Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Fourth Annual BioBlitz Set for June 1 & 2

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Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a weekend on an original American landscape—the tallgrass prairie—at the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Denison and Lattner Prairies in Vernon and Barton Counties on June 1 and 2. At this free event, adults and children with enthusiasm for the outdoors will team

“Like so many naturalists and field biologists, one of my constant sources of inspiration is certainly Aldo Leopold,” said Jeff Cantrell, Foundation Technical Advisor and Education Consultant with the Missouri

Across the country, nature lovers and professional biologists team up at “BioBlitz’s” to identify as many species as possible (the “bio”) in an area over the course of 24 hours (the “blitz”). The Foundation’s version will begin June 1 at 2:00 p.m. and end the afternoon of June 2. In addition to the plant and animal field work, there will be a potluck picnic dinner, stargazing, nocturnal insect and bat observations, and free tent camping on the prairie.

“Ecologists consider temperate grasslands to be the most endangered, least conserved of any major terrestrial habitat on earth—so Missouri’s tallgrass prairies have global conservation significance,” said Carol Davit, the Foundation’s executive director. “Collectively, our remaining prairies in Missouri support up to 800 plant species, dozens of vertebrates and thousands of invertebrates, but there is still much to learn. We want to see how many species we can find at Denison and Latter Prairies, and BioBlitz participants will help in that effort.” Participants at past BioBlitz’s at other Foundation prairies have documented blooming orchids, dozens of butterfly species, rare fish, and much more.

On the afternoon and evening of June 1 and the morning of June 2, biologists who study ants, bees, birds, butterflies, insect coloration, planthoppers, fish, moths, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, vascular plants, mosses, and liverworts will lead groups across the prairies to survey and inventory as many species as possible. Biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation—Fisheries Biologists Tom Priesendorf and Kara Tvedt, Natural History Biologist Mike Arduser, and Naturalist John Miller—will be group leaders. Other leaders include mammalogist Dr. Vicki Jackson; entomologists Dr. James Trager, Dr. Stephen Wilson, and Richard Thoma; botanists Justin Thomas and Nels Holmberg; naturalist Bruce Schuette; lepidopterist Phillip Koenig; and naturalist Elizabeth Hamilton.

“We are thrilled that so many biologists are giving their time to help uncover the plant and animal treasures of these prairies,” said Davit. “If you love plants and wildlife, this is a great opportunity to learn from experts passionate about their given subjects, and play a role in much-needed data collection as well.”

Denison and the adjacent Lattner Prairies encompass 440 contiguous acres on the Vernon and Barton County line, three miles west of Sheldon. In 1993, the Foundation acquired the original 240 acres at the site, which is high quality native prairie with a total of 320 recorded plant species. Since that time an additional 200 acres were acquired and restoration is underway.

The Prairie BioBlitz is free, but participants must RSVP. For a detailed schedule, directions to the prairie, and to RSVP, email info@moprairie.com or call 888-843-6739.



The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a 47-year-old membership organization that protects and restores prairie and other native grasslands through acquisition, management, education and support of prairie research. The organization owns more than 2,600 acres of prairie across the state and provides management services an on additional 1,500 acres owned by conservation partners. The Missouri Prairie Foundation is also home to the Grow Native! native plant education and marketing program.
Department of Conservation. “I’ll never forget my first walk through Denison prairie—I was immediately reminded of his passage regarding the compass plants tickling the bellies of the American buffalo. So I was pleased to see that the next Prairie BioBlitz will be hosted there and at the adjacent Lattner prairie. The event is always a fun, engaging experience with an old time family-gathering feel to it. I hope many have already marked their calendars.”

up with biologists to explore the prairie and document plants and animals of the 440-acres of these contiguous prairies.

Bushytails and bronzebacks are legal May 25

Whether your taste in outdoor activities runs toward fishing or hunting, May 25 is a day to mark on your calendar.

Missouri’s hunting season for gray and fox squirrels opens May 25 and runs through Feb. 15,

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

2014. Legal methods include rifles, shotguns, or archery equipment. The aggregate bag limit is 10 squirrels and the possession limit is 20.

“Aggregate” means hunters may harvest any combination of fox and gray squirrels so long as they do not exceed 10 squirrels total in one day. If hunters bag a daily limit two days in a row, they will have a possession limit of 20 squirrels. After that, they must eat or give away some squirrels before going hunting again in order to stay within the possession limit.

Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, known collectively as black bass, may be caught and possessed throughout the year from impoundments and in areas other than the Ozarks. These “other” areas are defined as the Mississippi River, all waters north of the south bank of the Missouri River, the St. Francis River downstream from Wappapello Dam, and streams in that portion of southeast Missouri bounded by a line from Cape Girardeau following Missouri highways 74 and 25, U.S. highways 60, 67, and 160, and the west bank of the Little Black River to the Arkansas state line. Black bass may be caught year-round in the defined area of the Ozarks, but they must be released immediately after being caught from March 1 through the Friday before fourth Saturday in May.

The daily limit on black bass in most of the state’s waters is six, with a possession limit of 12. However, many lakes and streams are subject to special daily and length limits. These are listed in the 2013 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations. The booklet is available from permit vendors, Missouri Department of Conservation offices, and online at mdc.mo.gov/node/11414. The 2013 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/3611416.

-Jim Low-

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Missouri FFA/High School Trap Championship draws 850 students

LINN CREEK, Mo.  -- More than 85,000 shots rang out from the Missouri Trapshooters Association home grounds in Linn Creek on April 27 for the 26th Annual Missouri FFA and High School Trap Championship. More than 850 students from all over the state participated.

“Despite the rainy weather, we saw several perfect scores and many 99s,” said Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Education Outreach Coordinator Eric Edwards, who helped staff the event “We even had to have a shoot-off to decide placement in some divisions

because of all the 100-out-of-100 scores these kids put up today.”

Austin Harris of St. Charles, Nate Carl of Liberty, Jess Johnson of St. Charles, Jonathon Wolf of Washburn, and Taylor Kennemer of Logan all had perfect scores for the day, forcing a shoot-off to decide the top overall shooter. After an additional three rounds of 25 clay birds, Johnson from the Gateway Claybusters of St. Charles came out on top with a 175 for 175 score.

Top honors for the Ladies Division went to Cecilia Young of House Springs with a score of 99 out of 100. The top scoring team was Gateway Claybusters Team Orange with a score of 496 out of 500.

MDC provides scorers each year for this event to help the Missouri Trap Association produce one of the most popular shoots in the state.

“The dedication of these young people amazes me,” said Edwards. “Some are here just to have a good time and socialize with other kids from around the state, while others get very serious about the competition aspect. We had several shooters who will be going to college next year on full-ride scholarships to compete on a collegiate level in the shotgun sports.”

He added, “These outstanding youth along with their dedicated coaches, show that not only is Missouri a great place to hunt and fish, but a great place to enjoy shooting sports too!”

A complete list of scores can be found at http://www.motraps.com/2013youthINFO-HS.asp.

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Five year Missouri poaching case against 46 ends in Federal Court

Written By: Candice Davis, Missouri Department of Conservation

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently wrapped up a major special investigation involving 46 individuals that began in 2008. Operation “Pulling Wool” came to a close on April 25 with a final conviction in Federal Court. The last defendant charged in the operation was found guilty by a United

States Magistrate in Cape Girardeau.

All 46 defendants were found guilty by trial or plea in Federal Court for hunting deer with the aid of dogs on U.S. Forest Service property. The defendants paid a total of $67,425 in fines to the federal court for their actions. Another six defendants were charged with nine total violations in state court in Ripley County. These defendants paid a total of $1,909 in fines and court costs. The combined fines and costs paid by the defendants was $69,334. Additionally, hunting privileges of all the defendants were revoked for periods of one to three years.

“These convictions are a direct result of our mission to protect the fish, forests and wildlife of Missouri,” said Gary Cravens, MDC Protection Regional Supervisor for Ozark Region. “Missouri citizens have asked us to take on this mission, and putting a stop to illegal poaching activities, like deer dogging, helps to ensure Missouri remains a great place to hunt ethically.”

The investigation began in the fall of 2008, when the MDC’s special investigation unit set up an operation targeting illegal poaching activity that was occurring on the Mark Twain National Forest in Ripley County. MDC joined with the USFWS and the US Attorney’s office in St. Louis on operation “Pulling Wool” to stop the deer dogging activity. Deer dogging is illegal and is commonly found in Missouri’s Ozark country in the south-central part of the state. The practice includes using dogs to run deer toward shooters strategically set up at known deer crossings.

These shooters, also known as poachers, use marine band and CB radios to communicate with each other concerning the whereabouts of the dogs and any deer they are chasing. Coupled with the use of automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, deer dogging is an effective and extremely dangerous activity during Missouri’s fall firearms deer hunting seasons.

“Using dogs to hunt whitetails is an illegal and dangerous activity, which works against the majority of Missourians’ efforts to continue traditions of ethical hunting that are celebrated in our state,” said Cravens.

Cravens said most hunters in Missouri are ethical, law abiding citizens, who care deeply about conserving the state’s wildlife resources. One effective way citizens can assist MDC in stopping poaching activities is by reporting poaching activities to the state’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline.The toll-free number is 1-800-392-1111 and is staffed 24-hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous, and may ask to be considered for a reward, ranging from $50 to $1,000. More information about OGT can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Think native when replacing landscape trees

Smart choices can prevent problems.

JEFFERSON CITY–Stately oaks that once shaded front yards lost the battle with drought. Ornamental pear trees that used to bid ironic farewells to winter with blizzards of white blossoms were wrecked by winter storms. As home and business owners set about replacing lost landscape trees, the Missouri Department of Conservation has a word of advice – natives.

The past 12 months have not been pretty for the Show-Me State’s home and community landscapes. Many trees withered in last year’s record-breaking heat and drought. Ash trees and others already stressed by disease, parasites, or storm damage were particularly hard-hit. January and February brought wet, heavy snowfall that ripped limbs from silver maples, Bradford pears, and other fast-growing trees with soft wood.

With every challenge comes opportunity, however. The need to replace trees is a chance to choose varieties that prevent future problems. The first thing to do is not plant trees that are doomed to failure. Ash trees fall in this category, because of the relentless approach of the emerald ash borer.

Bradford and other varieties of the decorative callery pear tree grow fast and flower profusely. However, their fast growth produces soft, weak wood that makes the trees vulnerable to snow, ice, and wind storms.

Another strike against the callery pear is the ability of different sterile varieties of this Asian import to cross pollinate. The resulting seeds grow into trees that are extremely aggressive and thorny. They rapidly take over old fields and displace native trees in forests.

“The thorns on these will make control and removal VERY difficult, certainly dangerous, and definitely costly once they have matured and grown together,” says Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Nick Kuhn.”

Natural History Biologist Susan Farrington says native tree species offer landowners a variety of excellent choices for replacing lost or damaged trees.

“The best tree to substitute for a callery pear is our native serviceberry,” says Farrington. “It blooms just as early, has gorgeous white flowers, great fall color, and great berries that are attractive to birds and humans alike. Serviceberry is a little more difficult to find at nurseries than exotic pears, but it’s well worth the trouble. They are adapted to Missouri’s climate and soils, are less prone to weather damage, and they don’t come with the ecological liabilities of imports.”

Farrington says nurseries specializing in native plants are more likely to sell serviceberry trees.

Missouri’s state tree, the flowering dogwood, blooms a little later than serviceberry and has a highly

White Oak

aesthetic, tiered shape that makes it a favorite of landscapers. The redbud tree, another native, also is well-adapted to Missouri, and its vivid purple blossoms are unexcelled for spring beauty. These and other trees from Missouri stock are best suited to growing here. When possible, buy from locally owned nurseries that grow trees in Missouri.

For replacing larger shade trees, Farrington suggests red or white oaks and red or sugar maples. She cautions against golden rain tree, tree of heaven, and princess tree, all Asian imports that drop lots of litter on the ground and can be invasive. Exotic Norway maples and Amur maples are also highly invasive.

“Just explain to the nursery staff that you want to stick with native trees,” says Farrington. “There are plenty of great trees out there that don’t have all the disadvantages of many imports.”

MDC to hold vehicle and equipment auction June 1 in Salem

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a public auction for various used vehicles and equipment on Saturday, June 1, starting at 10 a.m. at its Salem Maintenance Center, 1715 Hwy 32 West.

The auction will include several dozen vehicles, along with ATVs, trailers, boats, outboard motors and other equipment.

For a list of auction items and procedures, go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/5585. A complete lot listing and terms of the sale will be available at the registration desk the day of the auction.

Pre-registration the day before the auction is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration the day of the sale begins at 7:30 a.m. Those interested can also view auction items the day before at the Salem Maintenance Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Missouri landowners invited to Tree Farm Conference in Kirksville

 Woodland landowners from around the state are invited to attend the 34^th annual Missouri Tree Farm Conference May 31 – June 1 at the Days Inn, 3805 S. Baltimore St., in Kirksville. 

PHOTO OF ED KEYSER: Courtesy MDC

The conference is part of the Missouri Tree Farm Program, which provides help to landowners on woodland management for wildlife and timber production. The Program also helps connect participating landowners to others with similar interests. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is cohosting the conference.

“Caring for Missouri’s woods begins with the thousands of Missouri landowners who own them,” said MDC Forestry Field Program Supervisor Brian Schweiss. “We work with many of these landowners to help them sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife. Whether you have five acres or 1,000, this conference is a great way to get advice on how to care for woods and wildlife.”

Schweiss added that the conference is also an excellent way for landowners to meet others from Missouri with similar interests in caring for their woods for better hunting, beauty and income potential. “In fact, most tree farmers own their woods primarily for recreation, with income as a side benefit,” Schweiss said.

This year’s conference will offer a diverse set of subjects. Friday will focus on workshops about shiitake mushroom and elderberry production for the hobbyist or serious producer.

Saturday morning will include a field trip to 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year Ed Keyser’s farm. Keyser’s 89-acres of woods have been managed for both recreation and revenue. Keyser will provide a history of the tree farm management he uses, including thinning, sales and challenges. There will be discussions on wildlife management and food plots, invasive species control of autumn olive and other invasive vegetation, and deer diseases.

Saturday afternoon will focus on a variety of topics including log identification, log value and benefits, and introduction presentations on mushrooms and elderberry production. A tour of Truman Farm will include visiting a vineyard with a discussion on white oak and the Missouri wine connection, orchard management, and the Truman State University vegetable garden.

Purchased in 1969, Keyser’s land provides him and his family excellent deer and turkey hunting opportunities, which have been enhanced through forest thinning practices to improve food and cover. Trees from the property provide wood heat for his home and logs used for shiitake mushroom production.

After 33 years of ownership, Keyser decided it was time for a timber sale. “I recognized faster growth on my oaks, which resulted from thinning practices,” he said. “In 2002, I conducted my first hardwood timber sale.”

Keyser’s most recent challenge has been the invasion of autumn olive. He has spent several years cutting and treating this unwanted invasive shrub and believes he is at a point where he can annually inspect his woods and treat new invasions.