Vol76 no5 2015

September 2015 VOL. 76, NO. 5

Executive Director

Explore the Outdoors Across Missouri

The Conservation Federation is putting a lot of effort into raising awareness of our organization by hosting events all across Missouri. We are committed to uniting conservationists statewide, and we are seeing success in doing so through our aggressive event schedule, including our regional Explore the Outdoors series.

Many of you are familiar with the annual CFM Convention. For those of you who are not, Convention is our premiere event each year.

Another long-standing CFM event is the annual Pull for Conservation clay shoot. This successful fundraiser just hosted a record attendance of 158 shooters on August 8.

complishing their purpose.

New events include the Federation Fundraiser, CFM Media Event, Conservation Day at the Capitol, Trout Fest, Affiliate Summit and Explore the Outdoors: Kansas City. Now we are excited to announce our second location in the Explore the Outdoors series, St. Louis. This regional event is taking place October 24 at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and The Lodge at Des Peres. You’ll find more details on Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis in the article on page 30.

Kansas City and St. Louis are the population hubs and commerce centers of Missouri. Both cities and their citizens are extremely important to the overall success of CFM. No more important though, than folks from Kirksville, Columbia, Rolla, Springfield, St. Joseph and every other city and little town across our state. If

Credit: Capt. Timothy Reinhart, USAF.

Events bring people together and build a sense of belonging. They also drive membership and provide financial gains. If you’ve been paying attention to CFM over the last 18 months, it should be no surprise to you that I am a fan of events. I feel they are imperative to the growth of CFM. Since March of 2014 we have added a number of events, all of which have been successful in ac-

CFM is going to truly serve as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors,” then we need to represent conservationists from every corner of our state. And we can’t wait on them to come to us, so we are taking CFM to them.

The Explore the Outdoors series is going to expand significantly in the next few years. In 2016, we plan to add events in Springfield, Columbia and Kirksville. We’ll strategically add

more locations each year through 2019, when we anticipate having 15 Explore the Outdoors events. I know it sounds aggressive, but it’s very doable. And based on the success we experienced in Kansas City, we know these events have the potential to significantly increase CFM membership, while raising financial resources we’ll use to support our mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

It is going to take dedicated staff and a significant amount of volunteer support to build the statewide Explore the Outdoors series. We’ll need the support of our affiliate organizations and Business Alliance partners. There’ll be long nights and busy weekends. But years from now, when we look back, I believe we’ll realize how imperative it was to once again establish a CFM presence in every region of Missouri.

CFM is growing. Our membership numbers are up. Our event schedule is packed. Our effectiveness in Jefferson City is recognized. And our importance is as undeniable as ever. If you’re not already a member of CFM, I hope you will consider joining the Federation. If you’re in the St. Louis the area, we hope to see you at the upcoming Explore the Outdoors event. Attending will take care of your membership, since every Explore the Outdoors registration includes a one-year membership in CFM. To learn more, visit www. confedmo.org/st-louis.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM MIS S OURI

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MISSOURI

Wildlife September 2015 Vol. 76, No. 5

Contents 10 Goldenrod!

12 Western Road Trip Full of Outdoor Adventure

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

Staff

14 Saving Monarchs: Major Organizations Bring Power and Enthusiasm to New Statewide Collaboration

Brandon Butler

22 CFM’s 9th Annual Pull For Conservation

Rehan Nana

25 Gear Guide

Emma Kessinger

27 Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri - A Model of Collaboration

Communications Specialist

Micaela Haymaker

Office Manager Membership Director/ Managing Editor Creative Director

Laurie Coleman

28 CLC Opportunity

Executive Director/ Editor Deputy Director

30 CFM Hosting Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis on October 24

Joe Pendergrass

31 Lake of the Ozark Named Best Recreational Lake in the Country

Mission Statement: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

34 The Good Old Days of Waterfowl Hunting in Missouri - NOW! 42 Life After CLC - Where Are You Now? Kelsey Rumley

news, updates and columns 3 From The Stone House

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

ISSN 1082-8591

6 President’s Message Agency News – Missouri Department of Conservation 20

Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell Reappointed by Governor Nixon

Department of Natural Resources – 32

Appreciating the Values of the Missouri River

33

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks — Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site

Member Information: 5 11 40

Business Alliance Members 8 Business Alliance Spotlight New Members 14 Calendar 27 CFM Affiliates Affiliate Spotlight 41 Member’s Memories

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 ($35 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 Front Cover: Monarch butterfly.

Kyle Spradley Photography www.kspradleyphoto.com

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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!

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Alps OutdoorZ MidwayUSA Riley Chevrolet Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC Show Me Farms

CZ-USA - Doolittle Trailer - G3 Boats G & W Meat and Bavarian Style Sausage Company Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina Lowe Boats - Poke N’ Stoke - Pure Air Natives, Inc.

Bronze Advantage Metals Recycling Ameren Missouri Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Drury Hotels

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. Inn at Grand Glaize James T. Blair IV Missouri Petroleum Council Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

3 Creeks Outdoor Group

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Missouri Mavericks

Bass Pro Shops (Independence)

General Printing Service

Missouri Teardrops

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Greenbrier Wetland Services

MTAR

Blue Ridge Bank and Trust

Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc.

REMAX Boone Realty

Blue Springs Harley Davidson

Hartco Exteriors

Shade Tree Service, Inc.

Brown Printing

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

Shady Lane Cabins & Motel

Cap America

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Columbia Daily Tribune

Kansas City Parks and Recreation

Tabor Plastics Company

Commerce Bank

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

The Bank of Missouri

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Dickerson Park Zoo

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Fast Yeti

Missouri Deer Classic

Missouri Wine & Grape Board NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Sierra Bullets, LLC Tiger Hotel

Iron

To learn more about how your business can benefit from supporting conservation call Rehan Nana at the CFM office, 573-634-2322.

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president’s message

Views of Conservation from a Canoe Do we realize the role conservation plays in the quality of our outdoor experiences in Missouri?

I

will frame a response to this question through observations made while floating and camping on the Jacks Fork River. This picturesque, spring-fed stream is part of the Ozark Scenic National Riverways National Park.

It flows about 45 miles eastward through magnificent limestone bluffs to merge with the Current River.

During my Jacks Fork adventures, I enjoy listening to bobwhite quail calls from nearby fields, watching river otter scramble along the bank, smallmouth bass darting away from my canoe’s shadow, wild turkey flushing from trees along the river, and white-tailed deer quietly watering downstream. These wonderful natural wildlife sights and sounds have been sustained in their natural habitats through conservation management practices.

I also see families fishing, swimming and enjoying the clean, fresh water. Visitors access the river through roads and trails that have been provided and maintained as part of comprehensive conservation plans. Many hike the trails to observe wildlife and to experience the sights and sounds of an Ozark forest. Conservationists monitor the conditions of natural settings to assure appropriate management is in place, including regulations, to sustain the natural state of the forest, fish and wildlife resources.

Biological, physical and social 6

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scientists coordinate to provide information needed to develop effective conservation management practices. Maintaining clean, unpolluted river water is one example.

Conservationists systematically monitor populations of river insects that can serve as good indicators of polluted water. Dobson fly larva, the hellgrammite, is one such species that morphs to adulthood in river riffles. Should this insect population wane, environmental scientists will collaborate to determine the source and nature of the pollutants to support the development of remedial management actions.

All of the above examples of conservation-in-action along the Jacks Fork River include development and implementation of management plans to sustain wildlife and their 2 0 1 5

habitats. We are fortunate that Missouri successfully engages in multi-disciplinary, multi-agency and multi-organizational collaboration to conserve its natural resources.

Missouri citizens strongly support successful conservation.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri represents public interests to ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Let’s all “put in” and head on down the river to experience conservation’s role in sustaining the quality of our outdoor experiences.

Yours in Conservation.

Al Vogt President, CFM

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T

Business Alliance Spotlight — Missouri Corn Merchandising Council

he Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) was formed in 1984 after a referendum was passed to establish a one-half cent per bushel of corn checkoff. MCMC is an organization of corn growers invested in developing and expanding corn and corn-based ethanol markets, promoting environmental stewardship, educating customers and exploring new research opportunities.

MCMC contracts with the U.S. Grains Council to expand grain marketing opportunities abroad. State checkoff dollars, agribusiness funding and producer dollars are leveraged to get Federal foreign Market Development funding to help expand corn markets. MCMC also works with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to develop foreign markets for beef, veal, pork and lamb.

“The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council is passionate about promoting environmental stewardship around the state. Our natural resources are important

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to our organization and our members. We are proud to support the Conservation Federation of Missouri and their dedication to protecting Missouri’s great outdoors,” said Gary Marshall, CEO of MCMC.

Brandon Butler, CFM Executive Director (left) and Rehan Nana, CFM Deputy Director (right) present Gary Marshall (center), Missouri Corn Merchandising Council CEO, a granite display for their Platinum Level Business Alliance membership.

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Goldenrod!

Nothing to Sneeze At

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s late summer beckons the coming fall, landscapes in the Midwest begin to take on a golden hue, due in part to blooming goldenrod.

A native plant of prairies, goldenrod does a lot more than just influence the color of landscape.

More importantly there is something that it does not make you sneeze.

Often blamed for fall allergies, goldenrod has been the innocent victim of a bad rap. Goldenrod was once the leading candidate for our national flower. As recent as 1964, a Chicago Tribune editorial campaigned for the goldenrod to have this distinction: “My entry for a national flower, if any, would be the goldenrod... On the hammocks about Fort Meade, Fla., there is a golden-rod which grows to be 18 feet tall. A dwarf form, from 3 to 12 inches tall, is found on the tops of mountains in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and the -upper peninsula of Michigan. One species grows only in salt marshes along the Atlantic coast, and there is a box goldenrod with a turniplike root used by the Ojibwe and Pottawatomie to make a poultice for “ripening” boils... Vote for Goldenrod, the Peepuls Choice.”

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Unfortunately the association of goldenrod with allergies doomed its bid for the title and has plagued it into current day rebuff.

A caterpillar on goldenrod. Photo credit: Betsy Betros.

The real allergy culprit, ragweed, is a plant that blooms at the same time as goldenrod, but is wind pollinated and hence has a lightweight pollen that fills the air as it blows around.

Goldenrod, in contrast, actually has a very dense pollen and hence, must be pollinated by insects. This difference should allow gardeners to rest assured: goldenrod is a beautiful and worthy addition to any garden or yard.

As the Chicago Tribune editorial columnist alluded to, goldenrod has long been revered for having many benefits. All goldenrod species were originally in the genus Solidago, which means “to make whole.” Goldenrod

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is a diuretic and used in herbal teas and blends.

It has also been used to reduce inflammation and is available in current day essential oil blends.

Thomas Edison even tried to make rubber from goldenrod.

Goldenrod is also a host plant for many butterfly, moth, and other beneficial insect species, supporting their larval forms. The prolific nectar produced by goldenrod is prized among adult insects including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Honey that comes from bees feasting on goldenrod is promoted and prized among beekeepers. Goldenrod honey will have a much darker color than honey coming from early-season blooms such as clover, and boasts a delicious, slightly spicy flavor. The nutrition provided by goldenrod helps the bees through the winter and supports good food production for the brood that comes early the following year.

One of the most important roles goldenrod plays is fueling the monarch migration. With more than 100 species native to North America, goldenrod—along with asters and other regional nectar plants—provides the monarch butterfly a steady supply of nectar on its 3,000-mile journey to the over-wintering

grounds in Mexico.

Dr. Chip Taylor with Monarch Watch has a favorite goldenrod species for monarch butterflies migrating through Missouri: rigid goldenrod, the scientific name of which is Solidago rigida or Oligoneuron rigidum, depending on which side of the nomenclature debate you land on. Rigid goldenrod has clusters of flowers that are flatter than most goldenrods and sit atop stiff, upright stems. This goldenrod has deep roots and withstands drought.

With all the beauty and benefits goldenrod brings to the landscape, it should be a welcome addition to any planting as a staple for pollinators.

For more information on species of goldenrod native to Missouri and where to find them visit www. grownative.org.

Mary Nemecek Mary Nemecek is the Conservation Chair of Burroughs Audubon, a Missouri Master Naturalist and a CFM and Missouri Prairie Foundation member. Grow Native! is a native plant education and marketing program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, an affiliate member of CFM.

WELCOME C F M N E W members

Jane Abernathy, Independence

Chance Dowling, Sikeston

Joe Allen, Branson

Martin Drebes, Saint Louis

Lisa Allen, New London

Tom Drummond, Fenton

Colin Anthony, Franklin, MI

Ray Eye, Hillsboro

Shelly Arnold, Sedalia

Lane Fischer, Kirbyville

Kenneth Babcock, Jamestown

David Fisher, Saint Peters

Zachary Baker, Montgomery City

Sheila Gassner, Jefferson City

Chris Barton, Farmington

James Hamilton, Kansas City

Scott Bauer, Saint Louis

Brad Harriman, Pilot Grove

Shaun Bisted, Saint Charles

Janet Haslerig, Jefferson City

John Brune, Wright City

Jason Howard, Independence

Kyle Clinton, Saint Charles

Mike Jarvis, Saint Louis

Dustin Collier, Fulton

Ben Jurd, Independence

Paul Davis, Poplar Bluff

Barbara Keller, Columbia

Matthew Kesler, Saint Charles

Charles Stewart, Republic

Lisa Masters, O’Fallon

Larry Sturgeon, Florissant

Kathleen McKinney, Saint Louis

Rafael Svilarich, Granby

Adam McLane, Glencoe

Ken Taylor, Overland Park, KS

Todd Meyer, Leslie

Chris Thomas, Saint Peters

Scott Muehlhauser, Bridgeton

Rayford Thompson, Jefferson City

Stu Murphy, Jefferson City

Charles Tichacek, Manchester

Tim Noland, Sedalia

Melinda Van Buren, Saint Louis

Robert Randall, Billings

Kristin Van De Velde, Jefferson City

Jake Reese, Shawnee, KS

Gary Vogel, Florissant

Janice Robinson, Independence

Chris Vogler, Saint Louis

Todd Sampsell, Hartsburg

Jim Vogt, Valley Park

Bud Sanson, Dodge Center, MN

Randy Walker, Mexico

Ralph Schaefer, Jefferson City

Timmothy Ward, Washington

Roland Schwarzen, Marthasville

Derek Watkins, Nixa

Joel Shipman, Greentop

Richard Willis, O’Fallon

Richard Stanton, Gilman City

Scott Wilson, Chesterfield

CFM would like to thank the 318 members that renewed since our last publication.

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Western Road Trip Full of Outdoor Adventure

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riving over 3,000 miles from the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains and back in 10 days doesn’t leave a lot of time for sitting still. With so much opportunity on a western road trip you don’t want to stay in one place too long. Our family vacation might not have been overly relaxing, but it was full of memory making destinations and experiences. Here are a few highlights.

Black Hills, South Dakota The Black Hills of South Dakota is an incredible region. There is so much to do in the outdoors.

The region is dotted with unique little towns and attractions that draw millions of tourists each year. Mount Rushmore is one of the highlights.

If you’ve never seen the monument, then you should make plans to.

Standing there starring up at Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln carved in stone, knowing they’ll remain so for millenniums, I don’t know how as an American you can’t be filled with an incredible sense of pride.

It’s awe-inspiring.

The Historic District of Deadwood, South Dakota takes you back to the end of the Wild West. Calamity Jane, Seth 1 2

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The Cody Nite Rodeo takes place every night from June – August. Photo credit: Brandon Butler.

Bullock, Charlie Utter and Wild Bill Hickok were just a few legends of the west that spent time in the mining town. Today, Deadwood offers lodging, dining and entertainment along the same streets those historic figures strolled. You can play poker in the same saloons cowboys won and lost their fortunes in.

Cody, Wyoming Cody is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park for those traveling from the east. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a complex of five museums and a research library. Visiting this set of museums is

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Visiting Mount Rushmore should be on everyone’s bucket list. Photo credit: Brandon Butler.

as an absolute must for anyone who appreciates the old west and firearms.

The five museums are the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indians Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Cody Firearms Museum and Draper Natural History Museum.

The collection of firearms in the Cody Firearms Museum numbers over 7,000 and takes you from

the beginning of firearms production to modern times. It’s remarkable.

And the artwork in the Whitney Western Art Museum is one of the greatest collections of western art in the world.

The Cody Nite Rodeo takes place every night on the western edge of town.

It was started in 1938 and is the longest running

rodeo in the world. Taking in the rodeo, watching the barrel racers and bull riders, really hammers home the fact that you’re out west. Dust flies as the sun sets behind the mountains painting the way to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone is unlike any other place I have ever been, and I have been to a number of national parks and world-renowned outdoor destinations. In two days of camping and exploring the park, we saw antelope, bison, bears, elk, deer, coyotes, moose and more. We didn’t see any wolves, and I had hoped to, but maybe next time. Watching the geyser Old Faithful erupt was a highlight of the trip for my daughters who had never seen it before.

For me, the highlight of the park came when I caught my first native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from the Lamar River. The trout hit as I stood knee deep in crystal clear rushing water, with a bison herd sauntering near by. With the trout in hand, I checked a box on my personal bucket list.

Billings, Montana Venturing into Billings was a coming home party of sorts.

My wife and I lived there for four years. We moved away when our oldest daughter, Bailee, was 10-months old.

This trip was planned to coincide with Bailee’s 10th birthday. It worked out. She turned 10 just a couple of blocks from the hospital she

A cow elk and her two calves drink of mineral water in Yellowstone National Park. Photo credit: Brandon Butler.

The five museums of the Buffalo Bill Center cater to all ages. Photo credit: Brandon Butler.

was born in. We showed her our home and visited a few of our favorite restaurants.

Billings is Montana’s largest metropolitan area. The city is home to just over 100,000 residents. It has all the stores and downtown amenities one could desire, but at all times you’re just minutes from escaping the city and being in wide open expanses of the Yellowstone Valley. The city is a wonderful starting point for those wishing to fly to Montana, rent a car and start their adventure from there.

With a little bit of planning, you can easily put together a plan to experience an incredible road trip tour of the Rocky Mountain West. There is so much to do and see. With so many rivers to fish and trails to hike, you can’t really go wrong in which ones you choose. But there are sights you should see and places you should visit. The ones named above are a few of my favorites.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler

Motherly love abounds in Yellowstone during the early summer. Photo credit: Brandon Butler.

Where to stay.

Deadwood Comfort Inn 225 Cliff Street, South Hwy. 85 Deadwood, SD 57732 (800) 961-3096 The Cody Hotel 232 W. Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-5915 Best Western Clocktower 2511 1st Ave N, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-5511 MIS S OURI

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS AUDUBON SOCITY OF MISSOURI SEPT 25-26: Fall Meeting, Camp Clover Point, Lake of the Ozarks State Park FOREST AND WOODLAND ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI SEPT 26: Annual Meeting OCT 2-4: Ozark Fall Farm Fest OCT 17: Missouri Chestnut Roast, MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Center, New Franklin (10:00am) GREENWAY NETWORK SEPT 5: Saint Charles County Storm Drain Marking, Saint Peters (9:00am - 12:00pm) SEPT 6: Confluence Pedal/Paddle Trip, Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area (10:00am - 1:00pm) SEPT 7: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) SEPT 9: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (4:30pm - 8:30pm) SEPT 13: Fall Dardenne Creek Monitoring Day (8:00am - 2:00pm) SEPT 13: Tough Pedal/Paddle Trip, Katy Trail Head, Weldon Springs Conservation Area (9:00AM - 3:00PM) SEPT 26: National Public Lands Day OCT 3: Storm Drain Marking Project, Saint Peters (9:00am - 12:00pm) OCT 5: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) OCT 7: Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Tivoli Theatre, University City (6:30pm - 10:00m) OCT 11: Great Rivers Confluence Volunteer Clean Up & Nature Walk (8:30am - 2:00pm) OCT 14: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (4:30pm - 8:30pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION SEPT 9: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm) OCT 14: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED SEPT 11: Osage Dinner, Saint George Catholic Church, Linn (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Dale Williams (573) 690-9676 SEPT 12: Marmaton Valley Dinner, Eagles Lodge, Nevada (6:00pm

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- 9:30pm); Brian Conroy (417) 3219186 or BG Wolfe (417) 321-9800 SEPT 12: Parkville Dinner, Athletic Complex, Parkville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Dan Mason (816) 377-0696 or Dave Velky (816) 421-0044 SEPT 12: Carthage Membership Dinner, Memorial Hall, Carthage (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Jason Hill (417) 850-5111 SEPT 18: Mineral Hill Dinner, Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery, Farmington (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Mike Walker (573) 330-8347, Justin Raith (573) 783-9784 or Monica Walker (573) 330-8345 SEPT 18: Sportsman’s Night Out and Sponsor Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Saint Joseph (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Chris Thompson (816) 3832410 or Casey Schultz (816) 390-6196 SEPT 19: Swampeast Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Saint Francis Xavier Parish Center (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Doug Glenn (573) 621-0257 or Andy Piepenbrok (573) 380-4580 SEPT 26: Greater Kansas City Gun Bash, C- Point Pavilion, Weatherby Lake (5:00pm - 9:00pm); Daniel Lacy (816) 918-1558, Richard Woody (913) 345-1030 or John Dillow (816) 591-0457 SEPT 26: 3rd Annual Christian County Bingo Night, Elks Lodge, Ozark (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Scott Lambeth (417) 838-8441, Kenny Dugger (417) 724-8173 or Jason Pritchard (417) 238-4096 SEPT 26: Grand River Dinner, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe (5:30pm 10:00pm); David Hamilton (660) 2470825 or Allen Jeffries (660) 247-0705 OCT 10: Excelsior Springs Dinner, Ryther’s Community Building, Lawson (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Bill Williams (816) 283-6583 or Bruce Yager (816) 806-8564 OCT 10: Cass County Dinner, Elks Lodge, Harrisonville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Phil Needham (816) 899-2185 OCT 10: Greenheads Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Elks Lodge, Dexter (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Darren Burnett (573) 421-2607 or Mike Wilburn (573) 421-3713 OCT 10: Vandalia/Bowling Green Dinner, Fairgrounds, Bowling Green (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Linda Leffeler (573) 470-6324 OCT 17: McDonald County Guns and Purses, River Ranch Resort, Noel (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Lendall Wilson (417) 540-4890 or John Poynor (417) 456-0929

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MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION SEPT 12-13: Youth Hunter Education Clinic and Dove Hunt, Settle’s Ford Conservation Area SEPT 26-27: Youth Hunter Education Clinic and Chukar Clinic, Baier’s Den Hunting Preserve, Peculiar OCT 1: Quarterly Board Meeting, Hereford House - The Pavilion at Hartman’s Heritage Center, Independence (6:00pm - 9:00pm) OCT 2: Sportsman’s Gala, Stonehaus Farms Winery, Lees Summit (6:00pm - 10:00pm) OCT 3: 5th Annual Shoot for the Future, Powder Creek Shooting Park, Lenexa, KS (10:00am - 2:00pm) OCT 10-11: Youth Hunter Education Clinic and Urban Deer Hunt, Sportsman’s Club, Lake Lotawana MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION SEPT 11: Little Dixie Longbeards, Steinmans Banquet Hall, Mexico; Ben Doerge (573) 473-7009 SEPT 12: Cedar County Upland Chapter, Ray Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton; Micky Morrison (417) 282-6671 SEPT 12: Outdoor Challenge and Shooting Sports, Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, Buckner; James Drake (816) 718-1100 SEPT 12: Woods Event, Lake Wappapello; Tonya Winters (870) 371-8628 SEPT 19: See’s Creek Strutters, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City; Chris Kleindienst (573) 735-5406 SEPT 19: Saint Louis Longbeards Jakes Event, Park, Arnold; Mitchell Norris (314) 496-4180 SEPT 19: Spring River Toms Jakes Event, Baugh Fight Park, Reeds; Jerry Hartman (417) 388-2923 SEPT 25: Polk County Hillybilly Longbeards, Smith’s Restaurant, Bolivar; Mark Smith (417) 818-2150 SEPT 26: Shoal Creek Chapter, Casino Building, Monett; Bill House (417) 236-3719 SEPT 26: NRA Women on Target Instructional Shoot, Pioneer Gun Club, Holden; James Drake (816) 718-1100 OCT 1: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Gun Blast, Knights of Columbus Hall, Jackson; Timothy Schwent (573) 225-3740 OCT 3: Clay Howlett Memorial, Knights of Columbus Hall, Waynesville; Clinton Jarrett (573) 855-1442 OCT 4: Bunt Cumbea Laclede County Chapter, Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon; Karen Ray (417) 588-1643 OCT 8: Bollinger County Double

Beards Gun Bash, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Jackie Rowe (573) 238-4535 OCT 9: Gasconade River Gobblers, Community Building, Belle; Kyle Lairmore (573) 437-8899 OCT 10: Clark County Longbeards, Pioneer Seed Building, Kahoka; Dusty Davis (660) 341-3683 OCT 15: River Hills Thunderin Gun Bash, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Rob Sulkowski (573) 883-9982 OCT 22: Sho-me Gun Bash, White River Convention Center, Springfield; Kevin Hess (417) 521-7447 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION SEPT 25: Southwest Region Golf Tournament, Creve Coeur Golf Club, Creve Coeur; Tim Brinks (314) 4323961 or Gerald Brown (314) 842-7265 SEPT 27-28: Student Workshop Lake Ozark State Park OCT 2: Board Meeting, Jefferson City (10:00am) OCT 7-8: Executive Forum, The View Community Center, Grandview OCT 9: Southeast Region Bowling Tournament OCT 21-22: Missouri Trails Summit, Runge Nature Center, Jefferson City; Gary Gates (573) 363-3828 OCT 27: Maintenance Workshop MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION SEPT 19: Glade Restoration and Converting Cropland and Fescue to Native Plantings, Kappelmann Farm, Gerald (8:30am - 3:00pm) SEPT 19: Native Plant Sale at MDC’s Monarch Mania Event, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City (10:00am - 2:30pm) OCT 10: Annual Meeting and Evening on the Prairie OCT 17: Guided Hike of Mule Hollow Natural Area, Peck Ranch Conservation Area (10:30am) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE SEPT 5: Spotted Bass Roundup SEPT 15: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:00pm 9:00pm) SEPT 26: Adopt-an-Access Cleanup OCT 20: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:00pm 9:00pm) MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION SEPT 18-20: Annual Fall Rendezvous, Litton Ag Center, Chillicothe

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION SPRINGFIELD SEPT 3: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm 9:50pm) SEPT 10: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) SEPT 17: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) SEPT 21: Fishing Trip to Roaring River State Park (9:00am - 4:00pm) SEPT 21: Great Outdoor Day - Bois Arc Conservation Area (9:00am 3:00pm) OCT 1: Monthly Meeting (6:00pm 9:00pm) OCT 1-3: Southern Council Fly Fishing Fair KANSAS CITY SEPT 8: Fly Tying/Rod Building Class SEPT 27-28: Fall Derby - Roaring River State Park OCT 2-4: FFF Southern Council Conclave OCT 10-12: Clun Trip to Taneycomo - Branson OCT 28: Club Meeting - Chili Dinner and Raffle, Fleming Hall (6:30pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED SEPT 12: Kingdom of Callaway Chapter Banquet, Saint Peters Hall, Fulton

SEPT 19: Anchor City Chapter Banquet, Nic-N-Noah’s Sports and Event Center, Centralia SEPT 26: Southern Boone Chapter Banquet, Optimist Club, Ashland OCT 3: Mississippi Valley Chapter Banquet, Admiral Coontz Armory, Hannibal OCT 17: Show Me Chapter Banquet, Caldwell Building, Canton OCT 24: David Creek Chapter Banquet, Community Center, Higginsville OZARK FLY FISHERS SEPT 24: General Membership Meeting, Queeny Park, Ballwin (7:00pm) OCT 22: General Membership Meeting, Queeny Park, Ballwin (7:00pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB SEPT 5-7: Clean Up Trip SEPT 12: Dutch Oven Cooking, Swope Park, Kansas City (4:00pm 6:30pm) SEPT 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) SEPT 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) SEPT 14-16: Eleven Point River, Greer Spring - Mark Twain National Forest, Woodside

SEPT 18: Missouri River, Parkville OCT 3-5: North Fork River, Patrick Bridge Access, Caulfield OCT 6: Bryant Creek, Patrick Bridge Access, Caulfield OCT 7: State Park Tour - Exploring Missouri State Parks, Stockton State Park OCT 8: State Park Tour - Exploring Missouri State Parks, Pomme de Terre State Park OCT 9: State Park Tour - Exploring Missouri State Parks, Harry S. Truman State Park OCT 10: Water Quality Testing, Minor Park, Kansas City (10:00am 11:00am) OCT 10: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) OCT 10: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) OCT 11: Weaubleau Creek, Harry S. Truman State Park, Warsaw OCT 17-21: Fall Canoefest, Jadwin Canoe Rental, Jadwin OZARKS WATER WATCHERS SEPT 19: Lake Taneycomo Clean Up; Deb (417) 739-4100 SEPT 26: Beaver Lake Clean Up; Angela Danovi (479) 295-7717

POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. SEPT 19: Guide for a Day and Meeting - State Park Shelter, Pomme de Terre Lake; Steve Worstell (816) 520-2371 OCT 2: Friday Fall Muskie Tournament, Pomme de Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623 OCT 3-4: Saturday/Sunday Fall Muskie Tournament, Pomme de Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623 OCT 17: CPR Mail-in Tournament, Missouri Lakes and Kincaid; Wayne Humphrey (314) 440-2173 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION SEPT 12: Missouri Elk Capital Big Game Banquet, Eminence; Jim Anderson (573) 226-3893 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY SEPT 11: Shaw Wildlife Market, Missouri Botanical Garden - Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit (4:00pm - 7:30pm) SEPT 26: Native Plant Expo, Schlafly Bottleworks, Saint Louis (9:00am 3:00pm) OCT 3: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15am - 10:30am)

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Saving Monarchs: Major Organizations Bring Power and Enthusiasm to New Statewide Collaboration

To ensure cross-pollination of ideas, participants were asked to change discussion partners with each new topic.

Photo credit: Lee Phillion.

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ver the past decade, monarch butterfly populations have declined by more than 90% due to a variety of factors including habitat loss and lack of milkweed plants, the sole host plant for monarchs in the breeding process. In September 2014, several national groups submitted a request to the US Fish and Wildlife Service to consider listing the monarch butterfly

Eric Sachs (Monsanto) presents breakout group ideas. Photo credit: Lee Phillion.

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under the Endangered Species Act. Rather than support this reactive policy approach, National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF), Conservation Federation of Missouri and Missouri Department of Conservation invited representatives from agencies, nongovernment organizations, agriculture, land owners, and others to come together on July 13 and 14 at the University of Missouri to begin the development of a statewide coordinated strategy for sustainable habitat enhancement to assist in the recovery of monarch butterflies and other pollinators in Missouri.

During the meeting, 47 participants representing 32 different groups

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collaborated to prioritize areas of focus which will lay the groundwork for a well-organized and funded statewide collaboration. Missouri’s primary strategy for monarch recovery will focus on expanding and creating milkweed and nectar plant habitat to support robust breeding and successful migration throughout the state. Many other priority strategies were agreed upon and are being pulled together in a

summary document. All participants agreed that the monarch is a charismatic representative of insect species and efforts to aid its resurgence will benefit a variety of pollinator insects, birds and mammals as well.

Creation of a statewide Steering Committee and hiring a coordinator are key next steps to achieving the priorities of the collaborative.

What can YOU do to help the monarchs? The best way for you to help the monarch is to provide good habitat with the food source they need – milkweed plants (the only food source for the monarch caterpillar).

Below are just a few resources to get you started on creating or enhancing habitats for monarchs on your own property and in your backyard. Also, stop by the CFM website often for updates about the collaborative. If you would like to be involved please email Laurie Coleman at lcoleman@confedmo.org.

http://missouriansformonarchs.blogspot.com/ http://grownative.org/ http://www.nwf.org/Pollinators/Monarch.aspx http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/monarch

This statewide collaborative would not have been possible without the generous support from these sponsors.

• Missouri Associated Electric Cooperatives, Inc. • Conservation Federation of Missouri • Pat Jones and Prairie Fork Conservation Area • The Katy Land Trust • Magnificent Missouri • Missouri Prairie Foundation and its Grow Native! Program

FAMILY FUN

FREE PUBLIC EVENT! Saturday, September 12 Time: Location:

• Missouri Department of Conservation • Mizzou Botanic Gardens • National Wildlife Federation

• Nicole Wood

Weldon Spring Site

7295 7295 Highway Highway 94 94 South, South, St. St. Charles, Charles, MO MO 63304 63304

Phone: (636) 300-2600 Email: WSInterpretiveCenter@lm.doe.gov

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Howard Wood

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

The Weldon Spring Site is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management

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For more details visit:

http://www.mopark.org/trailsummit.html

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agency news - department of conservation

Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell Reappointed by Governor Nixon

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ov. Jay Nixon recently announced his reappointment of Don C. Bedell of Sikeston to the Missouri Conservation Commission.

The Commission protects and manages Missouri’s forest, fish and wildlife resources and provides opportunities for Missourians to use, enjoy, and learn about nature.

“Don Bedell’s service on the Conservation Commission since 2009, including a term as chair, has been exemplary, cementing Missouri’s role as the nationwide leader in conservation,” said Gov. Nixon regarding his July 24 reappointment of Bedell.

Gov. Nixon added that, during the past six years, with Bedell as a member, the Missouri Conservation Commission has seen record harvests of wildlife, and increased numbers of participants in outdoor conservation-related activities, particularly among Missouri’s youth, minority, and disabled populations. The Governor praised the commission for its excellent management of Missouri’s wildlife and forestry resources, even in challenging circumstances.

Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell stated, “It is an honor to have been appointed and

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Photo credit: MDC

serve Missouri citizens these past six years. The combined work and dedication of Department staff and Missouri citizens has resulted in some great conservation achievements over the last six years. The Governor, First Lady, and my fellow Commissioners are great conservationists who continue to help Missouri be a national and world leader in conservation. I am both flattered and humbled to serve a second term on the Conservation Commission.”

Bedell, a Republican, is an accomplished businessman, avid conservationist and enthusiastic sportsman. He is a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a Life Member of Quail Unlimited, Inc., a Life Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a Diamond Sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and a Life Member of

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Safari Club International.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Master of Science degree in Animal Nutrition with a double minor in biochemistry and wildlife. He is owner of B&B Boats and Bikes in Sikeston and B&R Marine & Cycle in Batesville, Ark. He has founded and run numerous other businesses, primarily in healthcare/ nursing home management.

He serves on numerous boards of directors and is an advisory board member to the Southeast Missouri State University College of Health and Human Services.

The four members of the Conservation Commission serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Not more than two Commissioners from the same political party may serve at the same time. Commissioners receive no salary or other

compensation. The three other Commissioners are Marilynn J. Bradford of Jefferson City who serves as Commission Chair, David W. Murphy of Columbia who serves as Vice Chair, and James T. Blair, IV, of St. Louis who serves as Secretary.

Commissioner responsibilities are statewide and include serving as the Conservation Department’s policy makers, approving Wildlife Code regulations, strategic planning, budget development and major expenditure decisions, and appointing the director of the Conservation Department.

The Governor has appointed Bedell to a term that ends July 1, 2021.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

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CFM’s 9th Annual Pull For Conservation

Pull for Conservation banquet attendees.

Photo credit: Emma Kessinger

T Attendees browse the silent auction items. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger

Debbie Wingo was the winner of the bow raffle. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger 2 2

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hanks to all of the shooters, banquet attendees, volunteers and generous sponsors, the 9th Annual Pull for Conservation was an incredible success. We are already looking forward to continuing the tradition next August when we mark a decade of breaking clays for conservation.

Bass Pro Shops in Columbia buzzed with excitement during the pre-shoot Pull for Conservation Banquet. Attendees enjoyed a fun-filled night of browsing silent auction items, participating in raffles and enjoying dinner with both old and new friends. Over 90 people attended the banquet. Many of whom joined us bright and early the next morning for the shoot.

Top left: Ready. Aim. Fire. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger Top right: Taylor McKenna, Sara & Scott Pauley and Dave Murphy Photo credit: Emma Kessinger Bottom left: Shooting the 5-stand. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger Bottom right: Shooters on the scramble course. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger

Winners: Shots rang, guns smoked and empty shells fell to the ground, as 158 shooters shouted, “pull� during our largest Pull for Conservation to date.

The shoot was once again held at River Hills Sporting Clays in Boonville with the help of the new owner, Kirk Powell.

Shooters competed as individuals and teams, vying for first through third place awards. Bass Pro Shops generously donated gift cards and shotgun shells as prizes.

The Pull for Conservation would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. CFM sincerely thanks all those who helped throughout the weekend to make sure both events ran smoothly. A special thanks goes out to the Pull for Conservation Committee of Tom Russell, Norm Stuckey and Glenn Chambers.

TEAMS:

INDIVIDUALS:

C Class (47) 3rd: Dave Geiger / Louis Richter 2nd: Ron Whittaker / Jack Creason 1st: Jack Whittle / Stephen Caldwell

C Class (36) 3rd: Jack Creason 2nd: Fred Robinson 1st: Don Clever Jr.

B Class (59) 3rd: Mark Bockerstett / Kevin Bockerstett 2nd: Fred Robinson / Charles Campbell 1st: Cheryl Dowil / Jerome Kleekamp

B Class (43) 3rd: Dave Hamilton 2nd: Aaron Madrid 1st: Spencer Tieman

A Class (73) 3rd: Nash McKenzie / Garrett Benskin 2nd: John Dowil / Cheryl Dowil 1st: Stu DeVore / Matthew DeVore

A Class (48) 3rd: James Hayhurst 2nd: Mark Rowden 1st: Scott Harrison

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AGRI Services of Brunswick

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters

AJ’s Automotive & Air Conditioning

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Boggs Creek Sporting Goods

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Boone County Lumber Company

Missouri Wine & Grape Board

Chariton Legacy Farm

Nick’s Family Restaurant

Clean Uniforms

Scott & Sara Pauley

Dents Unlimited

Red Weir Athletic Supplies

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator - St. Peters

River Hills Sporting Clays

Gateway Long Spurs Chapter NWTF

Mike & Mossie Schallon

Henderson Implement

SelecTurf, Inc.

Hunting Works for Missouri

Sundvold Financial

Joe Machens Dealerships

Timberlake Engineering

Logboat

Trumans Bar & Grill

MidwayUSA

Randy Washburn

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Gear Guide Yeti Hopper 20 and 30 - Welcome to the world’s toughest soft-sided cooler. Ordinary soft-sided coolers are flimsy, frail, and only slightly better at cooling beverages than just leaving them in the shade. But the YETI Hopper is different. No matter where you carry it or how you handle it, the Hopper won’t leak or break. And just like all YETI Coolers, it’s over-engineered to keep ice for days. The YETI Hopper is the leakproof, ice-for-days, go-anywhere cooler you’ve always wanted, but could never find. The Hopper comes in two sizes. The 20 holds 12 cans and the 30 holds 18 cans. www.yeticoolers.com

Costa Del Mar Cortez - The Sea of Cortez has been called “the world’s aquarium,” and few waters can match its variety and abundance of marine life. These rugged sunglasses with linear venting, tough nylon material and large fit, were built strong enough to hold their own as you explore any body of water.

They feature a comfortable large fit, integral hinge, a heavy-duty frame, 100 percent ultraviolet light protection and 100 percent polarization.

Costas are built by hand and backed for life with a lifetime warranty. www.costadelmar.com

GSI Pinnacle Basecamper - It doesn’t matter if you are in the backcountry or tailgating at the big game, the GSI Pinnacle Basecamper is the perfect portable cookset. The Pinnacle Basecamper includes a 5 liter pot, 3 liter pot, 9 inch frypan, 2 strainer lids, a cutting board and a folding pot gripper. The entire set fits conveniently together into a rugged stuff sack. The pans are coated with Teflon® Radiance technology for exceptional non-stick performance. Quality and convenience make the GSI Pinnacle Basecamper the cookset you want for all your outdoor adventures. www.gsioutdoors.com

Rebel Wee-Crawfish - Fall is the perfect time to fish Ozark rivers and streams for smallmouth bass. And no lure may catch more of them than a crawfish imitation. The Rebel Wee Crawfish is the original realistic crawfish crankbait. No other crankbait mimics a fleeing crawfish better than a Rebel Craw. It’s the super-realistic body and paint scheme combined with the distinct pulsating action that makes it irresistible to fish. www.rebellures.com

Advantage PEET® Dryer - Wet boots are a bummer. If you have ever soaked a pair of boots, then you know how hard it is and how long it takes to dry them out. PEET Dryer put an end to that headache, and the Advantage PEET Dryer can handle two sets of boots or other accessories at once. The Advantage PEET powers air through the Air Chambers and DryPorts with a fan, to dry gear faster than our traditional natural convection models. The Advantage PEET dries most footwear in 1-4 hours, depending on the saturation of the item. www.peetdryer.com 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. Bass Slammer Tackle Big Game Hunters, Inc. Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers 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 Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Katy Land Trust 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 Farmers Care Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station Missouri Taxidermist Association

Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Mule Deer Foundation North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Regional Land Trust Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Ozarks Water Watchers 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

Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri - A Model of Collaboration Limited copies of the first edition are still available

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iscover 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 well-designed 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. This book chronicles and celebrates this success. The book’s authors, many of them former waterfowl biologists and wetland managers, have donated their services to produce this book.

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.

High quality color photographs, reproductions of well-known waterfowl artwork and historic black and white photos are found throughout this 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.

For more information and to order a first edition copy of the book, visit www.mochf.org .

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The Mission of the Conservation Leadership Corps Mission Statement: Engaging youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources Purpose: Sustain conservation leadership in Missouri and the Conservation Federation of Missouri through involvement, education and training of future leaders by providing selected high school and college students with networking skills, conservation education opportunities and full participation in policy making and the legislative process.

Vision 1: Young members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri who are dedicated to its cause and are being educated and trained to assume future leadership roles within the organization.

Vision 2: A cadre of involved, educated and trained young individuals committed to the conservation of Missouri’s abundant natural resources.

Vision 3: A group of well-educated and trained professionals who are committed to working in the field of natural resources management in Missouri.

Nominate an Outstanding Student CLC Seeking to Expand Participation

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he Youth Leadership and Conservation Education Committee of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is seeking nominations of students to the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). We are seeking nominations from all CFM members as well as conservation professionals in education and agencies.

What is the Conservation Leadership Corps? Federation members who attended any of the past several conventions are well aware of this vibrant group of young men and women that want to make an impact on conservation issues now and in the future.

The CLC consists of a group of highly recommended students, ranging from juniors in high school through seniors in college. These students have already achieved academic success and have been involved in conservation projects and issues. CLC began in 2002 with a small group of students. Each year the membership has expanded.

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The program has been enthusiastically received by CLC members and CFM members alike.

Please take a few minutes to nominate that special student. Provide an opportunity for a young man or woman to see how CFM works. Let a budding conservationist meet and network with others on important conservation issues. Our aim is to engage students from every part of our great state. We also urge you to nominate students from the diversity of Missouri cultures and backgrounds. This is your chance to make a contribution bringing future conservation leaders into CFM. WE NEED TO RECEIVE YOUR NOMINATIONS BY OCTOBER 31, 2015.

CLC Nomination Form

You are invited to nominate a Missouri high school junior through college senior student that has exhibited academic success and achievements in organized conservation projects. You may nominate more than one student.

Student Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ Zip: _____________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (_________) _____________________________

Present School and Class Level: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominator’s Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CFM Affiliate or Sustaining Member: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ Zip: _____________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (_________) _____________________________

What qualities has the nominee exhibited that you believe qualifies him/or her for acceptance in the Conservation Leadership Corps?

Please return this form by October 31, 2015 to: Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

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CFM Hosting Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis on October 24

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t. Louis is the second stop of CFM’s regional event series in 2015. Taking place on October 24, 2015 at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and The Lodge at Des Peres, the event familiarizes St. Louis residents with the outdoor opportunities in the area while they learn more about the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Unique to Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis evening banquet, CFM is hosting Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of Missouri Botanical Gardens; Andy Buchsbaum, Vice President of Conservation Action for the National Wildlife Federation; and Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, for a panel discussion on world, national, and state conservation issues.

“Following the incredible success at the Explore the Outdoors: Kansas City event, we are pleased to bring the Explore the Outdoor series to St. Louis, which has historically been a strong support base for CFM and conservation,” said Brandon Butler, executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. “The St. Louis region is flush with outdoor opportunity. With just a short drive from anywhere in the city, you can reach a number of outdoor recreation activities. The opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy nature in and around the St. Louis area are endless.”

“Additionally, with such distinguished speakers, we are confident the panel discussion will offer guests an irreplaceable perspective on different conservation issues we face in the 21st century,” continued Butler.

Many St. Louis residents remain unaware of the incredible outdoor opportunities that exist near their homes. The Conservation Federation of Missouri is determined to inform individuals and families about the natural resources of our state and how they benefit each and every Missourian.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at Powder Valley Nature Center with multiple interactive sessions on hunting, fishing, birding, outdoor photography and other outdoor opportunities in the St. Louis area. The seminars run concurrently, are open to the public and are completely free.

Following the seminars at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, the event moves to The Lodge at Des Peres for a celebration of conservation featuring dinner, live entertainment, auctions, raffles and panel discussion with Dr. Peter Raven, Andy Buchsbaum and Bob Ziehmer.

Doors open for the banquet at 5:00 p.m. Registration

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for the banquet is required and may be completed on the CFM website.

Please contact Rehan Nana, deputy director of CFM at RNana@confedmo.org or (573) 634-2322 with any questions. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Lake of the Ozarks Named Best Recreational Lake in the Country

It was announced recently that Lake of the Ozarks was voted the “Best Recreational Lake in the United States” according to a USA Today readers poll.

Lake of the Ozarks, which covers 54,000 acres with 64 billion gallons of water and features over 1,150 miles of meandering shoreline, beat out many coveted lakes for the top spot.

The Lake of the Ozarks was among 20 lake destinations across the U.S. selected by a panel of travel experts and journalists from USA Today, 10Best.com and other media outlets. For a complete list of winners visit www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-lake/.

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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agency news - department of natural resources

Appreciating the Values of the Missouri River

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t’s the longest river in the U.S. flowing approximately 2,350 miles. It begins at the confluence of the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson rivers in western Montana and ends in St. Louis at Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park where the river joins the Mississippi River. Affectionately referred to by many as the Mighty Mo or the Big Muddy, the Missouri River is a vital resource to the state of Missouri.

The Missouri River flows approximately 553 miles through the Show-Me State winding through several major metropolitan areas. Nearly half of all Missourians receive their drinking water from the river and its alluvium. The river is also crucial to our state for the power generation, water supply, river commerce, fish and wildlife habitat and the recreation it provides.

Many floaters or anglers may not immediately think about navigating the Missouri River when planning their next weekend out on the water – but don’t dismiss the Mighty Mo too quickly. Last month, more than 600 paddlers competed in the 10th annual MR 340 canoe and kayak race on the Missouri River. The race has grown remarkably from its humble beginning with just 13 paddlers to now having become an internationally recognized endurance event and was listed by National Geographic Magazine as one of America’s top 100 adventures in 2014.

The Missouri River offers an opportunity to paddle through history following the recently dedicated Missouri River Water Trail. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and its Missouri State Parks, Department of Conservation and the Division of Tourism launched the website last year to showcase the beauty of paddling the Lower Missouri River. Paddlers will find information for planning everything from simple day trips to multi-day expeditions at missouririverwatertrail.org. Don’t forget to log your Missouri Blue Miles as part of Governor Nixon’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. Gov. Nixon and the First Lady are encouraging Missourians to experience Missouri’s many waterways and log their paddling and swimming miles. Visit 100missourimiles.com to learn more.

A truly unique aspect of the Missouri River Water Trail is the synergy with the Katy Trail State Park, which is the longest rail to trail system in North America and follows the river for more than 200 miles. This extremely popular trail system has opened up a whole range of services, such as bed and breakfasts, restaurants, wineries, etc., all very 3 2

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close to the river’s edge. With a little planning, you can cycle on Katy Trail State Park back to your car after a trip paddling down the river.

The water trail website not only features an interactive mapping tool for locating river access points, it also provides tips on what to expect when paddling the river.

The water trail site is smartphone friendly and utilizes a familiar Google maps interface that allows users to determine driving directions to access points, locate additional services such as lodging, camping, grocery stores, restaurants, along with myriad other amenities close to the river.

The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States and is a vital resource to the state of Missouri. Katy Trail State Park follows the river for more than 200 miles and provides bikers with not only impressive views of the river and bluffs, but also quaint communities along the way. Photo credit: DNR

Of course, you can’t talk about the Missouri River without mentioning the importance of river cleanups.

There are several associations and groups dedicated to cleaning up the Missouri River. Missouri River Relief is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that began after Chad Pregracke’s Living Lands and Waters organization completed the first Missouri River cleanup in 2001. Pregracke was named CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2013 for his river cleanup efforts. Both organizations are dedicated to connecting people to the river through hands-on river cleanups, education events and stewardship activities.

There is still time to participate in a few Missouri River Relief cleanups this year, so visit riverrelief.org or livinglandsandwaters.org to learn more.

I hope to see you on the Missouri!

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

agency news - department of natural resources

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site

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alk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site located in Osage City. In May 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery set out from the St. Louis area to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory. Since their journey, many people have retraced their route, carefully studying and researching their journals and looking for landmarks and landscapes mentioned.

A hill near Osage City in Cole County has been identified as one of those landmarks. Capt. Clark’s description of the hill helped historians pinpoint the actual hill itself.

Between June 1 and 3, 1804, the expedition camped near the base of what is now known as Clark’s Hill. At that time, the Osage and Missouri rivers merged at this point.

Clark ascended this hill to make observations about both rivers, describing them and the view in his journal.

“I measured the Osage & Missouris at this place made ther width as follows, the Missourie 875 yd.

Wide The Osage R 397 yds. Wide, the distance between the 2 rivers 80 poles [16.5 feet] up is 40 ps...

I assended the hill in the point 80 ps from the pt.

Found it about 100 foot high, on the top is 2 graves, or mouns, a Delightfull prospect from this hill which Comds. [commands] Both rivers” From the description given by Clark, visitors will find evidence of how much the area and the rivers have changed in the last 200 years. Clark viewed the confluence of the Osage and Missouri rivers from a rock on top of the hill. Today, from the same point, visitors can see the Missouri River to the left and the Osage River to the right. However, the rivers now merge together approximately six miles downstream near Bonnots Mill, making the view markedly different from what Clark saw. The measurements taken of the Missouri River also show that it was much wider in 1804 than it is today, mainly due to channelization.

Descriptions given in the Lewis and Clark journals also indicate that landscapes on each side of the Missouri River were quite different from what we observe today.

These early explorers noted rich bottomland forests, open woodlands and shrub barrens and caves near Clark’s Hill. As they journeyed farther upstream, prairie became

The overlook at Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site provides a spectacular view of the Missouri River during the fall season. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they journey through the wooded area to the top of Clark’s Hill to enjoy the view. Photo credit: DNR

more common. Clark’s Hill, however, is still similar to what Clark saw in 1804. It consists mainly of limestone/ dolomite woodlands, forest and cliff communities. In the 1980s, the amethyst shooting star, an imperiled plant and a relict species from a previous cooler climatic period, was discovered at the location.

Just as William Clark did on June 2, 1804, visitors can journey through this wooded area to the top of Clark’s Hill and enjoy the view. Today, a trail and an overlook make it easier to reach the point where Clark once stood.

The rock where Clark stood and the location of the crew’s campsite below along the banks of the Missouri River can be seen from the overlook.

William and Carol Norton of Jefferson City donated the land that encompasses the historic site to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2002. The site opened in 2004 in time for the bicentennial of this epic journey, allowing visitors an opportunity to have an experience similar to that of Capt. Clark’s when he visited this location. To learn more about this historic site, visit mostateparks.com.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

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The Good Old Days of Waterfowl Hunting in Missouri – NOW! In 1966, as a “right-of-passage,” I was finally allowed to accompany my father, Uncle Otis, and family friend Paul Callison on a goose hunt at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. At 10 years of age, and after proving that I could actually hit flushing quail, darting doves, and ducks jumped from a farm pond, my dad gave in and let me go. For years, I had waited anxiously for the men to return home from goose hunts at Swan Lake, and to see and help pluck the geese. I had dreamed of the day when I could go along with them. The 1960s began the “hay-day” period of Canada goose numbers at Swan Lake, with peaks of greater than 100,000 geese. And, the public hunting at Swan Lake was a remarkable opportunity for farm folk such as us. While our blind draw that day was not the best (H-1), and our bag was small (one goose), that day remains as fresh in my mind as if it was yesterday.

While the geese at Swan Lake were awe inspiring, my true love was ducks – and I badly wanted to go on a real duck hunt up at Fountain Grove. But Dad, Otis, and Paul would only shake their heads and lament that the “good old days” for ducks were past. Otis, in particular, had grown up and hunted ducks in the “old duck pond” bottoms of the North Fork of the Salt River near Lentner, Missouri – and he had retained a farm flock of “callers” until the late 1950s. His stories of ducks that blackened the skies along the Salt River bottoms, the antics and lure of his live decoys, and the boom of the Model 11 Remington repeater in the timber captured my imagination. But by the mid-1960s, those days surely were over.

Finally relenting, my Dad, Otis, and Paul took me to Fountain Grove in 1968. Another day I will never forget - blind G-12 and mallards in the trees. But 1968 was a poor year at the Grove and for Missouri as a whole, when only a 30-day season and a daily limit of 3 ducks (2 mallards) were allowed. Despite the short season, the Grove hosted 3,285 hunters in 1968, who killed 1,636 ducks for a 0.50 birds/hunter average. Even with a good (spectacular in my mind at the time) hunt that day in G-12, when we killed 6 mallards, I remember Otis sadly saying that I would never see the duck numbers, or experience the magic of hundreds of mallards landing in the decoys, like he had. Maybe we should just hunt geese and forget about the ducks.

But, in a remarkable recovery, the ducks came back. As Chris Madson wrote in the forward of the recently published book “Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – a model of collaboration”: “The recovery of the continent’s ducks and geese is, 3 4

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perhaps, the greatest conservation success in history. It was a miracle, really, a miracle worked by generations of wildlife professionals and hunters who simply refused to let the birds go.

Many of the leaders of the effort were Missourians.

They expanded our understanding of waterfowl, they pioneered ways to improve food and cover, they devised new approaches to manage hunting, and, along the way, they invented new ways to fund conservation.”

Fig 1: Breeding population estimates of total ducks from traditionally surveyed areas in Canada and the U.S. (From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2015” - report available at http://flyways.us/)

The statistics from the 1960s are from the “Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri” book. The amazing collection of harvest and population statistics in the book are alone worth its purchase price, for those of us that have lived and breathed waterfowl hunting in Missouri – and relish in the memories that the statistics tell. As a biologist and hunter, and coauthor of the book, I like numbers and science. I also am a born and raised Missourian - so, you have to “show me” proof. The book does this in spades, and boldly presents the history of waterfowl and wetlands in Missouri – and showcases the “Missouri Model” of: - Commitment to science-based management - Acquisition, development, and management of a system of state-owned wetland conservation areas - Strong partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Total duck harvest statewide and on MDC wetland areas, 1968-2013.

Duck-use-days on Missouri wetland areas prior to and following restoration.

- Recognition that private landowners provide important waterfowl habitat, and that these lands determine the fate of waterfowl in Missouri - A foundation of collaboration among government and non-government organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) that is essential for ultimate success The success of the “Missouri Model” of waterfowl and wetland conservation is undeniable. Waterfowl are an international resource, and ultimately their conservation requires cooperative management among states and countries. Many factors determine waterfowl numbers and the number of birds over our decoys in any given year. But the numbers – the proof of our success – are clear. Consider the following: - At a continental level, the number of breeding ducks surveyed in North America is near 50 million in 2015, the highest levels since surveys began in 1955 (Fig. 1).

- Annual duck-use-days on Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wetland areas have regularly exceeded 40 million since 2000 (Fig. 2).

- Total duck harvest in Missouri now approaches 700,000 (Fig. 3) and harvest and hunting trips on MDC areas has increased dramatically since the mid1990s (Fig. 4).

- Mallard harvest in Missouri in 2015 was over 255,000; second only to Arkansas among U.S states.

In fact, the number of mallards harvested in Missouri in 2015 was almost as high as the entire Atlantic Flyway. (Source – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service harvest data available at http://flyways.us/) - Peak duck and goose numbers in Missouri during fall and winter regularly exceed 1 million birds. (Source – MDC population survey data from 1970 to 2014-15).

And, in a comparison of the Fountain Grove hunting history from 1968, in 2014-15, over 3,000 hunters at Fountain Grove harvested nearly 5,000 ducks with about a 2.0 birds/day average.

Waterfowl hunting trips and duck harvest on managed wetland areas in Missouri, 1966-2013.

In another example of conservation support – and numbers – the Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri book has sold over 2,100 copies since its release in fall 2014 and raised over $130,000 for wetland and waterfowl conservation to date. All of the authors of the book donated their time for the project and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation administers book sales and proceeds. This book and its sales are just another reflection of the Missouri Model of conservation and the contribution of CFM. If you have not bought a book yet, do so. You will find memories, pride, passion, and tears. And, you will help write another chapter of Missouri conservation and help the next generation of waterfowlers in Missouri know that indeed: The Good Old Days of Waterfowl and Wetlands in Missouri are now!

Mickey E. Heitmeyer Mickey Heitmeyer is a member of the CFM Board of Directors, past chair of the CFM Waterfowl and Wetlands Committee, and coauthor of the Missouri waterfowl and wetlands book.

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As the first Cabela’s in Missouri, we pulled out all the stops to bring a serious outdoor experience to the Show-Me-State.

The Hazelwood Cabela’s store was built to not only surround customers with quality outdoor products, but to engage them with lifelike taxidermy, local fish swimming in the aquarium and an indoor archery test area.

5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd. Ste. #167 Hazelwood, MO 63042

(314) 225-0100

Located just off I-270, north of I-70 (Exit 22B, Hwy. 370), the impressive 130,000-sq.-ft. retail showroom is packed with outdoor equipment. Whether you’re visiting the St. Louis Arch, exploring the wilds of the Ozarks or just stocking up on gear, our experienced Outfitters are ready and waiting to help you get the most out of your next adventure.

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL UPCOMING STORE EVENTS AT CABELAS.COM/HAZELWOOD 3 6

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Affiliate Spotlight — Missouri Prairie Foundation Did you know that temperate grasslands—including Missouri’s tallgrass prairies—are the least conserved, most threatened major terrestrial habitat type on earth?

Prairie protection efforts in Missouri, therefore, are not only essential to preserving our state’s natural heritage, they are also significant to national and even global conservation work.

The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairiechickens and the degradation and loss of prairie habitat throughout the state. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife and pollinator conservation, energy security, and carbon storage.

What began as an all-volunteer advocacy group has grown into an organization that owns more than 3,000 acres of prairie, and in partnership with public agencies and other private entities, helps protect thousands more.

MPF has more than 1,900 members and advocates for strong grassland-wildlife-friendly measures in the Farm

Bill and other national, regional, and state agricultural and energy policies. MPF’s work would not be possible without the many hours of service from dedicated board members, generous members and other supporters, loyal volunteers and committed two staff members.

MPF became the home of the Grow Native! program in July 2012, and through this education and marketing program, promotes the use of native plants in the built environment and altered landscapes. In 2015, the Grow Native! program launched the Missouri Invasive Exotic Plant Species Task Force, with the goal of elevating awareness and action to control invasive plant species.

MPF is in year two of its 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign, having raised more than $3 million of its $4 million goal by the end of 2016. MPF’s annual meeting and Evening on the Prairie will be October 10, and its annual dinner will be on November 6. To learn more about these events and MPF’s conservation work, visit www.moprairie.org.

Set your sights on

G&W Deer Processing Bring us your deer and it will be processed separately so you get your venison back.

Choose from summer sausage, landjager/ deer sticks, bratwurst, ground venison, steak or roasts.

314-352-5066 www.gwsausage.com 4828 Parker Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116

Proud supporters of the Share the Harvest program.

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Member’s Memories Submitted by Daniel Elliot: Daniel relaxes at Fugitive Beach in Rolla. The ‘beach’ is an abandoned rock quarry recently opened up to the public for swimming.

Submitted by David Urich: Conservation Pioneers working hard at the clay bird shoot. Pictured Left to Right: Gene Gardner, David Urich, Gene Kelly, Glenn Chambers.

Lower: Collin O’Mara, President/CEO of National Wildlife Federation, fly fishes the Sun Valley of Idaho on a recent trip.

Right: Submitted by Maddie Deubner: Maddie soaks up the view while exploring Castlewood State Park in Ballwin.

Bottom Left: Submitted by Joni Viles: “It wasn’t until I understood hunting and the whole picture that I developed any sort of true compassion or concern for my food, my world and all its natural things,” said Joni when asked about why she hunts.

Bottom Right: Submitted by Jeremiah Doughty: Jeremiah, of fromfieldtoplate.com, shares wildgame recipes to make your mouth water. See our blog for this Orange Chicken Style Pheasant recipe.

Share your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and they could be published in the next issue! Be sure to include names, dates and any other information.

Conservation Federation of Missouri

@confedmo

@confedmo

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Life After CLC - Where Are You Now? Kelsey Rumley:

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issouri’s great outdoors are not owned by those who use its resources today, but instead, borrowed from those who will one day inherit these resources. For many, this understanding is only realized later in life when we pass on our individual outdoor passions to our own children. However, there are a lucky few who from a young age understand the significant impact the next generation can have and spend their lives educating these future conservationists on the wise-use of Missouri’s outdoors.

At 22 years old, Kelsey Rumley is one of these lucky few. Having recently graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in wildlife biology, she is turning her passion of working with young adults into a career educating them about the importance of the outdoors.

Youth education wasn’t always at the top of her career choice list. Originally from Tennessee, she grew up in a log cabin in the middle of the woods. In this undeveloped area, she learned to appreciate the outdoors. Later, after her family moved to Ozark, Missouri, she thought she wanted to work with big cats, but quickly realized she “can make a bigger impact for the outdoors when 4 2

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I impact people.” Educating a younger generation would have a multiplying effect for conservation, as opposed to working on one specific species.

ing teachers to be certified in outdoor education. She also stepped into a leadership position as the CLC President during her last year; helping other CLC

This awareness was strengthened through the three years she attended the Conservation Youth Leadership Corps (CLC).

Every year Rumley was involved in the education committee and worked with other students to further outdoor opportunities in school settings.

During her second year in CLC, Rumley created and passed a resolution requir-

students organize and pass their own resolutions.

“CLC is a really good way to get involved and be proactive in conservation,” said Rumley, “It’s a good networking opportunity and young adults can find a number of on the ground conservation projects to participate in.”

CLC program goals include not only developing students’ passions for the

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outdoors, but also showing them the importance of conservation advocacy. “I had never seen the political side of conservation, so looking through the resolutions was a little confusing at first, but then it was interesting to see a different way that conservation was being accomplished. It was cool to be able to impact the outdoors that way as well,” said Rumley.

She was nominated and won the 2013 CFM Youth Conservationist of the Year after she conceptualized and implemented four outdoor classrooms for Ozark Upper Elementary.

These classrooms consist of trail systems, Leopold benches and a native wildflower garden, so teachers can use them to show students the importance of the outdoors.

Rumley already started on her education career path, working as the Resident Coordinator at G.L.A.D.E. (Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems). When asked where she sees herself in five years, she said, “I’m passionate about reaching out to youth, whether it be as a teacher, naturalist or something else. I just want to be able to reach these young students and teach them. That’s where I’m heading.”

Rehan Nana Deputy Director, CFM

Explore

Outdoors: ST. LOUIS the

Save the date for our St. Louis Regional Event.

Date:

October 24, 2015

11 - 4 p.m:

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Free outdoor activities for the whole family

5 - 10 p.m:

The Lodge at Des Peres Panel discussion on conservation topics

Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of Missouri Botanical Gardens World Conservation Topics Andy Buchsbaum, VP of Conservation Action for National Wildlife Federation National Conservation Topics Bob Ziehmer, Director of Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri Conservation Topics

Banquet dinner Silent and live auctions

The cost is $100 per person & includes a one-year membership to CFM. Table sponsorships are $1,000 & include 8 tickets and an Iron Business Alliance.

For more information, visit

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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