Conservation Commission May Meeting

May 28, 2015 – Closed Executive Session -- 10:00 a.m.

Call to order, roll call, and vote to close meeting.

• E.1 – Approval of minutes of previous executive session(s) (610.021 RSMo.).
• E.2 – Consideration of supporting documentation related to recommendations to suspend or revoke hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges (621.021(1), 610.021.14, 454.440.9, 211.321 RSMo.).
• E.3 – Consideration of confidential or privileged communications between the Commission and its Internal Auditor regarding work product (610.021(17) RSMo.).
• E.4 – Consideration of recommendations relating to the hiring/firing/disciplining/ promoting of personnel (610.021(3) RSMo.).
• E.5 – Consideration of negotiated contracts (610.021(12) RSMo.).
• E.6 – Consideration of potential real estate transactions/negotiations (610.021(2) RSMo.).
• E.7 – Consideration of legal actions, causes of action, or litigation and attorney‐client privileged communications as provided for in 610.021(1) RSMo.).
• Adjourn.

May 29, 2015 – Regular Open Meeting -- 8:30 a.m.

Call to order. -- James T. Blair, IV, Chair
1. Presentation of the newest mural in the “Conservation Advances in Missouri” series by MDC Wildlife Artist Mark Raithel. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director
2. Action Item: Approval of minutes of previous open meeting.

Staff Presentation:
3. Avian Influenza. -- Mike Hubbard, Resource Science Division Chief, and Kelly Straka, State Wildlife Veterinarian

Regulations Committee:
4. Action Item: Report of the Regulations Committee, which includes action items to finalize regulations for the 2015‐16 fall deer season, consideration of options for 2015 early migratory bird season, and a final vote on an order of rulemaking for 3 CSR 10‐8.510 Use of Traps. -- Tom Draper, Deputy Director and Chairman, Regulations Committee

Staff Presentation:
Final deer season attributes and CWD management challenges. -- Jason Sumners, Resource Scientist

Design and Development Division:
5. Major Construction Projects Status Report. -- Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief
6. Consideration of bids received for construction of Duck Creek Conservation Area Wetlands & Footbridges project located in Bollinger, Stoddard and Wayne Counties, and authorization to enter into a contract. -- Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief

Information Technology Unit:
7. Information Technology Projects Status Report. -- Douglas Fees, Information Technology Services Chief

Staff Presentation:
8. Strategic Planning Process. -- David Thorne, Policy Supervisor

Administrative Services Division:
9. Action Item: Overview and recommendation for approval of the Fiscal Year 2016 Internal Expenditure Plan. -- Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer
10. Current Financial Summary. -- Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer

Forestry Division:
11. Action Item: Recommendation for approval of authorization to advertise and sell an estimated 953,941 board feet of timber located on 536 acres of Compartment 14, Sunklands Conservation Area in Shannon County, to be sold in two harvest units (Sale 1 and Sale 2). -- Lisa Allen, Forestry Division Chief

Human Resources Division:
12. Action Item: Recommendation for approval of personnel reclassifications/new positions.
-- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief
13. Action Item: Conservation Employees’ Benefits Plan Update and 2016 recommendation.
-- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief

Staff Presentation:
14. Future Leadership: Professional Development. -- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief, and Debra Thompson, Employee Relations Manager

Realty Committee:
15. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 0.06 acre of Rockwoods Reservation in St. Louis County to the City of Wildwood, Missouri, for a bridge replacement project and to grant the City of Wildwood a temporary construction easement on an additional 0.25 acre until the project is complete. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
16. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 0.02 acre of Rockwoods Range in St. Louis County to the City of Wildwood, Missouri, for a bridge replacement project and to grant the City of Wildwood a temporary construction easement on an additional 0.145 acre until the project is complete. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
17. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to sell approximately 0.89 acre of Bear Creek Conservation Area in Laclede County. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
18. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to purchase approximately 752 acres in Livingston County as an addition to Fountain Grove Conservation Area. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee

Administration:
19. Legislative Report. -- Aaron Jeffries, Assistant to the Director
20. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of individuals for cause. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
21. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
22. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges of individuals in accordance with the terms of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
23. Other matters of interest.
24. Adjourn.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

• July 9‐10, 2015
• August 27‐28, 2015
• October 22‐23, 2015
• December 10‐11, 2015

Related articles

• Missouri Conservation Commission April Meeting Tentative Agenda (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Missouri Conservation Commission April Meeting Tentative Agenda

Budget Workshop

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.
Conservation Department Headquarters
2901 West Truman Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109

• Review and discussion of proposed Fiscal Year 2016 Internal Expenditure Plan (formal action to be taken in May).

Closed Executive Session
Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 1 p.m.Conservation Department Headquarters
2901 West Truman Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109

• Call to order, roll call, and vote to close meeting.
• E.1 – Approval of minutes of previous executive session(s) (610.021 RSMo.).
• E.2 – Consideration of supporting documentation related to recommendations to suspend or revoke hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges (621.021(1), 610.021.14, 454.440.9, 211.321 RSMo.)
• E.3 – Consideration of confidential or privileged communications between the Commission and its Internal Auditor regarding work product (610.021(17) RSMo.).
• E.4 – Consideration of negotiated contracts (610.021(12) RSMo.).
• E.5 – Consideration of recommendations relating to the hiring/firing/disciplining/promoting of personnel (610.021(3) RSMo.).
• E.6 – Consideration of potential real estate transactions/negotiations (610.021(2) RSMo.).
• E.7 – Consideration of legal actions, causes of action, or litigation and attorney-client privileged communications as provided for in 610.021(1) RSMo.
• Adjourn.

Regular Open Meeting
Friday, April 17, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.Conservation Department Headquarters
2901 West Truman Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Call to order.
James T. Blair, IV, Chair.

1. Action Item:  Approval of minutes of previous open meeting.

Staff Presentations:
2. Wetland Planning Initiative and Waterfowl Regulations Schedule Update.
Doreen Mengel, Resource Scientist.
Introduction by Mike Hubbard, Resource Science Division Chief.

3. Grazing for Conservation.
Max Alleger, Grassland Coordinator.
Introduction by Joel Porath, Wildlife Management Chief.

Regulations Committee:
4. Action Item:  Report of the Regulations Committee, which includes a recommendation for a change to the Wildlife Code to establish special restrictions for the use of single projectile firearms on Lake Girardeau Conservation Area and correct an inaccurate reference in the authority section.
Tom Draper, Deputy Director and Chairman, Regulations Committee.

• Update on activities associated with chronic wasting disease efforts, recent deer open house meetings, and deer management.
  Jason Sumners, Resource Scientist.

Forestry Division:
5. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval of authorization to sell an estimated 1,146,073 board feet of timber located on 393 acres of Compartment 1, Indian Trail Conservation Area in Dent County.
Lisa Allen, Forestry Division Chief.

Staff Presentation:
6. Connecting Urban Residents to Forest, Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Private Land Services St. Louis Regional Supervisor Tracy Boaz.
Introduction by Bill White, Private Land Services Division Chief.

Design and Development Division:
7. Major Construction Projects Status Report.
Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief.

Information Technology Unit:  
8. Information Technology Projects Status Report.
Douglas Fees, Information Technology Services Chief.

Administrative Services Division:
9. Current Financial Summary.
Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer.

Human Resources Division:
10. Quarterly Report of Personnel Changes.
Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief.

Realty Committee:
Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee.

11. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to purchase approximately 89 acres in Howell County as an addition to White Ranch Conservation Area.

12. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 0.88 acre of Fiddlers Ford Access in Dade County to Dade County for a bridge replacement project and to grant Dade County a temporary construction easement on an additional 0.6 acre until the project is complete.

13. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 1.77 acres of Platte Falls Conservation Area in Platte County to the Platte City Special Road District for improvements to Interurban Road and to grant the Platte City Special Road District a drainage easement and temporary construction easement on an additional 0.49 acre and 0.4 acre, respectively, of Platte Falls Conservation Area.

Administration:
14. Legislative Report.  (Report to be hand carried.)
Aaron Jeffries, Assistant to the Director.

15. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of individuals for cause.
Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

16. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws.
Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

17. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges of individuals in accordance with the terms of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

18. Action Item:  Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke hunting privileges of individual(s) who inflicted injury to another person while hunting.
Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

19. Other matters of interest.

20. Adjourn.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

• May 28-29, 2015
• July 9-10, 2015
• August 27-28, 2015
• October 22-23, 2015
• December 10-11, 2015

Conservation Commission takes action to protect deer in Missouri

Public comments and dozens of public meetings showed overwhelming support for

proposed regulations to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Conservation Commission unanimously voted to approve proposed amendments to regulations regarding the operation of hunting preserves and wildlife breeding facilities that hold white-tailed deer, mule deer, their hybrids, and other members of the deer family, known as cervids, to prevent the spread of diseases, including chronic wasting disease, to the state’s deer herd.

Actions by the Commission include:

• Banning the importation of live white-tailed deer, mule deer, and their hybrids from other states.        The regulation still allows for the importation of semen for artificial insemination.
• Requiring all facilities, existing and new, to maintain or construct a single 8-foot fence following specific standards detailed in the Wildlife Code of Missouri. Existing facilities would have 18 months to bring fencing into compliance. 
• Requiring Class I and Class II wildlife breeders and big game hunting preserves to test all mortalities of deer that are older than six months for chronic wasting disease and allow permittees to apply for an exemption from mandatory testing requirements in the event of a mass-casualty event.
• Requiring Class I and Class II wildlife breeders that hold deer to participate in a United States Department of Agriculture-approved chronic wasting disease herd certification program.
• Set requirements for disease testing, record-keeping, reporting disease test results, and complying with an established disease response plan in the event a disease is discovered.
• Prohibiting any new captive-cervid facilities within 25 miles of a confirmed chronic wasting disease location for five years.

The regulation changes will go into effect Jan. 30, 2015.

More than 500,000 Missouri citizens enjoy deer hunting, sharing their hunting heritage and passing that heritage onto future generations. The spread of chronic wasting disease could negatively impact the future of Missouri deer hunting as well as negatively impacting deer-dependent businesses that support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs and generate over $1 billion in economic activity annually.

“Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease that affects members of the deer family and, with no known cure, it is 100 percent fatal,” said MDC Deputy Director Tom Draper. “These amendments work to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spreading beyond the limited area where it has been found in northern Missouri to ensure the health of Missouri’s entire deer herd, including free-ranging and captive-cervids.”

In June, proposed amendments to the Wildlife Code of Missouri were filed with the Secretary of State and published in the Missouri Register with a 30-day public comment period, beginning July 16, with comments provided to the Conservation Commission for its consideration. 

In addition, MDC held public meetings around the state last summer to share information and gather public feedback. More than 40,000 comments were received with strong support for each of the proposed amendment changes. 

The final regulations will minimize risk associated with the movement and holding of captive deer and help protect Missouri’s deer herd from chronic wasting disease.

In 2011, the Conservation Commission approved regulation changes related to the free-ranging deer herd to help limit the spread of chronic wasting disease in northern Missouri. 

To learn more about these regulations or chronic wasting disease, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• Conservation Commission takes action to protect deer in Missouri (ozarkssentinel.com)
• Mike Bleech: Is the advance of CWD unstoppable? (goerie.com)
• Massive disease outbreak hits Iowa deer farm (livetradingnews.com)

Governor Outlines What's at Stake with Vetoes Impacting Wildlife Management and Conservation Commission

Governor Jay Nixon spoke to a nearly packed house at a little after 10:30 am on Tuesday to give a short history lesson on the Missouri Conservation Commission, and then outline how a series of his vetoes will protect the commission from political wrangling, as well as their budget from special interest sales tax carve-outs.

Bill Crawford, 2011

In an emotional and unexpected moment, after Nixon's eloquent recount of how and why the (Read more about Bill Crawford)
commission came to be in the 1930's, he introduced Bill Crawford. Mr. Crawford was also in attendance 80 years ago in this very same room as the commission was born back in September of 1935.  He was seventeen.

For those who know the history of Missouri conservation, the state of Missouri had been decimated by the 1930's by logging, market hunters, mining, and short sighted agricultural practices to name a few.  The deer and turkey populations were down to a few thousand, elk, bison, and deer were extirpated, and fish populations were painfully small.  The commission was formed to alleviate these horrendous problems by appointing a non-political entity to faithfully steward the state's natural bounty.

Leaping forward 80 years, deer and turkey populations number in the millions, elk have been reintroduced, black bear are making a natural comeback, Ozark rivers are running clean, and they are full of smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as many other species.  Even with the management practices necessary to make these things happen, the timber industry still hums along at a sustainable level, and whatever has been lost in revenues in this industry has been amply compensated for by dollars flowing into communities and state coffers by in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and women.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, overseen by the Missouri Conservation Commission has been a shining example of how to manage natural resources all across the United States.  With very little research, one can see how much better Missouri residents have fared with this system than in states using politically beholden entities.

It is therefore a true indictment of the short sightedness of Missouri legislators, almost entirely comprised of Republicans, that they would take bold steps to jeopardize this system.  In  a last minuted money grab clearly motivated by special interest lobbyists, these "representatives of the people," carved out sales tax exemptions for a bizarre cross-section of industries.  The example Nixon cited was the dry-cleaning industry.  Did you know that under legislation passed by the Missouri House and Senate, dry cleaners now enjoy exemptions from sales taxation?  Are you happy to know that the funds thus depleted will deprive the MDC from carrying out the conservation efforts cited above...to the tune of approximately $12 million per year?

Additionally, apparently the "captive cervid" lobby is thriving in Missouri as well.  Legislation vetoed by the Governor the day of his speech would have transferred regulation of these captive whitetail deer (primarily) to the Department of Agriculture.  The legislative transfer was an attempt to remove the regulatory jurisdiction of the MDC in trying to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  The MDC has done an outstanding job of eradicating the outbreak of CWD detected a few years ago, first in captive deer and then in adjoining wild populations.  The transfer of authority would have greatly damaged such efforts.

Of course vetoes can be overridden.  The sportsmen and women owe it to the legacy of conservation in Missouri to make sure this does not happen.  By and large, the sporting community is made up of men and women who are not generally at great odds with conservative legislators and they will listen to us if we make our voices heard in great enough numbers.

Do not rely on your friend, your neighbor, or the organization to which you belong.  The two bills he vetoed today are SB 1326 and HB 506.  Additionally, he has already vetoed the sales tax carve-outs for special interests.  Contact your state senator and house member to let him or her know you expect them NOT to override these vetoes.  The future of our hunting, fishing, and natural resources depend on your efforts now.

LOOK UP MY STATE SENATOR
LOOK UP MY STATE REPRESENTATIVE

MDC Leads Efforts to Protect Deer

Proposed regulations are designed to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).  Informed citizen involvement is critical to success.

JEFFERSON CITY–The Conservation Commission voted to approve proposed amendments

to regulations regarding the operation of hunting preserves and wildlife breeding facilities that hold white-tailed deer, mule deer, their hybrids, and other members of the deer family, known as cervids. The changes would become part of the agency’s strategy to minimize fatal disease risks to the state’s deer herd. 

Actions recommended by the Commission include:

• Banning the importation of live white-tailed deer, mule deer, and their hybrids from other states.
• Improving fencing requirements for captive-cervid facilities.
• Requiring all deer 6 months or older that die in a Conservation Department-licensed facility to be tested for CWD.
• Establishing better record-keeping requirements for Conservation Department-licensed captive-cervid operations.
• Prohibiting any new captive-cervid facilities within 25 miles of where CWD has been confirmed. 

The proposed amendments are designed to ensure the health of Missouri’s entire deer herd, which includes free-ranging and captive-cervids. These proposed amendments work to reduce the risk of this fatal disease (CWD) from spreading beyond the limited area where it has been found, while minimizing the economic impact on the captive-cervid industry and the communities and businesses that benefit from deer hunting and deer-related activities.

CWD is a fatal disease that affects members of the deer family, collectively called cervids. It is different and unrelated to the recent outbreak of hemorrhagic diseases. Those diseases – blue tongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease – are caused by viruses and are often not fatal. Their effects are short-term and localized. However, hemorrhagic diseases have been in Missouri for years, and white-tailed deer are adapted to cope with them.

Over 500,000 citizens enjoy deer hunting, sharing their hunting heritage and passing that heritage on to future generations. Missourians consume millions of pounds of venison and share with neighbors in need through the Share the Harvest Program. The spread of CWD could negatively impact deer-dependent businesses that support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs and generate over $1 billion in economic activity annually.

Proposed changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri would give white-tailed deer an extra measure of protection against this fatal disease. The Missouri Department of Conservation stresses that success depends on an informed, involved public.

Now that the Conservation Commission has approved proposed amendments to the regulations, they will be published in the Missouri Register. There will be a 30-day public comment period beginning July 16, and any comments on the proposed rule changes will be forwarded to the Conservation Commission for its consideration. Those comments will be reviewed prior to deciding whether the rules will be adopted, amended, or withdrawn. To comment go to www.mdc.mo.gov/deerhealth.

April 2014 Conservation Action

The Conservation Commission met April 16 and 17 at Conservation Department

Headquarters in Jefferson City.  Commissioners present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Vice Chair/Secretary

Marilynn J. Bradford, Jefferson City, Member  

REGULATIONS

The Conservation Commission approved the following 2014 early migratory bird hunting seasons.

• Sora and Virginia rails: Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 (70 days), with a daily limit of 25 and a possession limit of 75 (combined total for both species).
• Wilson’s (common) snipe: Sept. 1 through Dec. 16 (107 days), with a daily limit of eight and a possession limit of 24.
• American woodcock: Oct. 15 through Nov. 28 (45 days), with a daily limit of three and a possession limit of nine.
• Mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves, and white-winged doves: Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 (70 days), with limits of 15 daily and 45 in possession (combined total for all three species).
• Blue-winged teal (BWT), green-winged teal, and cinnamon teal

The Conservation Commission approved the following changes in deer-hunting regulations.

Increased the number of firearms antlerless deer permits available to landowners of 75 or more contiguous acres in Barton and Jasper counties from one to two and maintained the current availability of landowner firearms antlerless permits in all other counties.

Allowed any number archery antlerless permits for Stoddard and Carter counties.

Adjusted the availability of firearms antlerless permits to one in Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Bates, Benton, Boone (portion not in the urban zone), Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cass (portion not in the urban zone), Cedar, Christian, Clark, Clinton, Cole (portion not in the urban zone), Cooper, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Gasconade, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, Pettis, Pike, Platte (portion not in the urban zone), Putnam, Ralls, Ray, St. Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby,  Vernon, Warren, and Worth counties.

Adjusted the number of firearms antlerless permits to two in Adair, Barton, Boone (portion in the urban zone), Cole (portion in the urban zone), Cass (portion in the urban zone), Chariton, Clay, Greene, Franklin (portion in the urban zone), Howell, Jackson, Jefferson (portion in the urban zone), Linn, Macon, Oregon, Platte (portion in the urban zone), Randolph, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Sullivan counties.

Removed Christian County from the Springfield urban zone.

Continued issuing no-cost “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Seals” to landowners of 5 acres or more within the CWD Core Area and provide additional seals in allotments of five if requested.

Set managed deer hunts and made changes to area-specific regulations. These will be outlined in the 2014 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and at www.mdc.mo.gov.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

Received presentations from:

• Stream Services Program Supervisor Sherry Fischer regarding the 25th anniversary of the founding of Missouri Stream Team.
• Federal Aid Coordinator Doyle Brown regarding the value of federal aid in wildlife and sport-fish restoration programs.
• Resource Scientist Emily Flinn regarding deer population status and the 2014-2015 deer hunting season recommendations.
• Outreach and Education Regional Supervisor Warren Rose concerning the Communications Strategy Overview.

Received public comments from Robert Brundage, Jefferson City, regarding chronic wasting disease and regulations of deer breeders and big game preserves.

Approved entering into a contract with American Pride Hauling, L.L.C., of Centertown, for a work plan for the fabrication and design at Springfield Conservation Nature Center of seven nature center exhibit features, at a total estimated cost of $346,500.

Approved entering into a contract with Museum Arts of Dallas, Texas, for the construction of the Conservation Commission Headquarters Parking Lot D Renovation, located in Cole County, at a total estimated cost of $409,295.

Approved the advertisement and sale of estimated 664,584 board feet and 467 cords of timber on 596 acres of Angeline CA in Shannon County.

Suspended hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges of 25 Missouri residents and one nonresident for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

• Robert M. Albertson, Ironton, hunting, 1 year
• Alton J. Bassett, Tina, hunting and trapping, 4 years
• Cameron Clough, Brookfield, hunting, 1 year
• Rick D. Fry, St. Robert, hunting, 1 year
• Terry A. Greene, Chillicothe, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Tyler D. Hesterlee, Ava, hunting, 1 year
• Lucas J. Hetherington, Montrose, hunting, 1 year
• Shawn L. Holt, Boonville, hunting, 3 years
• Kevin L. Hopson, Columbia, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Zackary A. Johnson, Piedmont, hunting 3 years
• Bernard R. McCready, Willow Springs, hunting, 3 years
• Jerry L. Millmaker, Jr., Fletcher, hunting, 1 year
• Melvin Nolting, St. Peters, hunting, 10 years
• Brandon T. Nuckolls, Lake Ozark, hunting, 3 years
• Alex E. Owen, Kahoka, hunting and fishing, 1 year
• Lucas H. Pace, St. Joseph, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Adam L. Perea, Perryville, fishing, 1 year
• David L. Perkins, Hartsburg, hunting 1 year
• Joshua E. Sadler, Park Hills, hunting, 1 year
• Kelby H. Siekmann, Mound City, hunting, 2 years
• Jeremy W. Sinklear, Glasgow, hunting and fishing, 1 year
• Cort Speichinger, Brookfield, hunting, 3 years
• Benjamin L. Stark, Fairfax, hunting, 1 year
• Crisciane Tran, Chino Hills, Calif., hunting, 1 year
• Billy J. Ware, Boonville, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Jimmie D. Webb, Nevada, hunting and fishing, 1 year

Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 301 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.

Suspended privileges of 348 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Imposed hunting privilege suspensions of one and three years for two hunters who injured other persons in hunting incidents. The hunters must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

Set the next regular Conservation Commission meeting for June 5 and 6 in Jefferson City.

Related articles

• MDC limits firearm antlerless permits for upcoming deer season (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Actions by Missouri Conservation Commission Pertaining to Deer Hunting in 2011 Season (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri Deer Hunters - Info from Last Conservation Commission Meeting (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Missouri Deer Hunters: MDC announces deer-hunting regulation changes (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• MDC announces deer-hunting regulation changes (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

The Conservation Commission met March 6 and 7 at Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Mo.

The Conservation Commission met March 6 and 7 at Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Mo. 

Commissioners present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Vice Chair/Secretary

Marilynn J. Bradford, Jefferson City, Member

 REGULATIONS

The Commission approved the report of the Regulations Committee, including:

• Amendments to the Wildlife Code to provide clarity on Missouri’s pheasant hunting opportunities
• Adding the goby, an invasive, exotic species of fish to the list of prohibited species
• Prohibiting the use of big head and silver carp as live bait.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:

Ø  Fisheries Division Chief Brian Canaday regarding the cold-water hatchery system.

Ø  Shepherd of the Hills Interpretive Center Manager John Miller and Design and Development Division Chief Jacob Careaga regarding the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center Feasibility Study.

Ø  Outreach and Education Division Chief Mike Huffman and Design and Development Division Chief Jacob Careaga regarding  renovation of the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.

Ø  Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Ben Webster regarding wild land fire suppression.

Ø  Wildlife Management Biologists Frank Loncarich and Kyle Hedges regarding the Southwest Missouri Quail Ecology Project.

• Approved the purchase of approximately 480.49 acres in Montgomery County as an addition to Danville Conservation Area.
• Approved the sale of approximately 2.37 acres in Ava in Douglas County.

·        Tabled the purchase of acreage in Carter County as an addition to Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

• Suspended hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of 17 Missouri residents and one nonresident for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

Tonya Carrillo, Joplin, commercial breeder permit, 1 year

Donald Collett, Holts Summit, hunting and fishing privileges, 1 year

Travis J. Dority, Sand Springs, Mont., all sport privileges, an additional 7.5 years

Ryan T. Foster, Holt, all sport privileges, 1 year

Evert W. Howser, Blue Springs, hunting, 1 year

David M. Jansen, Marble Hill, hunting and trapping, 1 year

Jordan A. Johnson, Clinton, all sport privileges, 1 year

Dennis Koehler, Peculiar, fishing, 12 years

Harley M. Million, Ellsinore, hunting, 3 years

Nieall E. Odum, Kansas City, all sport privileges, 1 year

Timothy J. Palmer, St. Joseph, all sport privileges, 1 year

Joseph H. Schwartz, Greentop, hunting, 1 year

Michael J. Strause, Jackson, hunting, 1 year

Ronald G. Tate, St. Louis, hunting, 1 year

Matthew G. Troesser, Bonnots Mill, all sport privileges, 1 year

Tyler R. Wheeler, Liberal, hunting an additional 2 years

Michael L. Wiele, Joplin, hunting 1 year

Warren L. Wood, Jr., Gravois Mills, hunting and fishing, 1 year.

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 289 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.
• Suspended privileges of 240 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
• Set its next meeting for April 16 and 17 in Jefferson City

- end –  

This document is provided for public information only and is not an official record of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Conservation Commission.

Related articles

• Conservation Commission Agenda, March 6-7, 2014 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Gov. Nixon nominates J. Kent Emison to Conservation Commission

JEFFERSON CITY–Governor Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon has nominated J. Kent Emison, D-Higginsville, to serve on the Missouri Conservation Commission.

Emison is a partner at the Lexington law firm of Langdon & Emison. Raised on a dairy farm in Lafayette County, he and his wife own 80 acres in Lafayette County, 20 of which are devoted

to quail habitat. He has been a member of the Higginsville Park Board for more than 25 years.

Emison earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Gov. Nixon has nominated Emison for a term ending June 30, 2019.

The Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves, and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.

Related articles

• Marilynn Bradford joins Conservation Commission (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

Conservation Commission Agenda, March 6-7, 2014

Big Cedar Lodge, Grandview Conference Center, Lakeview C,  612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, Missouri

• Thursday, March 6, 2014 – 1:00 p.m. – Executive Session (Closed)
• Friday, March 7, 2014 – 8:30 a.m. – Regular Open Meeting

Tentative Agenda

(Background documents related to the open agenda items are available for public viewing at Conservation Department Headquarters, Jefferson City, for eight calendar days prior to the meeting. Any person who would like to comment to the Commission about a specific agenda item must make a written request to the Director at least four calendar days prior to the meeting. Speakers will be limited to five minutes each and number of speakers may be limited. Recording the open meeting is permissible, pursuant to any guidelines established by the Commission to minimize disruption to the meeting. Individuals wishing to record the open meeting by audiotape, videotape or other electronic means should notify the Director at least four calendar days prior to the meeting so accommodations for such recording can be made.)

Thursday, March 6, 1:00 p.m. Closed Executive Session

• Call to order, roll call, and vote to close meeting.
• E.1 - Approval of minutes of previous executive sessions (610.021 RSMo.).
• E.2 - Consideration of supporting documentation related to recommendations to suspend or revoke hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges (621.021(1), 610.021.14, 454.440.9, 211.321 RSMo.)
• E.3 - Consideration of confidential or privileged communications between the Commission and its Internal Auditor regarding work product (610.021(17) RSMo.).
• E.4 - Consideration of recommendations relating to the hiring/firing/disciplining/promoting of personnel (610.021(3) RSMo.).
• E.5 - Consideration of negotiated contracts (610.021(12) RSMo.).
• E.6 - Update on potential real estate transactions/negotiations (610.021(2) RSMo.).
• E.7 - Consideration of General Counsel’s report on litigation and other legal matters (610.021(1) RSMo.).
• Adjourn.

Friday, March 7, 8:30 a.m. – Regular Open Meeting:

1. Call to order – Don Bedell, Chair.
2. Action Item: Approval of minutes of previous open meeting.

Staff Presentation:

3. MDC’s Coldwater Hatchery System – The Key to Quality Fishing. Brian Canaday, Fisheries Division Chief.

Administrative Services Division:

4. Current Financial Summary – Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer.

Design and Development Division:

5. Major Construction Projects Completed and Status of Major Capital Improvements-Information Technology Projects Funded in Fiscal Year 2014 Budget – Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief.

Staff Presentations:

6. Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center Feasibility Study Update – Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief, John Miller, Interpretive Center Manager

7. August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Renovation – Mike Huffman, Outreach and Education Division Chief, Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief

Realty Committee:

8. Action Item: – Recommendation for approval to purchase approximately 480.49 acres in Montgomery County as an addition to Danville Conservation Area – Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee.

9. Action Item: – Recommendation for approval to purchase approximately 879 acres in Carter County as an addition to Peck Ranch Conservation Area – Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee.

10. Action Item: – Recommendation for approval to sell a 2.37-acre tract in Ava in Douglas County – Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee.

Regulations Committee:

11. Action Item: Report of the Regulations Committee, which includes proposed amendments to the Wildlife Code to provide clarity on Missouri’s pheasant hunting opportunities; list an invasive, exotic species of fish (goby) as a prohibited species; and prohibit the use of big head and silver carp as live bait – Tom Draper, Deputy Director and Chairman, Regulations Committee.

Staff Presentations:

12. Wildland Fire Suppression – Ben Webster, Field Programs Supervisor – Fire, Introduction by Lisa Allen, Forestry Division Chief.

13. Southwest Missouri Quail Ecology Project – Frank Loncarich and Kyle Hedges, Wildlife Management Biologists, Introduction by Jennifer Battson Warren, Wildlife Division Chief.

Administration:

14. Legislative Report and Overview of Legislative Process – Aaron Jeffries, Assistant to Director.

15. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of individuals for cause – Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

16. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws – Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

17. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges of individuals in accordance with the terms of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact – Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor.

18. Closing comments and announcement of actions taken in executive session, if any – Robert Ziehmer, Director.

19. Other matters of interest.

20. Announcement of the next regular meeting on April 16-17, 2014.

21. Adjourn.

Future Meeting Dates

• April 16-17, 2014 – Jefferson City
• May 29-30, 2014 – Columbia
• July 10-11, 2014 – Lee’s Summit
• August 21-22, 2014 – Cape Girardeau
• October 16-17, 2014 – West Plains
• December 11-12, 2014 – Jefferson City