WildlifeMISSOURI

JANUARY 2010VOL. 71, NO. 1

With Governoleading the way, it wasn’t

hard to raise awareness of the role Share The Harvest plays inmanaging Missouri’s deer herdand feeding the hungry.Governor Nixon utilized media stops in six cities around the state to announce the availability of NeighborhoodAssistance Program tax creditsfor qualified donors to ShareThe Harvest. See inside formore details about Share TheHarvest and NAP credits.

Share The Harvestthe r and First

Lady

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

Wildlife January 2010Vol. 71, No. 1

MISSOURI

Missouri Wildlife is the official publica-tion of the Conservation Federation ofMissouri, Affiliate of the N ationalWildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. MainJefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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

Email • dmurphy@confedmo.orgOnline • http://www.confedmo.org

MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is pub-lished bimonthly in January , March, May ,July, September and November for sub-scribers and members of the ConservationFederation of Missouri, 728 W . Main, Jef-ferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each mem-ber’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall befor 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

Glenn ChambersMike Schallon

Duane AddlemanDan Zerr

Randy Washburn

Dave Murphy

Matt Gaunt

Amy Buechler

Micaela Haymaker

Laurie Coleman

Lynne J. Lampe

President

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Executive Director/Editor

Director ofDevelopment

Teaming WithWildlife Coordinator

Office Manager

MembershipAssociate/ Managing EditorDesign & Production

OFFICERS

STAFF

COVER: “TREED,” Gary and SethKrause with their champion coonhounds. © Glenn D. Chambers

Inside This Issue:FEATURED ARTICLES

Conservation Commision Selects Director Of MDC ........................12Prairie-Chickens Across North America............................................13DNR’s New Deputy Director: Top Flight Duck Hunter And Guide ....16CFM Convention Schedule And Application ................................20Board Of Directors Amends CFM Bylaws ....................................25State Celebrates Black Walnut Week ..........................................26Governor’s Office Helps Promote Share The Harvest ....................27Congressional Staffers Tour Aquatic Habitat Restoration Site ..........28Eagle Days Continues Through January ......................................29

NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNSView From The Stone House ..............................................................................2President’s Message ............................................................................................3Development News

Why CFM? ........................................................................................................5Teaming With Wildlife

2009—A Successful Year For Teaming With Wildlife ......................................6CFM To Award $75,000 In Mini-Grants In 2010 ............................................7

Agency News

State Parks Continue High-Caliber Service......................................................8Love Of The Woods Leads To Forestry Career ..................................................9White Bass Fishing In Table Rock Lake ..........................................................24

Calendar ................................................................................................................10News & Issues ......................................................................................................18Open Space Council

Shortfalls Affect Funding For Missouri State Parks ........................................22School Of Natural Resources

Research At SNR Is All Wet! ..........................................................................23Member Information

New Members ................................................................................................11Conservationists For Life ................................................................................19List Of Affiliates ..............................................................................................30Honorariums And Memorials ........................................................................31Affiliate Humor ..............................................................................................32

Iam becoming my ownGrandpa. As the decadesslip away and as the yearsfly by in an ever intensi-

fying blur, each momentreveals another connection tomy past. It sometimes seemsto me that memories are evenmore abundant and morevivid than are the experiencesof this day. Everythingreminds me of something thathas already happened, or of alesson once learned and sud-denly remembered.

Is there really nothing newunder the sun? Perhaps. Cer-tainly the scope of humanexperience encompasses a fargreater range of endeavor thanis possible to cram into a sin-gle lifetime. But with theaddition of each new life tothis world, the stakes areraised. There are far more ofus living at this moment thanever before in history. By thetime you read this, of course,there will be even more folksaround than there were as Iwrote these words.

At least one stalwart mem-ber of the CFM board haslong and loudly reminded usthat the only real issue we faceis human overpopulation. Butsimply because we can identify the problem, don’t befooled into believing that wecan easily solve it.

Recognizing the limitationsof our assets and matchingthese finite assets up with themany challenges we face is ourreal assignment. We are in thebusiness of recognizing andbringing to life solutions toconservation and natural

resource problems. For 75years now our path has beenthe one where solutions toproblems facing Missouri andMissourians have taken higherpriority than solutions forthose day-to-day challengesfacing CFM. May it ever be so.

As we enter the new year,and the new decade, may wealways remind ourselves thatall we have at this moment, wehave borrowed from and willpass on to those who comeafter us. Will future genera-tions of CFM leaders lookback on us with somethinglike the admiration and regardwe now hold for those whohave gone before us? Thegiants of CFM history reallyhave made a difference. Theiractions have profoundlyshaped our present world.Against all odds, we now haveabundant and healthy forests,fisheries and wildlife at thesame time and on the samelandscape with nearly twice asmany Missourians as therewere 75 years ago.

Of all Missourians, we out-doors folks must recognize

that improvisation, innova-tion, imagination and consis-tent action are required forenduring success. We havelearned that if a fish isn’tcaught with the first cast, youcast again. We have learnedthat rewards come only tothose who dare to seek them.We have learned that if onerelies only on luck, that fickleLady Luck can take her sweet

time in coming.Here’s to many more

decades of plodding, persist-ent, lasting progress for CFM!We are in for the long haul.Thanks for lending yourshoulders to the task before us.YOU are an absolutely essen-tial part of CFM. Thank you!

Dave MurphyExecutive Director, CFM

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Musings Of An Old Man?

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING

For a FREE Copy of the Magazine

Call 1-800-706-2444or

Visit our website atwww.outdoorguidemagazine.com

OutdooRGuidemagazine

We are in the business of recognizing andbringing to life solutions to conservation

and natural resource problems.

Following 30 monthsas your President, I amwriting my final solomessage to you.

It has been a wonderful,meaningful experience and apleasure to serve as YOURPresident. I will take thisopportunity to take a glanceback at some of OUR accom-plishments. These thingscould not have been accom-plished without YOUR sup-port. And for that, I THANKYOU!!!

During my tenure we werefortunate to hire three newCFM employees: Amy Buech-ler (Teaming With WildlifeCoordinator), Micaela Hay-maker (Office Manager), andMatt Gaunt (Director ofDevelopment). These folkshave strengthened CFM’sstance in the state and havemade a huge difference in ourdaily office operation. I lookforward to their continuedcontributions to our causeand to the productivity thatthey have committed to.

With your support andthrough additional financialsupport from MDC, and withAmy’s able leadership, we havebeen able to take TeamingWith Wildlife to a new andpowerful level. More than250 organizations and busi-nesses have signed on as part-ners in our efforts to ensureadequate funding for Mis-souri’s programs to conserveall wildlife. This last yearalone, an additional $300,000of federal funds came home toMissouri as a result of thiseffort.

Membership-wise we havegrown to more than 83,000total members, 92 Life mem-bers, and more than 80 affili-ate organizations. Strengthlies in numbers and we aremuch STRONGER as a resultof this tremendous growth.These numbers give CFM astrong voice for CONSERVA-TION not only in Missouribut nationally as well.

With Mr. Tom Russell’sleadership, we have had threegreat sporting clays fundrais-ers. These events will contin-ue to grow and THANKS forall the support that you havegiven.

We have developed,approved and put into actiona comprehensive strategicplan for CFM, thanks to theleadership and efforts of theStrategic Planning committeeand especially Howard Fisherand Earl Cannon.

We have conducted a thor-ough and extensive financialanalysis of CFM operationsover the past 25 years whichhas guided the building of ournew development program,thanks to incredible servicefrom Richard Ash, Jr.

Our SHARE THE HAR-

VEST program made a gigan-tic leap forward with the gra-cious support of GOVERNORJAY NIXON. THANK YOUGOVERNOR NIXON!!!Through the STH program sofar this year, there have beenthousands and thousands ofdeer harvested and donated byMissouri hunters to helpmanage the health and bal-ance of our deer herd and tohelp feed needy families allacross Missouri. This year wewill pass an unbelievable mile-stone of more than 1,000 tonsof lean, ground venison pro-vided through this program!

Without a doubt, the mostsignificant accomplishmentthat WE were able to pull offduring my time in office wasOUR “Summit on the Futureof the Missouri Outdoors”which occurred in May 2009in Columbia. This cameabout following more than 14Summit Program Committeemeetings that occurred over a15-month period. As a resultof the conference, attendeesidentified the top 10 goalstoward which the conserva-tion community needed towork. Boiled down, the top 3ACTIONS that should beaddressed as a Missouri Out-door Community are:1) Get the message out that aquality, healthy Outdoors isessential for human life.2) Conserve plants, animals,and natural communities sothat they are diverse, healthy,and resilient.3) Maintain and pursue sta-ble long-term and short-termfunding for operations, capi-

tal improvements, and specialprojects.

The next order of businessfor me, as YOUR President,was to appoint an OutdoorAction Committee (to beknown as the OAKs). AtCFM’s October Board Meet-ing in Cape Girardeau Iappointed 19 capable personsto that important committee.On December 10, the com-mittee met at the CFM officeand elected Sara ParkerPauley as chair and SusanTr tman as vice-chair. Fol-lowing considerable discus-sion, the committee decidedthat we will be progressing thecause of conservation in Mis-souri along three very broadactions listed above. Each yearthis will be a key part of ourannual convention and everyother event, program andproduct from CFM.

As we look toward thefuture, I look forward to whatlies a head for Conservationin Missouri. We haveSTRONG support from GOVERNOR JAY NIXON!!That is critically important aswe function in today’s com-plex society. Beginning Janu-ary 15, 2010, the MissouriDepartment of Conservationwill have a new Director, Mr.Bob Ziehmer. At the CFMlevel we are currently meetingwith Mr. Ziehmer and his staffto plan for future opportuni-ties. There will no doubt beCONSERVATION CHAL-LENGES ahead and we are upto whatever lies ahead.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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

A Glance Back And...A Look Forward!!!

See President on page 4

au

4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

In closing, I THANK YOUagain for the opportunity tohave served as YOUR Presi-dent. It has been a great ridehaving you along—andTHANKS!!! The thing that Iwill miss most about NOTbeing President will be thedaily and weekly contact that Ihave ENJOYED with OURoutstanding CFM staff andespecially OUR ExecutiveDirector, Mr. David Murphy.Will I continue to be deeplyinvolved??? YES!!! Can youcount on me for whatever???

YES. And I will admit upfront—it will be a very emo-tional experience when I passthe gavel on to our next veryqualified President, Mr. MikeSchallon. But as I told Mikerecently, David will be in frontleading and I will be rightbehind Mike PUSHING!!!

Keep the FAITH, CHARGEAHEAD, and DO NOT forgetthe YOUTH—they are ourFUTURE!!!

Glenn D. ChambersPresident, CFM

President from page 3

Mark special days or show tribute to someone you care aboutwith a donation to CFM. Y ou could honor loved ones forbirthdays, anniversaries or other special events. This could bea respectful remembrance of friends and r elatives who havepassed away. We will list honorariums and memorials her e oron another page if this space is insufficient.

Your gift would help in so many ways: to benefit our Shar ethe Harvest Program, the Conser vation Leadership Corps,our publications or website, our building fund or help fundour day-to-day operations. We gladly accept cash, check orcredit card—just return the form below to CFM.

❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $250 ❑ $500 ❑ Other _______

In memory of __________________________________

In honor of ____________________________________

Please notify (name, street, city, state, and ZIP) ________________________________________________________________________________________________

DONOR INFO:

❑ I would like more information about including theConservation Federation of Missouri in my will or tr ust.

Name ________________________________________

Address ______________________________________Street

______________________________________________City State ZIP

Phone ________________________________________

Email ________________________________________

Credit card number ____________________________

Expiration date ________________________________

Mail this form and payment to: Conservation Federation of Missouri

728 West Main Street • Jefferson City , MO 65101

Honorariums and Memorials

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for three months then we’ll send a bill($18). If you want to keep getting

Traveler, pay the bill. If you don’t, youwon’t. It’s that simple.

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

If your financial situation issuch that you are able toinvest a portion of whatyou’ve earned in helping

others, you have countlessoptions. Hunger, health, educa-tion, poverty, faith, youth devel-opment—there are great organ-izations working in each ofthese areas, organizations thatrely on the generosity of othersto have an impact. Even in thenarrow category of conserva-tion and environment, donorshave more options than couldbe listed on several pages of Mis-souri Wildlife. As Director ofDevelopment for CFM, my jobis to find funding to fuel thework of our organization andempower our membership.When I meet someone with thefinancial ability to contribute toour cause, and an inclination todo so, ultimately I must answerthe question,“Why CFM?”

This year, 2010, is a signifi-cant year in the history of theConservation Federation ofMissouri. It is our 75th anniver-sary. Many of our readers knowCFM’s history well, so I won’t goon at length regarding ground-breaking achievements that canbe credited to CFM’s membersand staff. Yes, our members cre-ated the conservation commis-sion system and our modernDepartment of Conservation.Yes, our members have takenaction again and again to pro-tect our air, water, and wildplaces. Yes, our members cham-pioned and secured funding forMissouri’s professional conser-vationists and have stood guardto protect that funding, as wellas guarding the authority that

was established with the cre-ation of the commission. It’sbeen a monumental 75 years.It’s a history that has left otherstates pointing to Missouri andsaying,“They got it right.”

However, if you are consider-ing a gift to CFM today, our pastachievements are not as impor-tant as the concept that broughtour founders together 75 yearsago. They understood that citi-zens must assert control overour state’s conservation effortsand maintain an active role inmanaging our resources. If wecitizens don’t care enough to getinvolved, our resources will suf-fer. Citizen involvement is thecornerstone of successfulresource conservation and thereason for CFM’s existence.

Fortunately many other citi-zen conservation organizationshave formed over the years, pro-viding volunteers the chance tofocus on specific areas of inter-est. If you are passionate aboutbass or trout, turkeys, ducks ordeer, there is an organizationout there where you can meetlike-minded folks and volunteeryour time and talents. Greenspace, land trusts, clean water,songbirds…the list is long.AtCFM we are proud of the collec-

tive accomplishments of thesediverse organizations. Many ofthem are official affiliates ofCFM, and most of our mem-bers belong to at least one othersuch organization. We view thesuccess of our affiliates as centralto our own success. We sharemany common goals; we arestronger together than we arealone. Because our board ofdirectors feels so strongly aboutthis, they will award $75,000 insmall grants to Teaming WithWildlife partners and affiliatedorganizations in 2010.

Somewhere in the statement“we are stronger together thanwe are alone”is the answer to“Why CFM?” There is a realneed to unite and empowerthese diverse groups. There is areal need to coordinate ourefforts with state and federalagencies and to communicateeffectively with elected officials.At CFM we have purposefullypitched a large tent, inviting adifference of opinion, but ulti-mately focusing on agreementand looking to accomplish whatwe can and what we must toleave our natural environmenthealthier tomorrow than it istoday. We are an effective cata-lyst for action because we knowthe players and understand whois best suited to address issues asthey arise. I know I can make avalid argument that our stateagencies are stronger because weexist, our affiliate organizationsare stronger because we exist,and our collective voice at thestate capital and in the gover-nor’s office is stronger becausewe exist. I know there are morequality outdoor opportunities

for Missourians because weexist. I know we have a healthierstate because CFM exists. That’sa reflection of the work anddedication of our members andstaff over the last 75 years.

Why CFM? Because the keyis citizen involvement, and noother organization is as wellsuited as CFM to represent Mis-souri’s citizens in these matters.CFM was created to unite andempower Missourians, so wecan organize our actions for thepurpose of conserving our nat-ural resources and protectingour outdoor heritage. Help uscontinue to fulfill that vital role.As you prioritize your giving,please remember the impor-tance of properly managing ournatural resources. I hope you’llgive serious consideration tomaking a significant gift to CFMin 2010. As you read our maga-zine, consider the importance ofthe work to follow our Summitfor the Future of Missouri Out-doors, the impact of growingShare The Harvest, the lastingvalue of developing future lead-ers through our ConservationLeadership Corps, and theimportance of coordinatingdiverse interests to ensure thatwe have more than a conversa-tion about what is needed. Citi-zens can and must involvethemselves directly in the solu-tions to the challenges that lieahead. We must organize our-selves to action. With your help,CFM will continue in that role,just as we have for the last 75years.

Matt GauntDirector of Development, CFM

Why CFM?DEVELOPMENT NEWS

6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Go ahead—pat your-self on the back!With your supportwe’ve made some

great strides this year. Especiallyin this time of declining rev-enue across the board, it’s moreimportant than ever to standup for additional funding forthe conservation work that is soimportant to all of us. That’swhat Teaming is all about—weare that force that speaks outabout the need for additionalconservation funding.

As we begin a new year, hereare some highlights from 2009:

• Missouri TWW Coalitiongrew to 252 organizations andbusinesses (6th largest coalitionin the nation). National TWWcoalition grew to over 6,200groups.

• Five Missouri TWW coali-tion members traveled toWashington, DC, in Februaryto meet with our congressionalleaders (Amy Buechler, CFM;Tim Ripperger and Gene Gard-ner, Missouri Department ofConservation; Justin Johnson,Missouri Prairie Foundation;and Rick Thom, Missouri Con-servation Heritage Founda-tion).

• Seven Missouri Congress-men and Senators signed on tothe FY10 “Dear Colleague” let-ter, asking for an increase inState Wildlife Grants (SenatorBond, Senator McCaskill, Rep.Carnahan, Rep. Clay, Rep.Cleaver, Rep. Graves, and Rep.Skelton). Rep. Emerson sup-ported the letter with a pro-grammatic request. Not signingon were Rep. Blunt, Rep.Luetkemeyer, and Rep. Akin.

• State Wildlife Grants grew$15 million and match wasreduced to 35% for FY2010—thanks to the help and supportof Missouri’s TWW Coalitionand our congressional leaders!This is the first significantincrease in the State WildlifeGrants program since 2002 andwill result in an extra $300,000for Missouri next year. Thisincrease would not have beenpossible without the strongsupport of Missouri’s TeamingWith Wildlife Coalition.

• CFM and the MissouriTWW Steering Committee dis-tributed the first round of Mis-souri TWW Mini-grants. Weawarded 9 mini-grants, totaling$10,800 to help citizen conser-vation groups implement Mis-souri’s Comprehensive WildlifeStrategy.

• Tracked potential climatechange/clean energy legislationto ensure that funding forwildlife is included in any legis-lation that might be passed.Nearly 20 Missouri organiza-tions, businesses and agenciessent a letter in September toSenator Bond and SenatorMcCaskill in support of addi-tional wildlife funding in cli-mate change legislation. At thistime it looks like climatechange legislation is on hold

until 2010. Nonetheless, thisremains an important topic forthe coming year.

We couldn’t have accom-plished these without your helpand support! 2010 promises tobe just as eventful. Stay tunedfor news of the 2010 TeamingWith Wildlife Mini-grant pro-gram, to be announced in mid-

January (more details on thenext page). If your organizationor business is not yet a TeamingWith Wildlife Coalition mem-ber, please join us by signing onat www.teaming.com/action.

Amy Buechler,Teaming With Wildlife

Coordinator, CFM

TEAMING WTIH WILDLIFE

2009—A Successful Year For Teaming With Wildlife

One of the year’s highlights is Fly-in Days, an opportunity to discussissues with members of Congress. The Teaming With Wildlife Coalitionwas well represented on Capitol Hill.

State Wildlife Grantsgrew $15 million

and the match wasreduced to 35%

for FY2010.

CLEARWATER FOREST CONSULTANTS, LLCCertified Forest Management

Email cfc@semo.netToll Free 866-420-9971

www.clearwaterforestconsultants.com

Timber Inventory & AppraisalOne Stop Shopping Forest, Wildlife

& Land Management

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

On September 10,2010, the Conserva-tion Federation ofMissouri will cele-

brate its 75th anniversary. Inhonor of this historic event,CFM plans to award $75,000 inmini-grants in 2010. CFM willaward $25,000 through theTeaming With Wildlife Mini-grant program (now in its sec-ond year). The TWW Mini-grant program provides initialfunding for TWW Coalitionorganizations to help imple-

ment Missouri’s Comprehen-sive Wildlife Strategy. Theremaining $50,000 will go toCFM affiliate organizations thatneed a jump-start in encourag-ing outdoor participation, con-ducting outdoor activities orotherwise conserving naturalresources or protecting our out-door heritage. More about thesegrant programs will be releasedon our website (www.confed-mo.org) in mid-January and atthe CFM Annual Convention(February 26-28, 2010).

Gift memberships are a great way to support conservation and CFM!

❑ $25—Individual ❑ $15—Student ❑ $30—Family❑ $100—Sustaining ❑ $1000—Lifetime

Gift of conservation from

Given to

Pay via check (payable to Conservation Federation of Missouri) or charge (MasterCard, Visa or Discover)

Please mail toConservation Federation of Missouri • 728 West Main • Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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

MD

C

CFM To Award $75,000 In Mini-Grants In 2010Amount Honors Organization’s 75th Anniversary

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One of the TWW Mini-grant recipients in 2009, Missouri River Relief, hosted River Camp 2009 within in the Manitou Bluffs COA.

As you may have readin your local newspa-per recently, the Stateof Missouri was faced

with the difficult task of layingoff 48 valued state park employ-ees due to declining revenuefrom the tax that funds ourstate park services. This was a difficultdecision. Ourstate parksystem is oneof the best inthe nationand has sig-nificant positive economic ben-efits throughout Missouri. Italso provides an inexpensiveway for Missourians to get fitand reconnect with nature andMissouri history.

These recent layoffs wereparticularly difficult for ourown staff; as employees of theMissouri Department of Natur-al Resources can tell you, ourdepartment functions like afamily, and the loss of each ofthese employees is felt immea-surably.

In spite of these recent chal-lenges, I continue to hear goodnews from visitors about theexcellent service provided byour state parks staff. Theseemployees take great pride intheir jobs, and enjoy sharingtheir love of Missouri’s out-doors with others. Take, forexample, the Martin family,who, hours after visiting Lake ofthe Ozarks State Park, discov-ered that their 5-year-olddaughter, Jessica, had leftbehind her traveling compan-ion, Beary, a much-loved teddybear. Jessica’s father made a call

to Lake of the Ozarks StatePark. The call went to DaveStark who is an experiencedpark ranger, as well as a fatherand grandfather. Stark under-took a search and rescue effort.Beary was returned, along withphotos of his trip to the statepark, an honorary ranger badgeand a note encouraging Jessica to consider a career as aranger.

I also received a letter fromMartie Lenk thanking our stafffor helping students at theKansas City Scuola Vita NuovaCharter School train for andparticipate in our annual bicy-cle ride through Katy Trail StatePark. A team of state parkemployees worked together tohelp the students prepare forthe adventure and supportedthem during their journey.Because they lived in an urbanarea, many of these studentshad never had an opportunityto enjoy the simple magic ofMissouri’s outdoors.

The bike ride was hot anddry, increasing the challenge forother riders. Fortunately,Ranger Brett Barnes was thereto help. Barnes is a staple alongthe Katy Trail and was selectedState Employee of the Monthfor his work during the race,locating and transporting manyriders who required medicalattention during the June 2009Katy Trail Bike Ride.

Our State Parks staff isalways ready to help. InNovember, state park employ-ees located and helped rescuetwo hikers who had gotten lostin St. Francois State Park. Thetwo hikers had set out to hike

the Pike Run Trail around 3:30p.m., and were still on the trailwhen darkness fell. With nomoon to navigate the rocky ter-rain and trees all around, thehikers climbed up a nearbyridge and called the local 911dispatch center.

In June, the main day-usearea of Johnson’s Shut-Ins StatePark reopened. Facilities inaddition to the shut-ins that arenow available to visitorsinclude picnic areas, a series ofpedestrian trails, access to theEast Fork of the Black River,several interpretive pavilionsand the park store.Visitors canview the scour channel from anew overlook or access thescour channel on a new trail.Work continued on the newBlack River Center, which will

provide visitors with interpre-tive information, and the newcampground, which is locatedin the Goggins Mountain areaof the park. Both facilities areexpected to be open in thespring of 2010.

Despite the challenges facedin 2009, I’m confident that visi-tors will continue to find a goodtime to be had in all of Mis-souri’s state parks and state his-toric sites thanks to the com-mitment put forth by state parkemployees, and the morale sup-port that we receive from statepark supporters. Regardless ofthe season—or the economicclimate—it’s always a good timeto visit a Missouri state park.

Mark TempletonDirector, DNR

8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

AGENCY NEWS

State Parks Continue High-Caliber Service

PlatinumBass Pro ShopsShelter Insurance

SilverDrury HotelsGray Manufacturing

CompanyJames T. Blair IVPyramid Home Health

Services

BasicAaron’s Boats & MotorsBolin Auto and Truck PartsC. J. Thomas CompanyCequel III

Citizens Telephone Company

Culligan Water of ColumbiaEvans EquipmentLes Bourgeois VineyardsMcRoberts Farm, Inc.Michaelanne, Inc.Mid-America MortgageParadigm Financial

AdvisorsQuality Forest

ManagementSierra BulletsSuddenlink CommunicationsTabor Plastic CompanyThe Bank of Missouri

THANK YOU! BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS

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

AGENCY NEWS

No one who knowswhere and howMissouri StateForester Lisa Allen

grew up could be surprised ather career path. Just as pre-dictable is her commitment toensuring that Show-Me Stateforests remain healthy, contin-ue contributing to Missouri’seconomy and provide recre-ational opportunities.

A native of Howell County,Allen grew up near what nowis the USDA Forest Service’sDevil’s Backbone Wilderness.Her mother taught biologyand ecology at West PlainsHigh School, and from anearly age, Allen accompaniedher father on firewood-cuttingtrips to the Mark TwainNational Forest. By the timeshe left home to study forestryat the University of Missouri-Columbia she could identifymost trees in the Ozarks.

“I went everywhere withmy dad,” Allen recalls. “I wasthe third of three girls, andDad finally decided he wasn’tgoing to get a son, so he mademe his fishing buddy.”

Allen says she, like nearlyall foresters, chose her profes-sion because of a deep love forforests. For her, she confesses,“Forestry is more of a religionthan a job.”

She began her career as anassistant resource forester forthe Missouri Department ofConservation in 1984, afterearning a bachelor’s degree inforestry. She went back toschool later to earn a forestry

master’s degree and thenworked her way up throughthe ranks at the ConservationDepartment. She assumedleadership of the ForestryDivision in 2006 after a stintleading the agency’s PrivateLand Services Division.

One of Forestry Division’sbiggest jobs is maintainingdiverse, high-quality fish andwildlife habitat on the Conser-vation Department’s 450,000acres of forest. While this is alarge area, it is dwarfed byMissouri’s 14.6 million acresof privately owned forest.

The state’s thriving tourismand forest-products industriesdepend on healthy forests. Datafrom the U.S. bureaus of Eco-nomic Analysis and Labor Sta-tistics and the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture show that forestproducts contributed $5.7 bil-lion to the state’s economy in2006. The industry supports31,700 jobs with a payroll ofapproximately $1.25 billion.

All this is in addition to therecreational value Missouriansderive from a host of otheroutdoor activities and the eco-nomic value of forest-relatedtourism.

Allen said some Missouri-ans mistakenly assume that theConservation Departmentsells large quantities of timberfrom conservation areas eachyear. In fact, she said, theagency is harvesting less tim-ber each year than it grows. InFiscal Year 2009 the Conserva-tion Department harvestedless than 2 percent of the forest

acreage it owns or manages.Timber harvests on conser-

vation areas are conducted byprivate loggers who vie for thejobs through a competitivebidding process. Bidders musthave completed the Profes-sional Timber Harvester train-ing to ensure that they knowhow to remove trees with theleast impact on remainingtrees, soil and streams. Conser-vation Department forestersinspect logging sites and strict-ly enforce the use of best man-agement practices designed toprotect forests and streams.

Allen said revenue is neverthe determining factor indeciding when and where tocut trees.

She noted that abundant,diverse wildlife populationsrequire diverse habitats. Theidea of vast, uniform tracts ofmature timber is appealing, butit is neither natural nor desir-able for wildlife management.

“When you read the jour-nals of early European explor-ers in the Ozarks, you discoverthat the region looked very dif-ferent than it does today,” shesaid.“Instead of having oak-hickory forest almost every-where, like we do today, someareas were covered with short-leaf pines. Where you see cedarthickets today, there used to besunny glades, and there was asurprising amount of grassysavanna and open woodland.The Ozarks actually had elkand buffalo back then.”

Indians lit fires to removeleaf litter and hasten springgreen-up, attracting deer andother game animals. Today, theConservation Department isusing fire and various timber-harvest strategies to create andmaintain habitats once pro-duced by natural processes.

“Nobody loves mature for-est more than a forester,” saidAllen.“There’s nothing likestanding in a grove of old treesand looking up at that cathe-dral-like canopy. That is whywe keep some state forestlandin mature timber. But if youwant lots of deer and turkey, ifyou want the full range of war-blers and hawks and lizardsand salamanders and smallmammals that once inhabitedthese hills, you need the otherhabitat types besides matureforest. The best way to achievethat is through active forestmanagement.”

Jim Low, News Services Coordinator, MDC

Love Of The Woods Leads To Forestry CareerAllen’s Commitment To Diverse Habitats Guides Resource Management

State Forester Lisa Allen’s love offorests is rooted in a childhood spentin the Ozarks. She calls forestry“more of a religion than a job.”

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1 0 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

AFFILIATE EVENTSCAPITAL CITY FLY FISHERSJAN 7: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veter-ans Hospital – ConferenceRoom C202, Columbia(3:00pm)JAN 12: Board of DirectorsMeeting, Runge Nature Center,Jefferson City (6:00pm)JAN 12: Regular Club Meeting,Runge Nature Center, JeffersonCity (7:00pm – 9:00pm)JAN 18: Hooked on Fly FishingNot Drugs, South Callaway RIISchool, Mokane (3:00pm)JAN 21: Teach a Vet to Tie, Vet-erans Hospital – ConferenceRoom C202, Columbia(3:00pm)FEB 1: McKay Lake Winter TroutProgramFEB 4: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veter-ans Hospital – ConferenceRoom C202, Columbia(3:00pm)FEB 9: Board of Directors Meet-ing, Runge Nature Center, Jef-ferson City (6:00pm)FEB 9: Regular Club Meeting,Runge Nature Center, JeffersonCity (7:00pm – 9:00pm)FEB 18: Teach a Vet to Tie, Vet-erans Hospital – ConferenceRoom C202, Columbia(3:00pm)FEB 22: Hooked on Fly FishingNot Drugs, South Callaway RIISchool, Mokane (3:00pm)

GREENWAY NETWORKJAN 16-17: Eagle Days, OldChain of Rocks Bridge (9:00am– 3:00pm); Kathi Weilbacher(314) 416-9930 x: 111FEB 3-5: Missouri NaturalResources Conference, Tan-Tar-A Resort and Golf Club, Lake ofthe Ozarks (9:00am – 2:00pm)FEB 20: Wetland Restoration,Creve Couer (9:00am –1:00pm); Mitch Leachman(314) 599-7390FEB 20: Ladue Creeks Clean-up,Creve Couer (9:00am –1:00pm); Mitch Leachman(314) 599-7390

MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITEDJAN 5: Regular Monthly Meet-ing, D. Rowe’s, Columbia(7:00pm)JAN 26: Board of DirectorsMeeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia(6:30pm)FEB 2: Regular Monthly Meet-ing, D. Rowe’s, Columbia(7:00pm)FEB 12: Annual ConservationBanquet, Stoney Creek Inn,ColumbiaFEB 23: Board of DirectorsMeeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia(6:30pm)

MISSOURI BASS FEDERATIONJAN 30: Board of DirectorsMeeting, Columbia

MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITEDJAN 23: Southfork Flyway Annu-al Banquet and Live Auction,Knights of Columbus Hall, Mex-ico (6:00pm); Mark Rothermich(573) 473-2276 or Jim Hill(573) 581-0100JAN 30: Barton County Dinner,Theibaud Auditorium, Lamar(6:00pm); Jared Chesnut (417)682-3767JAN 30: Warrenton Annual Din-ner, Lions Club, Wrights City(6:00pm); Rich Vallat (636)544-1049 or John Molitor(636) 673-3091FEB 6: Membership Dinner,Church of the AnnunciationCommunity Center, Kearney(6:00pm); Jon Shinneman(816) 204-4540FEB 6: White River MembershipDinner, West Plains (6:00pm);Jay Gregory (417) 274-2457FEB 18: Barry/Lawrence CountyDinner, Monett (6:00pm); JulieSnodgrass (417) 489-1078FEB 20: Marmaton Valley Mem-bership Dinner, Eagles Lodge(6:00pm); Adam Barrett (417)667-7297FEB 20: Blackwater Banquet,Johnson County Fairgrounds,Warrensburg (5:30pm); KevinRaynes (660) 429-6959 orGary Carter (660) 429-2934

FEB 27: Saint Charles Banquet;Dunstan Disselhorst (636) 699-9869FEB 27: Greater Kansas CityMembership Dinner (6:00pm);Richard Woody (913) 766-1964FEB 27: Independence Member-ship Dinner, Pavilion II(6:00pm); Bob Cole (913) 927-0757

MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGEFEDERATIONJAN 1-3: Hunter Education Clin-ic/Deer Hunt, Cass County

MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

FUNDRAISING BANQUETSJAN 15: Bayou Strutters, Top ofthe Town Banquet Hall, EastPrairie; Tim Kavan (573) 823-6366JAN 16: Current River Callers,Winona School, Winona; TroyMcAfee (417) 331-4831JAN 16: Springtown Wattle-necks, Annunciation Communi-ty Center, Kearney; Troy O’Dell(816) 628-4254JAN 22: Southern Ozark Long-beards, First Church of God,Doniphan; Alan Slayton (573)996-3211JAN 23: Crowleys Ridge Limb-hangers, Elks Lodge, Dexter;Kyle Ouzts (573) 624-5505JAN 23: Indian Creek Chapter,Lampo Building, Neosho;Chuck & Doris Dalbom (417)628-3253JAN 23: Lincoln Hills, LincolnCounty Fairgrounds, Troy; JayHerring (573) 898-5420JAN 23: Tick Ridge, MaconCounty Expo Center, Macon;Matthew Burks (660) 395-1404JAN 28: Mid-State, Elks Lodge,Columbia; Bernard Grice (573)445-6967JAN 29: North West Struttin’Toms, American Legion Hall,Maryville; Tami Brown (816)646-5447JAN 29: Ozark Greenway Thun-derin’ Gobblers, CommunityBuilding, Willard; Jason Bus-sard (417) 830-1535JAN 29: Shaky Ground Gobblers,Knights of Columbus Hall, NewMadrid; Bud Henry (573) 748-5999

JAN 30: Benton County Thun-derin’ Gobblers, Knights ofColumbus Hall, Warsaw; JoshYoung (660) 547-2535JAN 30: Delta Bootheel Gob-blers, Eagles Lodge, Kennett;Lynn Smith (573) 888-7014JAN 30: Honey Creek Stutters,Lake Viking Club House, Gallatin; Scott Estep (660)749-5816JAN 30: Ray County Shortspurs,Veterans Memorial Building,Richmond; Mark McCorkendale(660) 398-4785JAN 30: Union Covered BridgeGobblers, American LegionHall, Paris; Bruce Mills (573)721-2268FEB 5: Lost Creek Longbeards,Innsbrook Resort, Wright City;Gary Janes (636) 290-8310FEB 5: Rogersville Strutters,First Baptist Church,Rogersville; Cody Wilson (417)838-2451FEB 5: Summit Ridge Long-beards, Saint Andrews CatholicChurch, Holts Summit; JeffDemand (573) 289-0401FEB 6: Chariton River Full Strut-ters, Knights of Columbus Hall,Salisbury; George Schupback(660) 288-3168FEB 6: Clearwater Longbeards,Trinity Methodist Church, Pied-mont; Richie Ayers (573) 223-2356FEB 6: Cooper County Limb-hangers, Knights of ColumbusHall, Boonville; Sabe Caton(573) 450-1048FEB 6: Gateway Longspurs,Knights of Columbus Hall,Saint Paul; Dan Zerr (636)625-1608FEB 12: Meramec Valley Strut-ters, Eagles Lodge, SullivanFEB 13: Bootheel Boss Gob-blers, Bavarian Hall, Jackson;Bronson Senn (573) 225-3087FEB 13: Dent County ThunderingToms, Indian Trail Archery,Salem; Cheryl Smith (573)729-7083FEB 13: Grand River Gobblers,American Legion Post 216,BethanyFEB 13: Truman Lake Chapter,Benson Convention Center,Clinton; Brent Billings (417)644-0021FEB 26: Brickyard Hill Drum-

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

mers, Atchison County Memori-al Building, Rock Port; WallyRiebesell (660) 744-4115FEB 26: Kingdom of CallawayLimbhangers, Saint PetersCatholic Church, Fulton; JohnBurk (573) 676-5994FEB 26: Sand Burr Strutters,Elks Lodge, Sikeston; Tony Bee-son (573) 380-5433FEB 26: Tabo Creek Thunderin’Toms, American Legion Hall,Higginsville; Mark Lamphier(660) 584-6397FEB 27: Black Mountain Long-beards, Middle School, Freder-icktown; Jason Wengler (573)783-7962FEB 27: Little Platte Long-beards, Community Center,LathropFEB 27: Turkey Creek Long-beards, Shriners Club, Joplin;Charles Forest (417) 781-4720FEB 27: Young’s Creek Strutters,Holy Spirit Multi Purpose Build-ing, Centralia; Eddie Schultz(573) 682-1900

WHEELIN SPORTSMANS BENEFITSJAN 9: Missouri State Awards,Osage Beach; Bernard Grice(573) 445-6967

MISSOURI PARKS & RECREATIONASSOCIATIONJAN 20: Legislative Action Day,Briefing and Training/Legisla-tive Visits, Jefferson City(1:00pm – 6:00pm)JAN 20: Legislative Reception,

Capitol Plaza Hotel, JeffersonCity (6:00pm – 7:30pm)

MISSOURI SMALLMOUTHALLIANCEJAN 20: Eleven Point RiverCanoe Rental

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’SASSOCIATIONJAN 7: Regular Monthly Meet-ing, Conservation Nature Cen-ter, Springfield (7:00pm)FEB 4: Regular Monthly Meet-ing, Conservation Nature Cen-ter, Springfield (7:00pm)

MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITEDJAN 16: River Hills Chapter,Bavarian Hall, JacksonJAN 30: Harold Hoey Chapter,Saline County Fairgrounds,MarshallFEB 13: Tall Tines Chapter,NEMO Fairgrounds, KirksvilleFEB 19: Women’s Hunting ClubChapter, Quality Inn BanquetHall, Hannibal

OZARK FLY FISHERSJAN 5: Membership Class, Pow-der Valley Nature Center, SaintLouis (6:30pm)JAN 7: Beg Fly Tying Class,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)JAN 14: Beg Fly Tying Class,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)JAN 21: Beg Fly Tying ClassQueeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)

JAN 23: Club Banquet, CrownPlaza, Clayton (6:00pm)JAN 28: Beg Fly Tying Class,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 1: Fly Fishing MO TroutParks, Queeny Park RecreationRoom (7:30pm)FEB 2: Membership Classes,Powder Valley Nature Center,Saint Louis (6:30pm)FEB 4: Intermediate Fly Tying,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 5-7: FYAO Montauk Outing,Montauk State ParkFEB 11: Intermediate Fly Tying,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 18: Intermediate Fly Tying,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 22: MO Best Flies, QueenyPark Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 23: Reading the Water,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 25: Intermediate Fly Tying,Queeny Park Recreation Room(7:30pm)FEB 27: All Day General Mem-bership Meeting, Missouri Gov-ernment Center, Creve Couer

OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUBJAN 2-3: New Year’s Float, Ben-nett Spring State ParkJAN 9: Stream Water QualityTesting, Minor Park, KansasCity (10:00am – 12:00pm)JAN 9: Potluck Dinner, SwopePark, Kansas City (6:30pm –7:30pm)JAN 9: Business Meeting, SwopePark, Kansas City (7:30pm –

9:00pm)JAN 16: Ozark Trip PlanningMeeting, Blue Springs (3:00pm– 5:00pm)FEB 13: Potluck Dinner, SwopePark, Kansas City (6:30pm –7:30pm)FEB 13: Business Meeting,Swope Park, Kansas City(7:30pm – 9:00pm)

SOUTHSIDE CONSERVATION FEDERATIONJAN 14: General MembershipMeeting/Installation of Officers,American Legion Post 162,Saint Louis (8:00pm); (314)481-7631JAN 18: Monthly Board Meeting,American Legion Post 162,Saint Louis (7:30pm); (314)481-7631FEB 15: Monthly Board Meeting,American Legion Post 162,Saint Louis (7:30pm); (314)481-7631

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FLY FISHERSJAN 14: Business Meeting,Springfield Nature Center,Springfield (7:00pm)FEB 11: Business Meeting,Springfield Nature Center,Springfield (7:00pm)

WALNUT COUNCIL & OTHER FINE HARDWOODSFEB 5: Annual Nut Show Evalua-tion, Community Center, NevadaFEB 6: Missouri Nut GrowersAnnual Meeting and Nut Show,Community Center, Nevada

CFM EVENTSJAN 15-17: Board Meeting, BigCedar Lodge, BransonFEB 26-28: Annual Convention,Lodge of Four Seasons, LakeOzark

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AGENCY NEWS

1 2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Conservation Commission Selects Director Of MDC

Bob Ziehmer willbecome the eighthDirector of the Mis-souri Department of

Conservation in January, fol-lowing in the footsteps of sev-eral notable conservationists,most recently, John D.Hoskins. “Bob is a top notchcommunicator who believesin citizen-led, citizen-drivenconservation in our state,”Director Hoskins said in sup-port of the ConservationCommission’s decision.

Bob is an avid sportsmanand landowner but above all,he’s a family man. He and hiswife of 17 years, Beth, andtheir daughters, Emily, 14, andLauren, 11, live in California,MO, where they are activelyengaged in their communitythrough church, school andother activities. His character,actions and philanthropy pro-vide a solid role model for hisdaughters and many others.Humble by nature, Bob sets anexample through his daily lifeat work and in his community.

Bob’s parents, Carl andAndree, influenced his careerchoice by encouraging his inter-est in hunting, fishing, trappingand other outdoor activities. Inaddition, retired MoniteauCounty Conservation AgentRichard Schroeder was a rolemodel and mentor to Bob, serv-ing as his Scout Master and pro-viding an early glimpse at whata conservation career means.Today, Bob carry’s on that tradi-tion as he mentors others in thefield of conservation andencourages exploration of out-door interests such as hunting

and fishing.Bob has a Bachelor of Sci-

ence and Masters Degree inFish and Wildlife Managementfrom the University of Mis-souri and has served the stateas an Assistant Director withMDC the last six years. Hebegan his career in 1991 as anassistant natural history biolo-gist, gaining experience in avariety of positions includingendangered species and aquat-ic services biologist, policy spe-cialist in the Planning Division,and as the Department’s StateGovernment Liaison. Bobbrings comprehensive conser-vation knowledge and a multi-disciplined science backgroundto his new role in addition tohigh energy and positive initia-tive that will improve andenhance Missouri’s conserva-tion program in all areas. Hehas a deep understanding andappreciation of conservationin Missouri and the nation.

Bob’s conservation visionemphasizes the importance ofMissouri citizens and theirinvolvement in key conserva-tion issues. He believes in lis-tening and says, “Citizen inputand involvement are critical toMissouri conservation.” Aproactive leader, Bob believesthat educating and informingcitizens will help build uponMissouri’s national conserva-tion reputation, “Workingtogether with citizens andconservation partners willkeep our state a nationalleader in fish, forest andwildlife management.”

Becoming Director at oneof the most challenging eco-

nomic times in the agency’shistory will be an immediatechallenge for Bob, “Revenuecontinues to lag behind esti-mates; however, the commis-sion has approved a plan thatwill allow needed staffing andservice adjustments. Thisplan combined with contin-ued efforts to increase effi-ciency measures and stream-line our business processeswill allow us to provide quali-ty public service to Missouri-ans with the resources thepeople have entrusted to us.”

Regardless, Bob is ready forthe challenges ahead: “I amexcited and humbled by myselection as the eighth Directorof the Missouri Department ofConservation. I’m looking for-ward to meeting and visitingwith citizens throughout ourstate to enhance and improveresource conservation.”

Tim RippergerAssistant Director, MDC

Bob shares his love of the outdoorswith his children, pictured herewith his youngest daughter, Lauren.

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Bob enjoys time in the outdoors by collecting shed antlers in the spring.M

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Bob’s passion for hunting andfishing began at an early age,seen here as a proud angler.

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

Prairie-Chickens Across North AmericaHistoric Population Trends, Research Affect Conservation Work Range-wide

Editor’s note: This article was first pub-lished in the Missouri Prairie Foundation’sMissouri Prairie Journal, Winter 2008, Vol.29, No. 4. The mission of the MissouriPrairie Foundation is to protect and restoreprairie and other native grassland commu-nities through acquisition, management,education, and research. The contributionsof Missouri Prairie Foundation membersand supporters are vital to conservingMissouri’s prairie landscapes. Visit MPF athttp://www.moprairie.com.

Greater prairie-chick-ens have gotten lotsof press in the twoyears since Missouri

Grasslands Coalition partnersembarked on renewed recov-ery efforts for this state endan-gered species in 2006. The Mis-souri Prairie Journal and otherconservation publications, aswell as newspapers, have cov-ered many aspects of ourefforts. But where does ourwork in Missouri, and that ofbiologists in other states, fitinto range-wide conservationefforts for the species? How arethese magnificent birds doingelsewhere?

Let’s take a look at historicand current information aboutprairie-chickens throughoutNorth America, supported byresearch done throughout thebirds’ range, to answer thesequestions.

A History of Adaptationand Shifting Range

Greater prairie-chickensonce ranged throughout nativeprairies of central NorthAmerica from southern Cana-da to Texas. However, their dis-tribution has changed drasti-cally over the past 200 years.

Historically, they probablyoccurred in 20 states and fourCanadian provinces. Today,they occupy 11 states and areno longer present in Canada(Svedarsky et al. 2000, Walk2004).

Prior to European settle-ment, greater prairie-chickensoccurred mainly in the tall-grass prairie of midwesternNorth America with the popu-lation likely centered near theintersection of Missouri, Illi-nois and Iowa (Robb andSchroeder 2005, Svedarsky etal. 2000). With agriculturaldevelopment during the1800s, the species spread as farnorth as Canada and west toColorado (Robb and Schroed-er 2005, Walk 2004). Thisrange expansion was facilitat-ed by settlers’ agriculturalpractices and elimination ofbison from the prairies(Svedarsky et al. 2000). Cropfields provided the birds with anew winter food source, andthe removal of bison tem-porarily improved heavilygrazed grasslands, especially inmore arid regions. For exam-ple, greater prairie-chickenswere uncommon in Kansasduring the early 1800s, butwere reported near Fort Haysby 1870 and in Colorado by1897 (Applegate and Horak1999). This expansion reflectsthe ability of the birds to suc-cessfully adapt to a variety ofclimatic conditions and use abroad range of grasslandtypes.

Agricultural practices and

bison elimination, however,provided only a short-termpulse of habitat improvementfor the birds. With widespreadconversion of prairie to crop-fields, and without bison tomaintain the variable vegeta-tion structure needed bygreater prairie-chickens, thebirds’ populations began theirrapid decline in Missouri, Iowaand eastward. Over the courseof settlers’ western expansion,the geographic center of thespecies distribution shifted sig-nificantly westward to theexpansive grasslands of centralNebraska, Kansas and SouthDakota. Population declineswere slower coming to theWest because these arid areasdidn’t support wholesale con-version of native rangeland tocropland. In effect, the birdsfound beneficial habitat fartherwest—co-existing with cattlein native pastures—and condi-tions continued to worsen far-ther east.

Although greater prairie-

chicken populations in thesecontemporary strongholdssupport closely regulated har-vest, their numbers havedeclined, to some extent,throughout most of the GreatPlains (Svedarsky et al. 1999).A probable reason for declinein the Flint Hills of Kansas maybe the widespread adoption ofwhat is known as “early inten-sive grazing” of cattle, wherebynearly all grassland acres areburned annually during thespring, which greatly reducesnesting habitat opportunities.Other reasons for decline incentral Nebraska, Kansas andSouth Dakota may includehabitat fragmentation andconversion of habitat to crop-land, but there is no conclusiveevidence to provide a clear-cutexplanation for declines inthese states. And, while popu-lations in southeastern Nebras-ka and Minnesota are currentlythriving, their close associationwith grasslands created via theConservation Reserve Programcalls into question their long-term stability.

Outside of this core area,the birds are listed as stateendangered in Missouri andcritically imperiled in Illinois,Iowa and Wisconsin, but theyare not currently on the federallist of threatened or endan-gered species. And, mostgreater prairie-chicken popula-tions at the southern and east-ern boundaries of theirrange—in Wisconsin, Illinois,

See Prairie-Chicken on page 14

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A male greater prairie-chickenstakes his claim on the boomingground (lek).

1 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Missouri and Oklahoma—exhibit severe range contrac-tion and fragmentation.

Critical Habitat NeedsAlthough an exhaustive dis-

cussion of habitat needs wouldinclude reference to boomingground, roosting and wintercover, these are generallybelieved to be available in suffi-cient quantity in most parts ofthe greater prairie-chickenrange. The most limiting habi-tat elements here in Missouriare nesting and brood-rearinghabitat. As a result, much cur-rent management—in Mis-souri and elsewhere—isfocused on providing enoughof these critical habitat types inclose proximity to one anotherto allow hens to successfullynest and raise their broods.

Nesting HabitatLacking nesting and brood-

rearing habitat is the factorthat most limits greaterprairie-chickens populations.Most nests are located within1.6 km of the nearest lek(Svedarsky 1988-Minnesota,Schroeder 1991-Colorado) andconsist of shallow, bowl-shaped depressions that aretypically lined with dried grass,leaves and feathers (Hamer-strom 1939).

Nest sites generally occuron well drained sites withdense upright vegetative struc-ture; residual litter from theprevious growing season pro-vides vertical and horizontalconcealment. Excessive litterbuild-up, common on undis-turbed sites, generally makes asite unsuitable for nesting.Some research has found thatcontiguous prairie landscapes

had higher nest success thanprairie-agriculture mosaiclandscapes. However, otherwork conducted in fragmentedlandscapes in Illinois confirmshigher nest success in nonna-tive grasses, particularlysmooth bromegrass (Bromusinermis), compared to grass-lands dominated by nativespecies (Westermeier 1995,pers. com.). Hamerstrom et al.(1957) states that suitable nest-ing habitat is determined byvegetation structure, locationand landscape content ratherthan plant species. Manage-ment strategies such as mow-ing, grazing, haying and pre-scribed burning that controlvegetation structure and accu-mulation of litter are necessaryto sustain suitable nestingcover regardless of grasslandtype.

Limited availability of resid-ual vegetative cover for nestingis a key limiting factorthroughout the species range.Ideal nest sites provide effectiveconcealment plus an easyescape route from predators.Native grasses often becometoo tall and dense for greaterprairie-chicken nesting, whichmay explain historic lowprairie-chicken densities (aver-age one per 10 to 15 acres) innative prairie. Research indi-cates that hens prefer to nest inresidual vegetation that isbetween 12 and 15 inches tall,although new growth couldaverage 28 inches.

Greater prairie-chickenstend to avoid vegetation tallerthan 31 inches. Litter is alsoimportant as hens often usestanding dead vegetation toconstruct the nest bowl. How-ever, excessive litter reduces

nest success. Missouri researchfound litter cover to be the bestsingle predictor of nest success:Nests in cover with >25 per-cent litter failed twice as oftenas those with <25 percent littercover (McKee 1998). Heavy lit-ter may also impede the move-ment of chicks from nesting tofeeding areas and contribute tohigher brood mortality.

The high clipping work atthe Missouri Prairie Founda-tion’s Bruns Tract in PettisCounty and on many MissouriDepartment of Conservationgrasslands represents anattempt to manage vegetationheight to create more usablenesting habitat. This alsoexplains why biologistsencourage farmers to managein ways that provide adequategrass cover that is approxi-mately 14 inches tall duringmid-April to encourage nestinitiation. Cool-season grassesestablished via the Conserva-tion Reserve Program provideimportant nesting areas in sev-eral states.

Greater prairie-chickensnest in a variety of grasses andlegumes including nativewarm-season grasses, winterwheat, alfalfa, redtop, timothyand smooth brome. Nativewarm-season grass plantingsand native prairies provideeffective nesting cover, butquickly become too tall andrank without proper manage-ment. The rapid spring green-up and vertical growth form ofsmooth brome provides thestructure needed for successfulnesting. Additionally, brometends to withstand snow flat-tening and produces few seedsin the southern part of itsrange, which limits its rate of

spread. Redtop and timothyexhibit some of these charac-teristics and have been shownto provide good nesting cover.Smooth brome and redtoprarely reach a height not toler-ated by nesting prairie-chick-ens and support high chickendensities in Illinois, Minnesota,Nebraska and some parts ofMissouri.

Svedarsky (1988) observedhigher nest success in nonna-tive grasses, particularlysmooth bromegrass, comparedto grasslands dominated bynative species. Greater prairie-chickens prefer to nest at least660 feet from a tree or tree line.In fact, woody cover >2 m tallmay be detrimental to nestsuccess (McKee 1995).Research on Missouri prairiesfound that 58 percent ofclutches hatched when woodycover was <5 percent of thearea, but only 18 percenthatched when woody coverwas >5 percent (McKee 1995).Linear rows of woody covermay produce an edge effectthat increases the impact ofpredators. Although anywoody cover >15 feet in heightis undesirable, scatteredclumps of native shrubs com-prising less than <5 percent ofthe landscape is acceptable.Since 2006, the ConservationDepartment, Missouri PrairieFoundation and other groupshave cleared more than 18miles of treelines in GrasslandFocus Areas, opening nearly3,000 additional acres of publicand private lands for use bygreater prairie-chickens andother grassland birds. In addi-tion, scattered trees wereremoved from more than 755additional acres.

Prairie-Chicken from page 13

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

Woody edge does not bene-fit greater prairie-chickens.However,“soft edge,” which iscreated when herbaceous coverof varying heights and densi-ties meet, may be critical.Research indicates that amajority of prairie-chickennests are located within 20yards of herbaceous edge(Horak 1985), lending cre-dence to management thatmaximizes the extent of suchboundaries within large grass-land units. Patch-burn grazinghelps provide this “soft edge”by creating a mosaic of grass-land structures in close prox-imity to each other: patchesrecently burned with lush,short growth, grazed patcheswith bare ground and restedpatches with tall vegetation.

Brood-Rearing HabitatAvailable habitat for hens to

raise a brood is another keyfactor limiting prairie-chickenpopulations. Chicks are preco-cial and begin to forage justafter hatching. Because of theirsmall size and inability to movethrough dense vegetation,chicks require habitat that isrelatively open at ground levelwith an abundance of bareground. Good brood habitatalso provides overhead protec-tion from predators and theelements, and harbors anabundance of insects, whichchicks rely on for food for thefirst few weeks of life. Distur-bance, such as burning or well-managed grazing, is essential tothe maintenance of goodbrood-rearing cover.

Examples of brood habitatinclude old fields, native grass-es and cultivated pastures.Broods also use soybean andsmall grain fields, as well asgrassy fallow fields. Westemeieret al. (1995) found that broods

in Illinois used newly seededgrass/legumes, recently burnedbrome and weeds with scat-tered legumes. Burger et al.(1989) found that nativeprairie hay fields and pastureswere used in Missouri, andHorak (1985) found morebroods in disturbed or culti-vated areas compared to largenative pastures in Kansas.

Insects are critically impor-tant during early brood rearingto meet protein nutritionalneeds, thus habitats that havehigher insect populations aredesirable and should be adja-cent to or very near nestingcover. Insects comprise themajority of food items eaten bychicks, especially during thefirst month of life, and main-taining native forbs or legumesin the plant community sup-

ports higher insect diversityand numbers.

The patch-burn grazingmanagement of numerousMissouri prairies in recentyears has helped to provide softedge, important not only fornesting but for brood rearing:patches of bare ground allowfor chick mobility and insecthunting; the lush new growthafter burns and rested patchesprovide habitat for insects andhiding places for hens andchicks.

Missouri Grasslands Coali-tion partners have convertedmore than 500 acres of private-ly owned tall fescue and crop-land to wildlife-friendly for-ages in the past two years. Theyhave also initiated improvedgrazing systems and includedprescribed burning and exotic

plant control on thousands ofacres. These accomplishmentshave resulted in improvedbrood-rearing habitat forprairie-chickens and othergrassland-dependent birds.

ConclusionAlthough greater prairie-

chickens are adapted to a widerange of climatic conditions,and have responded to historic,favorable changes in land usepatterns throughout theirNorth American range, theirsuccess is tied to open land-scapes that provide the rightmixture and arrangement ofsuitable nesting and broodinghabitat. Missouri’s humid cli-mate and productive soilsmake it challenging for man-agers to keep up with habitatfragmentation by invasivewoody plants. Roads, power-lines, homes, fences and othermanmade sources of habitatfragmentation further limitsuitable habitat.

The biggest challenge, how-ever, comes with identifyinggrassland management strate-gies that fit the financial needsof farmers and other landown-ers who live and work where wesee potential for recreating suit-able habitat. Missouri Grass-lands Coalition partners con-tinue to seek funding tosupport the needed manage-ment and initiate programs thatmeet the needs of landownerswithin our Focus Areas. Thechallenges are great, but so arethe potential rewards.

Max Alleger,Grassland Bird Coordinator,

MDC

Note: Due to space limitations, we wereunable to print the author’s references. For a complete list, please email LynneJensen Lampe (Missouri Wildlife Design &Production) at llampe.editor@gmail.com.

There are three different kinds of extant prairie-chickens in North America: the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus), the greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido

pinnatus) and the Attwater’s prairie-chicken (T. c.attwateri). The genus and species name of the greaterand the Attwater’s literally means drummer of love,referring to the males’ booming courtship calls.

The Attwater’s prairie-chicken is federally listed asendangered and occurs only in profoundly isolated popu-lations on the Texas coastal plain. Populations of theAttwater’s have been seriously impacted by habitat frag-mentation and loss, severe weather events including hur-ricanes and introduced species such as the imported redfire ant.

Small populations of the lesser prairie-chicken—aspecies of conservation concern—occur in New Mexico,Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The lesser isabout two-thirds the size of the greater, and the male’sthroat sacs are a deeper orange-red than those of thegreater.

The main portion of this article is focused on thegreater prairie-chicken, the subspecies native to Missouriand neighboring states.

Prairie-Chicken Species

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1 6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

DNR’s New Deputy Director: A Top Flight Duck Hunter And World Class Guide

Davis Minton has a strongattachment tothe farm he

grew up on near DexterMissouri.

Following the channel-ization of the St. FrancisRiver in the 1970s, Davis,along with his father andtwo brothers cleared theland that makes up theirfamily farm, and he person-ally innovated many of thefarming practices that havemade this one of the mostproductive agricultural regions in thestate. He is also one of ourstate’s most creative wet-land managers. He and hisbrother, Bradley, operateMoccasin Ridge Hunt Club,which consists of highlyproductive wetlands sur-rounding three sides ofMDC’s famed OtterSlough. These days, hisdedication to the environ-ment has him in Jefferson

City, where he is serving asDeputy Director ofOperations for DNR. Hisresponsibilities include theDivision of EnvironmentalQuality and Division ofAdministrative Support.He fills a much needed roleat DNR, as his business andfinancial background willbe a valued asset as theagency faces the toughfunding issues that lieahead.

We salute Mr. Mintonfor his service!

Above: Challenges at DNR maybring deeper water, but Davis willwade right in.

Above left: Setting decoys.

At right: Scott and Sara Pauleywith just a few of the abundantfruits of Davis’s labors.

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 7

Above: Greenheads.

At left: Bootheel boat ride.

Photos by

Glenn Phaup

At left: Paradise for ducks…andduck hunters.

At right: A picture worth 1,000words, by Glenn Phaup.

Below: Multitasking in the duckmarsh.

Below right: Storage bins in thedistance are a reminder of theMinton family’s agricultural roots.

Board Approves Recommendations

The Conservation Federation ofMissouri Board of Directors approvedthe Nominating Committee recom-mendations for 2010 at the October 17Board Meeting:

President – Mike Schallon1st V.P. – Duane Addleman2nd V.P. – Richard Ash, Jr.Secretary – Sara PauleyTreasurer – Randy Washburn

Executive Committee – Howard Fisher,Tim Thompson

NWF Representative – Don JohnsonAlt. NWF Rep. – Ron Coleman

At-Large Elected Directors:Marvin BehnkeJim BlairGerry BoehmStephen BradfordRon ColemanMark CorioDuane KellyMarty KingJohn Knudsen

Arnold MeysenburgCharley PonciroliMossie SchallonWinnie Runge StriblingTim ThompsonTom RussellDennis StubbsAl VogtMark Williams

State-Record Trout Is Big But Lake Holds Bigger

For Scott Sandusky, the most excit-ing fish in the world is the Missouristate-record brown trout he landedNov. 20. For the rest of us, the mostexciting fish are the even bigger browntrout that might still be prowling thedepths of Lake Taneycomo.

Sandusky, a 49-year-old resident ofArnold, caught his 28-pound, 12-ounce fish on Berkley Power Bait and4-pound-test line on a spinning rodand reel. The fish – which bore someresemblance to a football – bested theprevious record – another Taneycomofish – by more than a pound. It meas-ured 37 inches from nose to tail.

Sandusky’s catch is dwarfed by theworld record brown trout, caughtfrom Michigan’s Big Manistee RiverSept. 9. That fish weighed 41 pounds, 7ounces. However, the MissouriDepartment of Conservation says LakeTaneycomo could harbor even biggerbrown trout.

In September 1997, a Lake Taneyco-mo angler found a monster browntrout dead near the lake’s 18-milemarker. The fish measured 41.75 inch-es long. Some estimated its live weightat 45 pounds.

Mike Kruse, now fisheries adminis-trative manager for the ConservationDepartment in Jefferson City, was the

agency’s trout research biologist in1997. At the time, he noted that thedead fish could have been a worldrecord.

Conservation Agent Quenten Fron-terhouse said he has seen larger fish inthe Trout Hollow area. Fisheries Man-agement Biologist Shane Bush saidConservation Department fisheriesworkers have found a number ofbrown trout weighing over 30 poundswhen conducting electrofishing sam-ples.

“With our annual stocking rate ofaround 10,000 brown trout a year, Tan-eycomo should have no problem pro-ducing additional world-class browntrout in the future,” said Bush.

“There is no telling how manyworld-class brown trout are swimmingaround in Lake Taneycomo,” saidKruse. “The lake’s natural food base isphenomenal, and it has an abundanceof deep-water habitat that can hide bigfish.”

Furthermore, said Kruse, Lake Tan-eycomo’s slow-moving current allowsbig trout to grow rapidly, because theydon’t have to expend much energy.

In contrast, anglers are likely toexpend lots of energy looking for bigbrowns at Lake Taneycomo, spurred onby Sandusky’s success.

Jim LowNews Services Coordinator, MDC

NEWS & ISSUESA COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

1 8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Scott Sandusky shows off his record-settingtrout: 28 pounds, 12 ounces.

MD

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Hunt with your kid now and you won’t have tohunt for your kid later! Steve Mowry knowsthat. He’s shown here with his daughter,Elizabeth, 20, and her magnificent buck.Elizabeth is a student at UMKC.

MD

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M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 9

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 LouisR. Philip Acuff, Saint JosephDuane Addleman, SpringfieldNancy Addleman†Tom Addleman, Kansas CityJames Agnew, ArnoldRichard Ash, Saint CharlesCarolyn Auckley, Jefferson CityMichael Baker, DeSotoDane Balsman, PerryvilleJim Tom Blair, Saint LouisMarilynn Bradford,

Cape GirardeauStephen Bradford,

Cape GirardeauGlenn Chambers, ColumbiaRon Coleman, Saint AlbansMark Corio, ColumbiaJohn Enderle, KelsoMr. & Mrs. Andrew Fleming,

ColumbiaHoward & Sara Fleming, MoberlyMr. & Mrs. Matt Fleming, MoberlyMatt Gaunt, ColumbiaTimothy Gordon,

Maryland HeightsDave Kolb Grading, Saint CharlesGray Manufacturing Company,Saint JosephDebbie Gremmelsbacher,

Saint LouisGery Gremmelsbacher,

Saint LouisHerman Hanley, Grain Valley

Mickey Heitmeyer, AdvanceRandy Herzog, Saint JosephJames Hill, MexicoAllan Hoover, Pleasant HillJohn Hoskins, FremontLarry & Joan Hummel, GlencoeDon Johnson, FestusMalcolm “Mac” Johnson, HartsburgRoger & Debbie Johnson,

HumansvilleTom Karl, FarmingtonDuane & Cosette Kelly,

IndependenceMarty King, University CityJudd Kirkham, Climax SpringsSara Knight, Charlotte, NCCarl Kurz, Leawood, KSAnn Kutscher, Jefferson CityLarry Lackamp, Bates CityJay Law†Gerald Lee, Kansas CityJoel LeMaster, FultonNorman Leppo, Saint LouisJohn Lewis, ColumbiaLeroy Logan, ArnoldChip and Teresa McGeehan,

MarshfieldCynthia Metcalfe, Saint LouisDavis Minton, DexterDavid Murphy, ColumbiaDean Murphy, Jefferson CitySara Parker Pauley, HartsburgAbe Phillips, Saint LouisJan Phillips, Saint Louis

Nick Prough, HarrisonvilleGerald Ross, Jefferson CityBruce & Jan Sassman, BlandMike Schallon, BallwinMossie Schallon, WentzvilleTimothy Schwent, JacksonGeorge Seek, MeadvilleE. “Sy” Seidler, Saint LouisSara Seidler, Saint LouisM.W. Sorenson, ColumbiaCharles & Winnie Stribling,

MexicoMary Stuppy, JoplinMark Sullivan†Jim Talbert, Jefferson CityTim Thompson, Saint CharlesJeff (J. T.) Tillman, Lake OzarkGary Van De Velde, Jefferson CityBarbara VanBenschoten,

Kansas CityLee Vogel, Kansas CityAl Vogt, ColumbiaJulius Wall, ClintonRandy Washburn, Jefferson CityRobert Werges, ArnoldMark Williams, LawsonStephen Wilson, HartsburgDaniel Witter, Holts SummitDick Wood, Saint LouisHoward Wood, Bonne TerreDan Zerr, O’FallonRobert Ziehmer, California

† Deceased

CFM Conservationists For Life($1,000 Contribution)

Natural Resource Committee Meetings9:00 - 10:30

Camping, Hiking, Trails & Water SportsChair: “Scoop” Peery Vice Chair: Linda Hanley

Conservation Education, Youth Activities, Public Information & Wildlife WeekChair: Diana Mulick Vice Chair: Al Vogt

Deer, Wild Turkey & Ruffed GrouseChair: Eldo Meyer Vice Chair: Mark Stuppy

ForestryChair: Ed Keyser

Quail & Quail HabitatChair: Tom Lampe Vice Chair: Elsa Gallagher

Rivers & StreamsChair: Burt StewartVice Chair: Mark Van Patten

Waterfowl & WetlandsChair: Mickey Heitmeyer Vice Chair: George Seek

Natural Resource Committee Meetings11:00 - 12:30

ArcheryChair: Tom Dickerson Vice Chair: Jeff Friedman

Ecology, Environment & EnergyChair: Wallis Warren Vice Chair: Duane Kelly

Fisheries & Water ResourcesChair: Tom Russell Vice Chair: Norman Leppo

Global WarmingChair: Cara Stuckel

Natural History & WildlandsChair: Herman Hanley Vice Chair: Bruce Schuette

ParksChair: Nikki Thole Vice Chair: Richard Ash, Jr.

Small Game & FurbearersChair: Robert Wilson Vice Chair: Dan McMurtry

Sportsmen’s Rights, Firearms & Hunter SafetyChair: Marvin Behnke Vice Chair: Orlin Browning

Keynote Session 8:00 - 8:45

Conservation Federation of Missouri2010 Resource Committee Meetings

The Lodge

of Four Seasons

Saturday,

February 27

Come Home To Conservation74th CFM Annual Conference—REGISTER NOW!

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTSAnnual Conservation Awards Ceremony Policy DiscussionsNatural Resource Committee Reports Meet Conservation & Natural Resource LeadersAffiliates Luncheon Banquet Auctions

CONFERENCE-AT-A-GLANCEFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

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 8:30am Resolutions General Session

7:30 - 9:00 pmAnnual Conservation AwardsCeremony

2:30 - 3:30 pmOperation Game Thief CommitteeMeeting

4:00 - 5:00 pmAnnual Business Meeting ofDelegates

5:00 - 5:30 pmLife Member Reception~Invitation Only~

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 5:30 - 7:00 pm Social Hour & Silent Auction

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9:00 - 12:30 pm Resource Committee Meetings

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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 $76/night for single ordouble occupancy while room block lasts.

2010 Awards Ceremony is sponsored byBass Pro Shops

(#1) Member Package—All sessions, AwardsCeremony, Access to exhibits/silent auction.

(#2) Non Member Package—All sessions,Awards Ceremony, Access to exhibits/silent auction, One-year CFM Membership.

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

Registration Packages Pre-Registration Registration Fee(by February 19)

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

12:00 pm Adjourn

Mail Registration To:

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Subject to change

8:30 pm Live Auction

2 2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Our Missouri state parksface one of the most seriousfinancial dilemmas in the histo-ry of the system as state govern-ment struggles with how to dealwith revenue shortfalls in a dif-ficult economy. In an economiccrisis like we face today, peoplestill need access to outdoorrecreation and tourism. Theextensive facilities in our parksmust be managed and main-tained to ensure a rewardingand safe visitor experience.

The ProblemMissouri’s nationally

renowned system of state parksand historic sites is gravelyimperiled by diversions fromthe Parks Sales Tax and inade-quate funding for capitalimprovements . The system isonly middling among the statesin number of units (85),acreage (140,000), staff (600merit FTE), and funding ($50million per year), yet it hasbeen recognized as one of thebest in the nation owing to thequality of the natural and cul-tural resources it protects, thequality of management, andstrong citizen support. Thatquality is now severely jeopard-ized by recent staff cuts andyears of inadequate funding forinfrastructure rehabilitationand other vital capital improve-ments, of which there is now a$200 million backlog. Therecent elimination of morethan 100 staff positions—at 17percent of merit staff, probablythe most severely hit of anystate agency—was exacerbatedby the fact that parks, almostalone among state agencies,

received not one cent of extrafederal funding in the last leg-islative session to cushion theblow of the current economiccrisis.

BackgroundMissouri state parks have

historically been supported byfour funding sources: the state’sgeneral revenue, a dedicatedtax, park earnings from fees andconcessions, and periodic infu-sions for capital improvementsfrom bond issues, federal fundsand donations. The current1/10th of 1% Parks and SoilsSales Tax, of which Parks gets50% (now $40 million), wasinitially approved in a statewidevote in 1984 and was renewedin 1988, 1996, and 2006 (next,2016). Major federal funds forcapital improvements came toMissouri during the 1930sdepression and the Land andWater Conservation Fund inthe 1960s and ’70s, while thelast significant capital improve-ments bond issue was the ThirdState Building Fund of the

1980s, of which Parks was allo-cated about 10% or $60 mil-lion.

When general revenue ofabout $11 million (for salaries)was stripped in 1989, bothsalaries and benefits had to bepaid from the Parks Sales Tax.With other diversions from thetax (e.g., oversight, ADA com-pliance, legal settlements) andmore than 300 sales tax exemp-tions by legislative or courtaction, the capacity of the ParksSales Tax to fund capitalimprovements has been under-mined. Now the economicdownturn is resulting in $4 mil-lion lower Parks Sales Tax rev-enues, necessitating the staffcuts.

The SolutionWhile various policy and

legislative changes could pro-vide some relief—and we mustremain alert to address them—the measure most likely to passin the next legislative session is a$700 million to $1 billion bondissue for capital improvements

similar to a referendum forhigher education bonds intro-duced by Chris Kelly (D) andSteven Tilley (R) in the last ses-sion; it passed the House andwas approved by the SenateAppropriations Committee,where it was amended toinclude up to $250 million forParks and other state agencies,but then died under threat offilibuster. At the Missouri ParksAssociation Annual MeetingOctober 24, Chris Kelly said heplans to reintroduce such abond issue, and that other stateagencies—presumably includ-ing state parks—may be includ-ed this time.

The Missouri Parks Associa-tion advocates that 10% of astate capital improvementsbond issue be designated forstate parks, with the amount forParks specified in the bill. Themeasure will likely be called theBuild America Bonds (forwhich 35% of the interest maybe paid from federal stimulusfunds) and/or the Fifth StateBuilding Fund, which could usethe annual revenue stream freedby the impending retirement ofthe Third State Building Fund.The referendum would have tobe approved by a vote of the cit-izenry; the widespread publicsupport for state parks (asreflected in the 71% “yes”votein the 2006 tax renewal) is amajor selling point for includ-ing state parks.

Dr. Susan Flader, President,Missouri Parks Association

Ron Coleman, Chairman,CFM Parks Committee

Shortfalls Affect Funding For Missouri State Parks

Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.

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OPEN SPACE COUNCIL

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 2 3

Water quality(health, recre-ation) andavailability

(amount, location) are hugelyimportant factors for the quali-ty of humanlife (not tomention biodi-versity). Thestudy of wateris a majorfocus ofresearch in allfour departments (Forestry;Fisheries & Wildlife Science;Parks, Recreation & Tourism;and Soil, Environmental, andAtmospheric Science) in MU’sSchool of Natural Resources.

From studies of precipita-tion (rain, snow, hail), to themovement of water over andthrough the ground, to streamand river flow, to drinkingwater quality, to recreationallake quality, to availability foragriculture, industry, and fam-ily use, to how people recreateon lakes and streams…theSchool is involved.

A quick review of currentresearch shows over half ofour faculty are engaged inmore than 100 research proj-ects related to water. A select-ed list of project titles helpssee the breadth of what facultyare working on:

• Watershed-Scale Evalua-tion of Soil and Water Conser-vation Practices;

• Assessing the Effects ofConservation Practices onAquatic Biota in the MissouriRiver Basin;

• Upper Mississippi RiverNavigation and EcosystemSustainability;

• Research on ConvectiveSnow in the Central UnitedStates;

• Removing Antibioticsfrom Surface Water RunoffUsing Vegetative Buffers;

• Improving feed conver-sion in aquaculture;

• Effects of Land-Use onDiffuse Pollution, UrbanRunoff and Water Quality inUrban, Agricultural andForested Watersheds;

• Statewide Lake Assessment Project;

• Variability in AtlanticRegion Hurricane Activity;

• An Economic Model toProject the Cost of VariousWastewater ManagementOptions.

Water research at MUinforms water quality stan-dards, helps communitiesmaintain drinking water sup-plies, and assists farmers andindustry with efficient use of aprecious resource. In almostany way that you use water,our researchers have beeninvolved. Our research facultyare engaged daily in helping allMissourians to enjoy a betterquality of life, better economicconditions, and a healthierenvironment. Our research onwater is just one way we makea difference in your life.

Any time you have ques-tions, you can reach me atRyanMR@missouri.edu.

Mark R. RyanDirector, SNR

Research At SNRIs All Wet!

SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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2 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

AGENCY NEWS

White Bass Fishing In Table Rock LakeMissouri Department Of Conservation Offers Tips For Success

Table Rock Lake is alarge reservoir locatedin the Missouri coun-ties of Barry, Stone,

and Taney and the Arkansascounties of Boone and Carroll.This reservoir encompasses43,100 acres and 745 miles ofshoreline and has gainednational attention for its excel-lent black bass fishing. In addi-tion to its exceptional black bassfishing, Table Rock Lake boastsopportunities for anglers tocatch a wide variety of sportfish,including crappie, walleye, pad-dlefish, and white bass. Whitebass fishing can be outstandingon this reservoir. Due to theabundance of threadfin shad inTable Rock, the growth rate ofwhite bass is phenomenal.These fish commonly reach 12inches at age 1 and 14 inches atage 2. The typical lifespan awhite bass is about 4 years, butthey can live longer and grow tolengths exceeding 18 inches inTable Rock Lake.

Lake levels during 2008ranged from 4.7 feet below to18.2 feet above conservationpool. Flooding impacts werefelt around the region as thelake rose 18 feet from March 18to March 22 following threedays of consecutive rain. Thelake set a new record high of933.2 feet on April 12, 2008, andremained at or above 930 feetthrough the end of April. Thegood news? Most sportfish inthe reservoir exhibited excellentrecruitment due to the highwater, including the white bass.This became evident in 2009

when anglers all around thelake reported seeing and catch-ing large numbers of 10-12 inchwhite bass chasing threadfinand gizzard shad to the surfacealmost on a daily basis. Someanglers claimed they had notseen so many white bass foryears. Others claimed to haveseen white bass surfacing forhours at a time. Due to thislarge year class, fishing for whitebass should prove to be excel-lent for the next two to threeyears. In addition to the largeyear class of 2008, slightly high-er than normal water levels in2007 and 2009 should haveresulted in additional year class-es of white bass, expanding thesize range to be caught for sev-eral years to come.

White bass are active, school-ing fish. They appear in largenumbers where food is abun-dant and move on when thesupply is exhausted. They feedmost actively in the early morn-ing and late evening, often nearthe surface where forage fishtend to concentrate. Largeschools move rapidly about inpursuit of bait fish, often drivingthem to the surface where theymay leap from the water toevade capture. Anglers who arefortunate enough to be fishingin areas where the white bassaggressively chase schools ofthreadfin to the surface cancatch an abundance of fish in avery short time.

Fishing for white bass inTable Rock Lake, like manyother lakes, can range from veryfast paced and exciting to

painfully frustrating. The timeto fish for white bass is duringtheir spring spawning migra-tions or when large schools arefeeding near the surface in mid-summer. During these times,fish may be caught on everycast. In the spring (mid-Marchto late April), white bass moveinto the river arms of TableRock Lake, mainly the JamesRiver, Kings River, and LongCreek to spawn. During thistime, they are commonly foundaround shallow gravel, sand, ormud flats. Inside, non-channelbends with little structure aregood areas to begin the searchfor white bass in the river arms.During the summer, manyanglers will find white bass inareas primarily inhabited byblack bass species in Table RockLake. White bass can be locatedby looking for fish surfacing forabout 15 to 30 seconds then dis-appearing again. They willmove to another area close, nor-mally out of casting distance,and repeat this action. Whenthey are not surfacing, whitebass can be found in the deeper,main lake portions of the lake aswell as in habitats similar to theriver arms, but deeper. Locatingschools of shad in deeper, flatareas using a fish finder is a greatmethod to locate good numbersof white bass.

While not many anglerschoose to fish for white bassduring the late fall and winter,the fishing can be excellent. Dueto cold water temperature youwill not encounter schools ofwhite bass actively chasing shad

on the surface. However, theycontinue to feed during thewinter at greater depths, usuallyon or near the main lake.Unlike the spring when the fishare migrating up the river armsto spawn, in the fall and winterwhite bass are following theshad. Shallow gravel points andflats seem to be the best. Whenlooking for schools of white basspay attention to the activity ofsea gulls. When the whites arefeeding on shad, they will forcethem to near surface and thisattracts the gulls. If you see gullsactively diving and feeding, youcan bet there are white bass inthe in the water nearby.

Most anglers will find thatsilver, white, chrome and anycombination of shad coloredlures will work the best for whitebass in Table Rock Lake. Manylures can be used at differenttimes of the year under manycircumstances. Lures can rangefrom 1/16th ounce white crap-pie jigs and grubs to 1/4thounce jigging spoons, rattle-traps, crankbaits, and even fullsize top water plugs, such asZara Spooks.When white bassare surfacing, a faster movingswimming lure works great. Ifwhite bass have been found butare not surfacing, a slower mov-ing lure usually works the best.More info on white bass fishingand Table Rock Lake is athttp://www.mdc.mo.gov. Forquestions regarding Table RockLake, call (417) 334-4859.

Shane Bush and Mike Allen,MDC

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 2 5

October 17, 2009Article IV Section 1 (b)

now reads:The Directors of the Feder-

ation:• Directors-at-Large (36)• Affiliated Club Directors (asmany as qualify)• Director Emeritus (up to 5)• NWF Representative andAlternative NWF Representative• Immediate Past President

Article IV Section 2 (a)(2.) now reads:

The nominating Commit-tee shall select the slate ofeighteen (18) elected directorsand present said slate to theBoard of Directors at the sec-ond meeting following theAnnual Meeting. The dele-gates at the Annual Meetingheld in conjunction with the

Annual Convention shall voteon this slate. Those electedshall serve for two-year terms,as shall the officers, Past Presi-dent, NWF Representative,NWF Alternate Representative,and the representative for Con-servation Leadership Corps.The slate of candidates shall bepublished in Missouri Wildlifeprior to the election at theAnnual Convention.

Article IV Section 3 hasbeen removed.

Article V Section 1 nowreads:

There shall be an ExecutiveCommittee of the Board con-sisting of the officers, theimmediate past-president, therepresentative to the NationalWildlife Federation and sixothers selected from members

of the Board. Of the six oth-ers, a minimum of one of thetwo selected each year shall bea Past President.

Article V Section 2 nowreads:

The officers shall serve onthe Committee for the term oftheir office as shall the Imme-diate Past President, the NWFRepresentative and the CLCRepresentative. The six elect-ed members shall serve stag-gered terms of three (3) yearswith two (2) of the six electedmember’s terms expiring ateach Board meeting held inconjunction with the AnnualConvention. After an electedmember serves his/her term,that elected member will notbe eligible for reelection to theExecutive Committee for one

year after his/her term expiresArticle V Section 3 now

reads:Two of the to-be-elected

members shall be nominatedby the Nominations Commit-tee each year and reported tothe Board at the second BoardMeeting following the annualmeeting. These nominationsshall be published in the issueof Missouri Wildlife immedi-ately preceding the nextAnnual Convention. Furthernominations may be allowedfrom the floor of the BoardMeeting. The two nominees toreceive the most votes fromthe Board, one of which mustbe a Past President, shall beelected to the Executive Com-mittee for a three-year term.A voice vote shall be allowed.

Board Of Directors Amends CFM Bylaws

Call the CFM office at (573) 634-2322 to buy your tickets TODAY! If you ain’t in, you can’t win!

Conservation Federation of Missouri

2010 75th Anniversary Gun Drawing

$75 each / 3 for $200 Only 300 tickets will be sold

Tickets and money due at CFM on or before Feburary 17, 2010Drawing to be held at CFM Annual Convention on Feburary 27, 2010

Each winning ticket will be re-entered. One ticket could win all guns!

Conservation Federation of Missouri

2010 Gun Drawing

name __________________________

address ________________________

_______________________________

phone _________________________

e-mail _________________________

Prizes:

2 6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Join the CFM Business Alliance today!Check the annual member category you prefer:❑ $250—Basic ❑ $1,000—Silver❑ $5,000—Gold ❑ $10,000—Platinum

CFM Business Alliance members will receive aone-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife,

recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife anda CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri728 West Main

Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions,

call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us atwww.confedmo.org to sign up online

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Missouri is known as the “Black Walnut Capital of the World.” Supportersgather in September 2009 to announce the state proclamation.

Office of the GovernorState of Missouri

Proclamation

WHEREAS, Missourians harvest wild black walnuts by handevery fall, creating an economic impact of millions of dollars for

the state; and

WHEREAS, the meat of the black walnut is versatile, addingrich and distinctiveflavor to many foods; and

WHEREAS, black walnut shells are used for abrasive cleaningand polishing, oil well drilling and filtering water; and

WHEREAS, the black walnut veneer is used in making furnitureand gunstocks; and

WHEREAS, the Black Walnut Festival has been celebratedannually in the city of Stockton, Missouri, for 49 years; and

WHEREAS, Missouri is known as the “Black Walnut Capital ofthe World”; and

WHEREAS, the eastern black walnut is recognized as the officialstate tree nut of Missouri.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon, GOVERNOROF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, do hereby proclaim

September 21 - 27, 2009 as

BLACK WALNUT WEEK IN MISSOURI

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand andcaused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in

the City of Jefferson, this 1 day of September, 2009.

Signed by Governor Jay Nixon and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan

State Celebrates Black Walnut Week

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 2 7

This year GovernorNixon decided hewould do somethinghe’d wanted to do for

some time. He would take tothe woods and join almost500,000 other Missourians onopening day of firearms deerseason. He told his staff thatshould he be fortunateenough and skilled enough totake a deer, he wanted todonate it to Share The Har-vest. Then he instructed hisstaff to find out if there wasanything his office could do tohelp the program.

Through the Governor’sYouth Turkey Hunt, our Sum-mit for the Future of MissouriOutdoors and other activities,CFM had established a niceworking relationship with theGovernor’s office. So, whenBrent Bayer asked Dave Mur-phy what Share The Harvestneeded, Dave was straight tothe point—money. Daveexplained that due to limitedfunds, CFM had set caps onthe number of deer eachprocessor could receive.Funding was limiting ourgrowth.

Governor Nixon suggestedthat CFM should apply forNeighborhood Assistance Pro-gram tax credits as a way ofattracting additional support,and with the help of the staffat the Department of Eco-nomic Development, CFMwas approved for the tax cred-its ahead of opening day. Butsupport from the Governorand his staff didn’t stop there.

To our surprise, he committedto a six city tour to promoteShare The Harvest. It wasmedia attention that wecould’ve hardly purchased ifwe had wanted to. It prompt-ed numerous stories in localnewspapers and on televisionand radio. Tour stops includ-ed Crane’s Meats in Ashland,Operation Food Search in St.Louis, Sierra Bullets in Sedalia,Bass Pro Shops in Springfield,the MDC Regional Office inKirksville and the First BaptistFood Pantry in West Plains.To everyone who helped alongthe way, we at CFM say thankyou! To Shelter Insurance,which made the first gift toutilize NAP credits with a$10,000 contribution, andJohnny Morris at Bass ProShops, who surprised us with$25,000 later that day, we saythank you! To all the huntersthat have donated their meatand volunteers that havedonated their time—Thankyou!!!

Did Governor Nixon gethis deer!? Well, not on open-ing weekend, although there isa lengthy story there foranother time. However, per-sistence paid off, as the secondweekend of the seasonbrought success, and the Gov-ernor was able to donate anice doe to Share The Harvest.

It would be hard to comeup with a program that makesmore sense than Share TheHarvest. Hunters love the pro-gram because it gives them aconvenient way to help others

while doing something theyenjoy, and the Department ofConservation appreciates itsvalue as a tool to help managea healthy and balanced deerherd. Of course, the mostimportant aspect of the pro-gram becomes evident whenyou are witness to the familiesthat ultimately receive thedonated meat. It is cherishedby those recipients, who lookforward to the meals they’llprepare, and appreciate thevenison for its flavor andnutritional value. In fact, thereis so much demand for thevenison, that many of the dis-tribution centers limit theamount of meat any one fami-ly can receive. Your gift canhelp feed more Missourians inneed.

Learn how you can make agift to CFM for Share TheHarvest and qualify for NAPtax credits!

The Conservation Federa-tion of Missouri is interested

in growing Share The Harvestand needs your help to do it!Gifts to CFM for processing ofMissouri whitetail deer willhelp feed Missourians in need,and now, thanks to the Mis-souri Department of Econom-ic Development’s Neighbor-hood Assistance Program(NAP), you or your businessmay be eligible for significantstate tax advantages as a resultof a gift in support of thisworthwhile program.

Here’s the simple explana-tion regarding the tax credits.NAP tax credits for Share TheHarvest are 50% state tax cred-its. They apply to the donor’sstate tax liability. The NAPcredits allow a qualified donorto subtract 50% of their totalcontribution to Share TheHarvest directly from statetaxes owed. The donor maystill deduct the full amount oftheir gift as a charitable contri-bution for both state and fed-eral taxes. This combination oftax credit and charitablededuction creates significanttax savings for qualifieddonors. Credits may be usedduring the calendar year inwhich the contribution wasmade, or may roll over for upto five additional tax years. Thecredits are good for almost anybusiness or any individual withbusiness income.

For more information aboutNeighborhood Assistance Pro-gram tax credits and Share TheHarvest, contact Matt Gaunt at(800) 575-2322 or visitwww.confedmo.org/taxcredits/.

Governor’s Office Helps Promote Share The HarvestDepartment of Economic Development Awards NAP Tax Credits

Shelter Insurance Company CEODavid Moore speaks from the heartabout their commitment to ShareThe Harvest.

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The U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, incoordination with theMissouri Department

of Conservation (MDC) andappropriate private landowners,invited congressional staff withSenators Bond (R-MO) andMcCaskill (D-MO) and Con-gressman Luetkemeyer (R-MO-9) to take part in a tour of anaquatic habitat restoration proj-ect on private farmland in theLower Bourbeuse watershed inFranklin and Crawford Coun-ties (eastern Missouri). Theevent took place on September30, 2009.

Prior to restoration activities,heavy agricultural pressure hadcontributed to severe erosion ofstream banks and high sedi-ment loads to the stream, whichnegatively impacted habitat andwater quality, as well as local fishpopulations. During the sitevisit, congressional staff learnedhow efforts to improve landmanagement practices in recentyears have led to improvementsin water quality and reductionsin stream bank erosion, whichin turn have helped to maintainhabitat for fish, amphibians andreptiles, and aquatic inverte-brates.

Efforts to improve aquatichabitat in the Meramec - LowerBourbeuse Watershed Basin areunique, as landowners drive therestoration programs. There isa lengthy history of landownercooperation and leadership in conservation activities withinthe watershed, which includesLittle Bourbeuse, Brush Creek,

Lick Creek and Boone Creeksubwatersheds. The landown-ers were proactivelyapproached by the Service andMDC just prior to thescaleshell mussel being listedunder the Endangered SpeciesAct. Collectively the agenciesand the landowners developeda plan to ensure healthystreams and healthy farms.There has been a waiting list oflandowners with a clear desireto participate in watershedimprovement efforts since2001; with significant waterquality and habitat improve-

ments taking shape in thewatershed over the past eightyears.

The partnership restorationproject falls under the umbrellaof The Southeast AquaticResources Partnership (SARP)and is a direct application of theNational Fish Habitat ActionPlan (NFHAP). NFHAP is anational investment strategy tomaximize the impact of conser-vation dollars on the ground.Under NFHAP, Federal, State,Tribal, and privately-raisedfunds are leveraged throughregional partnerships to address

the nation’s biggest fish habitatchallenges.

Senator Bond has co-spon-sored the National Fish HabitatConservation Act of 2009(S.1214) in the United StatesSenate, and this legislation aimsto conserve the Nation's fish andaquatic communities throughpartnerships that foster fishhabitat conservation and wouldact as organic legislation for theNFHAP program.

Ryan Aylesworth,Region 3 External Affairs

Brian Elkington

Congressional Staffers Tour Aquatic HabitatRestoration Site on Rural Missouri Farmland

22701 Rocheport Rd,Boonville MO 65233

(660) 882-9130 • (573) 445-2363

www.Riverhillssportingclays.com

• Ammo Pro Shop • Loaner Guns• Corporate Functions • Fund Raisers

• Sporting Clays • Skeet• Trap • 5-Stand

Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

UNITEDBOWHUNTERS

of MISSOURI

Preserving the

Tradition ofBowhunting

We support Bowhuntingthrough conservation,education, fostering a spirit of sportsmanshipand promoting responsibleand ethical hunting.

For Information:United Bowhunters

of MissouriP.O. Box 235 • Jackson,

MO 63755

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 2 9

Events throughout thestate offer Missouri-ans a chance to seebald eagles in the wild

and indoors.Thousands of bald eagles

come to Missouri each winter.The number and locationdepends on weather. Becausethey rely on fish and waterfowlfor food, eagles migrate as farsouth each winter as necessaryto find open water. Missouri’sbig rivers and reservoirsbecome eagle magnets someyears. In other years their num-bers are more modest, but a fewplaces in the Show-Me Stateprovide reliable eagle-viewingopportunities every year.

The Missouri Departmentof Conservation began taking

advantage of these eagle hotspots in 1978, inviting peopleto come and view eagles atpublic events. Over the years,Eagle Days has expanded toinclude indoor naturalist pro-grams with live eagles.

This year’s events include:Smithville Lake, Little

Platte Park Course Complex,9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9 and11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 10. Call(816) 532-0174 for moreinformation.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridgein St. Louis County, 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Jan. 16 and 17. Call (314)877-1309 for more informa-tion.

Springfield ConservationNature Center, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. Jan. 23 and 11 a.m. to 4

p.m. Jan. 24. Call (417) 888-4237 for more information.

Clarksville, Lock & Dam24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30 and10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Call(660) 785-2420 for moreinformation.

Info also is available atmdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.

The Conservation Depart-ment provides binoculars andspotting scopes for eagle view-ing. Warm clothing is a must,since damp, windy conditionsoften prevail around largebodies of water in the winter.Indoor programs offer achance to warm up and learnmore about eagles and otherbirds of prey.

These organized eventsmake eagle viewing easy.

However, if you prefer to go italone, you can see eagles atEagle Bluffs ConservationArea south of Columbia, Lockand Dam 25 east of Winfield,Riverlands Migratory BirdSanctuary east of West Alton,Bagnell Dam Access at Lake ofthe Ozarks, Mingo NWRnorthwest of Puxico, TableRock Lake and Shepherd ofthe Hills Fish Hatchery south-west of Branson and TrumanReservoir near Warsaw.

Watch for eagles perched inlarge trees at the water’s edge.Early mornings are best forseeing eagles flying and fishing.

Jim LowNews Services Coordinator,

MDC

Eagle Days Continues Through JanuaryChoose Eagle-Viewing Events Or Find Your Own Spot At Eagle Bluffs

The Conservation Foundationof Missouri Charitable Trust andthe Conservation Federation ofMissouri are pleased to announcethat applications are now beingaccepted for the 2010 CharlesBell Conservation Scholarships.

In the 2010 Bell ScholarshipProgram, eight scholarships willbe awarded: one graduate($600), one undergraduate($500) and six for elementary,high school or youth groups($250 each). In this latter cate-gory, CFM members who work

with Boy Scouts, 4-H, environ-mental clubs or youth chaptersof their affiliate are eligible andencouraged to apply.

Graduate applicants mustbe enrolled in a field of studyrelated to conservation, naturalscience or earth resources at anaccredited college or university.Undergraduate applicants musthave 60 credit hours or moreand should have enrolled in anarea related to conservation.Preference in all cases will begiven to applicants enrolled in

Missouri schools. The deadlinefor applications is January 15,2010.

These scholarships arenamed in memory of CFM pastpresident Charles P. Bell, whosefamily provided major fundingfor this program. For an application form, write toConservation Federation ofMissouri, Bell Scholarships,728 West Main Street,Jefferson City, MO 65101 orcall (573) 634-2322 or (800)575-2322.

Applications Now Being Accepted For The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship

3 0 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

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 AT E SAnglers of MissouriBeaver Lake Beagle ClubBig Game Hunters, Inc.Bridlespur Hunt ClubCapitol City Fly FishersCentral Missouri Chapter Safari ClubColdwater Outing & Game PreserveFestus-Crystal City Conservation ClubGreenway Network, Inc.Heaven’s AnglersJefferson County Coonhunters, Inc.Lambert Field Rod & Gun ClubMeramec Area Sportsman AssociationMidwest Diving CouncilMississippi Valley Duck HuntersMississippi Valley Gun ClubMissouri Association of Meat ProcessorsMissouri Bass FederationMissouri Bird Conservation InitiativeMissouri Bow HuntersMIssouri Chapter of the American FisheriesMissouri Chapter of the Wildlife SocietyMissouri Chapter Soil and Water Conservation

Society

Missouri Conservation Agents AssociationMissouri Consulting Foresters AssociationMissouri Department of AgricultureMissouri Ducks Unlimited State CouncilMissouri Forest Products AssociationMissouri Hunter Education Instructors AssociationMissouri Hunting Heritage FederationMissouri Hunting Spaniel ClubMissouri National Wild Turkey FederationMissouri Native Seed AssociationMissouri Parks & Recreation AssociationMissouri Parks AssociationMissouri Prairie FoundationMissouri Ruffed Grouse SocietyMissouri Smallmouth AllianceMissouri Society of American ForestersMissouri Sport Shooting AssociationMissouri State Campers Association

Missouri State Council Quail UnlimitedMissouri Taxidermist AssociationMissouri Trappers Association

Missouri Trout Fisherman’s AssociationMissouri Waterfowl AssociationMissouri Whitetails UnlimitedMonett Sportsman LeagueMU Student Chapter Wildlife SocietyNortheast Missouri Coonhunters AssociationNorthside Conservation FederationOpen Space CouncilOzark Fly FishersOzark Wilderness Waterways ClubPerry County Sportsman ClubPomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.River Relief, Inc.Saint James Civic ClubSouth Side Division Conservation FederationSouthwest Missouri Fly FishersTipton Farmers & Sportsman ClubUnited Bow Hunters of MissouriWalnut Council & Other Fine HardwoodsWecomo Sportsman ClubWild Elk Institute of MissouriWildlife Society of Missouri State UniversityWindsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

JUST A FEW SETS LEFT! Fantastic images of Missouri wildlife by renowned photographer Jim Rathert. Best of all, each of these vivid slices of Missouri wildlife will gr eatly benefit CFM.

A dozen cards are yours for only $10. To purchase, use the form below, call (800) 575-2322 orgo to www.confedmo.org. Mail your payment to 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Beautiful CFM Notecards

Name:__________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: _________ Zipcode:_____________

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

Credit Card ~ Card #: ____________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________

Missouri State Chapter of the Quality DeerManagement Association

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

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

Check the member category you prefer:❑ $25—Individual ❑ $15—Student ❑ $30—Family ❑ $100—Sustaining

❑ $1000—LifetimeYour dues include a 1-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, a logo sticker and a membership card.

Please mail this application with your membership dues to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri728 West Main • Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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

Name:____________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________ State:____________________________ ZIP code: ______

Work phone: ____________________________________________ Home phone: ______________________________

Fax number: ____________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________________________

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

Credit card number:________________________________________________________ Expiration date: __________

Signature of cardholder: ______________________________________________________________________________

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

HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALSIn Memory of Russell Lee PlattnerBob Ziehmer ~ California, MO

In Memory of Russell Lee PlattnerDon & Nancy Johnson ~ Festus, MO

In Memory of Russell Lee PlattnerChip & Teresa McGeehan ~ Marshfield, MO

In Memory of Jeral Dee BeatyRegina Arnold ~ Saint Joseph, MO

Conserve Life: SLOW DOWN More than 1,100 people die onMissouri highways each year. Don’t become a statistic. Conserve life by slowing

down and by always making sure your seatbelt is buckled. BUCKLE UP

Idrew the short strawone night during gunseason and had to staylate to check in deer

and close up. I was bymyself, and when 8:00 comesaround you lock the door,shut off the light, and run, ora deer hunter will catch youand you’ll have to stay. Atthe end of a 14-hour day Iwas more than ready to go.Right then, a car pulledaround back. (I have to tellyou—I can’t make this up.This is a true story.) The carwas a 1970s sedan that hadto be 30-foot long with atrunk the size a mobsterwould envy. Two bungeecords were holding itsbulging lid down. Theybacked up and three womenwho must’ve been in their80s got out. I opened thetrunk and there were six,non-field-dressed deer inthere. I look up and two ofthe elderly ladies are stillholding their rifles! Whatwas stranger, they werewearing what looked liketheir Sunday dresses. BeforeI could say a word, the ring-leader told me her story.“We all sat on the back porchwaitin’ for ’em. When theycame in the backyard…weblasted ’em! Them sons-a-bitches been eatin’ our flow-ers, now were gonna eatthem!” Seeing that the ladieswere still holding their gunsand what they were willingto do to deer that ate theirflowers, I decided not tomention our policy of onlytaking field-dressed deer. Ifinally got to go home afterfield dressing six deer. I didnot think it was wise to messwith “Grannies with Guns!”

Andy Cloud, PresidentMo. Assn. of Meat Processors

3 2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

Oh, Deer!

Congratulations, Dave!Friends and family gathered at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia, Mo., on November

24, to celebrate Dave Murphy’s selection as one of Outdoor Life Magazine’s OL25.The award recognizes 25 of the most influential people in hunting and fishing. Thecelebration at Bass Pro proved to be a successful fund raiser for CFM, but moreimportant, it brought together many of the people in Dave’s life who had not metbefore, despite the fact that many of them have dedicated their professional livesand a great deal of their personal lives to conservation. The breadth of interests inthe crowd was a testament to Dave’s wide-ranging interests in the outdoors.

And THANKS to David Smith and staff, our partners at Bass Pro Shops inColumbia, for making this such a special event for Dave and his family.

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