Why Conservation Agencies like Missouri Department of Conservation Discourages Planting Invasive Species and How to Eliminate Them

Bush Honeysuckle

As stewards of our natural landscapes, it is our responsibility to protect the health and biodiversity of our environment. However, certain plants, despite their aesthetic appeal or quick growth, can have devastating effects on local ecosystems. In Missouri, the Department of Conservation (MDC) and other conservation groups strongly discourage the planting of invasive species such as honeysuckle and autumn olive. Here’s why these plants pose such a threat and how homeowners and landowners can take effective steps to eliminate them.

The Threat of Invasive Species

1. Disruption of Native Ecosystems:
Invasive species like honeysuckle and autumn olive outcompete native plants for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. This disruption can lead to the decline of native plant populations, which in turn affects the wildlife that depends on them. For instance, birds and insects that rely on native plants for food and habitat may struggle to survive. In particular, Missouri's wild turkey habitat has been negatively impacted as their main sense for defense is their eyesight (as Missouri  turkey hunters well know). Since areas with thick invasive species make it hard for them to see in the choked out forest understory they avoid these areas resulting in habitat loss.

2. Alteration of Soil Chemistry:
Autumn olive, in particular, can change the nitrogen levels in the soil, making it less suitable for native plants that thrive in low-nitrogen environments. This alteration can lead to a cascade of negative effects on the entire ecosystem.

3. Decreased Biodiversity:
By dominating the landscape, invasive species reduce plant diversity. This monoculture can weaken ecosystems, making them more susceptible to diseases, pests, and climate change.

4. Economic Impact:
Controlling invasive species and mitigating their damage can be costly for landowners and government agencies. The presence of these plants can also lower property values and reduce the productivity of agricultural land.

Autumn Olive - Invasive Species

Why Honeysuckle and Autumn Olive Are Problematic

Honeysuckle:
Honeysuckle species, particularly the bush honeysuckle, grow rapidly and form dense thickets that choke out native plants. They produce a large number of seeds that are easily dispersed by birds, leading to widespread colonization. Additionally, their early leaf-out in the spring shades out native plants before they have a chance to grow.

Autumn Olive:
Autumn olive is a hardy shrub that thrives in a variety of soil conditions. It produces abundant fruit, which birds eat and disperse widely. Its ability to fix nitrogen allows it to grow in poor soils, further outcompeting native plants that are adapted to those conditions.

Tips for Eliminating Invasive Species

Successfully removing invasive species requires persistence and a combination of methods. Here are some strategies for homeowners and landowners:

1. Mechanical Removal:

• Hand-pulling: For smaller plants or seedlings, hand-pulling can be effective, especially when the soil is moist. Ensure you remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.
• Cutting and Mowing: Regularly cutting or mowing can weaken the plants over time. However, this method often needs to be combined with other techniques, as it may not kill the root systems.

2. Chemical Control:

• Herbicides: Apply appropriate herbicides to cut stumps or foliage following guidelines from the MDC or a professional. Herbicides can be effective, but they must be used responsibly to avoid harming native plants and wildlife.

3. Prescribed Burning:

• In some cases, controlled burns can help manage invasive species. This method should only be carried out by trained professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

4. Replanting with Native Species:

• After removing invasive plants, replant the area with native species to prevent re-invasion. Native plants help restore the ecosystem balance and provide habitat for local wildlife.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Regularly check your property for new growth of invasive species and address them promptly. Consistent monitoring is crucial for long-term control.

Conclusion

The fight against invasive species like honeysuckle and autumn olive is crucial for preserving Missouri's natural beauty and biodiversity. By understanding the threats these plants pose and taking proactive steps to eliminate them, homeowners and landowners can play a significant role in conservation efforts. Remember, healthy ecosystems benefit everyone, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, and ultimately, to us as well. Let’s work together to protect our environment for future generations.

More Info from MDC

MDC invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20

 Participants will learn about owls before observing owls in their natural habitat.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Participants will learn through presentations about owls, owl pellet dissection, and naturalist-led owl prowls. Owl presentations and prowls will begin every half hour from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The owl prowls, which are optional, will include a short hike on the nature center’s grounds so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

The University of Missouri’s Raptor Rehab will be bringing several species of owls for participants to view up close before their hike.

This event is free to the public and open to all ages with no prior registration necessary. Questions can be directed to Sarah Easton at sarah.easton@mdc.mo.gov. Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.

Meramec River Cleanup

The public is invited to join the Dome Life Stream Team
Mid-Meramec River Cleanup Saturday, March 19
starting at 8 a.m.  It includes both land and water trash
cleanups, and invasive plant removal projects
along 26 miles of the Meramec River, followed by a free festival. 

Earlier this week I was up at Maramec Spring for the opening of catch and keep trout season.  Maramec is not the headwaters of the Meramec River (like the springs at Montauk, which are the headwaters of the Current River), but I dd go down and look at where the spings feed into the river and admired it's beauty.  There is some good trout fishing there, and lots of great fishing and other opportunities for outdoor fun on the Meramec, all the way down to where it flows into the Mississippi River.

However, the sprawl of human activity has definitely impacted the water quality of the river - agricultural runoff, illegal dumping, etc. So, fortunately, there are several organizations that make great efforts to remediate some of those impacts.  

Join MDC and partners March 19 for an epic cleanup and festival in Meramec River Watershed

Missouri Stream Teams and Dome Life are organizing a large-scale cleanup event, followed by a festival with food and live music.

ROBERTSVILLE, Mo.—The Meramec River is an aquatic gem in the St. Louis region—a great river for floating, fishing, and recreation.  Part of what makes a great river great is the watershed that surrounds it and feeds it. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Stream Teams, and Dome Life invite the public to be part of an epic cleanup event to help make the Meramec and its watershed a better place, and to a festival after to celebrate the success.

The Dome Life Stream Team Mid-Meramec River Cleanup will take place Saturday, March 19 starting at 8 a.m.  The public is invited to join in this effort that includes both land and water trash cleanups, and invasive plant removal projects along 26 miles of the Meramec River. 

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to improve the Meramec watershed and its natural communities, and to make the area a better place to recreate, enjoy, and live in,” said MDC Resource Science Aid, Brian Waldrop.

Cleanups and invasive species removals will be held at the following locations.  Participants can choose the one they prefer:

• Robertsville State Park and Access
• Don Robinson State Park
• Route 66 State Park and Access
• Catawissa Conservation Area
• Pacific Palisades Conservation Area and Access
• LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
• Hilda J. Young Conservation Area
• Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area
• Allenton Access

After participants are done with the cleanup, they can enjoy the festival taking place at Robertsville State Park that afternoon and evening.  Visit educational and informational booths, enjoy nature programs and activities for all ages and abilities. There will be food trucks on site offering options for dinner from 3:30-7 p.m., guest speakers, and live local music performances from 7-10 p.m. 

The Dome Life Stream Team Mid-Meramec River Cleanup event and festival are free.  However, participants must register online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4os.  See a list of camping facilities near the event, too.

Robertsville State Park is located of I-44 at 902 State Park Drive in Robertsville. 

As this is an in-person activity, MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Coyotes: A Few Facts and a Caution from the MDC

 The introduction of this blog post is not to suggest that the cautionary information from MDC on pets during coyote breeding season should be ignored or minimized - quite to the contrary. It is meant to offer some context about the lives of these important animals in the natural ecosystem.

As we spread out into natural areas, coyote habitat is compromised along with the habitat of many other parts of the natural world. Coyotes, unlike many other animals or adept at adapting to a minimized habitat. Though they would much prefer to be in an area that was wild and unbroken with urban sprawl, their survival instinct is strong. If you live in an urban or suburban environment that has patches of woods and other cover, coyotes will utilize these areas for their needs.

Think of a creek that meanders through a subdivision or a green space set aside from development. These are areas where coyotes will possibly locate. Having said that, it is not necessarily the case that if coyotes exist, there presence will be mutually exclusive to pets being in the area.

In studies done on coyotes from a wide variety of areas, scat analysis informs scientists that by far, the largest portion of a coyote's diet is rodents. You probably wouldn't object that.  Also, in these studies, the percentage of the coyote's diet attributable to pet predation is so low to be insignificant.  But, the percentage is not zero, and if your pet is attacked or killed by a coyote, none of these statistics will matter.

So, if you are worried about Fluffy, follow some of the suggestions offered in the following excellent MDC release. For more information about the outdoors in Missouri and elsewhere, whether that be fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, or more, visit Family-Outdoors.

*Some of the information contained above is from the Urban Coyote Research Project.

Coyotes typically breed in February and March. 
MDC says it’s important to be vigilant of
pets this time of year in areas where
coyotes are known to live.

MDC cautions pet owners that coyote encounters are possible this time of year

Coyotes start breeding in February and are more active, increasing potential for encounters with pets.

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Breeding season for coyotes begins in February, which makes them more active this time of year.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it’s important to be vigilant of pets during this time in areas where coyotes are known to live.

Unlike many other kinds of wildlife, coyotes adapt particularly well around human development and coexist with people in many places.  These areas can include municipal parks and other urban green space, golf courses, cemeteries, suburban wooded common areas, and even within subdivisions themselves. 

As a result, it’s possible for encounters to occur between these wild canines and people’s pets.  Coyotes have also been known on occasion to attack small dogs.  Coyotes may attack family pets not as a food source, but instead because they see them as territorial competition.

One of the secrets behind the coyote’s survival success is their diet.  As scavengers, coyotes will eat just about anything, including foxes, groundhogs, mice, rabbits, squirrels, fruits, vegetables, birds, insects, carrion (dead animals) and common household garbage.

Coyotes typically breed in February and March.  Females give birth to four or five pups about 60 days later.

Because food requirements increase dramatically during pup rearing, April through May is when encounters between humans and urban coyotes are most common.  At that time, coyotes are on the move more seeking food, and may act more aggressively toward any animal they see as potential competition, like family dogs.

So how can encounters between coyotes and people be minimized?  These three things are key:  food, scare tactics, and vigilance.

Firstly, ensure that your yard or property has no food sources readily available to coyotes.  If food is deliberately or inadvertently provided by people, adult coyotes and their pups quickly learn not to fear humans and will develop a dependency on these easy food sources.  MDC urges dog and cat owners not to leave pet food outside, to securely cover all trash containers, and consider waiting to put trash containers out as close to pick up time as possible.

Think about bird feeders too. While coyotes are usually not interested in bird food, bird feeders attract rodents, especially squirrels, which in turn attract coyotes.

MDC recommends the use of scare tactics to instill fear of humans into coyotes.  If a coyote should approach or be seen in the yard, homeowners should do everything possible to make it feel unwelcome.  This could include yelling or making other loud, threatening noises, throwing rocks, spraying garden houses, or blowing air horns.  If its encounter with humans is unpleasant, a coyote will be less likely to come back.

Finally, vigilance regarding pets is extremely important.  MDC cautions that pet owners should not leave their pets outside unattended, especially during the hours of dusk, nighttime, and dawn.  These are the periods coyotes are most active.  Owners should be with their pets and have them in constant view during these times.

Installing a fence around yards may also help.  Fences should be at least six feet high and dug into the ground six inches deep, so the agile and resourceful canines cannot jump or dig under them.

More information on dealing with nuisance coyotes can be found at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zaa, or in a free brochure obtainable by writing:  Controlling Conflicts with Urban Coyotes in Missouri, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Or e-mail pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov.

Land Management through Prescribed Fire

One of the most effective management tools for public or private land is prescribed fire. Proper utilization can facilitate native species growth and mitigate chances for catastrophic fire.  However, prescribed fire has obvious safety concerns and also things to consider with regard to getting the best results.  MDC is offering guidance.

Family-Outdoors offers guidance to the Missouri sportsmen and women, as well as across the country. Visit us for lots of good information on hunting, fishing, or the outdoors in general.

Missouri offers free prescribed burn workshops March 5 and 12 in western Missouri

Workshops at Blue Springs and El Dorado Springs will teach techniques to achieve goals

MDC will offer free prescribed burn workshops
 with skills field days in Blue Springs
 on March 5 and near El Dorado Springs
on March 12.
Photos by Bill Graham,

Missouri Department of Conservation

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free prescribed burn workshops to assist private landowners with habitat management on March 5 in Blue Springs and March 12 near El Dorado Springs. These workshops, in conjunction with an online study course, will teach the equipment and strategies needed to use prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat or manage cattle forage.

After registering for the workshop, participants will be required to complete an online study course as a prerequisite to attending the field day skills session. Completion of both will enable participants to obtain their Certified Burner Certification from MDC. The Certified Burner Certification is proof that you have successfully completed all the prescribed burn education requirements in Missouri.

Properly used, prescribed burns can be a valuable tool for enhancing native plant diversity and for reducing undesirable vegetation. This workshop will teach about the planning, equipment, weather factors, and techniques needed to execute a successful burn for grassland or woodland management.

The prescribed burn workshop in Blue Springs will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44A.

The prescribed burn skills field day near El Dorado Springs will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at MDC’s Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44d.

These burn workshops are open to participants ages 18 and older. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. If weather conditions permit, organizers will conduct a demonstration burn. Participants are asked to wear leather boots, cotton pants, cotton long-sleeved shirts or jackets, leather gloves, and safety glasses.

To learn more about prescribed fire as a tool for vegetation management, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.

Improving Private Land for Conservation in Missouri

 

Good woodland and savanna management
can improve habitat and better support wildlife
 such as deer, turkeys, and non-game wildlife.

The relationship between private landowners and the success of conservation efforts is strong. Missouri has a great track record of protecting our environment by working with landowners to help them improve their land for hunting, fishing, and native tree and plant species. Here's information about improvements we can make on private land during the winter months. Family-Outdoors provides individuals and families information on enjoying the outdoors in Missouri and elsewhere.

Good management can improve habitat for wildlife

Kansas City, Mo. – Winter is a good time to undertake improvements to woodlands and savannas. Using selective removal of trees and brush, or tools such as prescribed burns, land managers can enhance the native grasses and flowering plants growing beneath trees or in openings. Both game and non-game wildlife benefit from native plants for food and cover. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) can assist land managers with planning and connect them with cost share or grant programs for habitat improvements.

“You’re trying to open the tree canopy and let more sunlight in,” said Dave Niebruegge, MDC private land conservationist. “Fire in prescribed burns helps keep the woody brush and young trees down, and that helps the native grasses and woodland forbs.”

White-tailed deer like browsing and bedding down in the openings. Wild turkey nest and feed in the native plant growth. The native plants host insects that birds and other wildlife feed upon in summer and provide seeds in winter. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies use the wildflowers.

At the same time, selective tree thinning can encourage desirable trees such as oaks. They produce acorn mast crops that wildlife feed upon. Long-range timber management can also boost good quality sawlogs for sale.

Missouri Department of Conservation photos

An MDC forester or private land conservationist will for free help a landowner do a tree inventory and develop and timber stand improvement plan. MDC staff can connect property managers with contractors that remove trees and brush according to the plan. Grants and cost-share financial help to pay for improvement costs are available from MDC and through federal and private conservation programs.

“There’s multiple financial assistance programs out there to help landowners get their property done,” Niebruegge said.

For more information about MDC assistance with woodland and savanna habitat improvement, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ZR.

Interested in Maple Sugaring? Enjoy maple sugaring with MDC Cape Nature Center on Feb. 5 Southeast Banner Enjoy maple sugaring with MDC Cape Nature Center on Feb. 5

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – As the weather changes, maple tree sap begins to flow and can soon be transformed into sweet treats. Find out how nature can satisfy your sweet tooth at Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Maple Sugaring event from 2 – 4 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“Participants will learn the entire process of making maple syrup and take part in different activities along the way,” said MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce. “They will also learn why this time of year is the best time for collecting sap.”

Registration is not required.

This family-friendly event offers something for all ages and visitors will have the opportunity to sample some of the maple syrup made from the nature center’s sugar maple trees.

To ensure the safety of all, in-person programs require family groups to socially distance, and masks are recommended. Those interested are also reminded to follow current health recommendations which include stay home if you’re sick, wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer, and be considerate of others.

Questions about this event can be emailed to MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce at Angela.Pierce@mdc.mo.gov.

Learn more about maple sugaring at mdc.mo.gov.

Joplin Area Outdoors Folks: Test your nature trivia knowledge at Jan. 29 MDC program

 Teams can win prizes at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center event.

JOPLIN, Mo. – There’s nothing trivial about nature – until you turn it into a contest where you can win prizes.

People can test their knowledge of nature in a format that’s both fun and educational at the Missouri Department Conservation’s (MDC) “Nature Trivia” event on Jan. 29 at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. At this event, which is from 1-2 p.m. and is designed for ages five and up, families or groups of friends will answer trivia questions about the outdoors for prizes. The questions, which will be provided by MDC naturalists, will cover a range of outdoor features that can be found in the state.

COVID procedures will be in effect for this program, which means social distancing and masking will be recommended. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181838

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 Riviera Drive in Joplin. People can learn more about this program or other upcoming events at the facility by calling 417-629-3434.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Virtual Program on Raptors from MDC

 

Powder Valley Nature Center presents An Evening with Raptors virtually Jan. 28

This popular annual event will continue this year in an online format.

KIRKWOOD, Mo—Bird buffs, falcon fanciers, and anyone enraptured by raptors is invited to meet the objects of their admiration online during this year’s An Evening with Raptors virtual event.

The annual An Evening with Raptors hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will be held virtually again this year on Friday, Jan. 28 from 7-9 p.m.  The event is free and is open to all ages. 

It’s the ultimate partnership between man and bird.  The sport of falconry goes back thousands of years and you can learn about it at An Evening with Raptors virtual event.  “Several area falconers will gather virtually to offer the rare chance to observe and learn about these fascinating feathered hunters,” said MDC Assistant Nature Center Manager, Robyn Parker. “They will also explain how viewers can get started in this age-old sport themselves,” she added.

The falconers will display their falconry tools, hoods, and other equipment, as well as live birds – the same birds that they use in their sport. Participants will also have the chance to ask the falconry team questions through the WebEx online chat feature.

Falconry is the art of training raptors—birds of prey like hawks and falcons—to capture wild game, so that bird and trainer essentially become hunting partners. The use of falconry can be traced back to 700 B.C.E., and by some accounts even farther back in time. 

An Evening with Raptors is a free WebEx event, but advanced registration is required for each person attending. To sign up, participants should go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4kv.  Attendees will receive an invitation by email from the MDC Event Management System with a WebEx program link 24 hours before the program. It’s recommended to check junk mail folders if no email is received.

Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person.  This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time. 

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

Prowl for owls Jan. 21 at MDC’s Busch Conservation Area

 This free, MDC-lead evening excursion will help visitors learn about and experience these night raptors first-hand.

St. CHARLES, Mo.—Hoots, howls, laughs, screams, and eerie whinnies . . . these are some of the mysterious sounds that owls can make.  Exactly who is creating all this racket, and why?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will help you discover the answers at an Owl Prowl program held at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area on Friday, Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m.  The free program is open to all ages.  This event is a reschedule of the Owl Prowl that was cancelled on Jan. 14 due to weather.

The still, winter nights of January are perfect for prowling for these amazing raptors.  This program will begin indoors for an educational classroom presentation.  Visitors will learn why owls are such effective nighttime hunters.  They’ll also find what they’re making so much noise about this time of year.  Participants will then journey outside for a short walk and some possible close encounters as MDC naturalists attempt to entice owls to fly in and talk.  Visitors may encounter, barred, great horned, or perhaps even screech owls.

Participants should bring a flashlight or head lamp and dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and be prepared to spend time outside during the second half of the program.

While the Owl Prowl is a free program, advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ZN.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is in St. Charles at 2360 Highway D, about two miles west of Highway 94. 

As this is an in-person activity, MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines.  Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate for the in-person activity. 

Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person.  This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time. 

MDC to offer virtual program on cottonmouths July 30

The cottonmouth (pictured above) can be found near some
Missouri waterways, but contrary to what
many believe, all snakes found in or near
 water are not cottonmouths. People can learn more about
cottonmouths, also called "water moccasins," at a free
Missouri Department of Conservation online program on
July 30.

Learn how to identify this venomous snake from other snakes.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For many people, all snakes found in or near water are presumed to be cottonmouths, also known as “water moccasins.” Cottonmouths do, indeed, live in Missouri, but all of Missouri’s snakes can swim and many can be found, at least occasionally, near water. Learning more about water moccasins may help you avoid confrontations with these venomous snakes and ease your worry level when you see a snake in the water.

People can learn about more about these snakes at a free virtual Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Identifying the Water Moccasin.” MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center staff will offer this online program July 30, from 1-1:30 p.m. Among the topics this class will cover is how to identify cottonmouths (i.e., "water moccasin"), their habitat and some precautions you can take to keep from being bitten. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173690

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

Want to be a conservation agent? MDC taking applications for next agent training academy

Learn more at jobs.mdc.mo.gov/job/Conservation-Agent-Trainee-MO/656440900/

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Want to become a steward of conservation, help people, and protect nature by serving as a conservation agent? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces it is taking applications during July for up to 16 participants for its 2021 conservation agent training academy, which will begin April 1, 2021.

Selected candidates will undergo 26 weeks of intense training in all facets of law enforcement and resource management. Those who make the grade will receive county assignments and become the faces of conservation in their assigned communities – educating and enforcing the Wildlife Code of Missouri through a community policing approach, helping the public with issues such as wildlife damage and disease, and providing information for water and land management.

Get information online on essential job duties, education requirements, experience and knowledge needed, required skills and abilities, physical abilities required, pay and benefits, along with additional details, how to apply, and conditions of employment online at jobs.mdc.mo.gov/job/Conservation-Agent-Trainee-MO/656440900/.

To learn more about the job, contact MDC Hiring Supervisor Cheryl Fey at Cheryl.Fey@mdc.mo.gov, or at 573-522-4115 ext. 3819. 

Want to know more about the work of conservation agents? Watch these videos from MDC Conservation Agent Matt Smith at youtube.com/watch?v=1856t1GC6OE and MDC Conservation Agent Lexis Riter at youtube.com/watch?v=8Beigpg8I3A.

MDC says proper tending and disposal of fishing lines protects people and wildlife

Help keep rivers and lakes clean and safe

Kansas City, Mo. – Hazards for wildlife and people from lost or discarded fishing lines and hooks, and old and inactive trot lines or set lines, are not prevalent on the state’s rivers and lakes. But problems do occur sometimes, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges anglers to recover lines and properly dispose of what is no longer useful.

MDC conservation agents commonly pick up discarded monofilament fishing line. Monofilament and fluorocarbon line does not readily degrade. Wildlife can get entangled in old lines and killed. Some lost or improperly maintained trot lines and jug lines can also create hazards.

For example, a kayak paddler was recently exploring a small island at Smithville Lake with her two small dogs. One of the dogs ate a dead fish it found on shore, and it also swallowed a hook and partially swallowed a long section of heavy monofilament line. The veterinarian who performed surgery to remove them said the hook was dangerous in the animal’s stomach. But the ingested fishing line also posed serious dangers to the digestive system. Wildlife faces the same hazard.

This was a rare and unusual case. But it shows what hazards are possible, and agents say it likely occurs with wildlife. The heavy line and 1½-inch hook the dog ingested likely came from a fish that broke the line for a pole and line angler, or it came from a floating or anchored jug line.

Jug lines are a popular and safe fishing method for catfish. But sometimes an anchored jug line does not have enough weight on the anchor and a fish is able to tow it away, said Cpl. Zeb Jordan, an MDC agent in St. Clair County who patrols Truman Lake.

“When people don’t put enough weight on an anchored jug line, fish pull it to deep water and the jug drops out of sight, or they pull it under a log,” Jordan said.

That leads to wasted fish and water hazards.

Trot lines, such as those tied from tree to tree with hooks tied on the line in between, can be another hazard if not tended properly. They are to be run by anglers every 24 hours, and the Missouri Wildlife Code requires them to be removed when the fishing is completed. Sometimes trot lines or bank lines are set during a highwater event. When they are not properly removed, the lines become a hazard for boaters and wildlife when the water goes down. It is also not legal to clip the hooks off an untended line with the intent of returning later to tie on new hooks and rebait the line.

“We’ve had tangled up dead birds hanging 10 or 15 feet up in the air on an old line after the lake went down,” Jordan said.

Rod and reel anglers commonly need to remove tangles or change line. They should dispose it in a trash sack, not on the ground or in the water. Anglers picking up and disposing old line or hooks they encounter on shore is helpful, too. Otherwise, shore birds and mammals could become entangled.

“If I see something like that, I pick it up,” said Cpl. Derek Cole, MDC agent in Jackson County. “Most of the people out there fishing, if they see it, they will pick it up.”

Volunteers with Missouri Stream Teams have installed PVC pipe bins for recycling monofilament line at some popular fishing spots or boat ramps. Anglers can place discarded line in the bins. The line will be sent to a recycling program.

For more information, visit the Monofilament Recovery Recycling Program section at the Missouri Stream Team website, http://www.mostreamteam.org/activities.html.

To study Missouri’s catfishing regulations, visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/catfish.

Photo: A kayak paddler's pet dog swallowed a dead fish and this hook and line. MDC urges anglers to properly tend and remove set lines for catfish, and dispose of waste monofilament line used on rods and reels properly. Lines left as trash are a hazard to wildlife and people.

MDC thanks volunteers for their contributions to conservation

Help support nature on your own by participating in citizen science!

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to extend a big thank you to its volunteers for another year of hard work and dedication supporting conservation initiatives and helping to educate others about Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

“We so appreciate and value our volunteers,” said MDC Volunteer and Interpretive Program Coordinator Syd Hime. “These individuals are assets to the department as they connect with the public and help to educate them about Missouri’s natural resources.”

More than 1,600 volunteers donate their time and energy to MDC through the Missouri Master Naturalist program, shooting ranges, nature centers, interpretive sites, Hunter Education programs, and through fishing instruction. Nearly 3,000 people volunteer as part of the Missouri Forestkeepers Network, which is a forest-health monitoring program that educates the public about tree-care and helps monitor forest health. Additionally, nearly 30,000 people volunteer their time helping to improve Missouri’s streams through the Stream Team program.

During 2019, volunteers logged more than 250,000 hours in outreach efforts, citizen science, program support, and more.

The current public health crisis has slowed current volunteer duties and opportunities, but some nature centers have gotten creative in connecting with their volunteers.

“Last week, Runge Nature Center held a drive-thru social for our volunteers as a way to keep them engaged and to let them know the staff misses them,” explained Runge Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney. “We usually have in-person monthly meetings with volunteers to provide updates on programs and events, but we haven’t had the chance to meet due to COVID-19. The drive-thru social was a way to lift their spirits, enjoy ice cream, and interact with staff and volunteers while also staying safe.”

Staff at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center took a similar approach – only instead, nature center staff made the trek to volunteers’ front lawns to safely say hello and check-in from a distance.

VOLUNTEER ON YOUR OWN

Though MDC isn’t currently recruiting new volunteers at the moment, there are ways to continue to support and connect with the outdoors, such as through citizen science. The public can help conservation efforts by downloading mobile apps such as iNaturalist or eBird and sharing their observations. These nature observations can be done as a solo endeavor out on a trail or with family in the backyard.

“Though we’re currently limited in our recruitment and engagement with our volunteers, citizen science is a great way to donate your time to contribute to conservation efforts,” explained Hime. “We look forward to welcoming back our volunteers and to having more opportunities on the horizon.”

For more information on citizen science or on activities you can do from your home, backyard, or neighborhood, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z7D.

To find out more on the Missouri Stream Team program, visit http://www.mostreamteam.org/.

Stay updated with MDC’s latest news by signing up through GovDelivery at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.