Vol73 no5 2012

September 2012 VOL. 73, NO. 5

Pull For Conservation Weekend!Pre-Shoot Dinner & 6th Annual CFM Sporting Clays ClassicFor results, sponsors, donors and more photos, see inside.

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

Inside This Issue:Featured articlesMissouri Native Grasses To The Rescue ....................................................4CFM Strategic Planning Report .........................................................5Understanding and Managing CWD in Missouri ...................................6Grapevines — Another Reason to Hate Them ................................9Fall Conference Registration ...................................................................12Heckmann is Tree Farmer of the Year ...........................................13Our First Pull For Conservation Banquet ................................................14Pull For Conservation Clay Shoot Sets New Record for Participation ......16The Mission of the Conservation Leadership Corps .................................20Nominate an Outstanding Student ...........................................................20Marathon Team Raises $60,000 ..............................................................22

news, updates and columnsView From The Stone House .....................................................................................2President’s Message .....................................................................................................3Open Space Council The Friends of La Barque Creek Honor Three MDC Conservationists .........................8Teaming With Wildlife A Great Man & Colleague Retires - Good Luck Gene Gardner! .............................. 10 CFM Presents Mike “Tater” Haviland at the 2nd Annual FilmFest 4-H in Branson, MO .................................................................................. 11Agency News DNR - Providing Assistance to Missourians During Extreme Drought Conditions....18 MDC - Deepening Drought Affects Forest, Fish, Wildlife ................................28Calendar ............................................................................................24Member Information Business Alliance Members .................................................................... 5 Honorariums and Memorials .................................................................13 Affiliates of the Federation ....................................................................13 Conservationists For Life ..................................................................... 26 New Members ..................................................................................10

September 2012Vol. 73, No. 5

Wildlife MISSOURI

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591

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

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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

Email • [email protected] Online • http://www.confedmo.org

MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bi monthly in January, March, May, July, Sept ember and November for subscribers and members of the Con ser vation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jef ferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO. and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to

MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Richard AshAl VogtRon ColemanMossie SchallonRandy Washburn

Dave Murphy

Travis Scott

Debra Lee

Micaela Haymaker

Laurie Coleman

Joe Pendergrass

President1st Vice President2nd Vice PresidentSecretaryTreasurer

Executive Director/ EditorDirector of DevelopmentTeaming With Wildlife CoordinatorOffice ManagerMembership Associate/ Managing EditorDesign & Production

OFFIcERS

STAFF

cOVER: Giant Canada Geese /Missouri River ©Glenn D. Chambers

Visit Glenn’s new website: www.glenndchambers.com

Cover caption: “The wild geese shall cry overhead, and he who loved them shall not hear their passing.” – I.T. Bode at the death of E. Sydney Stephens

2 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

Days in triple digits. Nights over 90 de-grees. Winds stealing all remaining moisture, right down to the dew drops. An historic drought…the most severe since the days of the Dust bowl. Corn and beans promise a trifling harvest. Even with Federal Crop Insurance, we will lose producers.

the 53,000 Missouri families who raise cattle are running out of grass and being forced to feed their winter cache of hay in early autumn. Many are selling all or parts of their herd. It is a serious and challeng-ing time for livestock producers in Missouri, who generate half of our leading industry’s revenue.

Wild crops are in great peril. We have a poor acorn crop. Many of our privately owned forests are mature and too many are heavily overstocked. We can expect serious mortality among trees already approaching the ends of their lifespan.

At our farm in Clark County, we have reduced some of the consequences of this drought by managing our forest for health, sustainability and productivity. timber Stand Improvement has reduced stocking rates and has provided some relief. Fewer trees are competing for the available water and nutri-ents. So far, we haven’t lost many. AND we have been blessed with at least some rainfall.

Grasshoppers are abundant. they provide food in high quality and incredible amounts for those able to capture them. All kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish are cashing in on the bonanza.

pond restorations, easier because of the drought, are happening everywhere. And, of course, the incredible staff of DNR and MDA, are working non-stop to get relief to those in direst need. Subsidized wells are being dug by the thousands.

perhaps there will be no better time for us Missourians to get serious in our consider-ation of water. Our usually abundant supply of water is severely limited, and we are sud-denly experiencing what other less fortunate Americans have dealt with for over a century. Our current water law has its weaknesses exposed, just when we need it most. A statewide water plan, called for by partici-

pants in our 2009 A Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors, is becoming an urgent necessity as conflicting demands intensify.

Lest you leave this column in hopeless despair, let me share two of the things from the last few days:

the new John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center in Spring-field MUSt be experienced to comprehend. the W.O.L.F. school is moved in there. the CFM OAKs committee got to visit this facility before school began. Nowhere on earth at no time in history has such an environment for conservation education been created. the Springfield 5th graders to experience W.O.L.F. each year are fortunate, indeed. but all of us benefit! the bass pro Shops Founder, CFM Life Member and great partner, John L. Morris has imagined, created and brought to life an exemplary facility and program which is already inspiring countless folks to spread the conservation message throughout our society. You must see it.

Recently I had the great pleasure of a serene evening on a sternwheeler on the Mis-souri River. the River is as low and gentle as it has been in years. the folks heading up Missouri River Relief held a friend-raiser river cruise. Yes, I have heard that the Mis-souri River is our most underutilized natural resource in Missouri. Yes, I am a river rat and have been a lover of flowing waters since boyhood. Yes, I have heard the accusation that a ride on the river can be dangerous. bUt I cannot remember a more thoroughly relaxing, peaceful or fulfilling experience in my recent life than this cruise. thanks to Missouri River Relief, even at these histori-cally low river levels, not one piece of trash did we see. Cormorants, the blood red orb of the setting sun on the wild and natural vis-ta of ploughboy bend Conservation Area…all to the accompaniment of the quiet, steady pulse of the drum of the sternwheeler. One could vividly imagine early travelers riding the decks upstream all the way to Yankton more than a century ago.

You see, there are those among us who re-fuse to long be discouraged by circumstance. May it always be so. May those of us who insist on wise use of our natural resources, who insist on consideration of them in every decision and every action continue to find a home in Missouri and in CFM. It is essential that we not miss the unique opportunity we have been given to leave our world a little better for our brief time here. Consider this when you vote in November. No party has proprietary ownership of the outdoors. Con-sider carefully the conservation ethic of each candidate as you cast your vote.

— Dave Murphy

Executive Director, CFM

view From the stone house

Burned Out or High Water Mark?


Since we last visited through the pages of Missouri Wildlife, I was blessed with an experience I’m sure to remember for quite some time. My fiancée, Judy, had resided in the Wisconsin Nort’woods area for several years and has some very close friends there who extended an invitation for us to visit.

Although tentative at first, my uneasi-ness was mitigated just a bit when Judy “dangled the hook” by mentioning there might be a chance to go fishing. And, that a good old fashion fish-fry was for sure a part of the planned activity. Yes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and without question the food was scrumptious! Our hosts, Linda and pete Venturi, surely were master chefs. As someone who has been to many a fish fry, never had I experienced one like we were treated. Sorry, can’t tell you pete’s secret recipe. Yet I’ve got to brag on the blue gill fillets – they were gourmet fix’ns!!! Oh yes, did I mention Linda’s bumble berry pie?

Now, I’d enjoyed traveling a bit of Wisconsin before but not within the Nort’woods. to the community’s credit, our hosts could easily have been mistaken for real estate sales representatives. We toured nearly everything on a “to see” list including parks, lake-front mansions, trails and space-ships in the woods. but frankly, it was Mother Nature who was a key selling point. the vast acres of swamps, meadows, forest and crystal clear lakes and streams have to be noted as highlights.

And yes, there was the fishing! I’ve enjoyed fishing since my Father put me on the edge of an Illinois quarry pond armed with a cane pole, bobber and a can of worms. Yet, I must admit that after 50+ years, my fishing skills are still pretty primitive. Ask all my buddies who’d be the worst fisherman amongst us. Without question they’d point towards me.

Yep, Judy did “bait the hook” for pos-sible Wisconsin visits now and then. but, it was pete “who set the hook”. He found it in his heart to go out on the water not once but four times “guiding” me. One

outing was a late afternoon try at catching muskie. Now I have to say that pete fishes a lot – recreationally, in tournaments, and even had a stint on our U.S. team for the World bankfishing Championship (in Ireland). And now he’s been fishing with me and he’s probably still chuckling. He was patient and even taught me a few tips. Until this trip, I’d only caught one walleye and that was frankly a fluke while trolling in Canadian waters. Yes, pete wasn’t just a “guide” but an instructor. We fished three mornings for walleye and brought home a sampling of each day’s catch for filleting. On the final outing when we left the lake, we’d caught 21 walleye and five good-sized smallmouth bass. And yes, I did land my share of the catch!

Oh, and what about the muskie fishing? Well, neither of us got a strike. but, I’m looking forward to another try though – either up Nort’ or at pomme de terre Lake or Fellows Lake which is nearer to

our Ozark home.Okay, so how does this relate to CFM?

Well, there is no doubt that we’ll be mak-ing a return trip or two to Wisconsin. So what “landed me”? I got a feel for it when at the Venturi ‘deer camp’ property and the new cabin – a work in progress right in nature’s thicket. too, I sensed it when we took a countryside wind-shield tour and a later boat ride on a chain of lakes. but, frankly I have to admit, I struggled trying to identify what “It” was because “It” was right in front of me every day there. Yes, it was very evident in their yard as this landscape also brought nature “close to home.” Simply put, Linda and pete exuded “It” with their not-so subtle addiction to their natural world and an un-bridled willingness to share it. I still recall the enthusiasm and pride with which pete and Linda shared “It.”

Yes, think about it - What if every CFM member was like pete and Linda? I urge you not to take for granted what we have here in Missouri. Our state can provide outdoor experiences to create first class memories. As a CFM member you know that; but, do you experience it as often as you should? Do you invite others along on outdoor excursions? too, let me ask you candidly – do you exude the enthusiasm and addiction for Missouri’s natural world as pete and Linda do for Wisconsin?

If you do, please become more involved in CFM and the work it does. Also, do consider taking time to attend either CFM’s Fall Conference (Sept. 14-16, 2012) or the Annual Convention (February 22-24, 2013) – or maybe even both. And, perhaps consider serving as a member on one of CFM’s committees? In any event though -

Experience Missouri’s Outdoors, Share It & Support It!

Richard L. Ash Jr.President, CFM

president’s message

Another Fond Memory

4 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

With over 1.2 million acres enrolled, USDA’s Conservation Reserve program (CRp) is Mis-souri’s most important conser-vation program when it comes to conserving and protecting highly erodible soils from ero-sion, maintaining clean water and providing quality habitat for Missouri’s wildlife. through-out the evolution of CRp the conservation and wildlife community, working hand in hand with USDA and Missouri landowners, have demonstrated that the use of native grasses with forbs (wildflowers and native legumes) with their mas-sive root systems and inherent DNA for coping with Missouri soils and climate, provide better long-term soil health, sequester water at high rates and create productive and beautiful land-scapes for Missouri wildlife.

As the impacts of the drought became apparent “burning-up” Missouri crops, cool season grass pastures and hay land, members of the State technical Committee (StC), a volunteer group of pro-ducer and conservation entities charged to provide technical input, recommendations and comment to USDA programs, were asked to provide comment as to the potential impacts re-leasing CRp acres to emergency haying and grazing could have on the soil, water and wildlife goals of CRp. As a member of the StC, representing the Conservation Federation of Missouri, it was rewarding to see both the wildlife community and producer groups working together to find compromise and agreement to assist strug-gling producers and in July USDA authorized and provided

guidance for the emergency haying and grazing of Missouri’s CRp acres.

What is even more rewarding to me as a member of the Mis-souri Native Seed Association (a group of passionate folks who produce and collect Missouri source identified native grass and forb seed for conservation programs), and as a person who loves his beef steaks, is knowing seed produced by our members and purchased by landowners enrolled in CRp is now being used to help my cattle produc-ing neighbors through these tough times.

Healthy diverse grasslands using natives are vital to the long-term health and well-being of our soil, water and wildlife resources.

If you’re a cattleman here are some useful facts to consider:

natives are drought toler-ant – Native grasses, such as big bluestem and Indian grass have been documented to grow roots to depths of 10 feet or more where bedrock is not lim-iting. Switchgrass, another na-

tive, produces almost four times the root biomass as tall fescue within the first year after plant-ing. Over ten years, studies have shown that switchgrass will produce about 5 tons per acre of root mass within the first 12 inches of the soil horizon. Such root systems, common to all of these tall-growing natives, make these the most drought-tolerant forage grasses that we grow here in Missouri.

natives produce Qual-ity summer Forage - Recent research at the University of tennessee has demonstrated that cattle do well on these grasses during summer months, commonly posting gains of between 1.5 and 2.0 pounds per day on steers. bred heif-ers typically gain between 1.0 and 1.5 pounds daily on these grasses. blends of big bluestem and indiangrass provide better daily gains, but switchgrass and gamagrass can support heavier stocking rates.

how much summer For-age is enough? – Studies

have indicated that about 30% warm-season forages may be an appropriate level – perhaps more farther south and less farther north. Consider that 3 – 4 of the 9 – 10 grazing months we have in Missouri occur during the hot part of the year. Given the efficiency of native grasses, virtually all dedicated hay ground could be in these grasses. Regardless of the proper ratio, start small and evaluate your need for more summer grasses as you go.

cost-assistance to es-tablish natives is available - programs through your local Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA and the Depart-ment of Conservation can help defray some of the expenses of converting portions of your pastures, hay land or CRp acres to native grasses.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZQXFn6Sq3o for videos which provide basic instructions for establishing na-tive grasses.

George Seek

Missouri Native Grasses to the Rescue

Cool season pasture in the foreground – hayed Native Grass CRP in the background – Livingston County. Photo credit: George Seek


Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members. Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors!

PLATInUM

Bass Pro Shops

Drury Hotels

Shelter Insurance Companies

GOLD

MidwayUSA

SILVER

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Pyramid Home Health Services

BASIc

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Cap America

Central Trust & Investment Company

Citizens Telephone Company

Columbia Daily Tribune

Cooper’s Oak Winery and A & K Cooperage, LLC

Dickerson Park Zoo

D.J. Case & Associates

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Forrest Keeling Nursery

General Printing Service

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

James T. Blair IV

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Macon Realty Company

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Midwest Mailing Services

Osage Canoes, LLC

Quality Forest Management, LLC

REMAX Boone Realty

Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC

Show Me Printing

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Tabor Plastics Company

The Bank of Missouri

ThAnk YOU! BUSInESS ALLIAncE MEMBERS

the Strategic planning Committee spent quite a bit of time and a bit of printers ink, some computer wear and tear, and meetings with E. Sydney Stephens Committee (ESS) and the Conservation Leader-ship Corps (CLC) to prepare for a committee meeting on May 23rd. the meeting was attended by CFM president, Richard Ash, vice president, Al Vogt, treasurer, Randy Wash-burn, Glenn Chambers, Diana Mulick, Don Mulick, Dave Murphy, Duane Kelly and five members of the Strategic plan-ning Committee. Ron Cole-man, vice president, was not able to attend but had submit-ted input prior to the meeting. Mike Schallon, past president , Mossie Schallon, secretary and

Ryan Diener, committee mem-ber were not able to attend.

Among items discussed at the May 23rd meeting were: (1) freeing up more time at board meetings to discuss action items, (2) developing descrip-tions as to what each CFM committee does, (3) continu-ing to issue news releases on accomplishments of CFM and involvement of CFM in critical issues for this might help the CFM become better known by the general public, (4) shar-ing articles and news releases with affiliates, (5) increasing efforts with CFM affiliates to participate in CFM priorities and programs, and (6) improv-ing the structure of the plan by reducing its length, making sure we have staff buy-in on

the plan, adding graphics to the plan and a spreadsheet to track progress.

the committee recommend-ed, and the board approved at the summer board meeting, for establishment of a Consent Agenda. the committee also recommended proposing that the CLC establish an alumni group and to recommend help for the CLC to establish their strategic plan within the CFM plan. the board accepted the recommendations in principle which will be presented to the board at the fall board meeting as amendments to the strategic plan.

two recommendations from the ESS Committee for changes to the funding and membership goals were

discussed at the May 23 meet-ing and were shelved for this time at the request of president Ash who asked for time for the appropriate committees to address them.

Duane Kelly discussed population pressure at the Strategic planning Committee meeting on May 23 indicating he needed advice from the group on dealing with popu-lation problems. this was followed by a brief discussion pertaining to population prob-lems that might be within the scope of CFM and our Mission Statement.

Howard FisherEarl Cannon

CFM Strategic Planning Report

6 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

In January 2012, Missouri detected chronic wasting disease (CWD) within the free-ranging white-tailed deer population in Macon County. Due to the potential long-term effects of CWD and the importance of white-tailed deer biologically as a keystone species, recreationally as a hunted game, and economi-cally as an annual billion dollar revenue to Missouri, it is impor-tant that management efforts focus on limiting the prevalence and further spread of the disease.

Chronic Wasting Disease belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongi-form encephalopathies (tSEs) which cause degeneration of the brain in cervids, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, caribou, and moose. the disease is caused by a mis-folded protein called a prion. Clinical symptoms of CWD include emaciation, lethargy, drooping head and ears, excessive salivation, incoordina-tion, tremors, behavior changes, and eventually death, as there are no vaccines or cures. However, it can take 18 months for clini-cal symptoms to be expressed because CWD progresses slowly. to determine if a deer is CWD-positive, the lymph nodes or brain stem must be submitted for laboratory testing.

this disease is primarily trans-mitted directly through animal to animal contact during social interaction, including nose-to-nose contact and social groom-ing. However, CWD may also be transmitted to animals that have contact with soil contami-nated by prions shed by infected animals through urine, feces, saliva, or carcass decomposition. Infected animals that do not

exhibit the clinical symptoms, but have contracted CWD, can shed the infectious prions into the environment. Missouri Department of Agriculture states there is no scientific evidence that CWD can naturally affect domestic livestock. the Center for Disease Control and Mis-souri Department of Health and Senior Services states there is no evidence that CWD is transmis-sible to humans via the con-sumption of venison.

Missouri’s first CWD case was

found in a captive white-tailed deer at a private hunting preserve in Linn County in February 2010. ten more CWD-positives were found in captive white-tailed deer at the private Macon County facility since October 2011, totaling 11 CWD-positive captive deer in Missouri. both CWD-positive facilities are owned and operated by the same entity and have been declared depopulated.

In response to finding CWD in captive deer in Linn and

Macon Counties, MDC worked with hunters during the 2010 and 2011 firearms deer seasons to collect tissue samples from 2,027 deer harvested in the area. From this sampling, two bucks harvested during November of 2011 from Macon County tested positive for CWD, which were the first for free-ranging deer in Missouri and were found within 2 miles of the Macon County hunting preserve.

In response to the two CWD positive free-ranging deer,

Understanding and Managing CWD in Missouri

This map illustrates the CWD Containment Zone comprised of a six county area and the locations where free-ranging CWD-positive deer were sampled (shown in red).


MDC worked with landowners in February 2012 to sample an additional 657 free-ranging deer from a 163 square mile area in Linn and Macon counties in an effort to determine the distribu-tion and prevalence of CWD in north-central Missouri. the sampling identified three ad-ditional CWD cases within two miles of the two original cases. the close geographic proximity of all five CWD-positive deer and low prevalence rate indicates a recent introduction of the disease into the free-ranging deer population.

Our management efforts will focus on limiting the prevalence and further spread of the disease. However, we know from the ex-perience of other states that once established it is very unlikely that CWD will be eradicated.

Research indicates that in early stages of infection limiting the growth of environmental contamination through the reduction of infected individuals may offer some control in limit-ing disease prevalence and dis-tribution. However, once CWD has been introduced within an area, the primary source of exposure for uninfected deer will be direct contact with infected deer. therefore, targeted culling of infected or potentially infected deer has the greatest likelihood of interrupting the transmis-sion of disease and reducing the further spread of the infection. Additionally, research indicated that culling infected deer appears to be a management strategy that will limit the rate of CWD growth. therefore, in targeted situations where significant envi-ronmental contamination has not occurred, targeted removal of individuals is most likely to suc-ceed in limiting the prevalence and further spread of CWD.

As part of our efforts to man-age the prevalence and distribu-tion of CWD in Missouri, two regulation changes have been implemented within the CWD Containment zone, which is comprised of Adair, Chariton, Linn, Macon, Randolph, and Sul-livan counties.

One regulation change is banning the placement of grain, salt products, minerals and other consumable natural or manu-factured products within the CWD Containment Zone. this is because activities such as feed-ing and placement of minerals/salts artificially concentrate deer, which increase the likelihood of disease transmission by increas-ing direct (nose to nose) and indirect (contaminated feed and environment) contact among individuals

the other regulation change is the removal of the antler-point restriction (four-point rule) in the CWD Containment Zone effective September 15, 2012, the opening of archery season. this is because antler-point restrictions protect yearling bucks and increase the buck age structure, and since males have a higher CWD prevalence rate than females, a reduction in the number of male deer can help limit the spread of CWD. Also, the dispersal of yearling males from their natal areas in search of territory is also one of the primary means of expanding the distribution of CWD and the antler point restriction would protect this cohort. We are not advocating the removal of large numbers of young bucks, but recognizing their role in disease transmission and are removing the antler point restriction to give hunters the opportunity to harvest these individuals.

Cooperation from hunters

and landowners has been critical in monitoring and ultimately detection of CWD in Missouri. this fall we will be continuing to monitor the distribution and prevalence of CWD in north central Missouri. As part of this effort we are asking hunters to voluntarily submit samples for testing during the archery and firearms seasons. Detailed

information on sample collection locations can be found in the 2012-2013 Fall Deer and turkey Informational booklet or online at mdc.mo.gov.

Jason Sumners & Emily FlinnResource Scientists, MDC

8 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

the Friends of La barque Creek honored three Missouri Department of Conservation employees for their dedication over the past decade to land and water conservation in the La barque Creek Watershed. Mark Van patten of the Mis-

souri Department of Con-servation Streams Division, Kevin Meaneu, a St. Louis Region Fisheries biologist and John Vogel (Not pictured), a Wildlifebiologist. Mark, Kevin and John were each presented a plaque by Judy browne of

the friends group at their an-nual picnic held on Saturday, August 11th.

the La barque Creek Friends also unveiled a new “Habitat trailer” acquired with the help of a small grant from the LAD Foundation to be

used for watershed workdays and community conservation activities. La barque Creek is the core of a highly diverse wa-tershed located in Northwest Jefferson County, Missouri.

The Friends of La Barque Creek Honor Three MDC Conservationists

open space council

Photo’s by Ron Coleman of CFM


Look closely and you’ll see this magnificent buck has a grapevine wrapped around his antlers. Can you imagine the horrible, slow death he suffered while trying to free himself?

two hunters, Matt Holliday and Gary Hook found the entire skeleton of this deer in Novem-ber, 2009, in Cooper County. they took the antlered skull and placed it on the leaning tree for the picture showing the grape-vine still entangled in the antlers.

Grapevines are a huge prob-lem on good soils where they grow best and less of a problem on poorer soils where they are not as common. Most foresters hate grapevines; wildlifers often like them. Why? Grapevines like more fertile soils and need sunlight for best growth; thus, they often grow upward to the top of a tree and spread out over the crown for more sunlight. the weight of the vines in high winds, ice or snow storms can break out the tops of the best trees growing on the high value sites. On younger trees, the grapevines often bend the trees over, ruining the future timber value and shading out wildlife food such as acorns and soft mast, i.e., cherries, persimmons, etc. Dense areas of grapevines even kill the trees.

Many wildlife biologists like grapevines for their wildlife

food value. this fact is true in some cases and is a plus for grapevines. However, forest-ers consider grapevines to be a huge minus in overall forest and wildlife management considering the dollar loss of forest products

and the loss of wildlife food produced by suppressed trees or worse losses by dead and/or dying trees. For example, a grapevine may produce five pounds of grapes, but shade out 20 pounds of acorns, cherries,

persimmons, wild plums, etc., and ruin hundreds or thousands of dollars of timber value (black walnut trees).

In our intensively managed tree Farms, we kill grape-vines. We manage our timber for quality forest products and wildlife. to kill grapevines, we cut them off near the ground where they go up into the tree. We also cut them where there are loops of vines coming out of the ground before going up to the tree. If there are three loops, we make six cuts plus one more where it goes up the tree. We do this to stop resprouting and to give more cut surface area to apply herbicide to kill the vine. Without herbicide application, grapevines will sprout back in most cases, and in a very few years the same problems reap-pear. We apply (usually with a spray bottle) undiluted pathway. We buy pathway, which has an identical label to tordon RtU. pathway is much cheaper in 2.5 gallon containers than tordon quart sizes. this treatment kills grapevines year around except March to about mid-May when sap is flowing. Applying herbi-cide then is like treating the end of a flowing garden hose.

Scott brundageCertified Forester #1443

Grapevines — Another Reason to Hate Them

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1 0 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

teaming with wildliFe

Many friends of conservation know and respect Gene Gardner, Wildlife Diversity Chief at Mis-souri Department of Conserva-tion. Recently Gene announced his retirement as of August 31, 2012. It is good for Gene that he gets to retire, but many of his colleagues are going to miss his infinite knowledge of natural his-tory and the fervor with which pursued conservation interests and issues. If you had to guess what this great man has ac-complished, I’m sure you would always find exciting surprises. A brief article cannot begin to tell the whole story. In short, he has been on the frontline as a researcher and discovered 26 new species to science. He even has a cave amphipod named after him that is endemic to MO, Gardner’s Cave Amphipod. He worked as an Assistant Research Scientist at the Illinois Natural

History Survey with the Univer-sity of Illinois where he lured Liz Cook who then became his lovely wife. the first ever radio-tracking studies of the federally endangered Indiana bat were conducted by Gene and he is still one of the original members of the US Fish & Wildlife Service Indiana bat Recovery team. Returning to Missouri in 1993, he took a job with MODOt as

Senior Environmental Specialist where he fondly recalls work-ing with one young wetland specialist, named bob Ziehmer. Dan Witter brought him back to MDC as a policy Coordinator in 2001, but Gene says it was when he joined the Wildlife Division as Wildlife programs Supervisor that he felt like he had made the full circle and come home. In addition it must be mentioned that he is a prolific writer, an award-winning project manager, a talented marksman and has been known to frequent a reen-actment rendezvous or two in full frontiersman attire complete with beard.

this year I had the pleasure of working with Gene Gardner through the teaming With Wild-life program at CFM. Gene has championed many causes for conservation over his esteemed career, but I’m sure the challeng-

es and successes he experienced were nothing more than “all-in-a-days work” from his perspec-tive. He is passionate about the outdoors and a true hero through advocacy, professional contribution and dedication to our natural resources. Whether he is working, hunting, or simply sharing his appreciation of the natural communities across Missouri, Gene is an example of a great leader and mentor. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him and see the teaming With Wildlife Coalition in action.

Good Luck Gene!!!!! thank you for your passion, commit-ment and service!

Debra Leeteaming With Wildlife

Coordinator, CFM

A Great Man & Colleague RetiresGood Luck Gene Gardner!

Tim Banek, Holts SummitPatricia Berg, MexicoDustin & Sarah Berry, CentraliaConnie Blackmore, ColumbiaBill Bodand, CentraliaTom Burkhart, SalisburyTerry Caldwell, ShelbinaDenny Carothers, ClarenceDanny Coltrane, Sapulpa, OKJen Crawford, SlaterJohn Cunning, ColumbiaDeeCee Darrow, ColumbiaJohn & Beth Derendinger, ColumbiaBen Doerge, MexicoRobert Doerr, Saint LouisGregg Dougan, Saint Louis

Mike Embree, Lenexa, KSLarry Fredrick, MorrisonRandy & Donna Gregory, ButlerSherri Hartung, WildwoodJim Harvey, SalisburyEd Haskins, Saint LouisDavid Hooper, Kansas CityNathan Iven, ColumbiaTim Johannes, GrandviewSteve Kalvinsky, SalisburyDavid Kelly, HartsburgMark Layne, Saint CharlesDavid Lynn, MoberlyMary Lyon, ColumbiaNick Marchiano, Rich HillDon Masek, Fulton

Dwight Massey, LinnTony McCollum, KeytesvilleCurt McLeland, MaconZach McLeland, MaconAaron McVicker, MaconCarl Miller, Saint LouisClint Munzlinger, NapoleonSteve Nagle, Saint LouisDanny Olson, AshlandEric Parsons, CentraliaAllison Pickett, ColumbiaRonald Plontek, FentonZach Pollock, Jefferson CityBryan Poole, Granite City, ILTodd Pridemore, AshlandThomas Proctor, Hallsville

Tom Sanders, Moberly

Erich Schark, Lake Saint Louis

Steve Schultz, Columbia

Tamara Snodgrass, Saint James

Jeff Staake, Ashland

Gary Strack, Raymore

Brandon Vogt, Colorado Springs, CO

Tara Vogt, Decatur, GA

Kenneth Voss, Saint Ann

Edward Warmann, Saint Charles

Cody Wheeler, Centralia

Floyd Wilkinson, Warrenton

Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Saint Charles

Dan Zekor, Columbia

WELCOME C F M N E W M E M b E R S

cFm would like to thank the 377 members that renewed since our last publication.

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

Award-winning producers, photo-journalists, writers and directors were

present at the 2nd Annual Film-Fest 4-H held August 6-8, 2012 in branson, Missouri. the pre-senters included Russ Weston, National Geographic’s Director of photography for “Amish Out of Order”, casting director Joni tackette and writer-director Sandy tung. the event, becom-ing more popular each year, was very well-attended with approxi-mately 80 registered participants. Future filmmakers from around the country are hearing more about the event and CFM has proudly offered to support the efforts of the organizers as they expand their outreach to youth on a national scale.

Conservation Federation of Missouri asked Mike “tater” Haviland, to bring his expertise to the growing event. “tater” generously offered to help CFM partner with 4H provid-ing attendees with an insight to the outdoor cinematography industry. His expertise in filming

wildlife, hunting expeditions and fishing trips around the world is sought by large corporations including bass pro Shops and Cabela’s in addition to many of the top outdoor programs, sportsmen and locations pro-moting hunting and fishing. He provided professional instruc-tion on props using hands-on demonstrations with equipment and shared tips on low cost solutions for common problems in the field. tater has travelled to the arctic to film polar bears, Africa to film safaris as well as to

all 50 states for work involving wildlife, hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

CFM is hopeful that this venue will continue to grow and bring more young filmmakers to the outdoors. In future years, CFM would like to find a way to provide scholarships or incen-tives to encourage the attendees in their creativity for outdoor cinematography. this year was a great success for the partnership. CFM would like to thank Mike Haviland for his time, effort and support in reaching out to

a group that can showcase our outdoor heritage . If you have a need for an outdoor program or have questions regarding out-door filmmaking, please contact Mike “tater” Haviland via email at [email protected].

For more information on

FilmFest 4-H, please visit http://4h.missouri.edu/filmfest.

Debra Leeteaming with Wildlife

Coordinator, CFM

CFM Presents Mike “Tater” Haviland at the 2nd Annual FilmFest 4-H in Branson, MO

teaming with wildliFe

Tater Haviland provides an insight on outdoor cinematography to FilmFest at-tendees.

Rick and Drake Morris did a fantastic job with the turkey I shot this past April. I thanked Rick, Drake, and the turkey Roost family for their extraordinary craftsmanship and commitment to conservation. this was a dream of a lifetime to have a mounted turkey, and I got a mount by the finest turkey taxidermists in the world, thanks to their gift to conservation through the CFM Holiday Sweepstakes.

Dan Witter

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C O N S E R V A t I O N F E D E R A t I O N O F M I S S O U R I A F F I L I A t E SAnglers of Missouri, Inc.


Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc.

Big Game Hunters, Inc.

Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association

Bridlespur Hunt Club

Capital City Fly Fishers

Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International

Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment

Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc.

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Gempp Park Commission

Greenway Network, Inc.

Heaven’s Anglers

Howardville Community Betterment

Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc.

Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club

Meramec Area Sportsman Association

Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream

Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited

Midwest Diving Council

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri Bass Federation

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council

Missouri Forest Products Association

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Missouri Native Seed Association

Missouri Parks & Recreation Association

Missouri Parks Association

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Missouri Society of American Foresters

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Missouri State Campers Association

Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Missouri Trappers Association

Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

North Side Division Conservation Federation

Open Space Council

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Perry County Sportsman Club

Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

River Relief, Inc.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

South Side Division Conservation Federation

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods

Wecomo Sportsman Club

Wild Elk Institute of Missouri

Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

John Heckmann, owner of bear Valley tree Farm near Hermann, is Missouri’s tree Farmer of the Year.

Wildlife, wood products and recreation are Heckmann’s top considerations in managing his family’s 800-acre farm. His management plan focuses on creating more browse, cover and acorn production to benefit wildlife. It calls for selective tree thinning to improve forest health and stimulate understory plant growth. the plan also calls for glade restoration through the removal of invasive cedars and maples and prescribed burning to encourage native grasses and forbs for wildlife food and cover.

With MDC help, Heckmann got cost-share help through the federal Wildlife Habitat Im-provement program (WHIp) and the Environ-mental Quality Incentive program (EQIp). He also entered a conservation-easement agree-ment with the National Wild turkey Federation to protect the farm from development or poor wildlife management. the easement provides a perpetual plan that will help guide Heckmann’s children when they inherit the farm.

the tree Farm program helps landown-ers manage woodlands for wildlife and timber production, and helps connect participating landowners with similar interests.

heckmann is tree Farmer of the Year

The Heckmann famliy on their tree farm near Hermann, Missouri.

1 4 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

Our First Pull For Conservation Banquet

thanks to volunteersMarvin behnke, Nathan bias, Glenn Chambers, Jeannie Chambers, Jim Choate, Dustin Collier, bill Hilgeman, Caleb Knerr, Delbert Knerr, Zachary Knerr, Jerry Kopel, tyler Mason, Zach Morris, Claudia Murray, Charley ponciroli, pat ponciroli, tom Russell, Mark Sharp, Garrett Strodtman, Grayson Strodtman, Levi Strodtman, beth Stucky, Norman Stucky, Dan thornton, Jerry thornton, David Urich, Shiloh Walden and Emily Wilbers.

special thanks to our major contributors for this year’s pull For conservation weekendbass pro Shop Sportsman’s Center – ColumbiaMid MO Recycling & Midwest MailingShafer, Kline and Warren Inc.Arch Roofing and Restorationtruman’s bar & GrillMissouri Conservation pioneers

bloodline tV host and celebrity hunter Alex Rutledge had the crowd on the edge of their seats during the Fall Hunt-ing Classic at bass pro Shops Sportsmen’s Center in Co-lumbia, MO. His electric personality, helpful hunting tips

and family fun entertainment shined through as he held court from the back seat of a fully rigged tracker bass boat on August 10. Over 160 guests gathered to enjoy the evening with Alex and to support the

Conservation Federation of Missouri.Nearly 50 new members joined CFM that night! Many attendees

also picked up door prizes, silent auction and raffle prizes. Hank patton won a three day fall turkey hunt/smallmouth bass fishing trip with Alex as grand prize. We at CFM would like to thank our event sponsors, all attendees, Alex Rutledge and bass pro Shops for a great first banquet! Come join in the fun next year!

and thanks to our food and beverage donors Hostess brands, Randy Washburn and truman’s bar & Grill

Half the crowd. Photo Credit: Debra Lee

1 4 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2


a Big thanKs to our sponsors

Abe & Jan phillips

AGRI Services of brunswick

AJ’s Automotive

Ammo Alley

Arch Roofing & Restoration


bass pro Shops

bee Rock Outdoor Adventures

black Riffle LLC

bob McCosh Chevrolet

boggs Creek Sporting Goods

boone County Lumber

Carroll Rehma Motors

Chariton Legacy Farm

Clean Uniforms

Creative building & Design

D.J. Case & Associates

Denny Dennis Sporting Goods

Dents Unlimited and toalson Glass

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Don Johnson / Dennis Stubbs

Family pawn – paris Road, Columbia

Farmers Co-op Elevator in St. peters

Gateway Long Spurs Chapter of the NWtF

Gene Smith

George Clark MO State Chapter of the NWtF

Graf’s Reloading Supercenter

Hawthorn bank

Hazelwood Auto body, Inc.

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

Jim & Anna blair

Mid-Mo Recycling

Mid-City Lumber

Mid-State Chapter of the NWtF

MidwayUSA

Mike & Mossie Schallon

Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters

Missouri bASS Federation

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Missouri Conservation pioneers

Missouri Native Seed Association

Mr. Duck

National Wildlife Federation

NH Scheppers Distributing

Nick’s Family Restaurant

Open Space Council/ Op Clean Stream

Outdoor Guide Magazine

paddlefoot productions

powder Horn Guns & Archery

pure Air Native Seed, F. & J. Oberle

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation

Quail Forever

Randy Washburn

Red Weir Athletic Supplies

Richard Ash, Jr. & Judy Dixon

Riley Chevrolet – buick-GMC-Cadillac

River Hills Sporting Clays

Ron Moser Construction

Scott & Sara pauley

Selecturf, Inc.

Shafer, Kline & Warren

Sierra bullets

Smarr Garage Door

Snow Creek Apparel

St. Louis Longbeards Chapter of the NWtF

Sundvold Financial

timberlake Engineering

true American Gamehunter

trumans bar & Grill

UpS Store-Columbia

What-Ya-Say

Whitetails Unlimited

Wilson’s Fitness

ZK Guns

Alex holds court. Photo Credit: Debra Lee

Pre-shoot dinner silent auction. Photo Credit: Debra Lee


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David “Opossum” Smith and Scott Pauley.

Don’t quit your day job, Travis...lost a pair.1 6 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

A timely break in the longest summer heat wave almost anyone can remem-

ber helped set the stage for the biggest turnout yet at CFM’s 6th Annual “pull … for Conser-vation” August 11. Charley ponciroli toiled in the sun along with help from pat ponciroli, Jeannie Chambers, Claudia Mur-ray, and beth Stucky to feed the record crowd of more than 130 shooters. Enjoying the beautiful weather, 51 individual shooters and 72 scramble teams including Governor Jay Nixon shared part of their day having a blast while supporting CFM. Kevin and barbara pickett had the course at River Hills Sporting Clays looking incredible, bass pro Shops again generously supplied the prizes, and with a helping

hand from several Conservation Leadership Corps scorer/trap-pers and a few others the event ran smoothly.

the competition at the top was tough as always with two of CFM’s perennial Scramble course participants John and Cheryl Dowil breaking all but three of the 75 clays thrown for them. Dale Hopke and Aaron Madrid dropped only six targets to finish in second place and in third place overall, also with a team score of 69 were Jon Doolittle and Garrett benskin. Finishing first in b Class with a score of 56 broken clays was MidwayUSA team #2, consist-ing of brittany Sapp and Chris Zeller. they edged out fellow MidwayUSA co-workers, tanner timmons and Erin Evans by way of tie-breaker station and the

third place team of Jeff Cock-erham and Nathan Woodland who shot a 55. Rounding out the scramble winners with first, second and third place tie scores of 50 were MidwayUSA shooters John Franklin and terry Gentry, Mike Schmitz and tom DeWall of team Miss A Lot and shoot-ers Howard tanzey and Robert Witherell of team Mutt and Jeff respectively.

In the Individual round James Hayhurst took top honors for the second year in a row with a score of 47 out of 50 possible targets. Cheryl Dowil and Clint Munzlinger also completed the individual course with scores of 47 and finished in second and third place respectively by a three-way tie- break to round out the top of class A. In the second Lewis Class a four-way

tie score of 39 was settled by “longest run” to determine the winners. Steve Elliot took first, Jerry Linhart finished second and Ryan blair took third, and finish-ing just out of the prizes was Adam bell also with a 39. In our final round of winners on the individual course Nick Dothage finished first with a score of 31 edging out brian boos in the tie breaker who also broke 31 tar-gets. third place was awarded to John Staats with a score of 30.

Special thanks are again in order for our 2012 shoot committee consisting of Glenn Chambers, Matt Gaunt, Chad Shoemaker, Norman Stucky and our chairman tom Russell who kept the team on track.

Pull For Conservation Clay Shoot Sets New Record for Participation


Trapping volunteers pictured from left to right: Delbert Knerr, Nathan bias, Tyler Mason, Zachary Knerr and Dave Murphy, CFM Executive Director.

MDC Traveling Trophy Winners – Jake Hindman and Eric Edwards.

A-Class Scramble Team Winners – Aaron Madrid and Dale Hopke.

Shooters on the individual course. Scott Pauley ready to shoot.


1 8 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

Water quantity, quality and availability affect the well-being of all Missouri citizens. With this year’s drought, many Missouri citizens are struggling with securing adequate water. this brings the importance of this precious resource to the forefront.

Last summer many farm-ers and residents along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers were affected by flooding. Less than 12 months later, Missouri has been smoldering through record summer temperatures with minimal to no rainfall resulting in all 114 of Missouri’s counties receiving disaster designations due to drought. According to the National Climatic Data Center’s Histori-cal palmer Drought Indices, the last time the state faced extreme drought conditions was in 1954 and 1934.

through all weather condi-tions, the citizens of Missouri can continue to count on the support provided by various state agencies including the De-partment of Natural Resources. In response to the historic heat and drought, Gov. Nixon made funding available to help livestock producers and farmers drill or deepen wells or expand irrigation systems by issuing Executive Order 12-08. the emergency cost-share program, administered by the Depart-ment of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation districts, targeted the program to alleviate the immediate water shortages facing Missouri agri-culture. Under the program, 90

percent of the eligible project costs were covered, with a maximum cost-share award of $20,000.

Applications were submitted online or directly through the

local soil and water conserva-tion districts for processing. Governor Nixon’s executive or-der also established the Agricul-ture Water Resource technical Review team, which includes staff from the Missouri depart-ments of agriculture and natural resources with agricultural and water resource experience. the team, numerous additional de-partments’ staff and the county soil and water districts have worked many thousands of hours to assist in the expedited processing of applications and the implementation of the cost-share program.

Funding for this emergency program comes from unallo-cated reserve funds provided by the State Soil & Water Districts Commission and state resources made available by Gov. Nixon

through House bill 8, which provides the Governor the authority to direct funds for “responding during a declared emergency at the direction of the Governor, provided the ser-vices furnish immediate aid and relief.” because of the emer-gency nature of the program, project applications were only accepted July 24 through Aug. 6. both state agencies are con-tinuing to provide support to the local soil and water districts in reviewing the pending appli-cations to determine eligibility for funding. the program is quickly bringing much needed

relief to livestock producers and farmers to protect their livelihood.

to better plan for and respond to drought events in Missouri, the Department of

Natural Resources is respon-sible for maintaining Missouri’s Drought plan. the plan was first established in 1995 and continues to be reviewed and revised as necessary following drought events. planning for drought requires accurate and timely water resource data. the department is responsible for collecting data, making surveys, conducting investigations and providing recommenda-tions concerning the social, economic and environmental water resources needs of the state. the department monitors groundwater levels in Missouri’s

agencY news - department oF natural resources

Providing Assistance to Missourians During Extreme Drought Conditions


aquifers, which includes 164 monitoring wells statewide. the department’s Water Resources staff monitors and evaluates hydrologic conditions during droughts. Data collected by the groundwater monitoring wells is available online at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/wrc/gwells/search.asp. Several observation wells have recorded all-time low water levels; however, the aqui-fers still contain a significant amount of water in storage. In most of the observation wells, groundwater levels have been dropping steadily since May 1, which is a typical pattern during summer months when water withdraw and use is high.

the hot and dry conditions mean that many of Missouri’s

1,500 community water systems have experienced substantial increases in customer demand for water at a time when the supply of water for these systems are declining. the lack of rain means water levels in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and even wells are dropping to a greater degree than in normal years. Many water systems are fortunate to have emergency in-terconnections that allow them to purchase water from other suppliers if conditions worsen. However, each water system is unique. Some will have a steady supply of water regardless of the ongoing drought, whereas others currently are in need for customers to curtail use. Surface water systems are taking ad-

vantage of any auxiliary sources they may have to keep their drinking water reserviors as full as possible until rainfall be-comes available. Many ground-water systems are lowering well pumps or drilling wells deeper or drilling additional wells.

the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey ensures any new private well drilled in Missouri is con-structed to minimum standards set by state regulations. this helps protect our groundwater resources from contamination due to poor well construction. private well owners in need of repairs or services may visit the department’s website to find a listing of water well drillers and pump installers who are permitted to operate in the state at dnr.mo.gov/geology. Well owners may also search online to find their well records at dnr.mo.gov/mowells.

the department encourages all water suppliers to closely monitor their water supply status by regularly measur-ing static water levels in their wells and reservoirs, repairing leaks and tracking customer usage. these actions should be taken on a daily basis, however, particularly during droughts. In order to ensure a steady supply of water, public water systems and private well owners should consider initiating water conservation measures. As of Aug. 1, one-fourth of Missouri’s water systems had implemented either voluntary or mandatory water conservation measures. these measures are primarily intended to curb outdoor water use including lawn and garden irrigation, filling pools, etc. the department is keeping in regular contact with all water suppliers and provides technical assis-

tance to systems experiencing problems.

Extreme drought conditions

not only affect water supplies but can also create the potential for a spark to ignite and quickly spread as a wildfire. the severe lack of rain, extremely hot temperatures and low relative humidity levels has heightened wildfire danger across Missouri. Several wildfires have each burned hundreds of acres in Missouri this summer. Due to these weather conditions, Mis-souri State parks issued an open fire ban on June 29 at all state parks and historic sites until fur-ther notice. the open fire ban includes prohibiting campfires and other open fires. Contained charcoal fires used for cook-ing as well as gas and cook top stoves are allowed. the grass, brush, trees...everything...is extremely dry. It’s important to keep in mind that simple actions may seem harmless but can potentially cause fires dur-ing severe drought conditions. It’s important to observe fire bans that are in place in many Missouri counties and com-munities, and be careful with potential fire hazards across the state. For additional fire safety tips and precautions, visit mo.gov.

We certainly hope that rain will find its way soon to all of Missouri and provide some much needed relief for every-one. to learn more about the services the Missouri Depart-ment of Natural Resources provides during drought conditions, visit the Web at dnr.mo.gov.

Sara parker pauleyDirector, DNR

department oF natural resources - agencY news

Extreme drought conditions have affected this cattle farm operation located in Lawrence County. The farm contains five sources for water; however, two of the ponds as well as Honey Creek have run completely dry. The remaining two ponds are expected to dry up within a couple of weeks. Through the state’s emergency cost-share program, this landowner will receive financial assistance to drill and develop a new well and distribution system to provide water to his more than 250 head of cattle. Photo credits: DNR

2 0 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

Remember that old Election Day saying “Vote Early and Vote Often”? Well, now

you have the opportunity to do just that…legally! the Youth Leadership and Conservation Education Committee of the Conservation Federation of Missouri is seeking nominations of students to the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). We are seeking nominations from all CFM members as well as conservation professionals in education and agencies.

What is the Conservation Leadership Corps? Federation members who attended any of the past several Conventions are

well aware of this vibrant group of young men and women that want to make an impact on conservation issues now and in the future.

the CLC consists of a group of highly recommended students, ranging from juniors in high school through seniors in college. these students have already achieved academic suc-cess and have been involved in conservation projects and is-sues. the Corps began in 2002 with a small group of students. Each year the membership has expanded. In February of 2012, over 70 students fully participat-ed in the annual Convention.

the program has been

enthusiastically received by CLC members and Federation members alike. Following are some comments received from the students:

“Great meeting and talking with people as well as seeing how the resolution process works.”

“the issues discussed were pertinent and important to all our members.”

“A great way to meet people and gain knowledge of conser-vation.”

“thank you for allowing me this great chance.”

please take a few minutes to nominate that SpECIAL student! provide an opportu-

nity for a young man or woman to see how CFM works. Let a budding conservationist meet and network with others on important conservation issues. Our aim is to engage students from every part of our great state. We also urge you to nominate students from the diversity of Missouri cultures and backgrounds. this is your chance to make a contribution bringing future conservation leaders into CFM!

WE NEED tO RECEIVE YOUR NOMINAtIONS bY OCtObER 31, 2012.

tHANK YOU!!

Nominate an Outstanding StudentCLC Seeking to Expand Participation

mission statement: Engaging youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources.

purpose: Sustain conservation leadership in Missouri and the Con-servation Federation of Missouri through involvement, education and training of future leaders by providing selected high school and college students with networking skills, conservation education op-portunities and full participation in policy making and the legislative process.

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

vision 2: A cadre of involved, educated and trained young individu-als committed to the conservation of Missouri’s abundant natural resources.

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

The Mission of the Conservation Leadership Corps

2 0 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2


clc nomination FormYou are invited to nominate a missouri high school junior through college senior student

that has exhibited academic success and achievements in organized conservation projects. You may nominate more than one student.

Student Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Street or pO box: __________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ Zip Code: _____________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________

telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________

present School and Class Level: _______________________________________________________

Nominator’s Name: ________________________________________________________________

CFM Affiliate or Sustaining Member: ___________________________________________________

Street or pO box: __________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ Zip Code: _____________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________

telephone Number: ________________________________________________________________

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

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

please return this form by October 31, 2012 to:

Dave Murphy, Executive Director Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Street Jefferson City, MO 65101-1534


2 2 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

Kayla Horsman and Martin MacDonald held hands as they crossed the finish line in An-chorage, Alaska.

“It was a special moment,” said MacDonald. “that made it all worth it, the fundraising, the training.”

MacDonald and Horsman ran Alaska’s largest marathon to raise money for research on blood-related cancers.

A decade ago, Horsman was a little girl battling cancer and MacDonald ran a marathon in her honor; now the duo were running together for Cara Hawxby, an 8-year-old from Springfield who has leukemia.

Hawxby is hospitalized at St. Jude Children’s Research Hos-pital in Memphis with pancre-atitis, which was caused by her chemotherapy.

Horsman, a Missouri State University student, was 7 when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. two years later, she met MacDonald, who works for bass pro Shops, and promised to one day run a marathon with him.

that day came on Saturday, June 23.

Horsman, 20, completed the half marathon in 2 hours and 29 minutes; MacDonald, 64, finished the full marathon in 6 hours and 41 minutes.

the two are members of team Halibut, a local team In training raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

team Halibut raised $60,000 (which includes pledges, previ-ous fundraisers and corporate sponsorships). MacDonald, who heads the team, said they hoped to raise $75,000 and are still accepting donations.

Kayla has raised about $1,000 of her $4,700 goal.

Horsman finished her half marathon first and then surprised MacDonald by join-ing him in the last leg of his race and holding hands as they

crossed the finish line together.“When I was a mile from the

finish, there she was, she was all smiles,” MacDonald said. “She had finished her marathon and was there cheering me on, and I had no idea she was going to do

that. She came over to be with me and help me finish. I will cherish that forever.”

Juliana GoodwinSpringfield News-Leader

News-Leader.com

Marathon Team Raises $60,000

Want to help? To donate to Kayla Horsman, who is still

short of her fundraising goal, go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/anchor12/khorsman.

The page may not reflect the latest donations.

Martin MacDonald serves as the Co-Chair of the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s OAKs

(Outdoor Action Committee).

Martin and Kayla crossing the finish line.

Kayla Horsman and Cara Hawxby.


Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Check the annual member category you prefer: q $250—Basic q $1,000—Silver q $5,000—Gold q $10,000—Platinum

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

Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri728 West Main

Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions,

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

Business name: ______________________________________________

contact name: _______________________________________________

address: ____________________________________________________

city:________________________________________________________

state: _______________________________________________________

Zip code: ___________________________________________________

work phone: _________________________________________________

home phone: ________________________________________________

Fax number: _________________________________________________

e-mail address: ______________________________________________

please make checks payable to the conservation Federation of missouri. we also accept mastercard, visa, or discover

below or online at www.confedmo.org

credit card number: __________________________________________

expiration date: ______________________________________________

signature of cardholder: _______________________________________

Honorariums and Memorials

Mark special days or show tribute to someone you care about with a donation to CFM. You could honor loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries or other special events. this could be a respectful remembrance of friends and relatives who have passed away. We will list honorariums and memorials within the pages of Missouri Wildlife.

Your gift would help in so many ways: to benefit our Share the Harvest program, the Conservation Leadership Corps, our publications or website, our building fund or help our day-to-day operations. We gladly accept cash, check or credit card–just return the form to CFM.

mail this form and payment to: conservation Federation of missouri 728 w. main st., Jefferson city, mo 65101

o $25 o $50 o $100 o $250 o $500 o $Other __________________

In memory of _________________________________________________________________

In honor of ___________________________________________________________________

Please notify (name) ___________________________________________________________

(address) ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Donor Info:

o I would like more information about including the Conservation Federation of MIssouri in my will or trust.

Name _____________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State______________ Zip_________________

Phone __________________________ Email ______________________________________

CC# _________________________________________________ Exp Date ________________

Signature ____________________________________________________________________

2 4 S E p t E M b E R 2 0 1 2

AFFILIATE EVENTS

FOREST AND WOODLAND ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURISEPT 28: Pre-Harvest Gathering, Howard & Faye Gillis Farm, Stockton (9:00am - 3:00pm)OCT 4: Missouri Tree Farm Commit-tee, MDC Credit Union, Jefferson City (10:00am - 3:00pm)

GREENWAY NETWORKSEPT 3: Monthly Board Meeting, Community College Center, Saint Charles (7:00pm - 9:00pm)SEPT 8: Kiefer Creek Hike, Castle-wood Park (10:00am - 12:00pm)SEPT 15: Living Lands and Water Litter Pickup at the Arch (7:30am - 12:00pm)SEPT 15: Grand Glaize Creek Moni-toring (8:00am - 12:00pm); Darlene Haun (636) 225-3946 or Bob Jung (314) 494-8432SEPT 15: Fox Creek Water Quality Monitoring (8:30am - 12:00pm); Leslie Lihou (314) 726-2140SEPT 22: Prairie and Wetland Sur-veys at Hidden Creek Savanna, Forest Park (8:30am - 12:00pm)SEPT 27: Water Quality Monitor-ing, Deer Creek (8:00am - 12:00pm); Danielle (314) 961-4410SEPT 29: Green Homes Festival, Missouri Botanical Garden (9:00am - 5:00pm)SEPT 29: Tree Planting at the Confluence Public Lands Day (9:00am - 2:00pm)SEPT 30: Dardenne Creek Fall Moni-toring Day (9:00am - 1:00pm); Larry Ruff (636) 734-6330OCT 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Community College Center, Saint Charles (7:00pm - 9:00pm)OCT 6: River Des Peres Watershed-Wide Water Quality Review (8:30am - 1:00pm)OCT 7: Bike With Your Boots On, Gravois Greenway (1:00pm - 4:00pm)OCT 13: Kiefer Creek Hike and Watershed Planning Meeting, Castle-wood Park (10:00am - 1:00pm)OCT 13: River Des Peres Trash Bash; Eric Karch (314) 603-8834OCT 25: Water Quality Monitor-ing, Deer Creek (9:00am - 12:00pm); Danielle (314) 961-4410

MIDWEST DIVING COUNCILSEPT 8: Annual Stockton Lake Clean-up , Stockton Lake (8:00am - 2:00pm)

MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATIONSEPT 7-9: Annual Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site Competition, Collinsville, IllinoisSEPT 14-15: Fall Osage Knap-In, Boonville; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622

MISSOURI BASS FEDERATIONSEPT 8: Board Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, ColumbiaOCT 12-14: State Tournament, Table Rock Lake

MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITEDSEPT 14: Osage County Dinner, Saint George Parish Hall, Linn (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Dale Williams (573) 690-9676SEPT 15: 7th Annual Dinner & Auction, Athletic Complex, Parkville (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Dan Mason (816) 377-0696 or Dave Velky (816) 804-8006SEPT 20: 75th Anniversary Big Piney Sponsor Dinner, Pershing Community Center, Fort Leonard Wood (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Adam Brill (573) 586-7704 or Mike Mette (573) 337-0226SEPT 22: Gateway Greenheads Din-ner, Assumption Greek Church, Town and Country (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Chris Rhynerson (314) 435-5723SEPT 22: Swampeast Annual Sports-man’s Dinner, Saint Francis Xavier Parish Center, Sikeston (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Andy Piepenbrok (573) 380-4580, Darrin Johnson (573) 380-2862 or Nathan Lorenz (573) 475-0800SEPT 22: Grand River Dinner, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Eric Reeter (660) 646-8147SEPT 22: 75th Anniversary Member-ship Dinner, Pulse, Carthage (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Wayne Wilson (417) 359-4093 or Jason Hill (417) 850-5111SEPT 22: Mineral Area Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Saint Paul’s Lutheran Gym, Farmington (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Justin Raith (573) 783-9784SEPT 28: Greater Kansas City Golf Tournament, Heartland Golf Club, Kansas City (12:00pm - 4:30pm);

Richard Woody (913) 905-2150 or John Dillow (816) 453-4321SEPT 29: Conservation Area Dedica-tion & 75th Anniversary Celebration, Montrose (1:00pm - 5:00pm); Kevin Raynes (660) 429-6959 or Bill Cox (816) 524-0987SEPT 29: 75th Anniversary Event, Knights of Columbus Hall, Warsaw (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Rick Limback (660) 438-2588 or Larry Bybee (660) 438-7714OCT 4: 75th Anniversary Event, The Peabody Opera House, Saint Louis (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Jane Bell (314) 570-1040 or Todd Carlton (573) 415-6697OCT 4: Boonslick Dinner, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville (6:00pm - 1:30pm); David Wax (660) 882-0058 or Musial Wolfe (660) 882-6387OCT 6: Cass County 75th Anniver-sary Dinner, Elks Lodge, Harrisonville (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Phil Needham (816) 250-2185OCT 13: Greenheads Annual Sportsman’s Dinner and Auction, Elks Lodge, Dexter (6:00pm - 11:30pm); Brian Jones (573) 421-1771 or Mike Wilburn (573) 421-3713OCT 13: Lake Stockton Gun Bash, Ray Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton (6:00pm - 9:00pm); Don Chubb (417) 276-2535 or Mike Grady (785) 691-8491OCT 20: Membership Dinner, Ryther’s Community Center, Lawson (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Bill Williams (816) 804-5405 or Rick McQuerrey (816) 868-4950OCT 25: Grand Prairie Membership Dinner, Elks Lodge, Blue Springs (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Paul Bybee (816) 665-3460 or Lorn Dennis (816) 590-5711OCT 27: Marmaton Valley Member-ship Dinner, Elks Lodge, Nevada (5:00pm - 9:00pm); Jason Meisen-heimer (417) 667-3699

MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATIONSEPT 6: Board Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence SEPT 7-9: Hunter Education Clinic & Dove Hunt, Settle’s Ford Conservation Area, Garden City; Allan Hoover (816) 540-3908SEPT 15: NRA YHEC for Disabled, Lake City Range, Jackson CountySEPT 15-16: Bowhunter Education Clinic & Archery Hunt, Jerry Litton Center, Smithville and Smithville Lake; Dwayne Holtzclaw (816) 637-8387 or (816) 853-6507

SEPT 29: 2nd Annual Shoot For The Future, Saddle & Sirloin Club, Kansas City; Allan Hoover (816) 540-3908OCT 5-7: Hunter Education Clinic, VFW Post 3118, Pleasant Hill; Allan Hoover (816) 540-3908

MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATIONFUND RAISING BANQUETSSEPT 8: Cedar County Upland Chap-ter, Orleans Trail Resort, Stockton; Micky Morrison (417) 282-6671SEPT 14: Little Dixie Longbeards, Audrain Fairgrounds 4-H Building, Mexico; Bernard Doerge (573) 473-7009SEPT 15: Lewis County Stutters, Queen of Peace Parish, Ewing; Ron Richardson (660) 462-3640SEPT 22: Sugar Creek Gobblers, Christian Church, Pineville; Dan Fuller (417) 223-7554SEPT 28: Rock Town Gobblers, Celebration Family Worship Center, Iberia; Travis Lawson (573) 480-1916SEPT 29: Clay Howlett Memorial, Pulaski County Shrine Club, Waynes-ville; Clinton Jarrett (573) 774-0339OCT 5: Gasconade River Gobblers, Community Building, Belle; Kyle Lairmore (573) 437-8899OCT 6: Bunt Cumbea Laclede County Chapter, Cowan Civic Center, Leba-non; Karen Ray (417) 588-1643OCT 12: Jefferson City Strutters, Lions Club, Wardsville; John Slicker (573) 680-5903OCT 20: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies, Senior Center, Wheatland; David Wright (417) 722-4488OCT 20: Southern Warren County Strutters, Saint Ignatius Parish Center, Marthasville; Amy Mergeimeyer (636) 221-1538

JAKES FIELD DAYSSEPT 23: Saline County Strutters, 4-H Trap Range, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407SEPT 29: Spring River Toms, Baugh Flight Park, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 793-0310

WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORSSEPT 7-8: NEMO Outdoor Skills, Mark Twain State Park, Stoutsville; Judy Martin (573) 769-4189SEPT 22: Tri-Lakes Ladies Day Out, Rec-Plex, Branson; Catherine McGregor (417) 593-6333OCT 13: Ladies Bow Deer Hunt, North West Missouri Outfittes, Den-ver; Kimberly Smith (660) 638-4337

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


MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONSEPT 19-21: Leadership Develop-ment Institute, Klondike Park, Saint Charles County ParksOCT 9-10: Aquatic Facility Operator Course, Legacy Park Community Center, Lees Summit

MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATIONOCT 13: Hi Lonesome Master Naturalist Evening on the Prairie, Cole Camp

MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCESEPT 19: Monthly Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center, Saint Louis (7:00pm - 9:00pm)OCT 17: Monthly Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center, Saint Louis (7:00pm - 9:00pm)

MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATIONSEPT 8: Fall Trapping Clinic, Show Me Auction Company, Versailles

OCT 6: Fall Trapping Clinic, Orscheln’s Farm & Home, CaliforniaOCT 20: Fall Trapping Clinic, Orscheln’s Farm & Home, EldonOCT 20-21: Fall Trapping Clinic, Prairie Star Restoration Farm, Bland

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONSEPT 6: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm)SEPT 13: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm)SEPT 20: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm)SEPT 22: MSU Fishing Trip, Roaring River State Park (9:00am - 4:00pm)SEPT 22: Great Outdoor Day, Bois Arc Conservation Area (9:00am - 3:00pm)OCT 4: Monthly Meeting, Conser-vation Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm - 9:00pm)OCT 4-6: Southern Council ConclaveOCT 27: Chili Feed

MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITEDSEPT 8: Warren County Disabled Freedom Hunt Banquet, American Legion Post 122, WarrentonSEPT 8: Northern Missouri Chapter

Banquet, Rupe Center, CarrolltonSEPT 15: Kingdom of Callaway Chapter Banquet, Saint Peters Hall, FultonSEPT 22: Anchor City Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, CentraliaSEPT 29: Southern Boone Chapter Banquet, Optimist Club, AshlandOCT 6: Mississippi Valley Chapter Banquet, American Legion Post 55, Hannibal

OPEN SPACE COUNCILSEPT 25: Board Meeting, Forest Park Visitor Center (4:30pm); (636) 451-6090

OZARK FLY FISHERSSEPT 13-16: Taneycomo OutingSEPT 27: General Membership Meet-ing, Greensfelder Recreation, Queeny Park (7:00pm)OCT 4-6: Fly Fishing Festival, Moun-tain Home, ArkansasOCT 8: Board Meeting, Maplewood (7:00pm - 9:00pm)OCT 13: Current River Water Quality MonitoringOCT 13: Stream Team Level One Workshop, Babler State Park (8:30am - 5:00pm)

OCT 20: Fall Chili Tie-InOCT 25: General Membership Meet-ing, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm)

OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUBSEPT 8: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm)SEPT 8: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm)SEPT 24-25: Niangua River Clean Up, Riverside CampgroundOCT 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm)OCT 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm)OCT 14-19: Fall Canoefest, Current River

POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC.SEPT 22: Guide For A DayOCT 5-7: Fall TournamentOCT 20-21: Mail In TournamentOCT 29: Region 4 Fall Board Meeting

CFM EVENTSSEP 14-16: Annual Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point, Osage Beach

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

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when will you add your name to the list?cFm life membership application

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Charles Abele, Saint LouisR. Philip Acuff, Saint JosephDuane Addleman, SpringfieldMichael Duane Addleman †Nancy Addleman †Nancy Carol Addleman, SpringfieldTom Addleman, HarrisonvilleCraig Alderman, BuffaloJames Agnew, ArnoldAllen Appell, CalhounRichard Ash, OzarkCarolyn Auckley, BallwinMichael Baker, DeSotoDane Balsman, Frankfort, KYDon Bedell, SikestonJim Tom Blair, Saint LouisJeff Blystone, IndependenceGlenn Boettcher, OwensvilleMarilynn Bradford, Cape GirardeauStephen Bradford, Cape GirardeauMark Brandly, New Baden, ILScott Brundage, ColumbiaGlenn Chambers, ColumbiaBryan Chilcutt, ColumbiaEd Clausen, Jefferson CityRon Coleman, Saint AlbansMark Corio, ArnoldBill Crawford, ColumbiaRyan Diener, MarthasvilleJoe G. Dillard, ColumbiaRon Douglas, SpringfieldCharlie Drury, Saint LouisChuck Drury, Saint LouisTom Drury, Saint LouisJohn Enderle, KelsoHoward Fisher, HigginsvilleMary Louise Fisher, HigginsvilleAndrew Fleming, ColumbiaHoward Fleming, MoberlyLori Fleming, ColumbiaMatt Fleming, MoberlyPaula Fleming, MoberlySara Fleming, MoberlyManley Fuller, Tallahassee, FL

Matt Gaunt, ColumbiaTimothy Gordon, BelgradeBlake Gornick, KirkwoodRichard & Sally Graham, HartsburgJoseph Gray, Saint JosephDebbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint LouisGery Gremmelsbacher, Saint LouisMark & Kathy Haas, JacksonChristopher Hamon, KirbyvilleHerman Hanley, Grain ValleyMilt & Deanna Harper, ColumbiaJack & Pat Harris, Saint LouisMickey Heitmeyer, AdvanceLoring Helfrich, SikestonRandy Herzog, Saint JosephJames Hill, MexicoAllan Hoover, Pleasant HillJohn Hoskins, FremontLarry & Joan Hummel, GlencoePatricia Hurster, Saint LouisJim Jacobi, Saint CharlesAaron Jeffries, Jefferson CityDon Johnson, FestusMalcolm “Mac” Johnson, HartsburgRoger Johnson, HumansvillePat Jones, WilliamsburgTom Karl, FarmingtonCosette Kelly, Kansas CityDuane Kelly, Kansas CityMarty King, University CityJudd Kirkham, Climax SpringsElizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NCJeff Kolb, Weldon SpringCarl Kurz, Leawood, KSAnn Kutscher, Jefferson CityLarry Lackamp, Bates CityKyle Lairmore, OwensvilleJay Law (Deceased)Gerald Lee, Kansas CityJoel LeMaster, FultonNorman Leppo, Saint LouisJohn Lewis, ColumbiaLeroy Logan, ArnoldChristine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell

Ike Lovan, SteelvilleWayne Lovelace, ElsberryChip McGeehan, MarshfieldTeresa McGeehan, MarshfieldRichard Mendenhall, ColumbiaTom Mendenhall, ColumbiaCynthia Metcalfe, Saint LouisWalter Metcalfe, Saint LouisDavis Minton, DexterLowell Mohler, Jefferson CityJohn Moore, Jr., GelenaJohnny Morris, SpringfieldJohn & Patricia Mort, SmithvilleDavid Murphy, ColumbiaDean Murphy, Jefferson CityFirst Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson CityGovernor Jay Nixon, Jefferson CityLarry & Nancy O’Reilly, SpringfieldAustin Owens, LebanonJeff Owens, MarshfieldSara Pauley, HartsburgScott Pauley, HartsburgAbe Phillips, Saint LouisJan Phillips, Saint LouisJessica Plaggenberg, FlorissantBecky Plattner, Grand PassJerry Presley, CentertownAlbert Price, ColumbiaNick Prough, Blue SpringsKirk Rahm, WarrensburgKurtis Reeg, Saint LouisDavid & Janice Reynolds, SpringfieldGerald Ross, Jefferson CityTyler Ruoff, SavannahBruce & Jan Sassmann, BlandFred Saylor, IndependenceEvelyn Schallon, BallwinMike Schallon, WentzvilleMossie Schallon, WentzvilleRonald Schwartzmeyer, ArnoldTimothy Schwent, JacksonTravis Scott, ColumbiaGeorge Seek, Meadville

E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint LouisSara Seidler, Saint LouisAnita Siegmund, Saint LouisGary & Susanna Smith, NeoshoM. W. Sorenson, ColumbiaEd Stegner, Pilot GroveCharles & Winnie Stribling, MexicoMary Stuppy, JoplinMark Sullivan †Jacob Swafford, ColumbiaJim Talbert, Jefferson CityTravis Taylor, LawsonTim Thompson, Lake Saint LouisJeff “J. T.” Tillman †Robert Tompson, MoberlyAlex Uskokovich, GlendaleGary Van De Velde, Jefferson CityBarbara vanBenschoten, Kansas CityLee Vogel, Kansas CityAl Vogt, ColumbiaJulius Wall, ClintonGinny Wallace, Jefferson CityRandy Washburn, VersaillesHenry J. Waters, III, ColumbiaMary Waters, ColumbiaRobert O. Werges, ArnoldMark Williams, LawsonMichael Wilson, Saint LouisStephen Wilson, HartsburgAddie Witter, Annville, PABrenda Witter, Holts SummitDaniel Witter, Holts SummitOwen Witter, ColumbiaDick Wood, Saint LouisHoward Wood, Bonne TerreJoyce Wood, Bonne TerreNicole Wood, Bonne TerreDan Zerr, Lake Saint LouisJim Zieger, Blue SpringsEmily Ziehmer, CaliforniaRobert Ziehmer, CaliforniaEthan Zuck, StraffordGuy Zuck, Strafford† Deceased

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Everything from trees to fish are feeling the pinch of heat and drought, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is tracking the effects of extreme summer weather and doing what it can to help people and nature.

the period from January through June was the hottest on record nationally. June was the sixth-driest on record in Missouri. the Show-Me State’s last rainfall of statewide sig-nificance fell on May 7. Mean-while, extreme heat, wind and unusually low humidity have sapped what little moisture once existed in the state’s soil.

One-hundred degree-plus temperatures began in June and lingered into August. In July alone, temperatures topped 100 degrees on 15 days in central Missouri.

As of July 24, the National Climate Data showed the entire state of Missouri as be-ing in at least severe drought. More than two-thirds of the state was in extreme drought, and the bootheel and adjacent counties were in an exceptional drought, the most severe clas-sification recognized by the National Climatic Data Center.

the National Weather Ser-vice’s long-range forecast is for drought conditions to persist or intensify across Missouri. No significant increase in pre-cipitation is anticipated before October.

ForestsMissouri forests were

stressed by several factors even before the drought set in. Most of the state suffered a severe, late freeze in 2007, killing flower and leaf buds on many trees. Multiple ice storms that same year wrecked hundreds of thousands of trees over large swaths of Missouri, and a freak windstorm, known as a derecho, flattened trees across parts of the eastern Ozarks in 2009.

the period from 2008 to 2010 set records for rainfall. then, in 2011, the weather abruptly turned hot and dry, a trend that has worsened this year. Forests in southeastern and southwestern Missouri are hardest hit by drought, but trees are suffering statewide.

As if weather challenges weren’t enough, Missouri witnessed the emergence of a brood of periodical cica-das that covered most of the state in 2011, followed by an outbreak of jumping oak gall wasps and defoliating insects.

“All in all, it has been an extremely tough five years for Missouri forests,” says Forestry Field programs Supervisor Nick Kuhn. “While it is still too early to know exactly how severe the effects will be, we expect to see some reduction in acorn and nut production. that could be a concern for animals that depend on acorns and other nuts for food, and for Missouri’s nut industry.”

Kuhn says many trees are

dropping their leaves early to cope with the heat and drought. Shedding leaves reduces the amount of water trees lose through evaporation, helping them survive. However some trees will succumb to drought.

Kuhn says the drought will be hardest on old trees and those already weakened by dis-ease or parasites. trees grow-ing on west- and south-facing slopes will face greater drought challenges, as will trees that are crowded or poorly adapted to the sites where they are grow-ing. the drought underscores the importance of proper for-est management and working with a professional forest to properly manage forests.

Deepening Drought Affects Forests, Fish, Wildlifemdc is working with partners to address drought effects

on citizens, forest, fish and wildlife.

agencY news - department oF conservation

The parched ground breaks underneath a dying crop of corn suffering from severe drought . Credit: Laurie Skrivan


“Landowners can help their forests be more resilient to insect and drought stresses through proper management,” says MDC Forest products program Supervisor Jason Jensen. “Forests need man-agement much the same as a garden or any other crop. When left unmanaged, forests become overcrowded. trees all compete for water, nutri-ents and sunlight. When there are too many trees competing for these limited resources, the trees will become stressed and won’t be as healthy and pro-ductive as a managed forest. trees in well-managed forests grow faster and provide better wildlife habitat.”

For landowners who are interested in managing their forest or are seeing trees that have died as a result of the drought, a timber sale may be in order. Landowners should seek the assistance of a profes-sional forester when consider-ing a timber sale. MDC has foresters available to assist landowners. to find a forester in your county go to www.mdc.mo.gov and select “Who’s My Local Contact.” private consulting foresters are also available to assist landowners. to find a consulting forester in your area go to www.missouri-foresters.com.

the ongoing drought also has heightened wildfire danger. Unlike western states, Mis-souri’s primary wildfire season is late winter. Once trees leaf out, the shade they provide causes humidity levels on the forest floor to increase, reducing fire danger. this year is an exception. MDC saw a 150-percent increase in the number of reported fires from May through June. this does not include fires on the

1.5-million acre Mark twain National Forest. Since Jan. 1, MDC has recorded 2,280 fires affecting 26,944 acres. those fires destroyed 15 homes and l51 outbuildings and damaged 331 other structures.

Causes of these fires included:• Debris Burning – 794 fires

consuming 4,942 acres• Equipment Use – 154 fires

consuming 1,937 acres • Arson – 117 fires

consuming 4,470 acres• Smoking – 49 fires

consuming 189 acres• Campfire – 34 fires

consuming 82 acres• Children – 34 fires

consuming 83 acres• Lightning – 23 fires

consuming 75 acres • Railroad – 7 fires

consuming 38 acres• Miscellaneous causes – 1,068

fires consuming 15,129 acres

Compared to a normal year, total burned acreage has tripled. MDC normally sends

crews to help fight fires in the western United States, but this year the agency’s entire force of 754 firefighters is at home, responding to calls for help from local fire departments.

MDC has mutual aid agree-ments with more than 800 fire departments and has assigned approximately $70 million in federal excess property equipment to these partners for wildfire suppression. MDC also provides training to volunteer firefighters and awards an average of $400,000 in cost-share grants annually to fire departments to purchase wild-land fire suppression equipment.

burn bans across most of the state discourage trash burning or any other open fire. MDC has banned open fires on all conservation areas.

“Everyone needs to be extra careful when working or playing outside,” says Forestry Field programs Supervisor ben Webster. “It doesn’t take much to start a wildfire.”

At home and on the farm, barbecue grills should not be left unattended. Exercise ex-treme caution when using farm machinery, mowers or other equipment that could strike a spark or put hot engine parts in contact with dry vegetation. this includes driving vehicles off road. Smokers are urged to put cigarette butts in ashtrays rather than discarding them along roadways. Homeown-ers should visit www.mdc.mo.gov/node/5290 and use the Firewise checklist there to ensure that you can protect your property from wildfire.

wildliFeNative wildlife is well-adapt-

ed to the range of conditions that can occur in Missouri. that does not mean, however, that weather does not affect animals, which may have to alter normal behavior patterns to meet their needs for food, water and shelter.

See Drought on next page

Wildfire danger remains high in current drought. Credit: MDC

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An example of such behavioral changes came to light recently when Resource Scientist Jeff beringer attached a video camera to the radio collar he placed on a black bear. When he retrieved the camera and watched the video, he discovered that the bear had spent pretty much all its time walking through the water in a small stream.

Resource Scientist Jeff brig-gler’s primary area of expertise is reptiles and amphibians, but he offers a general observation about how current weather could affect human interaction with wildlife.

“Wild animals need water, which is extremely scarce right now,” says briggler. “people have plenty of water, and watered lawns and gardens, birdbaths, even air-condition-ers that drip water are very at-tractive to all kinds of wildlife.”

briggler says people shouldn’t be surprised to find squirrels munching their toma-toes or box turtles and frogs around backyard water fea-tures. Similarly, cool basements may attract animals trying to escape the heat.

“If an animal can’t get far enough underground to get away from the heat and find moisture in their normal home area, they have to look for someplace they can,” says briggler.

Deer are traveling farther than usual for this time of year and moving during times of day when they ordinarily would be inactive. Aquatic turtles must move or die when ponds or streams where they live dry up. On the other hand, smaller, less mobile animals, such as frogs, often take the opposite

approach, hunkering down to wait out the heat.

Hummingbirds go where there is food, and this summer that means forests, especially around permanent bodies of water, where flowering plants remain available. As a result, fewer hummingbirds are

visiting nectar feeders in dry upland areas, causing some people to wonder what has become of the little birds.

Wildlife Ecologist brad Jacobs urges people to leave hummingbird feeders out well into the fall, however.

“the southern migration of hummingbirds has begun,” says Jacobs, “with increasing reports of adult and young birds at nectar feeders. Arti-ficial feeders are a welcome supplement for migrating hum-mers. the ruby-throats will be mostly gone by October, but several other western hum-mingbird species pass through Missouri on up until early December, and they might just stop by a feeder if you leave one out for them.”

Jacobs says the current weather has the opposite ef-fect on birds whose primary

foods are seeds and insects. Shortages of these staple foods have meant capacity crowds at well-stocked feeding stations. putting out black-oil sunflower seeds, seed mixes and suet blocks almost guarantees that mobs of birds will visit your feeder.

Likewise, people are report-ing seeing more herons this year. Jacobs says the long-legged wading birds are not more numerous this year. they simply are more visible because they are concentrated around limited water. Shal-low, shrunken pools present a bonanza for these predators of fish and amphibians.

Waterfowl hunters have been encouraged by news that near-record numbers of ducks will head south from nest-ing grounds in the northern United States and Canada this year. However, reduced avail-ability of agricultural crops and natural food plants on wetland areas could prevent ducks from lingering in Missouri long enough to provide much hunt-ing opportunity.

Keeping wetland areas wet enough for ducks could

be a problem if the drought continues. Low water levels in streams and wells have raised concerns about the availabil-ity of water later in the fall at managed wetland areas, includ-ing bob brown, Nodaway Valley, Fountain Grove and Otter Slough.

On the other hand, low water levels allow maintenance work on boat ramps and other areas that normally are too wet. Lack of moisture also permits habitat work in areas where soil normally remains satu-rated throughout the summer and provides opportunities to control invasive plants.

For all these reasons, the quality of this year’s waterfowl hunting remains a question mark in spite of the abundance of ducks.

Resource Scientist Emily Flinn specializes in deer biol-ogy and management. She does not expect big changes in deer numbers on account of this year’s weather.

“Deer are resilient animals and have dealt with extreme conditions for millions of years,” she says. “Although fawn survival can be affected by drought, the mild winter and early spring green-up al-lowed the deer population to enter the summer in excellent body condition. So I doubt that fawn recruitment will be significantly affected state-wide.”

Flinn says epizootic hemor-rhagic disease and blue tongue (another hemorrhagic disease) always are concerns in drought years, because deer have more opportunity to transmit dis-eases when they are crowded around limited water supplies. She noted that hemorrhagic diseases are different and unrelated to chronic wasting

Drought continued

Drought and stressful moving conditions are killing off some reintroduced elk in the Missouri Ozarks. Credit: MDC


disease, or CWD. She has received some

reports of dead deer around water, which is typical of hem-orrhagic diseases, but she is awaiting test results to confirm the cause. Such outbreaks are difficult to document, since affected deer typically die quickly and are immediately consumed by scavengers. Citi-zens who see dead or sick deer can report the sightings to the nearest MDC office.

Flinn says she is receiving a larger-than-normal number of complaints about deer damag-ing crops. She attributes this to reduced availability of other natural foods. At this time of year, deer normally are brows-ing on plant leaves, buds and fruits.

MDC provides landowners considerable ability to manage deer by providing depredation permits to address localized crop damage and free or low-cost deer hunting permits dur-ing the hunting seasons. Flinn stresses that it is important for neighbors to work together to manage deer in their area.

MDC is working with landowners to encourage qual-ity deer management at the community level. Several deer-management landowner co-operatives have started across the state where landowners are working together to better manage the local deer herd.

“Deer hunting is a rich tradi-tion in Missouri and important to our economy,” says Flinn. “MDC wants neighbors talking to each other about how they can work together to better manage the local deer herd “and we’re here to help.”

MDC is hosting four deer-management workshops in August and September that will focus on managing deer on

private land. For details, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/18243. For more information on deer landowner cooperatives, contact your county private land conservationist using the “Who’s My Local Contact” link at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Weather conditions do affect deer behavior, and Missourians might be seeing evidence of that as deer travel longer dis-tances to find food and water. this could result in deer being active throughout the day, rather than just from dusk to dawn, as they normally are.

One thing that is unlikely to be affected by weather is the size of bucks’ antlers. Flinn notes that deer in texas showed no change in antler growth last year after experi-encing a record drought.

“Again,” says Flinn, “the mild winter and early spring allowed deer to store nutrients and enter the summer in great body condition. I don’t think hunters are going to see any effect on antler size related to the drought and heat.”

For the same reason, Flinn said deer don’t need supple-mental feeding.

“We do not need to provide supplemental food or water sources,” says Flinn. “this mainly increases the risk of dis-ease spread, which could cause more harm than good.”

Resource Scientist beth Em-merich says warm, dry weather early in the nesting season gave wild turkeys, quail, pheasant and other upland birds a much needed break from the wet, cold weather that has plagued them in recent years. She says quail should have no trouble finding food because grasshop-pers – one of their staple foods – are abundant.

“Most people I’ve talked to

are seeing and hearing more quail than they have in the last several years, when it was wetter,” says Emmerich. “It should be good for rabbits, pheasants and other upland wildlife, too. Quail can tolerate periods of dry weather well, as they get their water from dew and food. the mild winter, coupled with a dry summer should be good news for them. I have my hopes up for good survival of quail chicks this year.”

Fishthe most dramatic effects

of the current drought on fish and other aquatic life are oc-curring in ponds, small lakes and streams. Fisheries biolo-gists across the state report increased incidence of fish kills in small impoundments.

Although the number of fish kills is up, such events are normal occurrences in Mis-souri. In most cases, fish die because they can’t get enough oxygen. Warm water holds less oxygen than cool water, so hot weather is naturally more stressful. Fish usually can cope with this unless other factors come into play.

Warm, fertile water some-times promotes excessive growth of tiny aquatic plants known as algae. that’s fine as long as the sun shines and the tiny plants are using sunlight to put oxygen in the water. but cloudy weather turns algae from oxygen producers into oxygen consumers, so a couple of overcast days can have disastrous results for fish.

Fish gulping air at the surface of a pond is an early warning of an impending kill. Sometimes pond owners can improve the situation by running an outboard boat

motor with the propeller close enough to the surface to mix air and water, increasing dis-solved oxygen. However, they must be sure not to stir up mud, as this can make things worse. they also must ensure that the motor’s cooling-water intake remains submerged to avoid overheating.

More information about how to prevent and deal with fish kills is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/4891.

Fish in large lakes are not immune to drought and heat. Most of Missouri’s large reser-voirs still have reasonably good water levels, but temperatures are climbing and dissolved-ox-ygen levels are declining. Fish grow sluggish as water warms and oxygen grows scarce, and this makes for poor fishing. Fish also are more susceptible to diseases and parasites in tepid lakes. the longer such conditions continue, the greater the likelihood that fish will die. At present, fisheries biologists worry about the pos-sibility of isolated die-offs of large muskellunge at pomme de terre or the loss of walleyes and other prized game fish at other big lakes.

Fish in streams also feel the effects of heat and drought. Streams with healthy wa-tersheds – including good soil-conservation practices, vegetated stream-side buffer zones and trees that provide shade – generally have good water quality and avoid fish kills. but even fish in healthy streams can experience stress in extreme droughts. trout in the Current and Niangua rivers and small spring-fed streams currently are at risk because reduced flow from springs has

See Drought on next page

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raised their water tempera-tures.

pools that serve as refuges for fish in small streams state-wide are disappearing, leaving fish with nowhere to go. Even where pools remain, severe flow reductions can leave fish vulnerable to pond-like fish kills.

Anglers may find the water level in some streams so low that boat ramps are unusable. Until the drought breaks, it’s a good idea to inspect the bottom ends of boat ramps before launching to ensure the concrete apron extends far enough to support your boat trailer.

Four of MDC’s five cold-water fish hatcheries rely on natural springs to supply water for their operations. Some of those springs are down to less than half their normal flows. this has forced some hatcheries to transfer part of their fish to Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, which has an abundant supply of cool water from table Rock Lake. MDC’s four warm-water hatcheries are making do with reduced flows, but hatchery managers are watching conditions closely.

“Hatchery improvements completed the past couple years, such as dissolved oxygen systems, aerators, and renovat-ed raceways have really helped us cope with the drought and low water levels,” says Hatch-ery Systems Manager James Civiello. “I’d hate to imagine where we would be in this drought without the hatchery improvements.”

private landLivestock forage is critically

scarce this summer, and MDC supported a request by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Services Agency to allow farmers to graze cattle on some land enrolled in the Conserva-tion Reserve program and per-mit haying on land enrolled in the Wetland Reserve program.

MDC also offers cost share to landowners interested in establishing native warm-season grasses for forage production. Native grasses are more drought-tolerant than introduced cool-season grasses such as brome and tall fescue. During the drought, native grasses like big blue-stem and switchgrass are still growing and providing forage for livestock and cover for wildlife. For more information

on native warm-season grasses contact your local private land conservationist or regional MDC office.

private Land Field programs Supervisor Rex Martensen re-minds landowners that the Mis-souri Wildlife Code allows them to protect crops and property from deer, bears, raccoons, coyotes, beavers and other wildlife with MDC permission. A call to the nearest MDC of-fice is all that is needed to get help from a wildlife damage biologist.

conclusionGood news related to the

drought is scarce, but there are a few silver linings. One is that ticks and mosquitoes are not as troublesome this summer as they have been in recent years. Invasive zebra mussels can’t

tolerate warm water well and apparently were devastated by high water temperatures at Lake of the Ozarks last year. this year’s more extreme con-ditions could help contain the destructive mussels.

While individual animals and local populations may suf-fer, MDC experts agree that forests, fish and wildlife overall will bounce back from the cur-rent drought and heat.

“the resiliency of wild animals and the stability of natural systems is truly remark-able,” says briggler. “trees and animals don’t fret over the present or the future. they just persevere.”

Jim LowNews Services Coordinator,

MDC

Drought continued

Multitudes of fish have died in Missouri as the sizzling summer dried up rivers and raised water temperatures in some spots to nearly 100 degrees. Credit: Associated Press

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If there are any errors in your name and address, if you’ve moved from this address, or if you plan to move, please notify us at Missouri Wildlife, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (800) 575-2322. Visit our website: www.confedmo.org

Vol73 no5 2012

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Transcript of Vol73 no5 2012