MDC and Missouri FFA partner for responsible future landowners

Conservation program at FFA Leadership Camp reaches 1,200 students from around the state.

Written by Rebecca Maples, MDC

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

LAKE OZARK, Mo. – Conservation depends largely on the efforts of landowners. This is true both for current landowners and for those who will manage land in the future.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) works with landowners to employ the best land-management practices that sustain healthy land and conserve the state’s forests, fish and wildlife. In addition to the many opportunities MDC offers current landowners, the Department also invests in the future of conservation by educating some of the state’s future landowners and managers by partnering with the Missouri FFA Organization.

MDC coordinates “Conservation Day” at Missouri FFA Leadership Camp once a week each of the six weeks it is offered during June and July. Held at Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s Camp Rising Sun, the weeklong camp draws about 200 students each week. Students participate in leadership education sessions as well as various recreation activities. For one morning of the five-day camp, conservation experts teach responsible land-management practices for FFA students to use in their futures as potential farmers, landowners and agricultural leaders.

“There are so many different sides to agriculture,” said FFA State President Brady James. “We try to meet all needs accordingly so we can open doors for FFA students to develop their interests in all areas, and that includes conservation.”

Conservation Day introduces students to ongoing conservation concerns through six hands-on learning stations taught by MDC staff. This year’s topics were: urban wildlife management and managed hunts, ethical decision-making for conservation dilemmas, fishing basics and fish identification, management practices for healthy streams, tree identification and safe and ethical decision-making when hunting and fishing.

“FFA students represent future landowners of Missouri,” said MDC Education Programs and Curriculum Supervisor Kevin Lohraff. “One of the best things we can do to invest in conservation for the future is to educate private landowners on good conservation practices for their land. In this case we are helping FFA students learn the best management practices for farms and properties so they can use them in the future.”

According to Lohraff, conservation efforts on private land are key to statewide success.

“Ninety-three percent of Missouri’s land is privately owned,” he said. “If conservation is going to work in Missouri, it will be because private landowners practice it.”

Conservation and FFA are a natural fit, added FFA Camp Director E. H. Hirschvogel. “So many of our kids are already very active with Missouri wildlife, and students who haven’t been involved in conservation learn so much from MDC’s Conservation Day.”

For more information on private-land conservation, visit MDC’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov and search “Landowners and Farmers.” For information on MDC’s other education programs, search “Education.”

Elk return to Missouri after 150-year absence

The hills around Peck Ranch Conservation Area

once again will echo with the bugles of bull elk.

Conservation Commissioner Chip McGeehan
took an active part in welcoming Missouri’s
first elk to their new home at Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

WINONA—Sometimes words simply fail. Missouri Conservation Commission Chairman Becky Plattner was struck speechless this morning as she stood in the blue dawn light atop a remote ridge in Carter County. She was listening to sharp snorts and muted barks coming from a stock trailer holding 34 elk. Overwhelmed by emotion after opening the trailer door, she turned to Conservation Commissioner Chip McGeehan and placed her hand over her heart in a gesture of awe.

McGeehan joined Conservation Department biologists wielding plywood shields as they herded the elk from the trailer and through a series of gates to sort them into holding pens. When he glanced up at Plattner, she teased “Why are your eyes so big, Chip?”

“We’re making history,” he replied.

McGeehan was referring to the return of wild elk to Missouri after an absence of 150 years. The elk began their odyssey in January, when they were captured by MDC staff in cooperation with biologists from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.  Three months later, with the requirements of stringent veterinary-health protocols met, the elk made a 12-hour trip by semi-trailer, arriving at Peck Ranch Conservation Area shortly after 6:30 a.m. The timing was critical to keep the animals cool and minimize stress.

Plattner and McGeehan joined officials of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and MDC staff directly involved in the elk-restoration effort for the elk’s arrival. They watched as MDC staff guided six bull elk and 28 cows and calves into separate holding pens.

“Who would have thought 30 years ago that we would be standing here this morning watching elk return to Missouri?” MDC Director Bob Ziehmer mused. “This amazing event is a continuation of the Conservation legacy that Missouri Citizens created and continue to support today”

Conservation Department workers used a series of gates
to sort elk into three separate pens according to their age and sex.

Ziehmer said the return of elk to Missouri marks a new era in the Show-Me State’s conservation history. The fact that Missouri now has appropriate habitat for elk is tangible proof that long-term, landscape-scale habitat conservation and restoration efforts are coming to fruition.

“When I saw those animals come off the trailer it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up,” said RMEF Missouri State Chairman Dave Pace. “Seeing these animals come back, so generations and generations of Missourians will get to see them, is a very momentous occasion. This is a great day for wildlife, it’s a great day for conservation and it’s a great day for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and all our volunteers. This is what we work for.”

Twenty-three-thousand-acre Peck Ranch CA is at the heart of a 346-square-mile elk restoration zone that encompasses parts of Carter, Shannon and Reynolds counties. After an acclimation period the elk will be released into Peck Ranch’s rugged hills and valleys, where MDC has been working for 30 years to recreate the landscape-scale type of habitat that sustains multiple species of wildlife.

The RMEF is a major supporter of Missouri’s elk-restoration program.

“There is no higher calling in conservation than restoring a native game species to sustainable, huntable, balanced populations,” said RMEF President David Allen in a prepared statement. “We are proud to partner in that kind of effort in Missouri, just as we have been in Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. As in those places, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is in this for the long haul in Missouri, too. We will remain by your side to ensure these elk not only arrive, but thrive. And we’ll be here to help you show conservationists around the world what is possible when you dream big and never give up.”

Missouri’s elk will remain in the holding pens at Peck Ranch for up to two weeks to allow them to acclimate to their new home. When the time comes to release the elk from the pens, workers will quietly open gates at night, so the animals can leave on their own when they discover they no longer are confined.

By 7 a.m. today, Missouri’s’ first elk were grazing calmly
 in their pens at Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

“It’s called a ‘soft release,’” said Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen. “This is a technique recommended by our partners in Kentucky, based on their experience. They found that if they brought elk in and released them directly from trailers, the animals bolted from the area. That increased the risk of injury to the elk, and it didn’t encourage them to stay near the release site.”

For the same reason, said Hansen, MDC had a low-key arrival event at the holding facility when the elk arrived.

Peck Ranch’s refuge area will remain closed to the public through July. By then, all the calves will have been born and adjusted to their surroundings.

Hansen said MDC is counting on habitat restoration that has been underway at Peck Ranch for more than 30 years to encourage the elk to stay within the 346-square-mile elk restoration zone. He said MDC’s elk-restoration plan includes provisions to deal with elk that find their way onto land where they are not welcome. Long-term plans call for hunting as a tool to manage the size of the elk herd. When hunting commences will depend on how quickly the herd grows, but Hansen said it could begin as soon as 2015.

Hunter admits shooting mountain lion in Ray County

Conservation officials say no charges will be filed.

RICHMOND, Mo.–A Ray County man has admitted that he, not a cattleman, shot a mountain lion on Jan. 2. Conservation officials say the admission brings their investigation to a close, and there will be no charges, because the shooter feared for his life.

James “Jimmy” McElwee, 29, of Camden, admitted he shot the 115-pound mountain lion while hunting raccoons in rural Ray County. His confession followed the admission by Bob Littleton, 60, of Richmond, that his initial claim of shooting the mountain lion was false.

“Mr. Littleton only said he shot the mountain lion to protect Mr. McElwee,” said Larry Yamnitz, Protection Division chief with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). “Based on the outcome of our agent’s investigation, no charges will be filed in this case.”

According to Yamnitz, McElwee admitted to the shooting, saying he feared for his life.

“He followed his dogs up a draw and shined a light up into a tree and saw eyes that were too far apart for a raccoon,” said Yamnitz. “When he realized it was a mountain lion, he was afraid to run, thinking it might attack him.”

After killing the cat, McElwee and his hunting partner and father-in-law, Larry Danner, 52, of Richmond, contacted Littleton, who took responsibility for shooting the mountain lion.

Yamnitz said everyone would have been better off if all parties involved had told the truth from the beginning.

“The true circumstances of the incident were more clearly within the provisions of the Wildlife Code than the story they made up,” said Yamnitz. “Based on the evidence and statements by all the parties involved, you can make the case of self-defense. There will be no charges.”

The Ray County mountain lion showed no signs of having been held in captivity and was in good health. MDC is conducting DNA tests to learn more about its origins and determine if it is the same animal photographed by a landowner in southern Platte County Nov. 26

The mountain lion (Puma concolor) is a protected species under the Wildlife Code. The Code allows the killing of any mountain lion attacking or killing livestock or domestic animals, or threatening human safety. Anyone who kills a mountain lion is required by law to report the incident to the MDC immediately. The intact carcass, including the pelt, must be surrendered to MDC within 24 hours. 

To report a sighting, physical evidence or other incident, contact a local MDC office or conservation agent, or email MDC’s Mountain Lion Response Team at mountain.lion@mdc.mo.gov.

For more information on mountain lions in Missouri, visitwww.MissouriConservation.org and search “mountain lion.”

Appalachian Wildlife Foundation pledges support for MO elk restoration

Image via Wikipedia

Foundation is raising funds and offering expertise for Missouri elk restoration efforts.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation (AWF) recently entered into an agreement that establishes a framework for cooperative efforts between the two organizations and a commitment by the AWF to assist in funding the reintroduction of elk in southern Missouri.

Under the agreement, the MDC and AWF will work together to restore elk to the indentified restoration zone in southern Missouri. The MDC acknowledges that the AWF is working to raise a minimum of $50,000 towards the costs associated with the capture, disease testing, transport, radio collaring and initial monitoring of elk in Missouri. The MDC and AWF will also collaborate to develop a long-term conservation plan for elk in Missouri, in concert with other entities, through a working group established by the MDC.

“We look forward to the opportunity to partner with the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation as we move to restore elk in Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties in southeast Missouri,” wrote MDC Director Bob Ziehmer in a letter to the AWF.

“As you know, Missourians are connected to the land and value the great natural resources of this state,” wrote Ziehmer. “This dedication to natural resources, firm commitment to conservation heritage, and history of restoration of native species provides citizens with a rich conservation legacy. The partnership between the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation and the Department of Conservation will be another historic chapter in the history of conservation in Missouri.”

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the MDC plan to restore elk at its October meeting. The plan calls for releasing up to 150 wild elk in a 346-square-mile (221,509 acres) elk restoration zone in parts of Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties. The Conservation Department selected this limited restoration zone because of extensive public lands, suitable habitat, low road density, minimal agricultural activity and landowner support. The plan includes health protocols, herd management guidelines and habitat management recommendations. Releases of elk could begin as soon as early 2011.

The MDC is also in discussions with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other conservation organizations regarding cooperative efforts and funding support.

Elk restoration programs in Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have successfully restored limited elk populations with economic benefits through wildlife viewing and hunting. 

Elk are native to the Show-Me State but were gone by the mid-1800s, due to unregulated hunting and habitat changes. 

The elk restoration plan is available at www.MissouriConservation.org.

Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Information for Experienced and Not-so-Experienced Outdoors People:

Family-Outdoors

Conservation Action October 2010

The Conservation Commission met Oct. 14 and 15 at the Conservation Department’s regional office in Kirksville.  Commissioners present were:

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Chair

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Vice Chair

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Secretary

William F. “Chip” McGeehan, Marshfield, Member

The Commission:

Ø  Received a presentation from Wildlife Diversity Chief Gene Gardner concerning “Partnerships in Action: A Decade of State Wildlife Grants and Conserving All Wildlife in Missouri.”

Ø  Received a presentation from Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen regarding a proposed plan for restoring elk to Missouri.

Ø  Received comments regarding potential elk restoration from individuals who submitted written requests prior to the meeting.

Ø  Voted to approve the proposed elk-restoration plan. The plan (available atwww.missouriconservation.org) calls for releasing up to 150 elk into a 346-square-mile area of Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties early in 2011. All released elk will undergo stringent health testing and quarantines and will be fitted with radio collars to permit tracking their movements.

Ø  Approved entering into a contract with AVCO, Inc., Hamilton, for the construction of the Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area Equipment Storage and Work Area building in Saline county at a total estimated cost of $301,895.

Ø  Approved recommendations for the Conservation Employees’ Benefits Plan Trust Fund.

Ø  Approved the purchase of 161.51 acres in Pettis County as an addition to W. R. Kearn Memorial Conservation Area.

Ø  Suspended hunting and/or fishing privileges of 15 Missouri residents and two nonresidents for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of one Missouri resident. Those whose privileges were suspended are:


                              ·         John J. Anesi, Kirksville, all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         Richard B. Berghager, Center, all sport privileges, 1.5 additional years.

·         Collin S. Burns, Lebanon, all sport privileges, 3 months.

·         Seth E. Burns, Stoutland, all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         Maria J. Burton, Jadwin, all sport privileges, 5 years.

·        David A. Chandler, Belleview, all sport privileges, 1 year.

·        Jessica C. Gamblin, Montreal, hunting privileges, until 6/22/11.

·         Travis A. Gott, Elkland, hunting privileges, 6 months.

·         Randy C. Gresham, Jr., Rolla, all sport privileges, 5 years.

·         Derek R. Johnson, Galva, Ill., all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         Dustin J. Jones, Jonesburg, all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         David W. Kilroy, Longwood, Fla., all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         Travis L. King, Winigan, all sport privileges, 1 year

·         Brandon M. Lennox, New London, all sport privileges, 2.5 years.

·         John C. McDonald, Salem, all sport privileges, 2 additional years.

·         Byran M. Ruth, Grandview, all sport privileges, 1 year.

·         John L. Shepherd, Hannibal, all sport privileges, 5.5 additional years.

·         Bradley A. Wilson, Lowry City, all sport privileges, 1 year.

Ø  Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 318 people who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws.

Ø  Suspended privileges of 193 nonresidents and two Missouri residents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Ø  Imposed hunting privilege suspension of four years for a Missouri resident who injured another person in a hunting incident. The hunter must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

Ø  Confirmed the next regular Conservation Commission meeting to be held Dec. 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.

Conservation commission approves elk restoration plan

The elk restoration plan is consistent with the Agency’s rich history of successful management and restoration of fish, forest and wildlife for the people of Missouri

By Jim Low, MDC

KIRKSVILLE–The Missouri Conservation Commission today approved an elk restoration plan that includes health protocols, herd management guidelines and habitat management recommendations. Releases of elk could begin as soon as early 2011.

The plan (available at www.missouriconservation.org) calls for releasing wild elk in a 346-square-mile (221,509 acres) elk restoration zone in parts of Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties. The Conservation Department selected this limited restoration zone because of extensive public lands, suitable habitat, low road density, minimal agricultural activity and landowner support.

To ensure that Missouri’s wildlife and livestock remain healthy, the plan includes health testing guidelines developed by the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Agriculture.  “The developed animal-health-testing protocol has been proven in other states and meets or exceeds health-testing requirements to move livestock or captive elk,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Taylor Woods.  

The plan includes procedures to address elk that leave the restoration zone onto private land where they are not welcome and hunting to manage the herd in future years. All released elk will be fitted with radio collars to permit tracking their movements.

The plan calls for continued habitat management on public lands and cost share incentives for private landowners wanting to attract elk to their land in the restoration zone. Since 2000, there have been significant habitat improvements on public land in the restoration zone that will benefit elk. 

Organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and theAppalachian Wildlife Foundation have committed to contributing financial resources and volunteer time to help with elk restoration in Missouri.

Director Robert Ziehmer said the Department has actively engaged citizens and organizations to gather input on elk restoration. “A key component of Missouri’s plan is the defined restoration zone. Given habitat within this zone, the limited number of elk to be released, established health protocols, monitoring commitment, and solid citizen and landowner support, implementation will provide natural-resource and recreational benefits,” said Ziehmer.

Elk restoration programs in Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have successfully restored limited elk populations with economic benefits through wildlife viewing and hunting. 

Jim Smith, owner of Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, said restoring elk to the Missouri Ozarks will help his business by extending the tourism season. “The natural beauty, abundant wildlife and crystal clear streams draw people to the Ozarks.  Restoring elk will be an extra attraction.”

         

Elk are native to the Show-Me State but were gone by the mid-1800s, due to unregulated hunting and habitat changes. 

CFM to celebrate 75th anniversary the weekend of Sept. 10-12

Image by jmk286 via Flickr

Conservation Federation of Missouri anniversary celebrations will include party, wildlife exhibit and commemorative issue of magazine.

JEFFERSON CITY MO – The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) will celebrate its 75^th anniversary the weekend of Sept. 10-12 with an anniversary party Friday night at the Tiger Hotel in Columbia, a wildlife art exhibit at Bass Pro Sportsman’s Center in Columbia Friday through Sunday and a commemorative issue of CFM’s Missouri Wildlife released Friday. 

On Sept. 10, 1935, nearly 100 forward-thinking Missourians gathered in the ballroom of Columbia’s Tiger Hotel to discuss the sad state of Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. To retrieve their squandered natural legacy, they formed the Restoration and Conservation Federation of Missouri and launched a movement that revolutionized natural-resource management. This citizen-led effort has become Missouri’s oldest and largest private-citizen conservation organization with more than 90,000 individuals and 80 affiliated organizations.

CFM members and guests will return to the founding location to enjoy a celebration party Friday night at the Tiger Hotel, 23 S. Eighth St. in Columbia. Evening festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include social time, dinner and prominent speakers including Bill Crawford, the only known living participant from the founding meeting in 1935. Seating is limited and tickets are $100. For reservations or more information, call CFM at 1-800-575-2322.

The State Historical Society of Missouri will open the weekend activities with the art exhibition Charles Schwartz, Missouri’s Audubon: An Artist in Nature on Friday from 3-8 p.m. at Bass Pro Sportsman’s Center, 3101 Bass Pro Drive in Columbia. A wine and cheese reception, guided tours, and remarks from art, history, and conservation specialists will be part of the events. The cost is $10 per person and can be paid in advance or at the door. 

The exhibition will showcase highlights of the Society’s collection of more than 500 drawings and studies by the late Charles Schwartz. Schwartz was a long-time biologist, artist and photographer for the Missouri Department of Conservation who captured people and wildlife in oil, watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, scratchboard and bronze. Most of his nationally renowned artworks belong to the State Historical Society of Missouri or Conservation Charitable Trust.

The exhibition will remain on display at Bass Pro through Sunday. Children and adults can enjoy free educational and art activities on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The exhibition will then move to the Historical Society at 1020 Lowry St. in Columbia, where it will remain through Feb. 12.

For more information on the art exhibit, contact Dr. Joan Stack, Art Curator for the State Historical Society of Missouri, at 573-882-7083.

The CFM will also issue a commemorative issue of its Missouri Wildlife magazine at the Friday events. The special issue will include personal notes on their dreams for the Missouri outdoors from numerous contributors. Additional contributions will be featured on the CFM website at www.confedmo.org and published in future issues of the magazine.

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