MARCH 2007VOL. 68, NO. 2

58

10Feral Dogs

NEWS & ISSUES

DNR & AUDUBON

RESEARCH PROJECT

WildlifeMISSOURI

EducationInitiative

Fall Conference

CFM ANNUAL CONVENTION

Register Now 14

We are in the midst of ourwinter season in Missouri.Many of our seasons havecome to a close. This

gives us the opportunity to plan for theupcoming Spring and Summer seasonsthat will soon be here.

The Missouri Legislature is now insession. The conservation communityin Missouri has many friends represent-ed in this body who are working hard tomake sure conservation remains a toppriority here in this great state. Wethank them for this representation andstand ever ready to defend conservationwherever we may be needed.

Good luck in the upcoming months.We will endeavor to keep you abreast ofany important conservation news thatmay develop during this session.

Your friend in conservation,Don Johnson

President, CFM

Maybe it was because of themany, many importantmeetings. Maybe it wasbecause of the constant

phone calls, emails and visits drawing atmy attention. Maybe it was more a prod-uct of the healing and renewal that comeswith the first moment of solitude…but Inoticed. Sort of like a severely stretchedrubber band snapping back to normal, Iguess.

In the car, all alone, no radio, no cellservice, nobody but myself to give or takeof my attention and time. Processingtime. The time needed for reflection, foranalysis, for consideration, for decision,for dreaming, for planning, for strategy.Catch as catch can.

The opportunity of this day was togive the past 30 years a run through. Fortwo reasons of absolutely no connectionbeyond coincidence, but of surpassingsignificance: the passage of the Designfor Conservation Sales Tax initiative inNovember, 1976, along with the first rev-enues generated by the tax coming toMDC in January 1977…AND also inJanuary 1977, my bride and I married.

The first decade was formative. We

finished our formal educations andbegan our careers…MDC bought land,added personnel and prepared forgrowth.

The second decade brought accoladesand prosperity. We improved our lotswith our best professional performances,earned increased responsibilities at work,with volunteer time and with continuedcommitment to each other and to ourdaughters. MDC rose to global promi-nence as success after success resultedfrom the synergistic combination of greatstaff, room to excel and resources toempower.

The third decade brought distinction.Too few are those on our path, though anencouraging majority of our friends andassociates nurture their own enduringmarriages. MDC at the pinnacle of natu-ral resource agencies by no accident, con-tinues to improve itself, with the supportand encouragement of our citizens. Itgets better because it tries to. It runs itsown race. It serves us all with excellence.

On this day of windshield philoso-phizing, I know that some things reallyare worth the effort. We are only here fora little while; we must make our choices

carefully, investing our resources wiselyand in those things of lasting value. Itwill indeed be “a cold day” when we canafford to settle for less. I look optimisti-cally and enthusiastically ahead to thefourth decade…and beyond. What doyou see ahead? Come to our AnnualConvention; share your ideas, concernsand best thinking with our resource com-mittees. See you at The Lake!

Dave MurphyExecutive Director, CFM

2 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

A Cold Day... WildlifeMarch 2007

Vol. 68, No. 2

MISSOURI

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of theConservation Federation ofMissouri, Affiliate of theNational Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. MainJefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205

Email • mofed@socket.netOnline • http://www.confedmo.org

MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is pub-lished bimonthly in January, March, May, July,September and November for subscribers andmembers of the Conservation Federation ofMissouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($20minimum) $2.00 shall be for a year’s subscrip-tion to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postagepaid at Jefferson City, MO. and additionalmailing offices.

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

Don JohnsonGlenn Chambers

Mike SchallonDuane AddlemanRandy Washburn

Dave MurphyLynne Jensen Lampe

Laurie Coleman

Leigh Love

PresidentFirst Vice PresidentSecond Vice PresidentSecretaryTreasurer

Executive Director/EditorDesign & ProductionAdmin. Associate/Membership and Managing EditorAdmin. Associate/Accounting

OFFICERS

STAFF

COVER:

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

Missouri’s Seasonal ShiftWinter, Legislative, Spring, and Summer

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Conserve Life

SLOWDOWNMore than 1,100 people

die on Missouri highwayseach year. Don’t become astatistic. Conserve life by

slowing down and byalways making sure your

seatbelt is buckled.

BUCKLE UP

4509 Woods RoadRobertsville, MO 63072

e-mail: hmeier@onemain.comVisit our website: www.missouribowhunters.org

SOUTH COUNTY ARCHERS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CFM & MBH

PO Box 133Gray Summit, MO 63039

Pass on the legacy of the world's finest turkey

hunting … take a kid

during

R

Missouri's Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Season! Photo compliments of

Department of Conservation.Missouri

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 3

2007 Missouri Master Wildlifer ProgramWildlife Conservation on Private Lands

A Shortcourse for Private Landowners and Wildlife Enthusiasts

The Missouri Master Wildlifer Program is designed for landowners and wildlife enthusiasts who are interested in learning about the biologyand management of Missouri's wildlife. Participants will find the course valuable in highlighting management approaches for wildlife inforest, grassland and farm settings. The 8-session course will provide information on the biology and life history for a variety of wildlifespecies as well as on the habitats for which they depend. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on managing habitats for wildlifespecies that provide landowners with recreational opportunities on their property. Participants will obtain the knowledge and tools neces-sary to enhance habitat for wildlife that can be enjoyed by themselves, family and friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. Curriculum will includea Student Manual and supplemental materials.

The Missouri Master Wildlifer Program will be conducted live through videoconferencing using Interactive TV and delivered to 10 MUExtension Centers and/or cooperating locations on the following Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The programwill provide participants with approximately 24 hours of instruction. Short course sessions include:

February 27 Basic Ecological Principles and Introduction to Wildlife ManagementMarch 1 Ecology & Management of Bobwhite Quail

Managing Missouri’s Grasslands for WildlifeMarch 6 Ecology & Management of White-tailed Deer in Missouri March 8 Wild Mammals of Missouri

Wildlife Damage Management March 13 Ecology and Management of Missouri’s Wetlands and WaterfowlMarch 15 Managing Aquatic Habitats on Your Property: Ponds and StreamsMarch 20 Ecology and Management of Eastern Wild Turkey

Managing Missouri’s Forests for WildlifeMarch 22 Bringing It All Together: Managing Your Property for Biodiversity

Developing a Wildlife Management Plan

For more information about the 2007 Missouri Master Wildlifer Program, contact:Bob Pierce, Extension Wildlife Specialist at (573) 882-4337, piercer@missouri.edu

Matt Seek, Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 751-4115, Matt.Seek@mdc.mo.govor contact your MU Extension Center (see below) for additional details.

Missouri Master Wildlifer is a cooperative educational program sponsored by University of Missouri Extension, MU School of Natural Resourcesand the Missouri Department of Conservation

2007 Missouri Master Wildlifer LocationsAlbany (Gentry County Extension Center, Hundley Whaley Farm) • Contact: Merideth Berry, 816/279-1691 or BerryM@missouri.edu

Brookfield (Brookfield Career Center) • Contact: Kevin Hansen, 660/646-0811 or HansenK@missouri.edu

Palmyra (Conference room of a local bank) • Contact: Ruth Jeffries, 573/769-2071 or JeffriesR@missouri.edu

Blue Springs (Jackson County Extension Center) • Contact: Mary Ethington, 816/252-5051 or EthingtonML@missouri.edu

Nevada TeleCenter • Contact: Mary Reinert, 417/448-1212 or ReinertM@missouri.edu

Columbia (Heinkel Building on the MU Campus) • Contact: Don Day, 573/445-9792 or DayDR@missouri.edu

St. Charles (St. Charles Community College) • Contact: Scott Killpack, 636/970-3000 or KillpackS@missouri.edu

Washington (East Central Community College) • Contact: Matt Herring, 636/583-5141 or HerringM@missouri.edu

Granby (East Newton High School) • Contact: John Hobbs, 417/223-4775 or HobbsJC@missouri.edu

Salem (Salem TCRC) • Contact: Ray Walden, 573/729-8163 or Rwalden@missouri.edu

4 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

Statewide Ladies Day at the Range

Sponsored by Missouri Ducks Unlimited Women

For more information, contact Renee Martin, MO DU State Ladies Chair, at (573) 268-3477 or rmartin@aesolutionsmo.com

Make checks payable to: Ducks Unlimited. Registration Deadline is A , 2007. Send registration form with yourcheck to: Renee Martin—MO DU States Ladies Chair, 1123 Wilkes Blvd., Ste 300, Columbia, MO 65201

The cost is $50 for this event

Women are a big part of the future of Ducks Unlimited. At this event you will receive expert instruction. Ladies of all ages and skill level are welcome. Please join us for a fun-filled day

with Handguns, Shotguns, and instructional sessions, along with a little fun competition for all skill levels.This is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and spend time with family and friends.

The growth of women in DU means we are reaching more women and providing them with a venue to learn not just outdoor skills, but also more about themselves and wetlands conservation.

Registration FormFirst Name________________________________ Last Name ________________________________________

Address ________________________________________City ________________________________________

State ______________ZIP code ____________ Phone ( ) ________________________________________

A 1 , 2007 • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Cedar Creek Rod & Gun Club

4251 N. Glendale Drive • Columbia, MO 65202

Events and ActivitiesHandgun Shoot and SafetyShotgun Shoot and Safety

Shooting Competition (all levels)Sporting Clays

Awards • Raffles

Fee IncludesDU Membership

LunchAmmunition • Targets

Gun will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own.

ugust 1

ugust 6

2007 Fall ConferenceThe 2007 Conservation Federation

of Missouri Fall Conference will beheld September 14–16, 2007 at CampClover Point, Lake Ozark State Park,Osage Beach, Missouri.

Programs planned so far are:• Coleman Repair• Spear Throwing• Archery• Cooking• Earthquakes• CraftsMore programs will be added in the

next issue of Missouri Wildlife.Entertainment will be:• Games• Bingo• Square Dancing• Marshmallow Roast• Campfire• Story Telling• Guitar Playing

The Happy Hour and White Ele-phant Sale Saturday afternoon is alwaysa good time. When you are cleaning outyour garages and basements this Springsave some stuff to donate to the WhiteElephant Sale. This sale helps to defraythe expenses of the Fall Conference.

The food is always wonderful!!Be sure to mark your calendars for

September 14–16, 2007, and plan toattend this relaxing weekend.

CFM Clay ShootSaturday, October 13

Mark your calendars today for thevery first CFM sporting clays shoot!Our event will be held at the first classRiver Hills Sporting Clays course nearBoonville. The big day will be Satur-day, October 13. Look for details inupcoming issues of Missouri Wildlife,and on our CFM webpage at www.con-fedmo.org.

Our First Vice President GlennChambers has accepted the responsibil-

ity of chairman for this inauguralevent. He will be assisted by long timefriend and new CFM Board MemberTom Russell. They are building astrong committee to ensure maximumsuccess for the shoot. So be ready to say“YES” when they come calling for yourhelp with the event. We will needshooters, station sponsors, folks to helpwith registration, and shooters, shoot-ers, shooters! There will be somethingfor everyone at the shoot…beginnersand experienced shooters alike.

Very exciting news! Our friends andconservation partners at Bass ProShops have answered our call for con-servation again! The Columbia storehas agreed to be title event sponsor forthe shoot! Next time you stop by thestore, offer a word of thanks to StoreManager David Smith and PromotionsManager Trip Moynihan…and take theopportunity to make a purchase whileyou’re there. We should always makethe choice to invest in those who sogenerously invest in us.

CFM Strategic Plan UpdateThe strategic planning committee

that had been focusing its effort on theposition of the Conservation Federa-tion five or more years down the roadhas suspended that effort for the imme-diate future. This occurred as a resultof a meeting with Marya Fowler, AreaRepresentative and Facilitator of theNational Wildlife Federation and theofficer group of the Federation.

As a result of this meeting, the com-mittee has refocused its effort on someshort-term goals that must be discussedwith the executive committee and pre-

sented to the Board of the Federation.When this has been done, this set ofgoals will be published in MissouriWildlife.

NWF Honors Couple’sLifetime Contribution

In November 2006, Leo and KayDrey of University City, MO, were hon-ored in Washington, DC, at the Nation-al Wildlife Federation (NWF) AnnualMeeting. In recognition of their out-standing lifetime contribution to con-servation and the environment, Leo andKay received the prestigious NWF Con-servation Special Achievement Award.Although Leo was unable to attend theceremony, Kay accepted the beautifultrophy and brought it back to theirhome . In the photo above, Kay and Leo(center and right) show the trophy toCFM board member Ron Coleman.

Welcome CFM New Members!

Tom Arens, Saint LouisDon Aubuchon, DexterAlan Baker, Kansas CityS.D. Baker, JacksonHelen Ballard, KirkwoodLawson Barlow, SmithvilleMartin Bates, Bowling GreenJames Baxter, ImperialWiley Bearls, NeoshoWalter Been, Saint LouisEdward Bennett, Lake Forest, ILCharles Benz, Saint LouisAnthony Bergkoetter, NeoshoJoAnn Berwanger, CarrolltonJerry Binkholder, GeraldKarl & Debbie Blaue, IndependenceRobert Bloomfield, FlorissantHarold Booker, HannibalStephen Bost, Poplar BluffThomas Bottini, Saint LouisArthur Bowling, WaynesvilleWenzel Bradley, Saint PetersThomas Braloski, FlorissantBill Breshears, La MonteBrewer Chainsaw Sales, PerryvilleJustina Bricka, Saint LouisLinda Kae Brockman, Saint LouisHarold Brown, Wappapello

Harold Browning, Mound CityBryant’s Barbeque, Kansas CityPatrick Bulfin, Saint LouisRichard Bybee, Oak GroveDwain Campbell, VersaillesGeorge Carr, AnnapolisDon Cleaver, MaconRoyce Closterman, Kansas CityGlenn Coleman, PeculiarRichard Conway, Clifton HillClay Cooper, ColumbiaJoel Cummings, FestusJoe Daleo, Saint PetersCraig Davis, StraffordRichard Dean, SedaliaRonald Denney, DoniphanD.S. Detchemendy, Saint CharlesRick Dobson, Kansas CityJoseph Droege, Saint LouisWilliam Duffe, Saint LouisByron Eaton, Kansas CityEllison-Auxier Architects, Saint JosephScott Faiman, ColumbiaLewis Fansher, Saint JosephTed Fellows, GreenwoodErnest Floyd, Lake Saint LouisJim Franklin, HarrisonvilleDennis Frieda, SpringfieldJames Gaunt, SedaliaJ.D. Gillenwaters, ChestnutridgeJim Goers, DefianceEmily Grieshaber, FarmingtonEric Grindel, Park HillsChester Grohs, ImperialWilfred Grover, BeulahMae Guilford, ColumbiaWilliam Jerry Gustin, Lone JackLars Erik Hagen, Saint LouisKeith Hale, Poplar BluffVirginia Hamilton, CaboolGerald Harms, EldonJack Hascall, ArnoldGalen & Grace Hasler, SpringfieldJames Hayes, Lees SummitRobert Higgins, EurekaRon Highley, HarrisonvilleBob Hodge, HarrisonvilleJef Hodges, ClintonTom & Joanne Holman, PlattsburgDonald Hug, Jefferson CityG.L. Humphries, Lake OzarkJ.W. Githens Company, Poplar BluffCarl Jackson, RidgewayAllen Jett, Saint LouisBonnie Johnson, Saint JosephKenneth Jones, NixaGary Kappler, FestusJohn Karel, Saint LouisCarl Keckley, Bonne TerreJohn Kehrman, VandaliaHarold King, Lees SummitDavid Knott, Saint LouisRobert Komotos, Saint LouisCas Koziatek, FlorissantJohn Laird, Saint LouisRobert Lamberg, Saint LouisLarry Lammert, FlorissantLarry Lamonica, Saint Louis

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 5

NEWSA COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATEAND ISSUES

6 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

Tom Lampe, HarrisonvilleGeorge Landre, Cape GirardeauThomas Lasker, Saint LouisWilliam Laudel, KirkwoodJanis Lauridsen, Saint LouisKeith Lawson, KirksvilleDarwin Lewis, HamiltonK. Cramer Lewis, KirkwoodFrank Lexa, ImperialRobert Littlejohn, Prairie Village, KSKaty Markus, Saint LouisGregory Martell, Kansas CityMarianne Marti, CaliforniaR.F. Maughan, Kansas CityCharles May, Saint LouisRon McCullough, LebanonRay McKowen, SpringfieldDominic Meldi, SpringfieldWilliam Melton, O’FallonHerbert Menges, Saint LouisVernell Merkel, Saint LouisPaul Meyers, Granite City, ILMidwest Special Surgery, Saint LouisMike Saville & Jerri Stroud, Saint LouisGalen Miller, ParkvilleMarie Miller, FlorissantMitchell Mills, ClintonJay Milne, SpringfieldRobert Minor, Lees SummitBill Mollenhour, Harrisonville

Terry Monroe, Saint AnnCecil Moore, HallsvilleJim Moore, HigginsvilleAnthony Mosley, SteelvilleTrip Moynihan, ColumbiaArthur Mueller, Saint LouisBill & Patsy Murphy, WilliamstownJohn Mutrux, Saint LouisE. Fern Null, WarrensburgOsborne Office Equipment & Supplies,

Cape GirardeauJim Overstreet, HannibalBill Patterson, Saint JosephGary Perry, NixaBrad Peterson, LexingtonJoe Pleser, Kansas CityLisa Potter, Paris, Promatic, SmithvilleR.L. Mueller National Distributing,

Saint LouisAndrew & Maurine Raedeke, ColumbiaRichard Reese, Saint LouisD.A. Renn, El Dorado SpringsTim & Patricia Rielly, Jefferson CityFred Riley, RaymoreDonald Roberts, EurekaCharles Robertson, RollaMarvin Roesch, Crystal CityJames Roussey, Kansas CityRichard Rovin, FlorissantJohn Rowe, Kirksville

Pete & Nancy Rucker, Excelsior SpringsSusan Ruecker, Saint LouisS. Samples, Osage BeachLuke Scavuzzo, HarrisonvilleSharon Schlueter, BellflowerMichael Schmieder, Saint LouisLee Schwartz, Sainte GenevieveN.C. Schweder, Kansas CityLee Scott, CentraliaJohn Sedej, GlencoeJoseph Sedlock, WashingtonJoan Sessel, Saint LouisRichard Shields, Saint CharlesCharles Shoenhair, DearbornAllen Smith, Climax SpringsAnna Smith, Saint CharlesBarry Smith, Saint LouisDavid Smith, ColumbiaJane Smith, BallwinMark Smith, LexingtonSallie Smith, Kansas CityTravis Smith, LexingtonDavid Sorrell, MyrtleArchie Spencer, AugustaJuanita Spilker, ColumbiaAaron Spor, LibertyPaul Steele, ChillicotheThomas Stegmann, Saint LouisCharles Stephens, RaytownAl Storms, Garden CityJacob Stuart, ImperialThomas Suttles, New BloomfieldLloyd Sutton, Park HillsTheron Swigart, Harrisonville

Tracy Taylor, Saint LouisJere Tenkhoff, OranKat Tenney, JamestownHarold Thieman, CarthageJack Thomas, Saint ClairTerry Thomure, House SpringsTree Trails Farm, AugustaRaymond Tripp, SpringfieldDavid Tritz, Saint CharlesJohn Virant, ChesterfieldPatricia Vogt, Saint LouisKenneth Voss, Saint AnnMargery Wade, Centerville, IAJoe Wall, HoustonMarie Walther, BlackwellJack Walton, ForsythRonald Warren, Park HillsJames Washabaugh, Jefferson CityStephen Welker, BallwinRoger Wellman, BridgetonEdwin Wenberg, WarsawChristopher Werkmeister, Saint LouisGlennon Werner, BloomsdaleJames Westbury, PacificJames Whitworth, RosebudHarry Williams, Indio, CAJames Wilson, EdgertonRobert Wilson, EoliaRichard Wisland, Saint LouisMartin Wnek, DittmerRichard Wolters, Saint LouisWonneman’s Flowers & Gifts, MexicoLois Woods, Springfield

NEWS AND ISSUES

2007 Natural Events Calendarfrom the Missouri Department of Conservation

MDC's ever-popular calendar keeps you in touch with

the year's seasonal changes. Thanks to the splendid

talents of MDC contributing nature photographers,

you'll be able to enjoy wild Missouri indoors

when you can't get outdoors. You'll find monthly

reminders of the state's natural treasures. Daily notes

keep you posted on what's blooming or nesting

and myriad other natural phenomena.

10 x 14 inches$5.00

(plus shipping and handling)

Call (800) 575-2322 to order

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 7

Memorial Cases

Leo Cardetti’s

DistributingCompany

219 N. JeffersonSt. James, MO 65559

800-532-3524www.leocardettisflags.com

U.S. & AnyIndoor Set

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When will you add your name to the list?CFM Life Membership Application

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________Email:_____________________________

Payment Method (circle one): Cash Check

Credit Card _______________________________ Exp. Date:__________

Charles Abele, Saint LouisDuane and Nancy Addleman, SpringfieldRichard Ash, Saint CharlesDane Balsman, PerryvilleJim Tom Blair, Saint LouisRon Coleman, Saint AlbansMark Corio, ColumbiaDave Kolb Grading, Saint CharlesJohn Enderle, KelsoMr. & Mrs. Andrew Fleming, ColumbiaHoward & Sara Fleming, MoberlyMr. & Mrs. Matt Fleming, MoberlyAllan Hoover, Pleasant HillDon Johnson, FestusRoger & Debbie Johnson, HumansvilleDuane & Cosette Kelly, IndependenceSara Knight, Charlotte, NCCarl Kurz, Leawood, KSJay Law, Saint James

Gerald Lee, Kansas CityJoel LeMaster, FultonLeroy Logan, ArnoldChip McGeehan, MarshfieldCynthia Metcalfe, Saint LouisDavid Murphy, ColumbiaAbe Phillips, Saint LouisGerald Ross, Jefferson CityMike Schallon, BallwinTimothy Schwent, JacksonCharles & Winnie Stribling, MexicoBarbara VanBenschoten, Kansas CityAl Vogt, ColumbiaRandy Washburn, Jefferson CityStephen Wilson, HartsburgDick Wood, Saint LouisHoward Wood, Bonne TerreRobert Ziehmer, California

Conservationists For Life

It was approximately 40 years agothat a small group of civic leaders,conservationist and environmen-talist gathered on a small gravel

bar near what is today Castlewood StatePark in St. Louis County to share theirvision for a better Meramec River. Ariver on the brink of decay due tobenign neglect. In 1967 river restora-tion work on the lower Meramec Riverbegan in earnest with the first AnnualOperation Clean Stream event whichhelped to initiate a much bolder collab-orative effort on the part many publicand private partners.

Since that time the Meramec Riverand its tributaries have enjoyed a ren-

aissance. Over the past 40 years moun-tains trash and debris have beenremoved from the banks of the Mer-amec River and its tributaries by Oper-ation Clean Stream and MissouriStream Team volunteers. Thousands ofderelict flood prone clubhouses havebeen removed and raw sewage is nolonger pouring into the river from themany failing septic tanks. Water qualityhas improved as has fish and wildlifehabitat.

Today the public can enjoy the con-servation and outdoor recreation bene-fit of nearly 36,000 acres of public landon the lower 108 miles just an hour’sdrive from the doorsteps of millions of

people. Each day new land is beingacquired, new trails are being built andpeople are once again enjoying the river.

Just as early leaders had a vision forreversing the trend of a degraded river 4decades ago conservationist, communi-ty leaders, landowners, river users andothers with a love for the MeramecRiver and its tributaries gather againSeptember 20-22, 2007, to share a newvision for the river. If you are interestedin learning more about the Summit andhow you can play a role, you can call636-451-6090.

Ron ColemanOperation Clean Stream

Take Part In September River Basin Summit

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendar today for the 3rd Annual Missouri Wildlife Art Festival Historic Downtown St. Charles, Missouri • November 3–4, 2007

8 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

Positive environmental partner-ships benefit everyone, especial-ly the general public. That is thecase with a new partnership

between the Missouri Department ofNatural Resources and The AudubonSociety of Missouri.

This partnershipbetween the depart-ment and ASM willhelp Missouriansbecome more famil-iar with birdsthrough the State Parks Checklist Pro-ject. Through the SPARKS program, TheAudubon Society of Missouri volunteerswill collect bird data for state parks andhistoric sites and enter the data into theASM Bird Database. The data will thenbe available as checklists for bird watch-ers, nature lovers and park users throughthe Missouri state parks or Audubon

Society of Missouri Web sites.Bird watching is one of the most pop-

ular recreational activities in Missouri.That is one reason I am so pleased by theopportunity presented by the SPARKSproject. Schools and visitors to our stateparks can access a bird checklist for astate park or historic site and be able toview photos and other information. Thiswill be a great educational resource thatwill expand the use of state parks andhistoric sites for bird watching.

Although the SPARKS project is new,The Audubon Society of Missouri hashad a long relationship with the depart-ment and state parks. ASM membershave been involved for many years inconducting Christmas Counts andBreeding Bird Surveys. Many Missouri-ans are avid bird-watchers. More than1.3 million people participate in birdwatching near their homes; more than

642,000 watch birds on trips throughoutthe state; and more than 90 percent saythey are interested in observing birds inthe outdoors. Now they will have accessto bird lists for state parks and historicsites in a user friendly format.

While SPARKS will undoubtedlyheighten interest in Missouri’s birdspecies, it will also contribute to thenational effort to track bird populationtrends. Missouri supports 167 species ofbreeding birds or 22 percent of thenational total. The data collectedthrough the SPARKS program will beshared with the Cornell Lab of Ornithol-ogy, the organization that managesnational bird data. The work accom-plished in Missouri will contribute todeveloping a better understanding ofbird populations and contribute tonational conservation efforts.

Some information on birds in state

parks has already been developed butthis new effort will enhance that infor-mation. For 2007, the focus will be onthe following parks: Castlewood,Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-ConfluencePoint, Hawn, Prairie, Cuivre River, Roar-ing River, Rock Bridge Memorial, Thou-sand Hills, Van Meter and Weston Bendstate parks.

I hope that users of these new check-lists will be as pleased as we are with thisnew partnership and the departmentlooks forward to continued cooperationin the future.

To access the SPARKS data online, goto www.mostateparks.com/sparks.htmor www.mobirds.org. For more infor-mation on state parks and historic sites,visit www.mostateparks.com.

Doyle ChildersDirector, DNR

New Partnership SPARKS Interest Of Bird LoversDepartment f Natural Resources, Audubon Society f Missouri Launch Educational Initiative

AGENCY NEWS

A unique partnership between CFM and Jim Rathert has begun. You can buy fantastic images ofMissouri wildlife, caught in the act of living, by renowned photographer Jim Rathert.

Best of all, each of these vivid slices of Missouri wildlife will greatly benefit CFM. The cards are soldonly in high-quality sets of 12. There are 3 copies of each of the 4 images in every set (whitetail buck,greater prairie chicken, belted kingfisher, eastern bluebird). Each card is 5 x 7 with a full color photoon the front, a nature note by Jim with our CFM logo, mission statement and contact information onthe back and plenty of space for your message on the inside. High quality, matched envelopes accom-pany each card.

Please order your cards today! We are certain you will enjoy sending them as much as your friendswill enjoy receiving them. A dozen cards are yours for only $19. If you order 3 or more sets, you payonly $16 per set. Prices include shipping and handling. To buy cards, use the form below, call (800) 575-2322 or go to www.confedmo.org. Mail your payment to 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________ State: ______________ Zipcode:_____________

Quantity (# of sets): _________ Total Price: ________________ ❑ Check ❑ Cash

❑ Credit Card ~ Card #: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________

Beautiful CFM Notecards For Sale!

O O

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 9

The start of a New Year brings tomind the tradition of settingNew Year’s resolutions. Promis-es often made only unto our-

selves that set forth a course of action, ordescribe a desired outcome. The NewYear is also a time to reflect on theaccomplishments of the last 12 months.

The staff of the Department of Con-servation and our many partners,including CFM, had much to be proudof during the 12 months of 2006.

• The Share the Harvest program sawmore than one-quarter millionpounds of venison donated toneedy Missourians;

• The fully implemented Telechecksystem allowed biologists to havesummarized harvest data instantly,allowed conservation agents toemploy new, innovative ways toinvestigate violations and savedhunters more than 200,00 gallons ofcostly gasoline;

• The 3,000th Stream Team wasadded, making this program one ofthe most successful volunteer citi-zen conservation efforts in ourstate;

• Missouri’s Comprehensive WildlifeStrategy was approved and imple-mentation was initiated;

• Deer hunting regulation changesexpanded antlerless deer harvestopportunity and improved our abil-ity to manage deer numbers;

• Catch and release trout fishingopportunities were expanded;

• Improved habitat for quail andgrassland songbirds was put in placeon over 10,700 acres of private land;

• And, with the help of more than2,200 volunteer instructorsMissouri Hunter Educationcelebrated its 50th Anniver-sary and graduated theone millionth student!

You might be wonder-ing what’s the tie-in withresolutions? Well, eachaccomplishmentdescribed abovewas, at some time,supported by aresolution—a CFM resolution that is.

Each year the Conservation Federa-tion uses the resolutions process to pro-vide input on conservation programsand potential actions. The Departmentof Conservation receives, and formallyresponds to, resolutions passed by CFMmembers at their annual spring meeting.

The CFM resolution process is acritical communication tool. The manyCFM committees, such as the ArcheryCommittee or the Natural History andWetlands Committee, provide a linkfor citizen-conservationists to conveytheir priorities to the Department ofConservation. It is equally as critical atool for MDC, as we learn what is onthe minds of the many conservationorganizations that form the CFMumbrella.

And often the resolution serves as thespark that initiates action.

Ultimately it may be the Departmentof Conservation that receives credit forthe action or program. MDC oncereceived a resolution passed by the Mis-souri Legislature applauding the estab-lishment of the youth deer and turkey

seasons. And MDC had a LOT to dowith putting these seasons in place.

But guess where the conceptgot its legs—through CFM

committees.So this March, at the

CFM annual meeting, weanticipate the commit-

tees will continue toprovide MDC with

their vision forconservationaction. By

working in partnership we can alwaysmake far greater strides than workingalone.

LENDING HELPING HANDSThe ice storms that plagued Missouri

the middle of January wreaked havoc onboth wildlife and people. GovernorBlunt declared a state emergency in sev-eral Missouri Counties. MDC had 30+staff assisting with cleanup in Greene,Dallas and Laclede Counties in the firsttwo days after the storm hit. Additionalrequests for assistance in other parts ofMissouri were quick to follow.

MDC coordinated our responsethrough the State Emergency Manage-ment Agency. In total 148 MDC staffresponded to SEMA requests. Staff whohelped during this emergency weregiven the following guidance; “Be pre-pared to be self contained for a two dayassignment, with adequate fuel, food,clothes and a sleeping bag. We will tryto arrange for hotel rooms, but no guar-antees, so you may be sleeping in a firehouse.” Despite the less than ideal con-ditions MDC staff were more than will-

ing to pitch in to help those citizens inneed.

The primary role MDC staff playedwas opening up rural roads that hadnumerous trees across them. The fallentrees both blocked traffic and entangledpower lines. Utility companies could notget “in” to restore power and peoplecould not get “out”. The power outagesand blocked roads not only threatenedpeople but also livestock. With powerout to the pumps that run the wellswatering systems not functioning andmany livestock producers were facingserious problems.

While most Missourians have nowrecovered from the storm, trees, espe-cially those in urban areas, have not.Caring for damaged tress requires pro-fessional advice. The MDC web sitewww.mdc.mo.gov is featuring informa-tion, developed by MDC foresters thatguide you through proper tree care.Remember, safety should be your firstconcern as damaged tress are often atangled mess of stored energy. Also onthe web site you can find tree plantingand seedling care tips along with theMDC seedling order form.

The George O. White state nurseryproduces millions of seedlings, andoffers Missouri residents a variety ofseedlings bundles for reforestation,windbreaks, erosion control, as well aswildlife food and cover. Consider mak-ing tree planting a family event, thenyears from now you can all recall andenjoy the many memories.

John HoskinsDirector, MDC

Now Therefore Let It Be Resolved...Many Department f Conservation Accomplishments Mirror CFM Resolutions

AGENCY NEWS

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O

1 0 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

International experiences are notlimited to study abroad programsfor students in the School of Nat-ural Resources. Research sends

faculty around the globe, as well.Associate Professor of Fisheries and

Wildlife, Dr. Matthew Gompper tookadvantage of inter-national researchopportunities andestablished a proj-ect in India.

“I have aresearch programthat seeks to betterunderstand theecology and con-

servation issues of carnivores that arefound worldwide,” said Gompper. “Inparticular, we know very little aboutthe carnivores of Indo-Asia, so this hasbeen one of my central research focifor the past several years.”

This project seeks to improveunderstanding of the spread of dis-eases among diverse carnivore species,as well as the ecology, evolution andconservation of those species. Gomp-per and Ph. D. student Abi TamimVanak are most interested in the rela-tionship between the foxes and largercanines, especially domestic dogs,which are extremely abundantthroughout India. “We’re interested inhow the dogs are relating to otherwildlife,” said Gompper. They havealready determined that the feral dogsare out-competing the foxes for someresources and contribute to the spreadof diseases.

“Foxes get the same diseases dogsget,” he said. “Diseases moving fromone population to the next can have ahuge impact.”

Populations of feral dogs are only

increasing in India. “Their only preda-tors are leopards, and possibly wolves,”Gompper said.

This research should provide someinsight on the impact of feral dogs onwildlife and provide the necessary

baseline data for future populationmanagement practices to control feraldogs. The later scenario will be diffi-cult, however, as feral dogs are used tobeing around humans, he said. “Manyof these are working dogs that werebred to assist pastoralists. They arenot deliberately released, but ratherwere never fully constrained and thusrange throughout protected areas thatare adjacent to areas where livestockare grazed.”

Much of this research occurs in andaround the Great Indian BustardWildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra. Itis the largest protected habitat area inIndia. Gompper is optimistic aboutthe future of this research as well asadditional projects, possibly incorpo-rating wolves. “I have wonderful Indi-an collaborators, and there are somany other interesting species in thepark,” he said.

Christine Tew

Research Without Borders

SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Researchers collect data in the field with assistance from a wildlife veterinarian.

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Will you join today to help us conserve our natural resources for tomorrow?

Check the member category you prefer:❑ $20–Individual ❑ $15–Student ❑ $30–Family ❑ $100–Corporate ❑ $1000–Lifetime

Please mail this application with your membership dues to:Conservation Federation of Missouri728 West MainJefferson City, MO 65101-1559

If you have any questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.com.

Name __________________________________________________________________

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Reduce • Reuse • Recycle

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Low in fat, cholesterol and calories.Steaks, Roast, Burger. State Inspected.

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The National Natural ScienceFoundation of China andInternational Association forLandscape Ecology sponsored

a comprehensive workshop on ForestLandscape Models (www.usiale.org) inBeijing, China. More than 70 scientistsand students attended the workshopfrom June 20-24, 2006. The event washosted by Hong He of the University ofMissouri and researchers from the Insti-tute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Acade-my of Sciences.

The workshop brought togetherworld experts to evaluate the history anddevelopment of forest landscape mod-els, application of forest landscape mod-els, and new analytical methods that areneeded. New challenges, particularly forAsian forestry, were also an importanttopic. This workshop allowed forestlandscape modelers in Asia to demon-strate achievements and discuss the chal-lenges they face. Bringing togethermodel developers and users with diversesocial and cultural backgrounds facili-tated the exchange of ideas and worked

to advance the science of forest land-scape models. The workshop alsoallowed world experts to share theirexpertise and understand the forestmanagement questions unique to Asia.

Dr. David Larsen from the School ofNatural Resources and Drs. Steve Shifleyand Frank Thompson from U.S. ForestService North Central Research Stationwere heavily involved in the planning

and organizing of this workshop. TheSchool of Natural Resources Depart-ment of Forestry at the University ofMissouri had strong representation atthis workshop. Dr. Richard Guyette,research professor, Dr. Jian Yang, post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Zhaofei Fan,research associate, and Mike Stambaugh,research specialist presented at theworkshop.

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 1

International CollaborationSNR Faculty Share Data, Technology With Researchers Across The Globe

SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Workshop attendees visited the Beijing Botanical Garden and Chinese Academy of Forestry.

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Informal exchanges among participants were frequent during workshop tea breaks.

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NominatingCommittee

ReportsCandidates

TheNominatingCommittee of theConservationFederation ofMissouri recently con-vened to consider candi-dates for vacancies on theExecutive Committee, At-Large Elected Board ofDirectors and as delegatesand alternate delegate tothe National WildlifeFederation.

The NominatingCommittee’s slate of candi-dates, to be up for electionat the Annual Conventionin March, is as follows:

Executive CommitteeRichard Ash, Jr., SaintCharlesStephen Bradford,

Cape GirardeauMatt Morgan, Springfield

National Wildlife FederationAlbert Phillips, Saint Louis,

delegateDon Johnson, Festus,

alternate

At-Large Elected Board of DirectorsMarvin Behnke,

Saint LouisJim Blair, Saint LouisGerry Boehm, Saint CharlesStephen Bradford,

Cape GirardeauOrlin Browning, AuroraRon Coleman, Saint AlbansJim Crews, Saint LouisAllan Hoover, Pleasant HillTom Karl, FarmingtonDuane Kelly, IndependenceMarty King, University CityJohn Knudsen, HermannArnold Meysenburg,

Lee's SummitMatt Morgan, SpringfieldCharley Ponciroli,

BrentwoodWinnie Runge Stribling,

MexicoDennis Stubbs, Festus

1 2 M A R C H 2 0 0 71 2 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

If there’s such a thing as reincarna-tion, Steve Bost will come back asa tree. Not any old tree. But anOzark Chinquapin (pronounced

and also spelled chinkapin).Never heard of it? Neither has any-

one else, according to Bost.“It’s part of the largest mass extinc-

tion of trees in American history. Andnobody knows anything about it.”

We’re at Bost’s country home on theoutskirts of Poplar Bluff. It’shis day off as naturalist atMontauk State Park. Butafter an hour or two orthree with him, you knowBost is probably never offif the topic is the OzarkChinquapin.

“The reason I’minterested is, it’s some-thing we have nearlylost. These trees areteetering on the edgeright now. And ifsomebody doesn’t dosomething about it,we’re going to lose whatfew surviving trees wehave.”

It’s early fall. A low sun ric-ochets orange and russet off anearby patch of oaks and hickories.Bost leads us to a clearing in his back-yard. Fenced and tagged with identifi-cation ribbons, a few chinquapinseedlings and transplanted saplingsgrind photons and minerals into cellu-lose. Waking the afternoon air, Bostunleashes a mighty wind of facts aboutthe state-imperiled species.

“The chestnut blight jumpedspecies and killed off most of the chin-quapins by the 1960s... Probably thesweetest nut you’ll ever eat…It’sincredible how long the wood willlast...The chinquapin was a dominantspecies in its range.”

For the last two years, Bost hasroamed that range on his own dime.He’s tracked down blight-resistanttrees in Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas,Oklahoma and Mississippi. Like aproud father, Bost shows off one ofseven lucky survivors that continues tobeat the odds.

“There’s a state champion chin-quapin in Arkansas. It’s the grandnational surviving champion. It wasthe daddy, or momma, of this little treeyou’re lookin at here.”

To find other daddies and mommas,Bost researched the chinquapin’s his-torical range. He dusted off old treebooks in libraries at State Universitiesin Alabama, Texas and Missouri andpestered librarians, quietly, in countylibraries for historic articles, docu-ments and topo maps.

“Some of the books were so old theywere in vaults,” Bost says.

Not in a vault was the brain ofTim Smith, Resource Scientist

at the Missouri Departmentof Conservation. Smith

gave Bost a tip wherechinquapins might still

be hiding in Mis-souri. Bost alsolooked up champi-on chinquapins inother states. Loca-tions in mind, hopein hand, he hit theroad. He foundmore than resistanttrees on his jour-neys.

“I met andbecame friends withsome exceptionalpeople along theway. Something I

hadn’t counted on.”Something he did count on was the

science of botany as it relates to thespread of pathogens.

Resistance Is Mostly FutileSeventy five years ago, nearly one

out of four trees east of the Mississippiwas an American Chestnut. In the late19th century, a visitor from Asia land-ed in New York and changed all that.

No one knows who imported thefirst Chinese Chestnut to the U.S.Whoever it was, also filled out a greencard for the fungus it carried—theChestnut blight. The Chinese Chest-nut was resistant to the fungus. Unfor-tunately its cousin, the AmericanChestnut, was not.

By the 1950s, the blighthad about finished its workdecimating the easternforests. It killed 99% ofAmerican Chestnuts—almost 4 billion trees. Bostestimates the blight thenkilled about the same percent-age of Ozark Chinquapins.

“It attacks the bark with a growthsort of like a tumor. Once it complete-ly girdles the tree, that’s it.”

The Ozark Chinquapin thoughresists the blight more than the Ameri-can Chestnut. A blighted chinquapincan hang on for four to six years. Thenthe trunk falls over, leaving a stump.Sprouts often grow from thestump. But they’re blighted too,shooting up then dying backbefore they produce nuts. Nonuts, no seeds for the next gen-eration.

Bost says he was told by many folksthat he was wasting his time lookingfor live, blight-resistant trees. As far asnuts, he was beginning to think maybehe was.

“Everyone told me all those trees areall gone.” However, like Billy Crystalsays of the dead hero in The PrincessBride, he’s only mostly gone. The keypoint is most.

“It’s very rare in the natural worldfor a disease to kill everything. If youcan find a tree that isn’t a stumpsprout, that grew up from a seed, it’snot a die-back sprout. To get to thatsize, it has to have some kind of inher-ent resistance. I’m trying to find thoseresistors.”

Bost has found a handful of trees sofar he believes are resistors. He deter-mines their resistance by asking him-self…” one of two things: Is this treethis size because it has natural resist-ance to the blight or is it this sizebecause it has been isolated from theblight?”

If a tree is close to a blighted chin-quapin, it answers the first part of thequestion yes.

Resistance is then graded using theAmerican Chestnut Foundation’s pro-tocol: trees are given a one to five num-ber, (five being most resistant) reflecting

theirresistance to theblight.

He estimatesthere are maybe

seventy of these lone-some brethren scat-tered around a four-state

range. Leaving those fewtrees, their seed, and a spin

of the wheel as keep-ers of thespeciesgenome.

Unless,Bost says, people

pitch in tohelp.

Stepping Up ToThe Plate

Bost has sprouted sixty resistantseeds. When they grow to seedlings,he’s giving them to a dozen landown-ers—including Missouri’s largest pri-vate landowner, Pioneer Forest— will-ing to provide test plots.

“Without the help of these folks, wewouldn’t be able to do anything. Allkinds of individuals have stepped for-ward to help save this tree.”

Some of the techniques and strate-gies that Bost and his volunteers willlook at are:

• Growing trees with varyingdegrees of resistance at different loca-tions. This will help determine whatlevel of resistant tree grows best on aspecific land type.

• Applying mudpacks. This is atechnique which stops the blight onAmerican Chestnuts. A mudpackapplication can heal a tumor in about ayear and half and allow a tree to startgrowing again. Bost says there are twodownsides to mudpacks. “The blightcan re-infect the tree at another site onthe tree and mudpacks are really notpractical for a whole forest.”

• Hypo-virulence. There’s another

Out On A LimbAn Enthusiast And The Tree He’s Trying To Save

The American Chestnut Foundationis another player in this story. TheirOzark Initiative is being coordinated bySkip Mourglia, Southwest MissouriResource Conservation and Develop-ment, Republic, MO, and Gerry Cormi-er, Cabot, AR. The Initiative’s goal is tobreed resistance into the Ozark Chin-quapin by crossing it with the ChineseChestnut to create a blight-resistant

hybrid. This is the same process usedto breed resistance genes into theAmerican Chestnut.

Mourglia, a forester with the NaturalResources Conservation Service(NRCS), also owns a Barry County treefarm where the official Missouri statechampion Ozark Chinquapin resides.She gave seeds she gathered from thistree, as well as another Chinquapin she

found on the Mark Twain NationalForest, to Forest Keeling nursery in2005.

The nursery in turn is growingseedlings using a root development sys-tem known as RPM (Root ProductionMethod). This system produces con-tainer trees with a well-developed rootsystem.

Mourglia and researchers with the

University of Missouri, and MissouriState University recently landed a grantfrom the Northern Nut Growers Asso-ciation to set up three research plant-ings of RPM trees. Two of these plant-ings will test grafting OzarkChinquapins onto Chinese Chestnuts.

Mourglia can be reached at 417-732-6485.

fungus which feeds on the blight fun-gus. While it doesn’t kill the blightcompletely, it does keep it in check,allowing an infected tree to grow. Bostsays this happens to some trees in thewild. “We’re going to experiment withthis hypo-virulent fungus on some ofour test plots. It’s already in nature sowe don’t have to worry about it escap-ing.”

Growing resistant trees is one thing.Nursing blighted trees is another.Sharpening genetically resistanttraits, and conferring them tofuture generations, is a thirdtactic, possibly one with thebest long-term chance ofsuccess.

Way before Mendelstarted fooling aroundwith peas, folks have fid-dled with selectivebreeding. Many vari-eties of dogs, horsesand apples, notto mentionbottles ofcabernet, arethe result ofselective breed-ing. The purposefultree grafter follows a well-worn path. Bost and his volunteers aretrailing two leads.

Sometimes You Feel Like A NutGet a nut from a resistant tree. Let

it sprout. Cut off the sprouting root.Slice a little part off the nut where the

root was. Snip a twig—10” or so—from another resistant tree, preferablyfrom another location. Graft twig tonotch you just cut into nut. Plant.

A third of the time, this combo canproduce pollen in one year. Not the 4-6 years it takes for seedlings to natural-ly mature and produce pollen. Tree

grafters say this procedure—nut grafting—works about

three-fourths of the time.The pollen produced

by this assemblage willbe blight resistant. The

question then is, howto branch out andfind an attractive,blight resistant, mate,with a solid pedigree.

But isn’t thatalways the case?

Bag ManAs you’ll undoubtedly

remember from highschool biology class, half of

your genes come from yourmom, half from your dad. Trees

are no different If a flower on a resistant tree hooks

up with pollen from a non-resistanttree, the blight-resistance of the proge-ny of that union could be as much ashalf of that as the original resistanttree. Over time, in the wild, thisprocess repeats until the resistant geneis dilute as cheap beer. That’s why guyslike Bost invest in plastic bags and twistties.

“You shake pollen from male flow-ers into a bag, find female flowers fromanother tree, place the bag over theflower, tie it with a twistie. Next fall,you go back to the bag. The nutsthere will both have resistantparents.”

Bost smiles for amoment. He’s thinkingabout his other passion,baseball

“Next thing youknow, you’re slidinginto home.”

Full CircleSeven years

ago, Bost knewnothing about chin-quapins. Then hemade the acquaintance ofHarold Adams. The two met whenthey camped next to each other on theCurrent River one summer. Adams,87, told him about this tree that usedto be a staple of the Ozarks. Said hehad not seen one since the 1940s. Buthe remembered them like it was yester-day.

“The nuts were so plentiful wescooped em up with blade shovels andloaded them into wagons” Adamsrecalls. “But in the ’50s and ’60s all ofthe trees started dying and now theyare all gone.”

Bost and Adams bumped into eachother at the same spot every year.Every year, the conversation turned tothe disappeared trees. Like a piece of

driftwood caughtup in a Mississippi

whirlpool, Bostslowly got sucked

into a vortex of allthings chinquapin.Watching Bost thumb

through a huge notebookof maps, facts and photos athis kitchen table, it’s easy to

conclude that ideas canbe like trees. Theyboth can grow bigfrom a tiny seed.

Harold Adamsplanted a seed in

his friend’s head.The seed grew. Bost cannow tell his friend that

all the chinquapinsaren’t gone. In fact, some may be com-ing soon to the place where the originalidea germinated.

“Pioneer Forest is making test plotsavailable near where we still camp onthe Current River,” Bost says, “Andthere, right by where Harold hunts,there will be some chinquapins.”

Reincarnation. It’s not just for peo-ple anymore.

Phil HelfrichCommunity Outreach Specialist,

MDC

All drawings by A.J. Henderschott, MDC Outreach &

Education Regional Supervisor

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 3

Others “Root” For Ozark Chinquapin

Check out Bost and the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation online athttp://www.ozarkchinquapin.com

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CONFERENCE-AT-A-GLANCEFRIDAY, MARCH 16 SATURDAY, MARCH 17 SUNDAY, MARCH 18

1:00 - 7:00 pm Registration Open 12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch break (on your own) 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast (on your own)

3:00 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting 1:30 - 2:30 pm Resolutions Committee Meeting 8:30 am Resolutions General Session

5:00 - 7:30 pm Dinner Break (on your own)

1:30 - 2:30 pm

7:30 - 9:00 pmAnnual Conservation AwardsCeremony

2:30 - 3:30 pmOperation Game Thief CommitteeMeeting

2:30 - 4:00 pmMissouri Outdoors CommunicationMeeting

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 4:00 - 5:00 pmAnnual Business Meeting ofDelegates

8:00 - 8:45 am Plenary Session

5:30 - 7:00 pm

7:00 - 8:00 pm

8:30 pm

Social Hour & Silent Auction

Banquet

Live Auction9:00 - 12:30 pm Resource Committee Meetings

10:00 - 5:00 pm Exhibits Open

REGISTRATION FORM (clip & mail)

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ACCOMMODATIONSLodging arrangements must be made directly with the Lodge of Four Seasons (573) 365-3000 or (800) 843-5253.Room rates are $70/night for single or double occupancy while room block lasts.

2007 Awards Ceremony is sponsored byBass Pro Shops

(#1) Member Pkg - All sessions, Awards Ceremony,Access to exhibits/silent auction. (#2) One-day Member Pkg - All Daily Sessions,Access to exhibits/silent auction.(#3) Non Member Pkg - All sessions, AwardsCeremony, Access to exhibits/silent auction, One-year CFM Membership.(#4) Non Member One-Day Pkg All Daily Sessions,Access to exhibits/silent auction, and One-yearCFM Membership.

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(#1) Member $20.00/person $

(#2) One-day Member $10.00/person $

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Banquet $40.00/person $

Total Registration: $

SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY PROGRAMS

7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast (on your own)

12:00 pm Adjourn

Mail Registration To:

CFM728 West Main StreetJefferson City, MO 65101

Subject to change

Come Home To Conservation71st CFM Annual Conference - REGISTER NOW!

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Conservation Awards Ceremony Policy DiscussionsHear Natural Resource Committee Reports Meet Conservation & Natural Resource LeadersTeaming With Wildlife Rally Banquet Auction

1 4 M A R C H 2 0 0 7

Missouri Legislative Sportsman's Caucu ss Panel Di cussion

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 5

AFFILIATE EVENTSCAPITAL CITY FLY FISHERSMAR 1: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospi-tal – Conference Room C201, Columbia(3:00pm)MAR 1: Winter Fly Tying, Runge NatureCenter, Jefferson City (6:00pm-8:00pm)MAR 1: Trout Season OpensMAR 8: Winter Fly Trying, Runge NatureCenter, Jefferson City (6:00pm-8:00pm)MAR 13: Club Meeting, Runge Nature Cen-ter, Jefferson City (7:00pm)MAR 15: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospi-tal – Conference Room C201, Columbia(3:00pm)MAR 15: Winter Fly Tying, Runge NatureCenter, Jefferson City (6:00pm-8:00pm)MAR 22: Winter Fly Tying, Runge NatureCenter, Jefferson City (6:00pm-8:00pm)MAR 24: Spring Banquet, Donita’s Cater-ing, Jefferson City (6:00pm)MAR 28: Hooked on Fly Fishing Not Drugs,South Callaway R-II Middle School,Mokane (3:00pm) APR 5: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital– Conference Room C201, Columbia(3:00pm)APR 10: Club Meeting, Runge Nature Cen-ter, Jefferson City (7:00pm)APR 13-14: Women in the Outdoors Work-shop, Squaw Creek National Wildlife AreaAPR 14: Stream Team 760 Outing, SalineValley Wildlife AreaAPR 19: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospi-tal – Conference Room C201, Columbia(3:00pm)APR 25: Hooked on Fly Fishing Not Drugs,South Callaway R-II Middle School,Mokane (3:00pm)

MISSOURI BASS FEDERATIONMAR 1: Spring Newsletter DeadlineMAR 31: Federation Directors Meeting,Shrine Club, HermitageAPR 1: Spring Fling Tournament, Pomme deTerre LakeAPR 1: State Tournament Eligibility Dead-line

MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITEDMAR 2: Fenton Chapter 2nd Annual Dinner,Fenton; Brian Kalkbrenner (636) 795-1006MAR 3: Higginsville Dinner, AmericanLegion Hall, Higginsville; Shawn Davenport(660) 584-7376MAR 3: Christian County Dinner; Brad Wat-son (417) 761-4552MAR 3: Centralia Dinner; Tim Carpenter(573) 696-3012MAR 3: Mideast Missouri Chapter Dinner,Festus National Guard Armory, Festus;Kerry Portell (636) 933-3611MAR 3: Washington Dinner, Knights ofColumbus Hall, Washington; Kevin Krause(636) 239-4768MAR 3: Ten Mile Pond Chapter Event, EastPrairie; Craig Owens (573) 683-1284MAR 9: Parsons Creek Fun Night, MeadvilleCommunity Center, Meadville; Darrell Clark(660) 938-4331MAR 9: Callaway County, Saint PetersChurch Multipurpose Building; Bruce Car-penter (573) 642-9513

MAR 10: Rolla Dinner, Elks Lodge, Rolla;Stephen Turner (573) 364-3755MAR 10: Yellow Creek Texas Hold’em Tour-nament, Eagles Lodge, Brookfield; Jeff Hill(660) 258-2391MAR 10: Platte City Dinner; Rod Howard(816) 420-8669MAR 15: Chillicothe Dinner; Scott Englert(660) 646-0740MAR 17: Cameron Dinner; Keith Mathews(816) 724-1357MAR 17: Independence Dinner, The Com-munity Room – Country Meadows AntiqueMall; Bob Cole (816) 478-8395MAR 17: Greenheads Dinner, Hidden TrailsCountry Club, Dexter; Mark Reed (573)568-4433MAR 23-25: MODU State Convention,Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake Ozark;Ginny Zinck (660) 460-0031MAR 31: Golden Valley Dinner, RotaryBuilding, Clinton; Eric Finks (660) 885-3990MAR 31: Bluff City Mallards Dinner, Holi-day Inn, Poplar Bluff; Bill Paxton (573)429-5193APR 7: Ray County Dinner, Ray CountyMemorial Veterans Building; Scott Ander-son (660) 229-0695APR 14: Monroe City Dinner; David Willis(573) 672-3389APR 14: Excelsior Springs Dinner; RickdeFlon (816) 750-4497APR 14: Neosho Dinner; Kevin Bartley(417) 451-1501APR 21: Mexico Dinner, Knights of Colum-bus Hall, Mexico; Carolyn Dragoo (573)581-4614

MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

FUNDRAISING BANQUETSMAR 2: Lake of the Ozarks NWTF Chapter,Tri County Conversion Center, Versailles;Mark Stafford (573) 378-0435MAR 2: Rocky Top Limbhangers, WestPlains Armory, West Plains; Brad McKee(417) 778-6862MAR 3: Heartland Gobblers, Elks Lodge,Poplar Bluff; Timothy Placher (573) 222-6365MAR 3: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies,Hickory County Senior Center, Wheatland;David Wright (417) 722-4488MAR 3: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMOFairgrounds, Kirksville; Tim Findling (660)488-6657MAR 3: Osage Prairie Thunderin’ Toms,Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Bruce Rogers (417)876-2521MAR 3: Platte Purchase, American LegionHall, Saint Joseph; Martin Marks (660)442-5332MAR 8: Current River Longbeards, VanBuren Community Center, Van Buren; DaleKipp (573) 945-2472MAR 9: Booger County Gobblers, Ava Com-munity Building, Ava; Stan Lovan (417)683-5218MAR 9: Cedar Creek Gobblers, Orleans TrailResort, Stockton; Walter Meeker (417)276-3241MAR 9: Hocomo Big Beards, Saint JosephHall, Fayette; Gene Smith (660) 248-5191

MAR 9: Marais-des Cygnes River Gobblers,Butler Youth Center, Butler; JesseSchowengerdt (660) 679-6555MAR 10: Capitol City Strutters, WardsvilleLion s Club, Wardsville; Lee Wilbers (573)893-7770MAR 10: Carroll County Longbeards, RupeCenter, Carrollton; Rob Casner (660) 542-1733MAR 10: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs,Potosi Lions Club, Potosi; Johnny LaGrand(573) 438-6880MAR 10: Sho-Me Chapter, Bass Pro OutdoorWorld, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417)839-6366MAR 16: Muddy Creek Gobblers, ThiebaudAuditorium, Lamar; Judd Chestnut (417)682-3767MAR 16: Nolan R. Hutcheson Memorial;Golden Hills Trail Rides, Raymondville;Mike O’Brien (573) 674-4044MAR 16: Stealth Gobblers, Johnson CountyFairgrounds, Warrensburg; Philip Woods(660) 747-8415MAR 16: Yellow Creek Gobblers, WalsworthCommunity Building, Marceline; Ken Pol-ley (660) 258-5340MAR 17: Fabius River Fantails, Knights ofColumbus Hall, Edina; April Bruegen-hemke (660) 423-5327MAR 17: Jacomo Strutters, AmericanLegion Hall, Blue Springs; Norbert Kurok(816) 540-3669MAR 17: Moniteau Monarchs, JamestownCommunity Building, Jamestown; MichaelHubbard (573) 796-8696MAR 17: River Hills Thunderin’ Long-beards, Knights of Columbus Hall,Bloomsdale; Dave Palmer (573) 883-2315MAR 23: Fountain City Strutters, ElksLodge, DeSoto; Jeremy Gilbert (636) 586-2276MAR 23: Reynolds County Struttin’ Gob-blers, VFW Hall, Ellington; Gary Black(573) 637-9344MAR 23: Twain’s Roaring Gobblers, FamilyLife Center, Cassville; Richard Murphy(417) 817-4272MAR 24: Big River Gobblers, Knights ofColumbus Hall, House Springs; RichardChristopher (636) 861-5418MAR 24: Boonslick Trial Gobblers, Jones-burg Community Building, Jonesburg; DanRobb (800) 811-0991MAR 24: Lead Belt Longbeards, Saint PaulLuthern Church, Farmington; John Spurgin(573) 431-5865MAR 24: NEMO Chapter, American LegionHall, Palmyra; Dan Minor (573) 822-4779MAR 24: Salt River Sharp Spurs, FatherBuhman Center; Shelbina; Chris Coe (573)588-4060MAR 30: Marshfield Full Strutters, Sheila’sPlace, Marshfield; Dale Broesder (417)859-6129MAR 30: Pike County Twin Rivers, ElksLodge, Louisiana; Timothy Brooks (573)324-3201MAR 31: Four Rivers, Immaculate Concep-tion, Union; David Douglas (636) 583-7740MAR 31: North Central Mo Local, ElksLodge, Chillicothe; Bill Wehrle (660) 646-4362MAR 31: Randolph County Longbeards,Moberly Municipal Auditorium, Moberly;Jason Shannon (660) 291-4724APR 3: Mid-America Chapter, Ararat ShrineTemple, Kansas City; John Shene (816)

741-6234APR 6: Twin Lake Longspurs, Smith’sRestaurant, Bolivar; Justin Hunt (417)282-5298APR 7: Saline County Strutters, SalineCounty Fairgrounds, Marshall; Brent Van-deloecht (660) 375-1109APR 7: Turkey Creek Longbeards, ElksLodge, Joplin; Chuck Forest (417) 781-4720APR 7: Weldon River Broken Spurs, SeimerBanquet Hall, Mercer; Jason Siemer (660)748-4710APR 13: Liberty Limbhangers, VFW Hall,Liberty; Clint Schmitter (816) 222-4056APR 13: Osage Gobblers, Loose Creek Com-munity Center, Loose Creek; Jennifer Bat-son (573) 897-3797APR 14: Green Hills, The Rock Barn, Tren-ton; Scott Roy (660) 359-3399APR 14: Lake Area Longbeards, Knights ofColumbus Hall, Camdenton; Charles McE-lyea (573) 346-7231APR 14: State Fair Strutters, M.E.C. Build-ing, Sedalia; Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758APR 21: Gentry County Gobblers, StanberryCommunity Center, Stanberry; Tim Runde(660) 937-2580APR 28: Lake Show-Me Longbeards, VFWHall, Memphis; Dorsey Swearingen (660)892-4596

JAKES EVENTSMAR 24: Rhine Valley, Hermann Rod andGun Club, Hermann; Donnie Viehmann(573) 486-0545

WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTSMAR 24: Grindstone Boss Hens Event, PonyExpress Conservation Area, Osborn; WendyCochran (816) 449-5427MAR 30: Platte County Event, CampGieger, Saint Joseph; Sherry Hill (816)992-3650MAR 31: Bass Pro Mid-State Event, BassPro Shops, Columbia; Tammy Ballew (573)864-3014APR 14: Squaw Creek National Event,Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge,Forrest City; Kathy Kunkel (660) 442-3923

MISSOURI PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATIONMAR 6-9: MPRA Annual Conference,SpringfieldMAR 27-29: National Playground SafetyInstitute, Saint Charles; Maria Cauwen-bergh (573) 636-3828

MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCEMAR 10: 3rd Annual Bronzeback Banquet

OZARK MOUNTAIN PADDLERSMAR 8: Monthly Meeting, SpringfieldNature Center (7:00pm)Monthly Meeting, Springfield Nature Cen-

ter (7:00pm)

FESTIVAL EVENTSMAR 29-31: Great Lake of the OzarksGospel Sing, Osage Beach (800) 386-5253

CFM EVENTSJAN 6: CFM Board Meeting, Bass ProShops, Columbia; (800) 575-2322MAR 16-18, 2007: CFM Annual Convention,Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark (800)575-2322

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

If there are any errors in your name andaddress, 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

CALENDAR There’s so much happening, we neededmore room! See page 15 for event listings.

Last November, the MissouriDepartment of NaturalResources announced the TireDump Roundup program. Since

then, 48 sites, containing more than103,000 tires, have qualified to be cleanedup at no charge to the property owners.

The department is offering all Mis-souri private property owners theopportunity to report illegal scrap tiredumps on their property, so they can beremoved. In order to qualify for theprogram, the scrap tire dump mustcontain more than 500, but less than

10,000 tires. The owner must also sign aproperty access agreement. This agree-ment also requires that if the propertyowner violates the solid waste manage-ment law in the future, the departmentcan proceed with assessing penaltiesand cost recovery for the incident.Active businesses and property ownerswho have participated in prior cleanupinitiatives are not eligible for the pro-gram.

“I’m very encouraged by the responsewe’ve received over the past threemonths,” said Department Director

Doyle Childers. “By removing the obsta-cle of cost recovery, we can get these sitescleaned up and rid Missouri’s environ-ment of these tires.”

The department will continue towork with solid waste districts and not-for-profit citizens groups in cleaning updumps that contain less than 500 tires.

The Tire Dump Roundup is fundedfrom the state’s 50-cent-per-tire tire fee.More than 14 million tires across Mis-souri have been cleaned up with thefunds from this fee. DNR estimates thataround 350,000 tires remain scattered

across the state in known dumpsites.Illegal scrap tire dumps pose serious

environmental and health threats.Insects and rodents that grow and breedin these dumps can transmit diseases,such as the West Nile Virus. Fires at tiredumps can release hazardous substancesto the air, soil and water sources.

For more information, or to sign upfor the program, contact the depart-ment’s scrap tire unit at 1-800-361-4827or (573) 526-3909 or visit the depart-ment’s Web site www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/roundup.htm.

Do You Have Hundreds Of Tires On Your Property?Get Them Cleaned Up For Free!

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 I A T E S

Anglers of MissouriArchery Big Bucks of MissouriBig Game HuntersBridlespur Hunt ClubCapital City Fly FishersCentral Missouri Chapter Safari ClubColdwater Outing & Game PreserveEastern MO Chapter Pheasants ForeverFestus/Crystal City Conservation ClubForest Releaf of MissouriFranklin County Wildlife ClubFriends of Rockbridge Memorial State ParkGreenway NetworkHeaven’s AnglersJefferson County CoonhuntersKansas City Chapter Safari ClubKansas City WoodcarversLambert Field Rod & Gun Club

Mark Twain Area Quail UnlimitedMid Missouri Trout UnlimitedMidwest Diving CouncilMississippi County Conservation SocietyMississippi Valley Duck HuntersMississippi Valley Gun ClubMissouri Association of Meat ProcessorsMissouri Bass FederationMissouri Bow HuntersMissouri Conservation Agents AssociationMissouri Consulting Foresters AssociationMissouri Department of AgricultureMissouri Ducks Unlimited State CouncilMissouri Forest Products AssociationMissouri Parks & Recreation AssociationMissouri Parks AssociationMissouri Prairie FoundationMissouri Smallmouth Alliance

Missouri Sport Shooting AssociationMissouri State Campers AssociationMissouri State Council Quail UnlimitedMissouri Taxidermist AssociationMissouri Trappers AssociationMissouri Trout Fisherman’s AssociationMissouri Waterfowl AssociationMissouri Whitetails UnlimitedMissouri Wild Turkey FederationMissourians OutdoorsMO Chapter American Fisheries SocietyMO Chapter Soil & Water ConservationMO Hunter Education Instructor’s AssociationMO State University Student Chapter of the

Wildlife SocietyMonett Sportsman LeagueNortheast Missouri CoonhuntersNorthside Conservation Federation

Open Space CouncilOwensville HS Hunting & Fishing ClubOzark Fly FishersOzark Mountain PaddlersOzark Wilderness WaterwaysPerry County Sportsman ClubPomme De Terre Chapter MuskiesRiver Relief, Inc.Saint James Civic ClubShow-Me Clean StreamsShow-Me Missouri Back Country HorsemenSouth Side DivisionSouthwest Missouri Fly FishersTipton Farmers & Sportsman ClubUnited Bow Hunters of MissouriWecomo Sportsman ClubWild Elk Institute of MissouriWindsor Lake Rod & Gun Club