The Federation Report
August 28, 2015

In This Issue
Legislative Report
  

We are so proud of the work the Conservation Federation of Missouri, our affiliate partners and so many individual Missouri citizens are collectively accomplishing. The legislative session has ended and great strides were made this year. This article touches on the direction we are heading.

From Our Blog:
 
MDC Approves New Deer Hunting Dates and Regulations

 
Changes are on the horizon for Missouri deer hunters. Beginning in 2016, deer hunters won't be able to kill as many antlered bucks, will be able to use crossbows during archery season, will have two fewer days of hunting during the November portion of the firearms season, will have a shorter antlerless season and Urban Zones will no longer exist. The Conservation Commission approved these and other changes based on professional recommendations and public input.

Missouri is a diverse state. Managing for the best-case scenario of any species is no easy task. Considering the popularity of white-tailed deer, pleasing everyone is impossible. Thankfully, our state deer biologist Jason Sumners (pictured right) and his team do an incredible job of balancing wildlife health with hunter desire.

Reducing the number of days in a certain season may not sit well with some, but may be just what others hoped for. Take shortening the November portion of the firearms season from 11 to 9 days, for example.

"The final two days of the November portion of the firearms deer season have traditionally been the two days with the lowest hunter harvest and number of hunting trips," said Sumners."... 

Family Farm & Forest Landowner Field Day
A Family Farm and Forest Landowner Field Day will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 9am -3pm at Crystal Creek Ranch, located west of Eminence, MO. The event is free and open to the public. The purpose of this event is to show landowners how to support the health and wealth of family farms and forests.
  
To do this, multiple agencies have partnered to offer field demonstrations, activities for kids and a free BBQ lunch. Topics include forest management, grazing systems, flood-resistant fencing, feral hog control, and new ways to provide water for cattle.
  
Activities for kids include fishing, hay rides, and hands-on learning about crawdads, bugs, mammals and trapping.
  
Call (573)226-3843 for more details.

View Flyer HERE.
Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) Conference

Held August 21-22, 2015
MoBCI logo
The conference theme was: "To Kill a Mockingbird" - A look at the variety of threats and challenges facing bird management in Missouri and elsewhere.

An article highlighting the conference can be viewed HERE
Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri
- A Model of Collaboration
Discover the unique history of the "Missouri Model" of wetland and waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated book. This is a must have for all serious migratory bird hunters.

All net proceeds will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

National Wildlife Federation Seeks
Monarch Outreach Specialist

The National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) South Central Regional office, located in Austin, TX seeks an energetic, focused and motivated individual to assist with the implementation of their Monarch Urban Outreach Program, which will build capacity within targeted cities in the monarch butterfly central flyway to take appropriate, effective action on behalf of monarch butterfly recovery.

CFM Store
 

CFM Logo T-shirt

~ $15.00 ~

(Available colors are blue, brown or grey)

 

Other items are available for purchase on the

Affiliate Summit
September 17-18, 2015
Attention Affiliate Leaders,
 
Last year, CFM held our Inaugural Affiliate Summit. Over 100 individuals attended representing more than 40 affiliates. Although most CFM affiliates have specific initiatives, each has the overarching goal of ensuring Missouri remains the conservation model other states strive to become.
 
In order to better organize our collective power as the conservation community of Missouri, we hope you will attend the Second Annual CFM Affiliate Summit  on September 17-18 at the Inn at Grand Glaize at Lake of the Ozarks. Your attendance, along with additional leaders of your organization, will benefit all other attendees, and will help ensure this summit is as productive as possible. If you cannot attend, please send someone else from your organization. We welcome paid staff and passionate volunteers.
 
This year's Affiliate Summit will once again feature impressive speakers and cover important topics. Schedule details can be viewed HERE.
 
To join us, please confirm how many members of your organization plan to attend by contacting Laurie Coleman at [email protected] or (573) 634-2322. You may also register online at confedmo.org/affiliate-summit. There is no cost for up to 2 representatives from affiliates that are current on their dues. Additional representatives are welcome to attend for $50 each. Please provide name, phone number and email for all members attending by September 4.
 
The Inn at Grand Glaize has provided a special discount to Summit attendees at a nightly rate of only $75 + tax. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 348-4731. Code: CONFED15 - Room block discounted rate ends September 4.

Explore the Outdoors - Saint Louis
October 24, 2015
St. Louis is the second stop of CFM's regional event series in 2015. Taking place on October 24, 2015 at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and The Lodge at Des Peres, the event familiarizes St. Louis residents with the outdoor opportunities in the area while they learn more about the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
  
The event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Powder Valley Nature Center with multiple interactive sessions on hunting, fishing, birding, outdoor photography and other outdoor opportunities in the St. Louis area. Following the seminars at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, the event moves to The Lodge at Des Peres for a celebration of conservation featuring dinner, live entertainment, auctions, raffles and a panel discussion.

CFM is hosting Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of Missouri Botanical Gardens; Andy Buchsbaum, Vice President of Conservation Action for the National Wildlife Federation; and Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, for a discussion on world, national and state conservation issues.
  
There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Sponsors receive ten tickets and an Iron Business Alliance membership with their purchase.

For more information, please contact Rehan Nana at [email protected] or 573-634-2322.

New Interactive Advocacy Portal
Has Been Launched

The Conservation Federation of Missouri has launched a new Interactive Advocacy Portal. Once signed up, the system will allow residents to see who their representatives are and send already written emails directly to them with the click of a button.

 

Conservation in Missouri is experiencing attacks like never before. Legislative bills are threatening our successful Department of Conservation by eliminating funding sources and altering conservation authority. This new advocacy portal allows Missourians to have a greater voice in these policy issues that affect conservation and our precious natural resources.By working together, our voices will be heard by decision makers before they act on your behalf.

 

Sign up TODAY for FREE

 

Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter Clinic
Join the staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation for this premier wingshooting workshop. This is a free workshop that will help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills with non-toxic shot.

Topics include: how to select the best ammunition and choke combination for hunting, how to improve your shooting skills, general information on the latest non-toxic shotgun ammunition, how to improve your range and distance estimation skills, and how to properly pattern your shotgun.

Participants should bring their hunting shotgun and choke tubes if applicable, non-toxic shotgun ammunition they wish to pattern, eye/ear protection, and a stool or chair. Clay targets and 12 and 20 gauge non-toxic practice ammunition will be provided. For workshop details, call the listed contact number.

Workshop Schedule:
  • September 12: Ted Shanks Conservation Area, Ashburn - (660) 785-2424, ext. 6507
  • September 19: Jay Henges Range, Saint Louis - (636) 938-9548
  • September 19: White Ranch Conservation Area, West Plains - (417) 255-9561, ext. 230
  • September 19: University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg - (660) 530-5500
  • October 2 & 3: Lake City Range, Kansas City - (816) 249-3194
  • October 3: Lake Show Me, Memphis - (660) 785-2424, ext. 6507
  • October 17: Duck Creek Conservation Area - (573) 290-5730

Discover Nature programs are designed to help Missourians explore nature and master outdoor skills together. This program is open to ages 14 and over.

 

Grow Native Workshop
September 19, 2015

Attend this special Grow Native! workshop on September 19, 2015. The workshop is hosted by the Kappelmann Farm near Gerald, MO. It will feature special speakers and inform attendees about best practices for creating and enhancing native grasslands.

During this workshop you will learn:
  • How to convert non-native grasslands and croplands into native grasses and wildflowers
  • How to diversify your prairie plantings
  • Glade habitat restoration methods
  • Maximizing agency cost-share funding
  • Long-term management of your planting (e.g. using prescribed fire, haying, invasive plant control)

More information and a registration form can be found HERE

 

Explore the Outdoors: Kansas City
Held May 9, 2015