MDC to receive $2.4 million from USDA for wetlands on private land

Wetland restoration techniques have improved drastically over the past 25 years. This photo of a wetland restoration in Carroll County shows the new restoration approach using shallow, landscape-based wetlands on the right next to the old-style, deeper, straight-lined wetlands on the left.

Conservation Department and Ducks Unlimited will add $700,000 for Missouri landowners.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo -- This October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will receive $2.4 million for projects that protect, restore, and enhance wetlands in Missouri. The projects will be funded under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Missouri is one of only six states to receive WREP funding this year.

The WREP provides financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring the hydrology and improving wildlife habitat on their Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easements. MDC, in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, will provide an additional $700,000 in matching funds -- bringing the total investment in wetland restoration to $3.1 million over the next three years.

"This is a fine example of how we will accomplish much more by working in partnership than any of us would be able to accomplish individually," NRCS State Conservationist J.R. Flores said. "The newer wetlands provide a wide range of benefits to wildlife and the land. NRCS is pleased to be working with landowners and our partners to get more of these wetlands on the land."

According to MDC, wetland restorations completed in the early 1990s were primarily designed to provide uniform water levels within a single-ring levee.

"Wetland restoration techniques have improved drastically over the past 25 years," said MDC Private Land Services Division Chief Bill White. "WREP provides a great opportunity to enhance these older sites and restore them in a way that better mimics natural wetland systems. Wetlands that provide diverse water levels and vegetation provide wildlife habitat for a larger suite of waterbirds including ducks, geese, and shore birds."

MDC and NRCS have a successful history of restoring wetlands through the WREP. In past years, WREP has helped restore thousands of acres of existing wetlands in a number of north Missouri counties. The current WREP is expanded so landowners with WRP easements located within 30 counties across the state will now be eligible to apply for funding to enhance their wetlands. The eligible counties are: Bates, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Dunklin, Henry, Holt, Howard, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Pike, Platte, St. Charles, St. Louis, Saline, Scott, Shelby, Stoddard, and Vernon.

NRCS, MDC, and Ducks Unlimited will work together to provide assistance to private landowners to restore and enhance at least 10,000 acres of wetland habitat on existing WRP easements.

"The successful partnership between NRCS, MDC, and our private conservation organizations ensure Missouri landowners receive the best opportunities available to improve the wildlife habitat and natural resources on their properties," said White.

Missouri landowners may apply for the new WREP this winter.

For additional information, contact your local NRCS office or MDC Private Lands Conservationist. To find local MDC contacts, go to mdc.mo.gov under LOCAL CONTACT.

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MDC hosts free National Hunting and Fishing Day activities

Celebrate nature and learn skills Sept. 26 at Family Outdoors Day in Lee's Summit

Kansas City, Mo. –  The public is invited to learn about ducks, fishing, fun and shooting skills at Family Outdoors Day, as the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) host National Hunting and Fishing Day activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit.

   Family Outdoors Day welcomes those experienced with rod or gun and those who would like to learn about angling and shooting sports. All activities are free. Exhibits and teaching stations will be set up throughout the Reed Wildlife Area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road.

   Visitors can shoot trap with shotguns, target shoot with air rifles or try out target archery. Each shooting site will have MDC staff and volunteers to give instructions on safety and proper shooting techniques. All equipment, firearms and ammunition will be provided for free.

   DU will offer free Greenwing Memberships to youngsters and teach them how to use a duck call. Families can explore the duck wing maze and learn about how wetlands and uplands benefit waterfowl and people.

   Fishing gear and instructors will be available at a Reed Area lake. MDC staffers and volunteers can answer questions about fish populations in the region’s lakes and streams. They will offer tips on how to fish, such as how to cast a bait or lure with a rod and reel. Instructors can also assist anglers who want to fish in the lake.

   All ages will find activities to enjoy. Visitors can touch real animal furs and test their skills at wildlife identification.

   National Hunting and Fishing Day began in 1972. The event is dedicated to promoting conservation and the outdoor sports. MDC’s Family Outdoors Day at the Reed Area also includes sponsorship by the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation in memory of Jan M. Dillow.

   For more information call 816-622-0900. To learn about Missouri’s great fishing and hunting opportunities statewide go to http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

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MDC offers National Hunting and Fishing Day events around Missouri

Guided boat rides are a popular attraction during A Day on the Confluence at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Celebrate love of hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors during special activities.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish for more than half-a-million hunters and 1.1 million anglers. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians from all around the Show-Me State to join Americans nationwide in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by Congress in 1972 to commemorate past, present, and future conservation successes and to honor those sportsmen and sportswomen who began the modern conservation movement. National Hunting and Fishing Day is designated as the fourth Saturday in September. Today National Hunting and Fishing Day is a chance for people to come together to celebrate everything they love about hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.

MDC is partnering with other conservation organizations to host the following events on and around National Hunting and Fishing Day:

• In the St. Louis area, enjoy “A Day at the Confluence” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSept. 26 at MDC’s Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Activities will include archery, boat rides, and Asian-carp cooking demonstrations. For more information, call Columbia Bottom at 314-877-6014.
• In the Kansas City area, attend Family Outdoors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSept. 26 at MDC’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. The cooperative event with Ducks Unlimited will focus on waterfowl-related sporting activities and wetland education. DU will offer free memberships in its youth Greenwing program. For more information, call the Reed Area at 816-622-0900.
• Also in the Kansas City area, MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range in Buckner will offer free shooting opportunities on Sept. 26 from noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Range at 816-249-3194
• Branson-area residents and visitors are invited to join MDC and Bass Pro Shops at Table Rock Lake for a weekend of outdoor sporting activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.on Sept. 12 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 13. The celebration will feature a pre-1840s mountain-man rendezvous and Native American cultural village. Outdoor recreational activities will include archery, air rifling, atlatl throwing, sling shooting, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can also learn about blacksmithing, weaving, knife-throwing, candle-making, and Dutch-oven cooking. For more information, visit Bass Pro online at conservation.basspro.com/Page/Outdoor-Days-Table-Rock-Lake.aspx.
• Also in southwest Missouri, join MDC for Family Shoots Free Day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Department’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Bois D’Arc. Range staff will assist and provide instruction, but visitors will need to bring their own firearms and ammunition. Range fees will be waived for the day. For more information, call the Range at 417-742-4361.
• In Columbia, the University of Missouri South Farm Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 will feature a trained-hawk demonstration, turtle and snake exhibit, Asian-carp preparation and sampling, fishing activities, and information about Missouri mammals. For more information, visit MU on line at southfarm.cafnr.org/.
• Cast a line or hit a bull’s-eye at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m.on Sept. 26. No registration is required, but opportunities are on a first-come-first-served basis. Staff and volunteers will provide help and all equipment for fishing and archery will be provided. For more information, call the Nature Center at 573-290-5218.
• Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host a Family Fish Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 26. Wet a line in the Center’s Mule Camp Pond and enjoy a variety of fish-related activities including making fish-print T-shirts, pond study, casting games, and more. Prizes and free food will be provided. No registration or fishing permits are required. For more information, call Twin Pines at573-325-1381.
• Celebrate in Moberly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Rothwell Park. Activities will include an archery (MoNASP) tournament, BB gun shooting, fishing pole casting and instruction, a streams table, MDC exhibits, local hunting and fishing business booths, and prize raffles. Get information about outdoor activities at local publicly owned areas. Concessions will be available and provided by the Randolph County 4-H Club For more information, call the MDC Northeast Regional Office at 660-785-2424.
• Hunting enthusiasts 11 years of age and older can polish their skills Sept. 18-20 in Bourbon with MDC’s Family Hunting Skills Weekend. It will feature courses in archery, shotgun, air rifle, trapping, and basic hunting at Camp Mihaska Retreat and Conference Center. For more information, contact MDC Education Outreach Coordinator Eric Edwards at Eric.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115 ext. 3295.

According to research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one out of four Missourians hunts and/or fishes. For more information on hunting, fishing, and other ways to discover nature in the Show-Me State, visit mdc.mo.gov.

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MDC Runge Nature Center hosts waterfowl book signing

Authors will share their passion for waterfowl and wetland conservation and sign books at

The MDC Runge Nature Center is holding a book
 signing for Waterfowl Hunting
and Wetland Conservation in Missouri
– A Model of Collaboration, from 6 to 7 p.m.
 on Thursday, Nov. 13. Three of the book's authors will
 be available to sign books and share
 their passion for waterfowl and wetland conservation. 

the event.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Quality wetlands are important and do not happen by accident. Careful planning, skillful execution of well-designed strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support and dedicated funding have all led to the wetland habitats and migratory bird populations that we enjoy today. A new book, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – A Model of Collaboration, chronicles Missouri’s success in this area. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Runge Nature Center is holding a book signing from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in celebration of this book.

Three of the book’s authors—Ken Babcock, Glenn Chambers, and Dale Humburg—will be available to sign books and to share their passion. A looping visual presentation will highlight important aspects of the book and an exhibit showcasing antique duck decoys used and manufactured in Missouri will be on display from the Joe French Collection.

The 480-page coffee-table book charters the history of waterfowl management in Missouri and beyond. This is a must have book for all serious migratory bird hunters, and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation in Missouri. Gorgeous, color photographs, reproductions of well-known waterfowl artwork and historic black and white photos are found throughout this book.

The $40 book is available for purchase at Runge Nature Center, prior to the event or at the event, or can be ordered online by visiting mdcnatureshop.com.

Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri is a cooperative effort between MDC, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops and other conservation and hunting organizations.

Runge Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately .5 mile north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For more information on this or other programs, call 573-526-5544 or visithttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/296.

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MDC, DU to dedicate newly renovated Duck Creek Conservation Area

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Oct. 11, at the area’s headquarters, beginning at 10 a.m.

Unlimited (DU) invites the public to attend a celebration and dedication of the Duck Creek Conservation Area (CA) in Bollinger, Stoddard, and Wayne Counties, celebrating the renovations completed to date. The dedication will be held

“This will be a special day to celebrate our wetland restoration efforts at Duck Creek Conservation Area,” said Matt Bowyer, MDC’s southeast wildlife regional supervisor. “It will also be a special day as we recognize and say thank you to the people who’ve supported this project and made it possible.”

Plaques will be unveiled with names of recent Missouri Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Legacy members, as well as the names of Ducks Unlimited Major donors and others who gave generously to make the wetland restoration project possible as part of the Mingo Basin Partnership. There will also be a tour of recent project activities immediately following the dedication ceremony.

The Golden Anniversary Wetlands Initiative, launched in 2004, is an ambitious partnership to rehabilitate and enhance wetlands at five of MDC’s oldest wetland conservation areas. Managers at these areas face an array of challenges as they have reached, or soon will reach, their 50th anniversary. The original infrastructure of these areas has outlived reasonable life expectancy, according to Bowyer. In addition, extreme landscape changes have had unforeseen and devastating effects on certain aspects of these areas. Moreover, the science and art of wetland management and engineering, design, and construction capabilities has drastically evolved from five decades ago.

“Projects like these are a testimony to the relationship between Ducks Unlimited, their volunteers, the Missouri Department of Conservation and numerous other partners.” said Mark Flaspohler, DU manager of conservation.  “This ‘Big Rivers’ part of the country is critical to waterfowl making the grand passage from the breeding grounds down to wintering grounds to the south.”

Major efforts are necessary to restore the wetland management functionality of these areas, and their rehabilitation is the focus of Missouri’s Golden Anniversary Wetland Initiative, under the following objectives:

·         Devise and finalize plans for rehabilitating MDC’s oldest wetland management areas.

·         Incorporate 21st Century wetland and ecological science into restoration approaches while avoiding a “repair” mentality in planning needed restorations.

·         Assemble diverse partnerships necessary to fund the efforts.

·         Implement the improvements/modifications over the twelve year period from 2005-2017.

To get to the Duck Creek CA headquarters, take MO-74 W from Cape Girardeau (exiting off I-55) and drive 5 miles; turn right onto MO-25 S and drive 1.8 miles; at traffic circle, continue straight to stay on MO-25 S and drive 15.9 miles to Advance Missouri; turn right onto State HWY C/S Ruth Street, continue to follow State Hwy C for 9.8 miles; turn left onto MO-51 S and drive approximately 3.5 miles to Duck Creek Conservation Area Headquarters, destination will be located on your right.

For more information on Duck Creek CA, go to mdc.mo.gov.

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Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri - A Model of Collaboration

Jefferson City, MO | October 6, 2014 - Discover the unique history of the "Missouri Model" of

wetland and waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated new book.

 

The success of Missouri's waterfowl and wetland conservation is not an accident.  Careful planning, skillful execution of well-designed strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support and dedicated funding have all led to the quality wetland habitats and migratory bird populations that we enjoy today. This new book chronicles and celebrates this success through gorgeous color photographs, reproductions of well-known waterfowl artwork and historic black and white photos.

 

The book's authors, many of them former waterfowl biologists and wetland managers, have donated their services to produce this book.  Sponsors, anchored by Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and private citizens, have covered all production costs.

 

This is a must have book for all serious migratory bird hunters, and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

 

For more information about the book or to order a copy for yourself, visit the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation at http://mochf.org/2014/04/book-waterfowl-hunting-and-wetlands-conservation-in-missouri/

 

To learn more about the Conservation Federation of Missouri, visit www.confedmo.org.

MDC Outdoor Youth Event planned in Vernon County

Nevada, Mo.  ̶- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partners will host the 4th annual Outdoor Youth Event to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Centennial Park Fairgrounds in Nevada.

   The Outdoor Youth Event is free and open to all youth ages 6 to 17. Youths 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch and all necessary equipment for activities will be provided. This is a great opportunity for youth to connect with nature and learn outdoor skills. MDC is partnering with local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and 4-H Shooting Sports.

    Activities will include MDC staff and volunteers teaching hunting, shooting and fishing skills. Youths will get instruction and be able to target shoot with archery gear, BB guns and shotguns. Participants will also learn about handling hunting dogs, duck and turkey calling, trapping, primitive games and deer stand safety.

   All youths will receive a free Jakes membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation and a free Green Wings membership in Ducks Unlimited. There will also be drawings for a firearm, two youth bows and a guided youth spring turkey hunt.

   For more information, contact MDC Conservation Agent Justin Fogle at 417-667-1089.

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with MDC

Reed Memorial Wildlife Area hosts Family Outdoors Day

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Unlimited 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27

(DU) will celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day by hosting a Family Outdoors Day

, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit.

   Family Outdoors Day welcomes those experienced with rod or gun and those who would like to learn about angling and shooting sports. All activities are free. Exhibits and teaching stations will be set up throughout the area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road.

   DU will offer free Greenwing Memberships to youngsters and teach them how to use a duck call. Visitors can explore the duck wing maze and learn about how wetlands and uplands benefit waterfowl and people.

   Visitors can shoot trap with shotguns, target shoot with air rifles or practice archery. Each shooting site will have MDC staff and volunteers to give instructions on safety and proper shooting techniques. All equipment, firearms and ammunition will be provided.

   MDC fisheries staff will give lessons on how to fish at a Reed Area lake. Staffers can also answer questions about fish populations and trends in the region’s lakes and streams.

   All ages will find activities to enjoy. Visitors can touch real animal furs and test their skills at wildlife identification.

   National Hunting and Fishing Day began in 1972. The event is dedicated to promoting conservation and the outdoor sports. MDC’s Family Outdoors Day at the Reed Area also includes sponsorship by the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation in memory of Jan M. Dillow.

   For more information call 816-622-0900. To learn about Missouri’s great fishing and hunting opportunities statewide go to http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

Conservation Action July 2013

The Conservation Commission met July 2 and 3 in Jefferson City.  Commissioners

present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

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

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Secretary

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Member

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:
  • Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen regarding future elk population management
  • Ducks Unlimited (DU) Director of Conservation Programs David Brakhage, and Manager of Conservation Mark Flaspohler regarding the DU-MDC partnership and accomplishments
  • Resource Science Division Chief Mike Hubbard regarding wildlife management and Wildlife Code complexities of the 21^st Century

• The Commission voted to encourage staff to follow the October 2010 elk restoration plan and begin the process of developing a future elk hunting season, with public input, as a means to manage the herd.

• Approved entering into a contract with Brockmiller Construction, Inc., Farmington, for the construction of  the Meramec Spring Fish Hatchery Pool 5 Screen and Weir Gate Replacement project in Phelps County, at a total estimated cost of $261,500. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program funds will be utilized to cover 75% of the total project cost.
• Approved a recommendation to purchase approximately 8.45 acres in Laclede County as an addition to Coffin Cave Conservation Area
• Approved a recommendation to sell approximately 2.25 acres of the Mount Hulda Towersite in Benton County
• Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1.97 million board feet of timber located on 633 acres of Compartment 2, Birch Creek Conservation Area in Shannon County
• Suspended hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges of nine Missouri residents for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

James T. Burnett, Desoto, hunting and fishing, 2 years

John R. Clark, St. Louis, hunting, 3 years

Cody J. Collins, Clarence, hunting, until 5-17-14

Ralph D. Conner, Neosho, hunting, 1 year

Michael P. Cuddy, Ashland, all sport privileges, 1 year

Larry N. Edwards, St. Joseph, hunting, 1 year

Jeffrey R. Ferris, Camdenton, all sport privileges, 12 years

Shannon E. Lane, Eagleville, hunting, until 1-9-14

Chase L. Williams, Caulfield, hunting, 3 years

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 211 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 322 people under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
• Received public comments from Sam James regarding chronic wasting disease.
• Elected the following officers:

o   Don C. Bedell, Chair

o   James T. Blair, IV, Vice Chair/Secretary

·        Set its next regular meeting for Aug. 15 and 16 in Jefferson City.

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Vote Don Johnson for 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

Image via Wikipedia

Vote by Jan. 6 at www.Budweiser.com or www.confedmo.org.

By Debra Lee, Conservation Federation of Missouri

CONTACT INFO: 573-634-2322 or dlee@confedmo.org

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are teaming up again to honor four conservationists and award $65,000 in grants for candidates’ conservation projects as part of the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is taking this special opportunity during the holiday season as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” and gladly championing Don Johnson of Festus for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.

Johnson is one of four commissioners of the Missouri Conservation Commission, which is responsible for appointing the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) director, serving as policy makers, approving wildlife code regulations, strategic planning, budget development and major expenditure decisions for the Department. He is also active in the National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Archery in Schools Program and Conservation Federation of Missouri. He is the standard bearer for Missouri conservation.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Johnson has invested his life in conservation projects from wild elk restoration to implementation of the National Archery in Schools Program. Don continually searches for ways to give back to communities. He works tirelessly as a proponent for Share the Harvest, a program of the CFM and MDC that provides food for the hungry, helps manage the deer herd and promotes greater awareness of the many contributions to society made by hunters. Don is an enthusiastic hunter and angler with true heart, a fantastic standard bearer for conservation! His commitment and perseverance to conservation work can be honored with your vote.

In addition to his dedication with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited, Don was president of the CFM from 2006 until his appointment to the Missouri Conservation Commission in 2007. He served as CFM’s president and held the posts of second and first vice president. He has chaired both the Ways & Means and Executive committees and served on many resource committees. His leadership has shaped much of what CFM is today. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Howard University in Washington D.C.

Following college he served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying 130 combat missions in Vietnam and earning four Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

The annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions through their volunteer activities to the outdoors and conservation. Each year a committee selects four conservationists as finalists from dozens of outstanding nominees.

Online voting runs through Jan. 6. Each person may vote one time and must enter his or her date of birth.  Adult consumers over 21 from across the country vote for the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year in an open-ballot process at www.Budweiser.com. People can also vote through www.confedmo.org and follow the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year link found on the home page. Also visit the Conservation Federation of Missouri Facebook page and “like” and “share” the link there.

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Runge to host renowned artist and world angler Bob White

Image via Wikipedia

Join global fly fisher, artist, columnist and fly-fishing guide at MDC Nature Center in Jeff City Oct. 15

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center, in partnership with the Capital City Fly Fishers, will host “A Fascination with Fly Fishing” featuring Bob White on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.  The global fly fisher, artist, columnist and fly-fishing guide will share his adventures and experiences fly fishing around the world, including in New Zealand, Seychelles Islands, Australia, Alaska and the Midwest.

White was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Artist in 2009. He was Fly Rod & Reel magazine’s Guide of the Year in 1988. As the 1994 Artist of the Year for the Alaska State Parks Foundation, he produced and donated artwork for the first Alaska State Parks Foundation print. His work has been presented twice in Fly Rod & Reel’s gallery. White has been featured as a guide and artist on ESPN’s Fly Fishing the World and Fly Fishing America. He currently illustrates the closing columns for Fly Rod & Reel, Ducks Unlimited magazine, Gun Dogmagazine and Hatches magazine. He is a columnist for Midwest Fly Fishing and regularly contributes to many other sporting publications.

For more information on this free community program, call 573-526-5544 or emailkathy.cavender@mdc.mo.gov.

Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive (Rte 179) in Jefferson City. For more information on Runge, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov.

Duck Creek Waterfowl Hunting Outlook 2011-2012 [courtesy MDC]

Image via Wikipedia

by Keith Cordell

Unit A and B Renovation

Construction activity is well underway in Units A and B. A couple of months of dry weather will facilitate a good portion of the dirt-moving aspect of the project to be completed prior to this year's waterfowl season. However, there are many other facets of the project which will prohibit flooding these hunting pools this year. Reestablishing electric service to the wells is one of the last components of the project and likely will not be completed until summer of 2012. Public use of the construction area is restricted until further notice for safety and liability reasons; however, some activities may be able to be accommodated as the project progresses such as squirrel hunting, archery hunting and dog training. Updated maps showing the areas accessible to the public will be posted at the sign-in areas.

Pool 1 Water Levels

Pool 1 reservoir was recharged to maximum capacity during the historic April rainfall. It is normal to lose more than 3 feet of water through the hot summer and early fall months, and it has been dropping fast. There should be enough water to flood Pools 2 and 3 in November, especially if we receive a few significant rainfalls; but an extended period of hot, dry weather from now through October could drop Pool 1 to the minimum pool elevation. Full pool elevation is 346.0, and water starts spilling over the north road at 346.5, which we were above in April. Current elevation is 345.6, so we have already lost about 1 foot of water in the past three months. Current rate of loss is approximately 1/10 foot per three days, or about 1 foot per month. As the reservoir lowers, however, the rate of loss increases due to increased surface area and more abundant vegetation so the rate of loss in October is usually more significant than in July. Minimum pool elevation is 342.5, which allows us about 3 feet of water with three months to go to waterfowl season. Weather conditions and rainfall from here on out will dictate the amount of water available to flood Pools 2 and 3.

Duck Creek Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity

So what does this allow for available hunting positions for regular waterfowl season? Depending on available water, Pool 2 and Pool 3 will begin flooding the first week of November. Pool 2 should have 17 positions available by opening weekend but Pool 3 will experience a more gradual flooding. There will be 4 hunting positions available in Pool 3 the first week or two and 13 positions available by mid-November. The water retention gates for Pool 8 will be closed mid-November to begin capturing water from Ditch 111 and Ditch 2. Up to 40 individuals will be permitted in Pool 8 depending on the water level. The south Pool 1 positions, L3 and L4 will be available four days per week (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday). Ducks Unlimited recently purchased and donated two new wetland parcels, the fishponds and the rice field which will provide two additional hunting positions. Dark Cypress Swamp will provide between two and six positions, depending on how much water is available. We were able to plant approximately 20 acres of corn food plots scattered about the east and west pools in 1-acre blocks, and the moist soil plants are looking good this year. All of these positions will be administered through the morning draw.

Teal, Goose, Youth and Reservations

Teal season, early Canada goose season and youth waterfowl weekend opportunities will be available following statewide regulations (self check-in) as conditions allow. We may be able to allow some regular goose hunting in Units A and B if the renovation activity has been completed by then. No reservations will be issued this year due to the unpredictable availability of water at this time.