MDC announces new private land conservationist for Ste. Genevieve, Perry counties

Kyle Lorenz has local knowledge, combined with conservation education and experience.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces Kyle Lorenz is the new Private Land Conservationist (PLC) for Ste. Genevieve and Perry counties. Lorenz is from Farrar, in Perry County.

Being from the area gives Lorenz an advantage of local knowledge and established relationships in the community, according to Tony Jaco, MDC’s private land regional supervisor. “Kyle already knows many of the landowners, is familiar with the landscape and understands local conservation needs,” Jaco said.

Private land conservationists make one-on-one contacts with landowners who seek conservation advice. They also work with other MDC staff, the University of Missouri Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other natural resource agencies to deliver resource management information to landowners through workshops, training programs and special events.

Lorenz graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Wildlife Conservation. He has worked for MDC in various positions since 2009, in wildlife, resource science, fisheries and protection divisions. Most recently, Lorenz worked as a wildlife biologist in the Elsberry area. 

“His work experience, combined with growing up on a family farm, has given Kyle experience in managing a diverse range of habitats,” Jaco said. “I’m confident his experience and education will allow him to serve area landowners well.”

Lorenz resides in Perry County with his wife and son.  He enjoys hunting, fishing, and “pretty much everything outdoors” along with working on his family’s property in Perry County.  He can be reached at (573) 883-3566, ext. 8077 or at kyle.lorenz@mdc.mo.gov.

More conservation information for landowners can be found at mdc.mo.gov/your-property.

Small Acres can be a big help for wildlife

Setting aside low production areas like field borders can make a big difference for wildlife such as rabbits and even deer. (MDC file photo)

The Conservation Department offers technical and financial assistance to private landowners.

DEXTER, Mo. -- It doesn’t take a lot of land to have a big impact on local wildlife populations according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Though the words “wildlife habitat” may bring to mind vast forests, tall timber and massive wetlands, MDC Private Lands Conservationist Kara McSpadden says setting aside low production areas like field borders can make a big difference for wildlife.

“Small areas like pivot corners and field borders are good places for farmers to develop habitat for quail, rabbits and even deer,” McSpadden said.

McSpadden’s been working with Steve Jackson, a row-crop producer from Cardwell. Jackson has numerous field borders and odd field corners that he’s transitioned into wildlife habitat. He’s planted native broadleaf plants, native grasses and scattered clumps of brush in these small areas.

“I have seen more pairs of quail and rabbits this spring than I have in years,” Jackson said, adding that it’s his goal to take his grandson on a successful quail hunt on the Cardwell farm someday.

“Many Bootheel landowners wish they had quality small-game hunting on their own family farm,” McSpadden said. “Steve has proven that even with a few acres, it is very possible.”

McSpadden added that the MDC has various programs to help fund wildlife habitat development on private land.

“Most of the land in Missouri is privately owned, so if wildlife habitat was only developed on public land, our wildlife wouldn’t have enough,” she said. “That’s why is so important that we work with private landowners on the ground and financially to help transition land into areas where wildlife can thrive.”

More information on financial and technical assistance for private landowners can be found online at mdc.mo.gov or by contacting a Private Lands Conservationist. McSpadden can be reached at (573)624-5939, extension 136.