USDA offers CRP sign-up with April 6 deadline

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Program can help farmers add habitat to cropland while protecting soil and water quality.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo -- Over the past 26 years, the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has created millions of acres of upland and wetland habitat for quail, pheasants, ducks, deer, turkeys and a wide array of nongame wildlife by offering payments to farmers for taking highly erodible farmland out of production. Efforts continue with the USDA’s and Missouri Farm Service’s (MFS) recent announcement of a CRP general signup March 12 - April 6.

Landowners enrolled in CRP receive annual payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. According to the FSA website, “CRP is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to control soil erosion, improve water and air quality and develop wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 to 15 years.”

According to the USDA, an estimated 6.5 million CRP acres are scheduled to expire nationwide in September with more than 377,000 of those acres being in Missouri.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff can help farmers and other eligible landowners determine program eligibility, options, seeding mixes and maintenance requirements to help sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife. Visit www.mdc.mo.govto find local MDC Private Land Conservationists under “Who’s My Local Contact.” 

For more information on the CRP general signup and other conservation programs, contact the local USDA Service Center and speak with an FSA representative or MDC Private Land Conservationist. Visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/crpfor program details.

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Turkey hunting clinic open to youths ages 9 through 15

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Up to 40 youths can register for the free event March 24th.

BLAIRSTOWN– Hunters age 9 through 15 who want to learn about turkey hunting can register for a youth turkey hunting clinic March 24.

The clinic is co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Everhart’s Wilderness Lodge. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the lodge, which is northwest of Clinton.

The event gives young people a chance to learn from experienced turkey hunters. Participants learn about turkey hunting rules and regulations, firearms safety, shotgun patterning, choke and shot selection, calling, scouting, decoy use and equipment. The free clinic includes ammunition and lunch.

Registration is limited to 40 youths. Each youth must be accompanied by an adult sponsor. Each adult may sponsor up to two youths. Youths are encouraged to bring their shotguns. For more information or to register, call Johnny and Linda Everhart, 660-885-5049.

Other clinic sponsors include the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Kansas City Safari Club, and Clinton Wal-Mart.

Conservation Federation names 2012 Conservationists of the Year

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This year’s honorees have influenced conservation at the local, state, national and international levels.

JEFFERSON CITY–The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has named eight Missourians as its 2012 Conservationists of the Year. Each is living proof of how deeply Missourians care about conservation.

Conservationist of the Year Dave Pace, Salem, is chairman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and a former RMEF regional director. In presenting the award, CFM President Mike Schallon noted Pace’s tireless efforts to promote Missouri’s elk-restoration program among landowners, legislators and communities around the elk-restoration zone and with conservation and agriculture groups statewide.

Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs, received the Conservation Educator of the Year Award for his work establishing an outdoor classroom for Blue Springs South School and for his involvement in state, national and international conservation education efforts.

Freelance writer Steve Jones, Sullivan, received the Conservation Communicator of the Year Award for three decades of courageously fighting for conservation causes.

Private landowner Frank Oberle, Novinger, received the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award for his contributions to prairie conservation. He was instrumental in bringing the North American Prairie Conference to Kirksville in 2000 and helped strengthen the Grow Native! Program.

Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry, received the Forest Conservationist of the Year Award. Lovelace is president and CEO of Forrest-Keeling Nursery. He has led several forestry organizations, and his development of the root-production method for growing tree seedlings has contributed significantly to restoration of bottomland hardwood forests.

Missouri State Senator Kevin Engler, Farmington, and State Representative Steven Tilley, Perryville, shared the Conservation Legislator of the Year Award. Both were cited for their commitment to enhancing and protecting natural resources and Missouri’s unique system of conservation governance.

Professional Conservationist of the Year Elsa Gallagher, Excello, began her career with the Missouri Department of Conservation, where she specialized in quail management, working tirelessly to promote early-successional habitat with private landowners and government agencies. She currently is a regional biologist for Quail Forever and is active in numerous youth and women’s hunting events.

CFM is a broad-based citizen conservation group representing more than 100,000 individuals and 80 affiliate groups from hunters and anglers to birdwatchers. Anyone can nominate candidates for a Conservationist of the Year Award. For more information, call 573-634-2322or visit www.confedmo.org/.

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MEETING OF THE MISSOURI CONSERVATION COMMISSION

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Missouri Botanical Garden Ridgway Visitor Center

4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis

3:30 p.m. – Executive Session (Closed)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Missouri Department of Conservation St. Louis Regional Office

2360 Highway D, St. Charles

8:30 a.m. – Regular Open Meeting

TENTATIVE AGENDA

(Background documents related to each agenda item 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.)

Wednesday, March 7, 3:30 p.m.

Executive Session (Vote to go into closed session – reconvene open meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 8:

(1)        Call to order and approval of minutes of previous Executive Session(s).(610.021 RSMo.)

(2)        Consideration of supporting documentation for recommendation to suspend or revoke all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are juveniles or who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws. Action to be taken in open meeting. (Disclosure protected by law, 610.021(14), 454.440.9, 211.321, RSMo.)

(3)        Consideration of confidential or privileged communications between the Commission and its Internal Auditor regarding work product. (Communications between public governmental body and its auditor, 610.021(17) RSMo.)

(4)        Consideration of recommendation relating to the hiring/firing/disciplining/promoting of personnel. (Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting, 610.021(3) RSMo.)

(5)        Consideration of negotiated contracts. (Documents related to a negotiated contract, 610.021(12) RSMo.)

(6)        Update on potential real estate transactions/negotiations. (Leasing, purchase or sale of real estate, 610.021(2) RSMo.)

(7)        Consideration of legal actions and attorney-client privileged communications involving the Conservation Commission. (Legal actions, causes of action or litigation, 610.021(1) RSMo.)

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

Approval of minutes of previous meeting.

Staff Presentations:

8:35 a.m.         Wildlife Damage Management Program – Private Land Services Division Chief Mike Hubbard.

8:50 a.m.         St. Louis Community Stewardship Grants – Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank.

January and February Monthly Financial Summaries; Status of Major CI-IT Projects Funded in FY12 Budget.

           

Award Presentations:

9:30 a.m.         2011 State Hunter Education Instructor Awards:

- Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor – Floyd Bohler, St. Louis Region.

- Bowhunter Education Volunteer Instructor – Joe McFadden, St. Louis Region.

- Department Staff Instructor – Jean Mayer, Southwest Region.

- Conservation Agent Instructor – Mark Haviland, Central Region.

Report of the Regulations Committee, which includes recommendations for changes to the Wildlife Code.

Staff Presentations:

10:15 a.m.       Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling Update – Resource Science Division Chief Mike Kruse.

10:30 a.m.       Protection Division Community Outreach – Protection Division Chief Larry Yamnitz.

Recommendation for approval of personnel reclassifications; Quarterly Update of Conservation Employees’ Benefits Plan.

Recommendations for approval to 1) accept the donation of approximately 54 acres in St. Louis County as an addition to Rockwoods Range; 2) sell approximately 0.57 acre and grant a temporary construction easement on approximately 0.94 acre of the Saline Valley Conservation Area in Miller County to the State of Missouri, acting by and through the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, for a bridge replacement project; and 3) purchase approximately 202 acres in Sullivan County as a new conservation area.

Legislative Report.

Recommendations for approval to suspend or revoke 1) one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of individuals for cause; 2)  all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws; and 3) one or more hunting, fishing and trapping privileges of individuals in accordance with the terms of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Announcement of actions taken in executive session, if any.

Other matters of interest.

Confirmation that the next regular meeting will be held April 12-13, 2012.

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MDC cosponsors St. Louis conference on connecting kids with nature

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Educators, youth leaders and parents will learn about "Nature Deficit Disorder" and outdoor experiences that reconnect children with nature.

By Dan Zarlenga, MDC

ST. LOUIS -- The disconnection of today’s children from the natural world is a growing concern among parents, educators and mental and physical health professionals throughout the country. “Nature Deficit Disorder" is a condition identified by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods and has been linked to troubling current childhood trends such as the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression.

To help address these concerns, the Gateway Children’s Nature Connection, a coalition of St. Louis-area organizations that share a mission of helping parents reconnect children with nature, is sponsoring the “No Child Left Inside Conference” on Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the J.C. Penny Conference Center on the campus of the University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL).

The theme of the conference is “Growing Up Denatured: It’s Time for Kids to Go Back Outside.” It is open to professional educators, youth leaders and parents of young children interested in providing outdoor experiences that reconnect children with nature. The conference will explore benefits children derive from spending time in nature and the outdoors, including reduced stress, an increase in curiosity, creativity and problem-solving abilities, and improved physical and emotional health. Participants will discover the latest research on the issue, learn ways to address and prevent the effects of Nature Deficit Disorder, and take home ideas and activities to excite and motivate children to get outdoors.

Keynote speaker will be Sherri Griffith, a professor of Early Childhood Education at Central Methodist University. There will also be a special presentation by environmental musician and educator Curt Carter of the Land For Learning Institute.

An optional post-conference field trip will be offered the following day, Sunday, April 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Participants will visit selected sites for demonstrations on practical application of material covered in the Saturday conference.

The registration fee for the conference is $39, which includes a box lunch. The fee for the optional post-conference field trip is $20.

For more information or to register, contact UMSL Senior Coordinator of Continuing Education Jim Jordan at 314-516-7250. A detailed schedule of activities and online registration can be found at http://www.umslce.org/index.php/catalog/ by searching “no child.”

Charter members of the Gateway Children’s Nature Connection sponsoring the conference include: Missouri Department of Conservation, Doris L. Schnuck Children’s Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Raintree Learning Community, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial Park and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville School of Education.

Des Peres and Jackson complete Missouri Children in Nature Challenge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 29, 2012 – Des Peres and Jackson will be recognized as Missouri Children in Nature communities. These communities have created an environment that encourages children to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

The Children in Nature Challenge was created by an executive order, signed by Gov. Nixon, to challenge Missouri communities to take action and educate children about nature. Communities increase opportunities for children to experience nature and the outdoors.

"Children benefit physically, mentally and even spiritually by reconnecting with nature, and we need to provide them with the opportunities to do so," said Georganne Nixon, First Lady of Missouri. "We are pleased to announce that the cities of Des Peres and Jackson have successfully completed the challenge."

Communities must meet several criteria to complete the challenge. This includes increasing awareness of opportunities to connect to nature; providing outdoor activities and events; enhancing and creating outdoor areas; encouraging the use of nature-based curriculum in schools; and partnering with local organizations and businesses to connect children with nature.

Des Peres and Jackson will be formally recognized for their efforts in the spring of 2012. For more information about the challenge, visit Mo.Gov.

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Trout opening marks the beginning of season for trout parks and surrounding communities

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 29, 2012 – A mild winter has not lessened any enthusiasm for a springtime ritual – the opening of trout fishing season March 1 in Missouri’s three state parks featuring rainbow trout.

            Trout fishing season officially begins at 6:30 a.m. March 1 at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem. For many fishermen, it is the unofficial start of spring. For other anglers, it is the beginning of a summer-long passion that runs until the season’s end on Oct. 31.

Opening day falls on a Thursday this year with Missouri State Parks officials anticipating eager anglers making a four-day weekend to maximize time in the state parks and in the water.

In the communities closest to the state parks, Cassville, Lebanon and Salem, business owners are also preparing for the fishermen. Although trout fishing occurs in the park, all of the communities around benefit from trout fishing season with busy hotels, motels, restaurants and retail stores.

            Opening day fishermen in all three state parks will find numerous improvements ranging from new roofs, fresh coats of paint, several remodeled cabins and fourplexes, and energy-efficiency projects such as solar water heaters in the showerhouses. 

In between successful fishing ventures, fishermen can catch an easy breakfast or lunch at the parks’ dining lodges. The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce will continue its tradition of passing out complimentary opening day coffee mugs and coffee.

For fishermen unable to enjoy opening day in person, they can watch the action on the trout cam available online from Bennett Spring State Park. Located near one of the park’s most popular fishing spots, the cam picks up all the action and is great for fishermen unable to be there or for family members wanting to share in the excitement from their homes. The trout cam can be viewed at Mo.gov.

            Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of Missouri State Parks, which manages state parks, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates the hatcheries and stocks the streams with trout.

            For more information on trout opening, visit Mo.gov or call Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201, Roaring River State Park at 417-847-2539 or Bennett Spring State Park at 417-532-4338. 

For information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

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