have each written a foreword for the book. The dust jacket artwork is from the Charles W. Schwartz collection, the State Historical Society of Missouri. Over three hundred images, some never before published, will be showcased in this hard copy book.

This is a “must have” book for all serious migratory bird hunters, and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

To order your copy see the official order form in this issue.

MISSOURI

Wildlife Nov 2014 Vol. 75, No. 6

Officers President Al Vogt 1st Vice President Ron Coleman Gary Van De Velde 2nd Vice President Secretary Nicole Wood Treasurer Randy Washburn

Staff Brandon Butler Rehan Nana

Executive Director/ Editor Deputy Director

Emma Kessinger

Communications Specialist

Micaela Haymaker

Office Manager Membership Director/ Managing Editor Creative Director

Laurie Coleman

Joe Pendergrass

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

Contents 10 Kessinger Named Conservation Federation of Missouri Communications Specialist 12 NWF Conservation Service Award 16 Missouri Man Named Delta Waterfowl 2014 Volunteer of the Year 17 Conservation Achievement Award Deadline 22 An Update from the Director’s Office 23 2014 Harvest Fest Draws a Large Crowd 24 Operation Clean Stream Was A Great Success 25 The Unexpected Loss of Man’s Best Friend 30 Watershed Carins: Water Marked with Art 31 Applications for Bell Scholarship 32 Life After CLC - Where Are You Now? 34 Why I Became a Life Member of CFM

news, updates and columns Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Email • lcoleman@confedmo.org Online • www.confedmo.org

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bi­ monthly in January, March, May, July, Sept­ember and November for subscribers and members of the Con­ ser­ vation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jef­ ferson 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.

4 From The Stone House 6 President’s Message Agency News – Missouri Department of Conservation 20

MDC Director Among National Blue Ribbon Panelist Named to Help Develop a 21st Century Model for Sustaining America’s Fish and Wildlife Resources

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MDC and CFM Encourage Deer Hunters to Share the Harvest

Department of Natural Resources – 28

Exploring Our Legacy — Charting Our Future

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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Spotlight on Missouri State Parks — Lewis and Clark State Park

Front Cover: “Winter’s icy grip” Credit: Glenn Chambers © Glenn D. Chambers 2014 www.glenndchambers.com

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Member Information: Business Alliance Members Honorariums & Memorials Member’s Memories

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New Members CFM Affiliates

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Executive Director

Captive Deer Remain Wildlife

One vote. One vote was the difference between reclassifying captive deer as livestock, or leaving them defined as wildlife under the control of the Missouri Department of Conservation. For a brief moment, the 109 votes needed to override Senate Bill 506 were secured. Then State Representative Jeff Roorda, who is running for State Senate in District 22, changed his vote and secured a huge victory for conservation.

All 52 state representatives who voted against the bill must be commended equally for standing for wildlife. Every single vote mattered.

When you win a ball game 9-8, the first run is just as important as the last. But it’s the last that draws the most excitement.

When the captive deer supporters saw they had the 109 votes necessary to pass the bill, a few of them started jumping up and down screaming for the Speaker of the House to close the vote. As he was about to do so, Representative Roorda switched his vote at the last second. What happened next was hard to watch.

The vote was kept open for nearly a half-hour. Representatives in favor of the legislation formed packs like wolves and started hunting the vote they needed. They swarmed those not voting with them and aggressively tried to persuade them to change their vote. Who knows what was being said or offered, but this went on for over 20 minutes while the vote remained open. Finally, as time expired, the Speaker closed the vote. It held by one.

But the one vote margin to stop the override of SB 506 doesn’t represent the true legislative sentiment regard4

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ing captive deer. And it is in complete opposition to how the overwhelming majority of Missouri citizens feel about captive wildlife.

You see, what really happened was a few captive industry champions, led by Senator Brian Munzlinger, and Representatives Casey Guernsey, Jay Houghton and Sandy Crawford, knew the captive deer legislation couldn’t pass on its own during the regular legislative session, so they came up with a plan to include the captive cervid language in agriculture omnibus bills (Senate Bill 506 and House Bill 1326) that they thought were too good to fail. They were wrong. The Governor called their hand and vetoed the legislation. The Senate voted to override his veto, but the House of Representatives sustained it.

Thankfully for sportsmen and the millions of Missourians who appreciate wildlife, 52 state representatives were willing to stand against intense lobbyist pressure and make a hard decision to vote against overriding the Governor’s veto.

Representative Barnes of Jefferson City said the captive cervid transfer would have been unconstitutional.

He wrote an article for the Jefferson City News-Tribune that explained his position. He wrote, “First, “wildlife” means those animal species that were wildlife in Missouri in 1936, when the provision was added to the Constitution. Second, “wildlife” is not all that conservation has exclusive authority to regulate. Conservation’s constitutional mandate extends to “game” as well. Many deer-breeders in Missouri run their operations for hunters to shoot deer on their ranches. When a word is not defined in the Constitution or a statute, courts look next to the dictionary for a definition.

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines “game” as “animals under

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pursuit or taken in hunting.”

Representatives Chris Kelly of Columbia and T.J. McKenna of Festus were two who stood on the floor and fought to sustain the veto.

McKenna turned to commonsense when he said, “The Department of Conservation and the Department of Agriculture both testified against this bill. I don’t know why we as a legislature continue to do what the people that take care of things tell us is not the right thing to do.”

Collin O’Mara, the CEO of the National Wildlife Federation said, “This is a victory for wildlife and Missourians. Governor Nixon’s veto of legislation that would have transferred regulation of deer farms to the state agriculture department sends a message that the people’s wildlife is a benefit to everyone, not for privatization and profit. We hope that this victory provides other states facing the same challenges with a clear path forward based upon sound science and protecting wildlife.”

The unfortunate result of this entire situation is any animosity between the agriculture and conservation communities of Missouri. Conservationists know, by and large, agriculture is whom we have to thank for the wildlife of our state. A large percentage of wildlife lives on private, agricultural lands. And it is on such agricultural lands where most hunting takes place. Conservation appreciates agriculture, as the two more often than not overlap.

The plea of conservationists to the agricultural community is to place blame where it is due. Do not blame the conservation organizations that fought against the captive deer transfer. Remember, the Missouri Department of Agriculture fought the transfer, too. Blame the politicians who took your good bills and knowingly jeopardized them with senseless,

special interest legislation.

Be proud Missouri. It was an intense battle full of shady political maneuvers, but in the end conservation and the masses prevailed. Missouri is

HB 1326 and SB 506 Voting Lists House Rep Vote Allen Yes Anders Yes Anderson Yes Austin Yes Bahr Yes Barnes No Bernskoetter No Berry Yes Black Yes Brattin Yes Brown Yes Burlison Yes Burns No Butler No Carpenter No Cierpiot Yes Colona No Conway (District 10) Yes Conway (District 104) Yes Cookson No Cornejo Yes Cox Yes Crawford Yes Cross No Curtis Yes Curtman Yes Davis Yes Diehl Yes Dohrman Yes Dugger Yes Dunn No Ellington Yes Elmer Yes Engler No English No Englund No Entlicher Yes Fitzpatrick Yes Fitzwater Yes Flanigan Yes Fraker Yes Frame No Franklin Yes Frederick No Funderburk Yes Gannon No Gardner Yes Gatschenberger Yes

recognized as a national leader of conservation and this win further boosts our status. Take the time to thank the representatives who sustained the veto. They too often only hear from

concerned or upset constituents. Give thanks when thanks are due.

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM

This list shows how your legislators voted on the captive deer legislation during the veto session. If you would like to let them know how you feel about their vote, you can find their contact information at www.senate.mo.gov.

Gosen Yes Green No Grisamore Yes Guernsey Yes Haahr Yes Haefner Yes Hampton Yes Hansen Yes Harris No Hicks Yes Higdon Yes Hinson Present Hodges Yes Hoskins Yes Hough Yes Hougton Yes Hubbard Yes Hubrecht Yes Hummel No Hurst Yes Johnson Yes Jones (District 50) Yes Justus Yes Keeney Yes Kelley (District 127) Yes Kelly (District 45) No Kirkton No Koenig Yes Kolkmeyer Yes Korman Yes Kratky No LaFaver No Lair Yes Lant Yes Lauer No Leara Yes Lichtenegger Yes Love Yes Lynch Yes Marshall No May Yes Mayfield No McCaherty Yes McCann Beatty No McDonald Yes McGaugh Yes McKenna No McManus No McNeil No

Meredith No Messenger Yes Miller Yes Mims Yes Mitten No Molendorp Yes Montecillo No Moon Yes Morgan No Morris Yes Muntzel Yes Neely Yes Neth Yes Newman No Nichols No Norr No Otto No Pace No Parkinson Yes Peters Yes Pfautsch Yes Phillips Yes Pierson Yes Pike Yes Pogue No Redmon Yes Rehder No Reiboldt Yes Remole Yes Rhoads Yes Richardson Yes Riddle Yes Rizzo No Roorda No Ross Yes Rowden Yes Rowland Yes Runions No Scharnhorst Yes Schatz Yes Schieber No Schieffer Yes Schupp No Shull Yes Shumake Yes Sisco Yes Smith Absent Solon Yes Sommer Yes

Spencer Yes Stream No Swan No Swearingen No Thomson Yes Torpey Yes Walker Yes Walton Gray No Webber Yes White No Wieland Yes Wilson Yes Wood Yes Wright No Zerr No Mr. Speaker Yes Senate Rep Vote Brown Yes Cunningham Yes Curls Yes Dempsey Yes Dixon Yes Emery Yes Holsman No Justus No Keaveny No Kehoe Yes Kraus Yes Lager Yes Lamping Yes LeVota Yes Libla Yes Munzlinger Yes Nasheed Yes Nieves Yes Parson Yes Pearce Yes Richard Yes Romine Yes Sater Yes Schaaf Yes Schaefer Yes Schmitt No Sifton No Silvey Yes Wallingford No Walsh No Wasson Yes

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president’s message

Glenn Chambers Wins Award for Conservation Efforts

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tters climbed in and out enhanced my excitement for conservation,” Glenn said. He of the clothes dryer, knew he wanted to be a wildlife biologist from the time he tossing clean towels on was six years old and sitting in the front row of a onethe floor in their playful room school. effort to explore. A video of their “I set my goals early and stayed with it,” he said, and spirited behavior played for guests in the rest is history. the rotunda of the Missouri Capitol Glenn received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Building. Everyone in attendance was Chemistry, and a Masters in Wildlife Management. there to honor one extraordinary While he was working as a biologist at August A. Busch Missouri conservationist, Glenn Chambers.

Memorial Wildlife Area in Wetland Spring, Charles and Glenn was awarded the William T. Hornaday Gold Libby Schwartz recognized his visual eye. This led to Medal Award for his exceptional efforts towards part-time work making wildlife films for the Missouri improving conservation in Missouri. With Glenn being Department of Conservation. a prominent and long-standing member of the Board Return of the Wild Turkey was his first film, but was of Directors for CFM, we feel immense pride for his just the beginning. He worked with National Geographic accomplishments and Television, Discovery, and honored for the opportunity others creating wildlife to work with him. films. “The opportunities for This award’s long educating people, bringing and prestigious history scenes they would never see exemplifies the impact Glenn themselves in the wild was a made in Missouri. The real satisfying experience,” national award, given by the Glenn said.

Boy Scouts of America, was A 13-year project Glenn created to recognize people undertook entailed educating who have notably influenced over 1,000,000 people, conservation. “Its purpose including youth, about otter was to challenge Americans ecology and conservation. to work constructively He traveled over 800,000 for wildlife conservation miles to put on programs and habitat protection,” for nature centers, county according to the Boy Scouts fairs, and sportsmen groups of America website. with the help of his otter The first recipient of wranglers. “The first thing Glenn Chambers (left) accepting the William T. Hornaday Gold Medal this Gold Medal Award you think of in the morning Award from his son Russ. Credit: Emma Kessinger, CFM. was President Theodore when you wake up is an Roosevelt, and the third was otter, and the last thing you one of CFM’s founders, Aldo Leopold. Glenn makes the think of when you go to bed is an otter,” Glenn said.

40th American, and first Missourian, to be categorized This award is a tangible representation of Glenn’s among those distinguished recipients. hard work. His remarkable accomplishments serve as “I’ve won some really neat awards, television Emmy, an inspiration for the youth. Glenn’s giant footsteps in silver beaver award, lifetime achievement award, but this conservation will be hard to fill, but that is a challenge thing dwarfed every one of them. It was the granddaddy of emerging conservation youths will attempt as they develop them all. It’s a huge honor,” Glenn said. careers.

It took 20 years of dedication to conservation for Glenn to get where he is today. Growing up, he was immersed Al Vogt in Missouri’s outdoors. “My rural background really President, CFM 6

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Thank You! Business Alliance Members Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members.

Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors!

Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Platinum Bass Pro Shops

Gold

Shelter Insurance Companies

Drury Hotels

Columbia Daily Tribune

Midwest Mailing Services

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Dickerson Park Zoo

Platte-Clay County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

G3 Boats

Pure Air Natives, Inc.

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Quality Forest Management, LLC

Bronze

Fast Yeti

REMAX Boone Realty

MidwayUSA

Silver

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Friends of Ryan McKenna

James T. Blair IV

General Printing Service

Missouri Petroleum Council

Goodwin Brothers Construction Company

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Iron

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

Sapaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Second Creek Deer Blinds Shade Tree Service, Inc. Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc. Sport & Spine Rehabilitation Tabor Plastics Company

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

The Bank of Missouri

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc.

Hunting Works for Missouri

Thirty 3 Bar & Grill

Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC

Land & Water Partners, Inc.

Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc.

Brown Printing

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Trumans Bar & Grill, Inc.

Cap America

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Citizens Telephone Company

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Check the annual member category you prefer: q $250 - Iron q $1,000 - Bronze q $2,500 - Silver q $5,000 - Gold q $10,000 - Platinum

CFM Business Alliance members will receive a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www. confedmo.org to sign up online 8

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

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

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Kessinger Named Conservation Federation of Missouri Communications Specialist

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mma Kessinger has joined the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) as a communications specialist. In this role, Kessinger creates content for Missouri Wildlife, administers social media and serves as the chief media relations representative of CFM. “Communication is vital to the success of any organization.

Having Emma on the CFM team means we will stay in front of our audiences. Our members will remain informed of what is taking place at the Federation in a timely manner, and our social media fans will appreciate fresh, relevant content. Emma is important to the future success of CFM,” said Brandon Butler, CFM executive director.

Kessinger is originally from St. Louis, but currently lives in Columbia. She graduated from the University of Missouri in May of 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her emphasis in photojournalism instilled an appreciation for storytelling that she hopes to incorporate into the organization.

“I have lived in Missouri my whole life, so issues concerning the state are always near and dear to my heart. Because of this, I am excited to begin working with the Federation and assisting in the protection of our state’s precious natural resources,” said Kessinger.

“I look forward to expanding my knowledge of conservation, as well as enjoying new adventures that will come while doing so.”

If you have questions, comments or even ideas for stories about conservation around Missouri, contact Emma Kessinger at ekessinger@confedmo.org or (573) 634-2322.

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The Importance of Hunting Does Don’t let peer pressure keep you from hunting does. It is important to the overall success of all deer hunting. Wildlife managers have proven time and again the importance of taking does as well as bucks.

Where the deer population has saturated the habitat’s carrying capacity, doe hunting is the best way to check the herd growth and prevent the overpopulation that can harm the area’s entire deer herd.

Doe hunting also gives many hunters their only chance of putting venison in the freezer.

Taking a doe will definitely help the deer herd and is an ethical, sportsmanlike practice.

Here’s another deer tip for you. When waiting for deer, try grunting or bleating softly every 20 or 30 minutes. Even if the vocalization doesn’t attract deer, it won’t scare them, and a long day on the stand is a good time to practice.

By Larry Whiteley, Host of the awardwinning Outdoor World Radio For more tips, go to basspro.com and click on 1Source News & Tips

WELCOME C F M N E W members

David Alspaugh, Saint Louis Rodney Barber, Altenburg Steve Batson, Pierce City Charles Benoist, Bonne Terre Audrey Beres, Chillicothe Bill Biggar, Saint Louis Tom Biggar, Saint Louis Hedy Boone, Ballwin Jack Bowles, Salem Charles Breit, Raymore Danny Brown, Clinton Steve Bruckerhoff, Elsberry William Bruns, Saint Louis Earl Carrow, Festus Center Locker, Center Richard Cochran, West Plains Jeri Cope, Joplin Richard Crow, Lebanon Kim Dickerson, Moberly Dean Donat, Cedarcreek Brian Duckett, Hazelwood Charles Elam, Kirksville Dwight & Wendi Ervin, Saint Louis Mark Eustis, Minneapolis, MN Robert & Charlotte Evans, Saint Charles Duane Farmer, Centralia Heather Feeler, Jefferson City Travis Fields, Baxter Springs, KS Susan Flader, Columbia John Fleck, Chesterfield

Marc Floro, Saint Louis Keith Fox, Saint Joseph E. Garrett, Wentzville Matt Gray, Columbia Margaret Griffen, Bowling Green Richard Guyette, Ashland Ernest Hamilton, Sweet Springs Lonnie Hansen, Columbia Tyler Hansen, Webb City Joe Hardy, Fayette Van Hawxby, Columbia Kent Hendrix, Columbia Hermann Oak Leather Company, Saint Louis Robert Huttinger, Blue Springs Gabriel Kaiser, Saint Louis Jim Karpowicz, Columbia Mike Kehoe, Jefferson City Stanley Kelleigh, Liberty Carl Kessinger, Ballwin Emma Kessinger, Columbia Leon Kridelbaugh, Rolla Richard Kurtzeborn, Imperial Donna La Rose, Saint Louis Darryl Lemen, O’Fallon Frank Loncarich, Goodman Patty Mahan, Greenwood Nick Marchiano, Hume David Maywright, Lake Saint Louis David Meinershagen, Webb City Galen Miller, Kansas City Wynter Miller, Moberly Mary Milner, Saint Louis Ryan Miloshewski, Lake Saint Louis Edward Minor, Kansas City

Charles Morgan, Belton David & Leanne Mosby, Hartsburg John Piontek, Jefferson City James Plannett, Saint Louis Kevin Poe, Roby Greg Poleski, Maryland Heights Terry Pollard, Jefferson City Caroline Pufalt, Saint Louis Roger Reinhardt, Saint Louis Judy Richardson, Saint Louis Christina Ritter, Arnold Derrick Roeslein, Eureka Amy Salveter, Columbia Charles Scearce, Mobile, AL Brian Schmitz, Saint Louis Scott Shipman, O’Fallon Curtis Smith, Elsberry Clell Solomon, Armstrong DeeDee Steil, Lees Summit Sarah Stewart, Joplin David Sundberg, Warrensburg Greg Swick, Ozark Brian Towe, Piedmont Charles Wallace, Springfield Donald Waterman, Columbia Doug Wells, Kissee Mills Sharon West, Dwight, IL Claude Whitener, Hayti Steve Wilkinson, Eugene Daniel Williams, Saint Charles Dan Zekor & DeeCee Darrow, Columbia

CFM would like to thank the 355 members that renewed since our last publication.

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

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

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2014 NWF Conservation Service Award

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n September 24, 2014, Chesterfield received a Conservation Service Award from the National Wildlife Federation in recognition for 10 years as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat™.

Chesterfield has become a leader in the nationwide trend in community action to address wildlife habitat loss. The National Wildlife Federation presented Mayor Bob Nation with the award on its 10th Anniversary of becoming certified as a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat. Members of The Citizens Committee for the Environment led a citywide tour of some of Chesterfield’s premiere wildlife habitats, attended

by NWF’s president and CEO, Collin O’Mara and Brandon Butler, executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Collin O’Mara (center), NWF President and CEO presented Mayor Bob Nation (left) with the 2014 NWF Community Service Award. Also pictured is Darcy Capstick, Chair of Chesterfield Committee for the Environment.

“We are honored to have Mr. O’Mara and Mr. Butler make a special visit to Chesterfield to recognize the work of our community to protect wildlife through the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat program. We are thankful for tireless efforts of our volunteers in the community and specifically the Citizens Committee for the Environment, led by Darcy Capstick, who all made this possible.”

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said Mayor Bob Nation. “These natural habitats provide a more sustainable future for our community.”

“For ten years, Chesterfield’s work providing wildlife habitat has served as a model for communities across America,” said Collin O’Mara.

“At a time when wildlife is facing unprecedented challenges, I commend the leadership of Mayor Nation, the Citizens Committee for the Environment, and countless dedicated volunteers for partnering with the National Wildlife Federation to demonstrate that wildlife can flourish in a suburban and urban community.”

To become an NWF Community Wildlife Habitat, a city, town, county or neighborhood must make a commitment to become a “wildlifefriendly” community by creating multiple wildlife habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens, parkland and other spaces.

NWF Community Wildlife Habitats, like Chesterfield, must also commit to educate citizens about how to garden for wildlife in a sustainable manner and provide the four key elements for wildlife to survive – food, water, shelter and places to raise young.

Chesterfield was the 9th community in the country and the first community in Missouri to become a NWF Community Wildlife Habitat in 2005.

“I applaud the citizens and community leaders of Chesterfield for their efforts to protect wildlife and their habitat,” said Brandon Butler.

“Today, I challenge every community across the ‘Show Me State,’ from Cape Girardeau to Kansas City, to register in the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat program to make a difference for Missouri’s wildlife.”

After the award presentation ceremony, the group planted milkweed in the wildlife garden at City Hall to help support the declining Monarch Butterfly. The milkweed was donated 2 0 1 4

by the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The tour proceeded to other NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat sites, including: the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, the three-acre native tall grass prairie at Governor Bates’ home in Faust Park, the Grow Native Demonstration Garden at the entrance of Governor Bates’ driveway, City Hall grounds and medians, the Butterfly Garden in Central Park, Dierbergs Meditation Park, and the Spirit of St. Louis Airport grounds.

Sheila Voss, vice president of education, Missouri Botanical Garden, commented, that “Chesterfield is part of 2,091 NWF certified habitats, including homes, parks, schools, corporate campuses, and places of worship across the greater St. Louis region. Building on the actions of Chesterfield, and other communities, between now and 2020, the combined efforts of BiodiverseCity St. Louis and National Wildlife Federation can grow that number double - or triple-fold.

BiodiverseCity St. Louis is a Missouri Botanical Garden-led network of more than 100 organizations focused on transforming the ubiquitous landscapes of city life into more productive, functioning living systems that benefit humans, wildlife, and the livability, economic vibrancy, and resilience of the region.

To date, 78 communities have been recognized with Community Wildlife Habitat certification. Since 1973, NWF has provided millions of people with the basic guidelines for making their landscapes more wildlifefriendly. There are more than 170,000 certified habitats nationwide. For more information, please go to: www. nwf.org/community or www.nwf.org/ garden National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI NOV 1: Public Field Trip, Runge Nature Center and Binder Lake, Jefferson City; Lori Turner (573) 881-2941 NOV 8: Public Field Trip, Columbia Audubon Society Albert Children’s Wildlife Area, Columbia NOV 12: Public Field Trip; Sherry Leonardo (816) 718-5888 NOV 15: Public Field Trip, Mark Land (913) 381-4324 NOV 22: Public Field Trip, Twin Lakes and Hinkson Conservation Area; Lori Turner (573) 881-2941 NOV 29: Public Field Trip, Squaw Creek; Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 10: Public Field Trip, Blue Springs Lake; Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 13: Public Field Trip; Matt Gearheart (913) 568-4678 BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY NOV 4: The Bats of Missouri and Threats to Their Population, Discovery Center Auditorium (6:00pm - 8:30pm) NOV 12: Prairie State Park and Shawnee Trail Conservation Area with Jeff Cantrell (6:30am - 5:30 pm); Sherry Leonardo (816) 718-5888 NOV 15: Marias des Cygne Wildlife Area with Mark Land (7:00am - 4:00pm); Mark Land (913) 381-4324 NOV 29: Squaw Creek with Mike Stoakes (7:00am - 4:00pm); Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 10: Blue Springs Lake with Mike Beck (7:30am - 11:30am); Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 13: Lyon, Coffey and Osage Counties with Matt Gearheart; Matt Gearheart (913) 568-4678 GREENWAY NETWORK NOV 3: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) NOV 8: Kiefer Creek Hike at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin (10:00am 12:00pm); Lorin (314) 727-0600 NOV 12: Big Muddy Paddle Series, MDC Frenchtown Boat Launch (4:30pm) NOV 12: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30pm) DEC 1: Annual Members Meeting, The Three Families Restaurant, Saint Peters (6:30pm - 9:00pm); (636) 498-0772 DEC 6: Storm Drain Marking (9:00am) DEC 13: Kiefer Creek Hike at Castlewood State Park, Ballwin (10:00am 12:00pm); Lorin (314) 727-0600 DEC 14: Great River Confluence Volunteer Clean-up (12:00pm) DEC 14: Great River Confluence Nature Walk (1:00pm) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED NOV 4: Trash Flies at Bennett Spring, Jack’s Gourmet, Columbia (7:00pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION NOV 24: Monthly Board Meeting, Am. Legion DEC 22: Monthly Board Meeting, Am. Legion MISSOURI DELTA WATERFOWL NOV 8: Riceland Chapter Annual Event, Elks Lodge, Poplar Bluff (5:30pm 10:00pm); Chris Figge (417) 932-1182 DEC 6: Mississippi Valley Flyway Chapter Banquet, Saint Eustachius Catholic Church, Portageville (5:30pm - 7:00pm); David Christian (573) 379-6680

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MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED NOV 1: Golden Valley/Clinton Fall Dinner, Benson Center, Clinton (6:00pm 9:30pm); Trevor Hickman (660) 221-0417 or Parker Mills (660) 885-2266 NOV 1: Squaw Creek Dinner, The Klub, Mound City (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Bill Beasley (660) 572-0186 or Bill Hutting (913) 593-6911 NOV 1: Higginsville Dinner, Am. Legion, Higginsville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Barb Edwards (660) 584-7557 or Craig Rodekohr (660) 259-7148 NOV 1: Elsberry Dinner, Am. Legion, Elsberry (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Scott Mills (636) 322-8558 NOV 1: Lewis and Clark County Dinner, Caldwell Building, Canton (5:00pm 10:00pm); Steve Phillips (660) 216-2620 NOV 6: Sweet Springs Dinner, Am. Legion, Sweet Springs (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Tonya Winfrey (660) 238-2708 or Brian Vogelsmeier (660) 641-4939 NOV 8: Two Rivers Suzies Ladies Only Wine Tasting Dinner, Spazio’s Westport, Saint Louis (6:30pm - 9:30pm); Jane Bell (314) 570-1040, Sharon Koch (314) 707-4993 or Stefanie Osborne (314) 610-0157 DEC 30: Calendar Raffle, (5:30pm - 6:00pm); Todd Carlton (573) 415-6697, Mark Jackson (417) 549-9875 or Jimbo Robinson (901) 230-2704 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION DEC 6-7: Trapping Clinic DEC 11: Quarterly Board Meeting, Jumpin Catfish (6:30pm - 8:00pm) MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS NOV 8: See’s Creek Strutters, K of C, Monroe City; Chris Kleindienst (573) 735-5406 WHEELIN SPORTSMEN EVENTS NOV 1: Wheeling Sportsmen’s Event, Truman Lake, Warsaw; Dick Lewis (660) 438-5756 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION NOV 4-6: CPSI Course, North Kansas City NOV 7: Northwest Region Trivia Night, Grain Valley (6:00pm) NOV 20: Region 4 Mini Conference, Maryland Heights MISSOURI PARKS ASSOCIATION NOV 7-9: Annual Meeting, Montauk State Park; (573) 548-2434 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION NOV 6: Spg. Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm) NOV 25: KC. Club Meeting - Christmas Party DEC 4: Spg. Christmas Party (5:30pm - 8:00pm) DEC 6-7: StL. Montauk - Holiday Fish For Fun Raffle MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED NOV 22: Milan Area Chapter Banquet, Community Center, Milan DEC 6: Moniteau County Special Sportsman Banquet, Community Center, Jamestown OZARK FLY FISHERS NOV 1: Current River Water Quality Monitoring, Montauk State Park, Salem; Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335 NOV 3: Board Meeting, Creve Coeur (7:00pm - 9:00pm) DEC 1: Board Meeting, Creve Coeur (7:00pm - 9:00pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB NOV 8: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) NOV 8: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) NOV 15-16: Peck Ranch Hike, Stegall Mountain Ozark Trail DEC 5-7: Niangua River Winter Trip, Bennett Spring DEC 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) DEC 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm)

Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri: A Model of Collaboration

POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. NOV 1: Pick 3 Outing - Dinner and Nominations Meeting; George Donner (816) 678-1623 DEC 6: Annual Planning Meeting; George Donner (816) 678-1623

5:00pm) NOV 1: Annual Dinner and Centennial Kick-off, Crowne Plaza, Clayton (6:00pm - 9:00pm) NOV 5: Conservation Forum, Living World - Saint Louis Zoo (5:30pm - 9:00pm) the unique the “Missouri of wetland NOV 8: Birdinghistory Field Trip,of Riverlands Bird SanctuaryModel” (8:00am - 12:00pm)

Discover and SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated NOV 1: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, St. Louis (7:30am - 10:00am) new book. CFM EVENTS

&

NOV 1: Birding Field Trip, Busch Memorial Conservation Area (8:00am -

DEC 13: Board of Directors Meeting

The success of Missouri’s waterfowl and wetland conservation is not an accident. Careful planning, skillful execution of welldesigned strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support, and dedicated funding have allW. ledFerguson to the quality wetland In memory of Larry habitats andQuinten migratoryMessbarger bird populations that we enjoy today.

– Columbia, MO A new book, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Karen Messbarger – Tarkio, MO Missouri: A Model of Collaboration, chronicles and celebrates this success. Sponsors, anchored by Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri In memoryDucks of Lindy Watkins Department of Conservation, Unlimited, the Conservation Bob & Leslie White – O’Fallon, IL Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, and private citizens, have covered all production costs. The book’s In authors, many them Palcheff former waterfowl memory ofofChris biologists and wetland managers, have donated their services Bill & Marie Prater – Springfield, MO to produce this new book. The book is edited by Kenneth M. Babcock and W. Alan Wentz. Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, In memory of Ann Kutscher and Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, have each Larry & Delores Yamnitz – Jefferson City, is MO written a foreword for the book.

The dust jacket artwork from Randy Washburn – Versailles, MO the Charles W. Schwartz collection, the State Historical Society of Missouri. three Kirkham hundred images, some never before JuddOver & Judy – Climax Springs, MO published, will be showcased in this hard copy book.

Ron & Rhonda Coleman – Saint Albans, MO

Honorariums Memorials

This is a “must have” book for all serious migratory bird hunters, and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

ORDER TODAY

Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri YES! I to want order ______ copies of Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri Name Address City

Phone Number State

Zip

Email

Quantity Price $40 each Sales Tax (MO residents add 7.725%) Shipping & Handling (see chart) Total

$ $ $ $

Shipping & Handling via U.S. UPS/USPS MISSOURI OUT OF STATE One Book $6.95 $8.95 Two Books $8.95 $10.95 Three Books $10.95 $12.95 Four Books or more: Call for rates 1-877-521-8632

Please circle payment method

Card Number Exp Date Signature

Please send order form and payment to: Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Shop, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 MIS S OURI

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Missouri Man Named Delta Waterfowl’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year

T

om Biggar is Delta Waterfowl’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year. He was chosen from a pool of seven finalists for the award during a month-long online vote.

“Tom is a very passionate, detailoriented volunteer that offers the perfect mix of fundraising success and active local projects,” said Jeremy Stephens, the Delta Waterfowl regional director who nominated Biggar. “He is extremely hard working and deserving of being named Volunteer of the Year.”

Biggar, 68, has been fundamental to the success of the Arch Chapter in St. Louis, Mo. As a founding member, the chairman and his board quickly turned the new chapter into one of Missouri’s most successful. Its initial events banquet in 2013 netted $35,000, making it the largest Delta Waterfowl fundraiser in Missouri history. A year later, Biggar spurred his chapter to beat its own record by more than $10,000.

This fundraising success has offered the Arch Chapter financial strength to spearhead several local projects through Delta’s Waterfowl Heritage Fund, including First Hunt events, a youth shooting team sponsorship and the Aaron Hurst Memorial Youth Day, a tribute to a board member’s son. The chapter is a strong supporter of the Wounded Warriors program, as well.

An avid duck and goose hunter, Biggar is a retired training coordinator who spent 28 years working for Anheuser-Busch and 10 years as a high school industrial arts teacher. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married 41 years.

Zink Calls/Avian-X Decoys is this year’s sponsoring partner of Delta’s Volunteer of the Year award. Biggar receives Delta’s Call of the Year, a 1 6

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of our volunteers for their hard work and support.”

2014 Volunteer of the Year Nominees Jeff Adams, Brigham, Utah *Tom Biggar, Oakville, Mo. Tom Dufour, Baton Rouge, La. Brown Gill, Memphis, Tenn.

Bubba Humphreys, Ripley, Tenn. *Seth Jean, Magnolia, Ark. *Jonathan Jimney, Lake Charles, La. Eric Johnson, Green Bay, Wis. Bobby Jones, Longview, Texas Larry Kaumeyer, Edmonton, Alberta *Ches McDowell, Raleigh, N.C. *Mike Mercer, Ontario Steve Nienhaus, Muscatine, Iowa Tom Biggar

Zink Calls ATM Green Machine, as well as a Winchester SX3 shotgun.

Biggar said he would donate his prize to the Arch Chapter to raise more funds.

“I feel very honored and privileged, but no one person can make a chapter successful,” Biggar said. “The real credit goes to our board of directors.

In my view, this isn’t Volunteer of the Year, this is Volunteers of the Year.”

While the award is bestowed on only one volunteer, Delta Waterfowl would like to thank each and every volunteer across North America who gives time to the cause for ducks and duck hunting.

“Delta’s volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization,” said Jason Tharpe, vice president of fundraising events and membership. “We couldn’t do what we do for ducks and duck hunters without them. We thank all

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*Eric Reisenweber, Sioux Falls, S.D. Stephen Sabo, Fayetteville, Ark. Colin Saker, Chauvin, Alberta Bill and Colleen Sanders, Baltimore, Md. *Dan Statile, Paulsboro, N.J. John Sutherland, Rice Lake, Ontario James Walker, Jefferson, Texas Collin Wirt, Burlington, Iowa *denotes finalist For more information, contact Jason Tharpe, vice president of fundraising events and membership at (888) 987-3695, jtharpe@deltawaterfowl. org.

Delta Waterfowl Foundation is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group dedicated to ducks and duck hunters in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.

Conservation Achievement Award Deadline The Conservation Federation of Missouri is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the prestigious Missouri Conservation Achievement Awards. Each year the CFM recognizes individuals and organizations in Missouri for their outstanding achievements in conservation. We wish to acknowledge personal efforts and award each recipient for actions that have lead to a significant conservation success during the calendar year.

CFM Conservation Awards are presented in the following categories: Conservationist of the Year Conservation Communicator of the Year Forest Conservationist of the Year Air Conservationist of the Year Professional Conservationist of the Year Conservation Educator of the Year 2013 Conservationist of the Year, Susan Flader, receiving her award from CFM Executive Director Brandon Butler and David Smith with Bass Pro Shops.

Any resident of Missouri may be nominated for a Conservation Award.

All clubs, including but not limited to CFM affiliates, are eligible for consideration. Anyone may submit an application.

To nominate someone for an award simply write their name, address and occupation on a nomination form along with your name, address and the specific category in which you are nominating the individual or club. You must include a statement, no longer than a page typewritten, detailing the nominee’s contributions to conservation during the calendar year. Send the application to CFM, 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. The deadline is December 31, 2014.

Water Conservationist of the Year Youth Conservationist of the Year Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Soil Conservationist of the Year Conservation Organization of the Year Conservation Legislator of the Year

For detailed information on the CFM award categories, check out our website at www.confedmo.org. Winners will be the special guests of the CFM at our Annual Meeting of Delegates, March 20 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

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agency news - department of conservation

MDC Director Among National Blue Ribbon Panelists Named to Help Develop a 21st Century Model for Sustaining America’s Fish and Wildlife Resources

Missouri Department of Conservation Director Bob Ziehmer among top executives from the outdoor recreation, energy, agricultural, automotive, financial, educational and conservation sectors accepting the challenge of finding funding solutions to prevent Endangered Species listings.

Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and former Wyoming governor, Dave Freudenthal, named 20 members of the national Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources to advance solutions for funding a 21st century model of conservation. The Blue Ribbon Panel co-chairs made their announcement during a keynote address at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in St. Louis.

The Blue Ribbon Panelists rep2 0

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resent the outdoor recreation retail and manufacturing sector, energy and automotive industries, private landowners, educational institutions, conservation organizations, sportsmen’s groups and state fish and wildlife agencies. The Panelists will work together to produce recommendations and policy options on a sustainable and equitable model to fund conservation of the full array of fish and wildlife species.

The Blue Ribbon Panelists on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources: Kevin Butt–General Manager and Chief Environmental Officer, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. and Board Member, Wildlife Habitat Council John Doerr–President and CEO, Pure Fishing, Inc. and Board Member, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Jim Faulstich–Owner, Daybreak Ranch and Vice Chairman, Partners for Conservation John Fitzpatrick–Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Co-inventor, eBird Gregg Hill–President and CEO of Exploration and Production, Hess Corporation Rebecca Humphries–Chief Conservation Officer, National Wild Turkey Federation Dr. Stephen Kellert–Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology and Senior Research Scholar, Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental

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Studies and Board Member, BioLogical Capital; Founding Partner, Environmental Capital Partners Jennifer Mull–Chief Executive Officer, Backwoods Equipment, Inc. and Board Chair of the Outdoor Industry Association John W. Newman–CFO and Treasurer, LLOG Exploration Company, LLC and Board Chairman, Ducks Unlimited Margaret O’Gorman–President, Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) and Board Member, Stewardship Action Council Glenn Olson–Donal O’Brien Chair in Bird Conservation and Public Policy, National Audubon Society (NAS) and Member, North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Council and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Advisory Council Collin O’Mara–President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation Connie Parker–CEO and Founder, CSPARKERGROUP and Board Member, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida Charlie Potter–CEO, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation and Founder and Chairman, Great Outdoors, LLC Lynn Scarlett–Managing Director, Public Policy, The Nature Conservancy John Tomke–President, Ducks Unlimited de Mexico and Chair, Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Dr. James Walker–Vice Chairman

agency news - department of conservation of the Board, EDF Renewable Energy and Board Member, American Wind Energy Association Dr. Steve Williams–President, Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and Board President, National Conservation Leadership Institute; Board Member, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Bob Ziehmer–Director, Missouri Department of Conservation “Conservation means balancing the sustainability of fish and wildlife with the many needs of humans for clean air and water; land; food and fiber; dependable energy; economic development and recreation,” said Morris.

“By assembling this Panel of highly regarded leaders and problem solvers,

we will find a way forward that safeguards not only vital natural resources, but also our nation’s economic prosperity and outdoor heritage.”

“With fish and wildlife species and natural resource-based enterprise at stake, we can’t afford an ‘us vs. them’ mentality,” said Freudenthal.

“It is time to create certainty for both industry and the conservation community by building a 21st century funding model.”

“Dedicated funding allowing for the management of all fish and wildlife, whether game or non-game species, is essential for this nation,” said Bob Ziehmer, Missouri Department of Conservation director and representative for state fish and wildlife agencies

on the Blue Ribbon Panel. “Many species are declining in abundance and will continue to do so if we don’t work toward establishing a sustainable funding source for our nation now and into the future.”

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies began its quest to secure sustained funding for fish and wildlife diversity conservation in the early 1990s. The launch of the Teaming With Wildlife coalition, which now includes nearly 6,400 organizations, was a critical step in demonstrating support for dedicated fish and wildlife funding.

Laura MacLean Communications Director, AFWA

MDC and CFM Encourage Deer Hunters to Share the Harvest Help feed hungry Missourians by sharing your harvest.

Funds are available to help cover processing costs.

Many Missourians need help with putting meat on the dinner table. Deer hunters can help by sharing their harvests through Missouri’s Share the Harvest program. Share the Harvest connects deer hunters with hungry Missourians through participating meat processors and local hunger-relief agencies around the state.

To participate, hunters simply take their harvested deer to one of more than 130 participating meat processors and let the processor know how much venison they wish to donate to the program. Hunters can donate a few pounds to

Share the Harvest is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and Missouri Department of Conservation to help feed hungry Missourians.

The program works by hunters donating harvested deer meat to participating meat processors who then prepare the donated venison by grinding it into one-pound packages that are given to local food banks and food pantries.

a whole deer. The processor will package the ground meat, which will be given to local charitable agencies for distribution to hungry Missourians.

Funds are available to help with processing costs

when a whole deer is donated during all portions of the archery and firearms deer seasons. CFM reimburses processors a predetermined amount for each whole deer donated. This allows processors to reduce

processing fees to hunters.

In addition, many processors have local money available that allows deer to be processed for free or at reduced cost. The cost of processing the deer is the hunter’s responsibility when local funds to help cover the full cost are not available. Be sure to contact individual processors to determine if local funds are available.

To find participating processors or to learn more about the program, visit the MDC website at mdc. mo.gov/hunting-trapping/ deer/share-harvest.

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An Update from the Director’s Office

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just read The Worst Hard Time, by Timothy Egan. It is a stunningly well-written (Nation Book Award Winner for 2006) account of the Dust Bowl. Its power, beyond the wonderful writing, is its focus on the way this tragic episode impacted real people. Egan captures the enormous toll the drought, dust storms, etc. took on people. The book is bleak and hard-hitting in its honesty, but in a “can’t put it down” style.

I knew the Dust Bowl era, basically the 1930s, when climate aberrations in the west-central Great Plains and the Great Depression displaced thousands from their homes; and took so many lives. But, although my parents lived through it, albeit in the northern Great Plains, I did not fully understand the intersection of drought, misguided government policy, naïve boosterism, excessive entrepreneurial zeal, ignorance of natural ecosystems, and, to be honest – greed in bringing about an environmental and human disaster on parallel with the great wars. Much of the misguided information provided to farmers in the semi-arid plains was well-intentioned. But no less disastrous.

Land use policies encouraged by speculators, unregulated financial institutions, and overly optimistic policy-makers encouraged farming practices that simply could not be sustained. The impact on human life, on the land itself, might have been lessened without the extreme drought of the ‘30s and the accompanying impact of prairie winds on untethered soil. But, the drought happened – a not unforeseen reality in the semi-arid plains of west Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, etc. And, people suffered. They suffered physically (dust pneumonia killed thousands), financially, and socially at levels the Egan portrays with unflinching details.

So, why am I writing about events more than 80 years ago? After reading The Worst Hard Time, I could not help but reflect on what well-intentioned, but ultimately misguided policies are currently at work? What ignorance of natural systems is lurking now in our society? And, yes… what greed might be at play in taking advantage of those naïve about the realities of human impacts on the environment?

Could it be in our failure to understand the role of disease spillover from wild animals to domestic livestock and to human on human health is playing out in west Africa in the frightening Ebola outbreak currently underway? Or, perhaps in the mining of our aquifers? Climate change certainly looms large in my mind – with potential impacts on the environment and on human welfare that could easily dwarf the Dust Bowl. The lesson from The Worst Hard Time – be careful of things that sound too good to be true; and don’t ignore the warning signs nature provides. For me nature will always be breathtakingly beautiful; but also a force of incredible power, with the potential to be overwhelmingly destructive, when treated with disdain.

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

Mark Ryan The School of Natural Resources University of Missouri 2 2

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How to Tag a Rain Deer A light rain really doesn’t affect deer, and they go about their normal feeding and movement patterns.

If you’re properly dressed for rain, it’s a great time to hunt. One reason is there are fewer hunters to compete with.

The wet ground and rain on the leaves also make it easier for you to move around in the woods undetected. Rain also helps mask your scent.

With fewer hunters in the woods on rainy days, it also gives deer confidence to move around and gives you a great chance to take a rain deer.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms though will cause them to bed down in a sheltered area and make them difficult to hunt. It pays to know where they seek shelter on rainy and windy days.

By Larry Whiteley, Host of the awardwinning Outdoor World Radio For more tips, go to basspro.com and click on 1Source News & Tips

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2014 Harvest Fest Draws a Large Crowd

ive turkeys gobbled in the crisp autumn weather. The sweet smell of kettle corn and apple cider filled the air. Excitement was almost tangible as the Harvest Fest occurred on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, October 4.

The event was held in conjunction with Jefferson City’s Multicultural Fall Festival, and lasted from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Harvest Fest celebrated the season with crafts, activities and food for visitors to enjoy.

“With the weather becoming cooler and the leaves starting to turn vibrant colors, the fall is a beautiful time of year for Missouri families to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate our state’s rich agricultural heritage,” Mrs. Nixon said in a press release.

The chilly weather didn’t keep visitors from taking part in the tours of the Governor’s Mansion, during which they could learn about the history of the residence. Visitors also enjoyed the numerous booths that were set up. Each booth had different activities including pumpkin painting, caramel apple decorating and seeing live animals. A few of the organizations present at the event included the Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

CFM and the National Wild Turkey Federation chatted with guests about Missouri’s outdoor heritage while they visited with the two energetic wild turkeys that were hanging out for the day. They taught children how to use a variety of turkey calls, and handed out turkey hats and Halloween tattoos. It was yet another successful Harvest Fest for all those involved.

Visitors admiring the wild turkeys.

Photo credit: Emma Kessinger, CFM

John Burk (NWTF) demonstrated how to call a turkey. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger, CFM

Kids loved the turkey hats and tattoos. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger, CFM MIS S OURI

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Operation Clean Stream Was A Great Success August 23 & 24 marked the 47th Annual Operation Clean Stream, a project of the Open Space Council.

Even with temperatures of over 100 degrees, thousands of volunteers came out to lend their time and talent to restoring the Meramec Watershed. The event has become a St. Louis tradition, with generations of families participating together to help the local environment.

Volunteers represented a variety of ages and backgrounds and represented corporate green teams, religious groups, boy and girl scouts, canoe and kayak organizations, and many more.

We cannot thank the community enough for their support of this project. It could not be done without all of you!

We also want to send a thank you out to all of our wonderful sponsors!

Our event couldn’t have been a success without your help!

Quick Statistics on the 47th Annual Operation Clean Stream 2,225 volunteers donated more than 7,000 hours of their time 9,000 lbs. of metal was removed making our waterways a safer place to float, swim, and fish 6 large construction dumpsters were filled to the brim with trash from our waterways 2,481 tires were removed from the watershed

Operation Clean Stream The Bourbeuse River Operation Clean Stream (OCS) is Missouri Stream Team #3 which was formed shortly after the referendum to dam the Meramec and Bourbeuse Rivers was defeated. The group of approximately 300 volunteers from Franklin and Gasconade Counties has been cleaning up the Bourbeuse river for the last 29 years. The annual August cleanup operation covers approximately 145 miles of river divided into 30 teams. Besides the August cleanup operation an access cleanup is done at the end of March.

Reicher’s Ford Access has been adopted by the Bourbeuse River OCS trustees and three Environmental Stewardship awards are given away each year to graduating high school seniors who have been active in OCS. Sales of canoe raffle tickets and our own artist designed t-shirts pay for much of the operation expenses along with a grant from Wal-Mart and supplies from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

This year’s cleanup collected 303 tires, 10 cubic yards of trash, and 1,752 pounds of scrap metal. The Beaufort Lion’s Club served 109 breakfasts and 242 supper meals. The cleanup operation is finished with a post picnic at the Beaufort Lion’s hall which serves a roasted hog, locally made bratwurst, potato salad and side dishes provided by participants. This is more than a cleanup operation - it is an opportunity for like minded people to protect our natural water resources.

Happy 25 Years Stream Team!

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2014 Environmental Service Award Recipients Erin Gerlemann of Herman, MO (second from left) and Jacob Lenau of Union, MO (second from right) along with Bruce Templer (left) and Len Benter (right) Co-Chairman of Bourbeuse River Clean Stream Team #3.

2014 Canoe raffle ticket winner Rachel Bolte of Beaufort, MO (center) along with Co-Chairman Bruce Templer and Len Benter.

The Unexpected Loss of Man’s Best Friend

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unior was born the son of Bocephus. He was destined for greatness. Having a renowned retriever for a father sets expectations high. Junior may have never won a world title, but he was a champion.

The tears of two little girls prove it.

From the first time I read Where the Red Fern Grows over 20 years ago, I dreamt of owning a well-trained, highly-functional hunting dog. Time and attention kept that dream from becoming a reality for too long. Opportunity struck when I was presented the chance to buy Junior as a three-year-old field trial washout.

Finished retrievers aren’t cheap. Paying $3,000 for a dog wasn’t a decision I took lightly. But the first time I walked up to Junior’s kennel and saw him standing there smiling his big goofy smile, with eyes so full of life and muscles rippling under his shiny black coat, there was no doubt he was going to be mine.

My daughters had no idea I was bringing home a dog. When I asked them to come outside to meet someone, I’m sure they figured it was just another fishing buddy. Instead, they saw Junior.

They looked up at me for a tell tale sign he was ours. My smile gave it away.

Hugs, shrieks, giggles and face licks lasted a good half-hour, then I ran him through a series of retrieves to show his new family how special Junior truly was.

It took him awhile to figure out how to be a family dog. Junior’s life had been a series of trainers and kennels. He had lived like an Olympic athlete. Now, he could lie on a couch, have his belly rubbed, swim in our pool and every so often enjoy a piece of bacon. His new life must have felt surreal.

Junior and I worked on his retrieves in the fields surrounding our home. At first, he had to put up with with my novice handling abilities, but it didn’t take long for us to click. Watching him zigzag through a field searching for scent from a dummy I’d hid was amazing. I’d blow my whistle and he’d stop and sit facing me. With hand signals, I’d send him in the direction he needed to go. He always found the dummy.

We only had one duck hunt together, but it was a hunt for the ages. A friend drew the first pill at Grand Pass during the peak migration. Three of us killed our limits of mallards and then rounded out the morning with other bird limits of teal. Junior retrieved every bird we dropped. He was a machine. I was so proud, and so full of excitement for the future. I had a mallard from that hunt mounted. It

hangs in my office. I’m so thankful I made that decision.

When Junior was a puppy he had Leptospirosis. He almost died. The disease degraded his kidney function.

This caused him to drink and urinate more often than most dogs, but he otherwise seemed perfectly healthy. Still, he somehow caught an infection. When we took him to the vet, they discovered water in his lungs and around his heart.

The vet tested his vitals and discovered his kidneys were only functioning at an estimated 25 percent. She suggested putting him out of his pain. A second vet I enlisted concurred. But I couldn’t do it.

The vet said she could preform an expensive surgery to drain the fluid and remove bacteria from Junior’s lungs, but with his severely damaged kidneys, he would likely only live 4-10 more months. I didn’t believe it. Or at least I wouldn’t accept it. He’d had bad kidneys for a long time. I thought maybe he had learned to live with them that way. I told her to perform the surgery. I wholeheartedly believed Junior would come out of surgery and live at least a few more years. We’d kill a bunch of ducks and I’d breed him, with a strong female, so my future dogs would carry on his bloodline.

Junior died September 18. We had him for one year and one day. His kidneys just couldn’t handle the surgery and he never recovered. I’m still at a loss. My wife and I sat with our young daughters and we all cried as we recalled the best dog we’ve ever known.

I miss him. For brief moments, I forget he’s gone and catch myself looking for him. First thing in the morning, I’ll think of letting him out and then realize he’s not here. It is so hard to look at the empty space on the couch in my office where he’d lie all day while I worked. Dumping his half-full dog bowl, taking down his kennel and putting his leash in a drawer were all heartbreaking, but the worst was setting his hunting vest on a shelf knowing it won’t be used this fall.

Junior and I gave each other incredible gifts. He taught me what it means to truly love a dog. He solidified my understanding of “man’s best friend.” What I gave him was the best year of his life. I gave him the love of little girls, the comfort of couch cushions, the taste of bacon and the admiration of a man whose dream came true.

See you down the trail, Jun-Bug… Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM MIS S OURI

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

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

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

CFM Affiliate Membership Your affiliation with CFM speaks loudly to Missouri.

Affiliate name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Affiliate address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact person: _______________________________________________________________ Role in group: ____________________________ Phone: (__________)_________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ Number of members in group: __________________________________ Date group was established: __________________________________ Purpose of group: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Payment Method: 2 6

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agency news - department of natural resources

Exploring Our Legacy — Charting Our Future

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or the past 40 years, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been protecting our air, land and water, preserving the state’s unique natural and historic places, and providing recreational and learning opportunities to Missourians and the many visitors who come to enjoy those resources. We continue to envision Missouri as a place where people live and work in harmony with our natural and cultural resources, make decisions that result in a quality environment, and a place where we can prosper today and in the future.

As the 40th anniversary of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources draws to a close, I’d like to express our appreciation for your continued support in our pursuit to enhance Missouri’s natural resources.

Exploring our legacy charting our future of these resources will be the focus at the department’s first ever Governor’s Conference on Natural Resources on Nov. 12-13, 2014 in Springfield. The department has assembled an exciting program of speakers and topics for the conference. Four moderated concurrent sessions will specifically concentrate on the future challenges facing Missouri’s natural resources. These sessions include: Resources Management Challenges, the People/Natural Resource Connection, the Costs and Benefits of Natural Resources Protection, and Environmental Impacts of Extreme Events. A few of our keynote speakers include: • Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation • Chad Pregracke, Living Lands and Waters and CNN’s 2013 Hero of the Year • Derrick Crandall, CEO, American Recreation Coalition • Steve Harrington, the Nature Conservancy • Pat Guinan, Missouri’s State Climatologist.

The future of Missouri’s natural and cultural resources depends on the efforts of every community, business, organization and citizen. Many innovative Missourians are leading the way in the protection and enhancement of our resources.

To honor these individuals and groups, the department will present its first Natural Resources Awards of Excellence during the conference – one each in the six categories.

If you have not registered to attend the conference – there is still time. Visit the department’s website to learn more about the agenda, speakers, awards, registration and hotel information at dnr.mo.gov/governor-conference.htm. The department will post the award winners on this website following the conference.

We all share a common goal of protecting, conserving and enjoying the great outdoors and our most precious natural resources – because, it belongs to all of us. That’s why it’s im2 8

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portant for everyone to play a part. There are many different ways you can help. Here are just a few for you to consider.

Be a Natural Resources Steward. This includes all of the basics - reduce, reuse and recycle; conserve water and energy by making sure your home is well insulated and fix water leaks; properly dispose of your household waste; keep your septic tank properly maintained; don’t flush medicines or other chemicals down the drain or toilet; plant native species and vegetation near your property and along streams to slow down stormwater, reduce erosion and create habitat for wildlife just to name a few.

Engage the youth. Involving children and teenagers in enhancing Missouri’s natural and cultural resources and community leadership is essential to ensure future generations are equipped to face the environmental challenges that may await them.

Participate in a Stream Team cleanup. The Missouri Stream Team program is a joint partnership between CFM and the departments of Natural Resources and Conservation. More than 5,000 stream teams in Missouri provide “hands-on” assistance such as water quality testing and monitoring. Find a Stream Team nearest you or start your own by calling 800781-1989.

Get involved. Reporting environmental concerns and engaging in public participation play key roles in enhancing our natural and cultural resources. Find out about upcoming public meetings, hearings and events at http://dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do. Report an environmental concern by visiting dnr.mo.gov/concern.htm or by calling 800-361-4827.

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

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

agency news - department of natural resources

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Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Lewis and Clark State Park

he Lewis and Clark Expedition headed west in 1804 and encountered a lake that William Clark described as “full of Geese & Goslings.” Today, that lake is Lewis and Clark Lake and is part of Lewis and Clark State Park, located in Rushville.

The park is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Its broad open spaces make it a favorite for families who take advantage of the scenic picnic areas and playground. Bird watchers come to Lewis and Clark to watch geese, great blue herons, eagles, swans and snowy egrets flock to the oxbow lake throughout the seasons.

In 1934, the state acquired land on the southeast side of Lewis and Clark Lake, and dedicated it as a state park to these two explorers. Lewis and Clark State Park was developed in the 1930s by a federal workforce called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). A stone picnic shelter still in use in the park is an example of their handiwork.

As part of the commemoration of Lewis and Clark’s historic journey that began in 1803, a Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Plaza was incorporated into the landscape of the park in 2006. The plaza includes a screened and bermed walk that leads visitors to an interpretive area featuring a compass rosette, stone benches with the names of all expedition members, a

Lewis and Clark State Park in Rushville offers visitors the opportunity to explore the outdoors, wildlife and lake once discovered by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Credit: MoDNR

scenic overlook and interpretive materials arranged along the walk. The bermed walk is lined with native grasses, wildflowers and trees. The area is open during normal business hours.

Today, Lewis and Clark Lake still attracts people eager to explore the outdoors. Come and fish in the 365-acre Lewis and Clark Lake, commonly called Sugar Lake. The shallow areas of the lake make fertile fish grounds for channel catfish, carp, buffalo and other game and some nongame fish. On shore, visitors can watch the many waterfowl that still visit the park. Along with the “goslings” seen by Lewis and Clark, great blue herons, snowy egrets and many types

of water fowl make regular appearances. Nestled in the shade on the shoreline are numerous picnic tables with grills, making the park an excellent place to enjoy a picnic lunch. The CCC open picnic shelter, with electricity and a playground nearby, can be reserved for larger gatherings by calling the park office.

For visitors wanting to extend their visit, a campground, shaded by large cottonwood and sycamore trees, features both basic and electric campsites. Every campsite has a table and barbecue grill, and some of the electric campsites feature a small shelter. The level and roomy electric campsites make it easy to maneuver a large recreational vehicle.

Campground amenities include modern restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a dumping station and playground equipment.

Imagine how peaceful Lewis and Clark’s journey must have been with only the sounds of nature filling the air. Today, Missouri’s state parks protect the landscapes that Lewis and Clark encountered on their epic journey and await new explorers eager to discover the sights and sounds of nature.

To learn more about Lewis and Clark State Park, visit mostateparks.com

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Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

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Watershed Cairns: Water Marked with Art

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lthough one-third of Missouri’s population live in the St. Louis urban area, most of us don’t know that water on the land beneath our feet drains into creeks, storm sewers, rivers, and ultimately, the Mississippi River. Public understanding of the watershed is essential if we are to continue to ensure clean water for drinking, recreation, wildlife, and agriculture.

The Watershed Cairns: Water Marked with Art exhibit at the Missouri Historical Museum in Forest Park, St. Louis, through February 8, 2015, makes visible the connection between local streams and the clean water that we take for granted. Since 2011, Watershed Cairns artists Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan have created more than 70 evocative, large-scale photographic images of foundglass cairn sculptures temporarily placed on St. Louis area sites in Missouri and Illinois. Working with environmentalists and community members, the artists select a location that illustrates the qualities of urban water. Reuter assembles a cairn with glass from local thrift shops. The artists place it on the site, Rowan photographs it, and the cairn is removed. An interactive map found on www.watershedcairns.com and also on a kiosk in the exhibit, identifies the cairn’s physical and GPS addresses and describes the site’s connection to clean water.

Visitors can locate the cairns, or their own homes, on streets, streams, and sewers, and learn the name of their local watershed.

The project will continue for another two years. Reuter and Rowan intend to photograph 100 sites in metro St. Louis to illustrate the condition of the region’s water sources. The artists

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Libation — Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan, October 2013. — Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, Crestwood, Missouri. N38.552204 W090.352081

are excited to discover tiny hidden streams, struggling at the edge of a neighborhood or behind a massive landfill, or a three-story waterfall behind a mobile home park in an industrial area. Check out the photographs at www. watershedcairns.com. Please contact the artists through their website to suggest additional locations for cairn images.

With conservationist Ron Coleman as their guide, Reuter and Rowan traveled the Courtois, Huzzah, and Meramec rivers using the Tethys cairn to mark the natural beauty of these protected rivers. Look for one of these Watershed Cairns images on a U.S. Highway 44 billboard in November. The billboard is a part of the Open Space Council and Watershed Cairns partnership to educate the public about our water.

The billboard celebrates the success of the 2014 Operation Clean Stream cleanup on the Lower Meramec River, and is funded by a grant from the Five Star/Urban Waters

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Restoration Program of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and their partners including the National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

About the exhibit The Watershed Cairns: Water Marked with Art exhibit, featuring large-scale photographic images and selected cairns, is currently at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, through February 8, 2015. It will then be on display at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, February 28– May10, 2015. A short video in the exhibit answers the questions “What is a watershed?” “What is a cairn?” and “Why water marked with art?”

A multi-layered, interactive map kiosk shows the network of streams and sewers that connects us to the Mississippi River, the ocean, and each other.

About the Project Watershed Cairns has been an effective vehicle for building

Riparian — Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan, January 2013. St. Stanislaus Conservation Area, Old Charbonier Rd. Hazelwood, Missouri. N38.814034 W090.394707

Whitebird — Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan, September 2013. Rockford Beach on the Big River, Jefferson County, MO. N38.421761 W090.588684

relationships with and among organizations and individuals with a stake in educating the public about watersheds. The Metropolitan Sewer District, Missouri American Water, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Heartlands Conservancy, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, St. Louis Science Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Open Space Council, Missouri Botanical Garden, Deer Creek Watershed Alliance, and the East-West Gateway Council of Governments Water Resources Committee have advised and collaborated with Watershed Cairns.

FLOWer Sewer — Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan, April 2014. Sewer south of Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. N38.622494 W090.271530

Applications Now Being Accepted For The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust and the Conservation Federation of Missouri are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Charles Bell Conservation Scholarships.

In the 2015 Bell Scholarship Program, eight scholarships will be awarded: one graduate ($600), one undergraduate ($500) and six for elementary, high school or youth groups ($250 each). In this later category, CFM members who work with Boy Scouts, 4-H, environmental clubs or youth chapters of their affiliate are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Libby Reuter, Watershed Cairns artist www.watershedcairns.com

Graduate applicants must be enrolled in a field of study related to conservation, natural science or earth resources at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate applicants must have 60 credit hours or more and should have enrolled in an area related to conservation. Preference in all cases will be given to applicants enrolled in Missouri schools.

The deadline for applications is January 15, 2015.

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

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

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Life After CLC - Where Are You Now? Zach Knerr:

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edication is the defining characteristic of an outdoorsman. Whether it is dedication to a pursuit or dedication to a cause, the outdoors teaches us the importance of being a part of and seeing something through to the end. Zach Knerr, 24, embodies this idea as shown by his work to further the Conservation Leadership Corp (CLC), the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), and our state’s natural resources.

Knerr joined CFM through the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) in 2008 after graduating from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Conservation Honors program. Through 2013 Knerr helped mold conservation decisions through the CLC resolution process. His most memorable CLC experience was passing the resolution to protect Missouri stream’s ecosystems by removing felt sole waders from public waters to curb the spread of Didymospheia geminate. “Didymo” is an invasive alga first found south of Missouri in the White River.

Following CLC, Knerr was on the Youth Leadership and Conservation Education (YLACE) committee, helping to move CFM’s youth involvement forward. He then served on the CFM Board of Directors as the CLC representative in 2011 and ushered in his replacement in 2012. A year later, he was asked to join the Operation Game Thief advisory board to conduct annual review of the program and make suggestions for effectiveness.

Knerr’s goal is to develop a career with Missouri Department of Conservation’s Protection Division. “It has always been a dream of mine to help others enjoy the outdoors by working as a conservation agent. They are the 3 2

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primary advocate for wildlife regulations, and they strive to ensure people enjoy the outdoors in a safe and positive way.”

When asked what he admires most about conservation agents, Knerr said, “Conservation agents in Missouri have a tremendous influence on our hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation community. In most cases, they are the primary face and voice for Missouri Department of Conservation. Every agent I have met takes this responsibility very seriously. ” While pursuing his dream of becoming a conservation agent, Knerr keeps his outdoor skills sharp working as a lead associate at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia. Knerr enjoys his role because it gives him the ability to interact with thousands of people and share his excitement about the outdoors. “The leadership team at Bass Pro Shops is extremely passionate about seeing guests grow in their outdoor experiences, as well as associates growing into career professionals.”

Knerr attributes his passion for the

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outdoors to his time in the CLC program and hopes to see it expand two or three fold as the program branches into other states. He thinks one of the most important characteristic of CLC and what will make the program grow is its ability to bridge the gap between an older generation and a younger generation. Additionally, it “takes those students, who have a desire to make huge strides, and gives them an opportunity to learn from conservationists who have already done so much.”

Knerr continued, “So many times in education you are told you have to fit the mold to make a difference. Individuals attending CLC see that there are hundreds of people who serve in different aspects of conservation.

People from all walks of life make a difference. It shows young adults ‘Hey, I can be unique in my career field and still impact conservation.”

Rehan Nana Deputy Director, CFM

Member’s Memories

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Why I Became a Life Member of CFM My name is Blake Gornick, I am 14 years old with many years of hunting and fishing under my belt. My obsession with fishing started at a very young age, followed by my love of hunting. I harvested my first buck at age seven and gobbler at age nine. Growing up, my grandfather Howard Wood has always been a huge influence on my outdoor life. We share deer and turkey stands each season. He always does his best to make sure I have a place to hunt and a place to stay.

Thanks to him my love of hunting has been able to prosper.

A few years ago I realized the importance of conservation in Missouri. I knew that if I was going to protect what I loved so much, I needed to become involved. This is when my idea of getting a life membership developed.

I wanted to become a life member of the CFM because it was something that I believed was very important. At age nine I asked my grandfather for a life membership to the CFM. I know it does sound a little ambitious for a nine year old but I was truly sure that I wanted one. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever asked for. To this day, I am still glad that I asked the question. For my ninth birthday present, he gave me a life membership. Being a life member gives me great pride as I head into the woods or out on the water. I know that I am supporting what I love and making my grandfather proud as I continue to carry on his legacy. I encourage you to make sure you support your child’s love of the outdoors and even consider giving them the gift of a life membership.

Blake Gornick CFM, Life Member

New Lifetime Members since the last issue.

Laurie Coleman, Jefferson City

Jerry Jerome, Cumberland, WI

Daniel Weinrich, Perryville

CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution)

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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