MISSOURI  TROUT  NEWS

New Missouri Department of Conservation division chiefs are: (top l-r) Chris Vitello, Jacob Careaga,
Mike Hubbard, (bottom l-r) Mike Huffman, Mike Kruse and Tom Neubauer.

New Division Chiefs named for MDC

JEFFERSON CITY 07/21/10 – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has promoted six staff members to positions as division chiefs.

Chris Vitello has been selected as the new Fisheries division chief.

Vitello replaces Bill Turner, who retired June 30 after 32 years with the MDC.

Vitello earned a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries & Wildlife in 1977 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was awarded his master’s degree in Biology/Limnology in 1979 from Southwest Missouri State University-Springfield. Prior to joining the MDC in 1987, Vitello worked in related professions in Montana. He began his career at the MDC as a Fisheries management specialist in Cape Girardeau. His career with the MDC has included positions as a Fisheries management biologist, regional supervisor and most recently field operations chief.

“Chris is a motivated and experienced administrator and biologist with a proven 31-year track record in resource management, project coordination and supervision,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “His extensive experience in interagency coordination, partnership development and public service is paralleled by a demonstrated history of multiple task management, budget oversight and working in team environments.”

The Fisheries division manages the fish and associated aquatic plants and animals of Missouri for the use and enjoyment of the people. Fisheries staff maintain aquatic ecosystem integrity and protect aquatic biodiversity, manage public fisheries resources, provide services to private landowners and provide public information and education.

Jacob Careaga has been selected as the new Design & Development division chief.

Careaga replaces Bill Lueckenhoff, who retired June 30 after 33 years with the MDC.

Careaga began his career with the MDC in 2003 as a project engineer and most recently served as a Design & Development unit chief for the last four years. His professional experience includes working in the private sector, for the Missouri Department of Transportation as a structural designer and for Jefferson City as a civil engineer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla and is a licensed professional engineer.

“Jacob brings a strong work ethic, innovative thinking and strategic vision to the administrative team and believes in working with people to accomplish our collective conservation goals,” said Ziehmer. “He has broad experience, strong leadership and effective management skills.”

The Design & Development division provides professional support to the MDC in the areas of engineering, architecture, computer-aided drafting, surveying, construction and maintenance to ensure that Missourians enjoy high quality public-use facilities. The division also provides professional advice and guidance to other staff on best management practices for the operation of facilities and takes a lead role in the development and oversight of capital improvement projects.

Mike Hubbard has been selected as the new Private Land Services division chief.

Hubbard replaces Bill McGuire, who retired June 30 after 35 years with the MDC.

Hubbard received a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1988 and a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University in 1991. He earned a doctorate degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University in 1997.

He worked for the U.S. Forest Service and Iowa State University as a research assistant and associate before joining the MDC in 1999 as a Wildlife research biologist. He became a Resource Science supervisor in 2003 and then Resource Science field chief in 2008.

“Mike is a mentor and leader with the capacity for strategic thinking, establishing program priorities, providing oversight and guidance and maintaining a valuable understanding of department and stakeholder perspectives,” said Ziehmer. “This background, along with a strong knowledge of ecology and wildlife management strategies, substantial experience related to agency regulations and long-term planning, involvement in committees and media relations will well serve the department and people of Missouri.”

The Private Land Services division helps Missouri landowners achieve their land-use objectives in ways that enhance the conservation of Missouri's natural resources. Staff promote the wise use of fish, forest, wildlife and natural communities through private-landowner participation, information sharing, financial assistance and partnerships. Staff also develop and maintain partnerships with other state and federal agencies, commodity groups, agri-businesses and conservation organizations to develop and achieve common natural resource goals.

Mike Huffman has been selected as the new Outreach & Education division chief.

Huffman replaces Lorna Domke who retired June 30, after 26 years with the MDC.

Huffman served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft maintenance technician before obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Utah State University in 1983. He then worked as a forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service in Utah and as a graduate assistant at Purdue University in Indiana. He joined the MDC in 1987 as a resource forester assistant. Over the next 23 years, he served as a resource forester, Forestry regional supervisor, Forestry programs supervisor, Wildlife regional supervisor and most recently as the forest management chief for the MDC’s Missouri River Unit.

“Mike is a proven communicator who is able to cultivate positive working relationships within and between divisions,” said Ziehmer. “His strong leadership skills, coupled with adaptability and enthusiasm, make him a ‘go to’ person willing to mentor staff and address issues in a fair and balanced manner.”
The Outreach & Education division helps Missourians understand and value our fish, forest and wildlife resources. Staff work in three main areas: outreach programs, conservation education and outdoor skills. The outreach programs staff produce a variety of information tools, including the Missouri Conservationist and numerous other publications, videos, the MDC website, exhibits, media relations, nature shops and more. The conservation education staff work through schools and nature centers to help Missourians learn more about putting conservation into practice. The outdoor skills staff provide school-based skills training as well as classes for youth and adults who want to hunt, fish, camp, hike or enjoy the outdoors through safe and ethical nature-based recreation.

Mike Kruse has been selected as the new Resource Science division chief.

Kruse replaces Ron Dent, who retired June 30 after 34 years with the MDC.

Kruse received a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1983 and a master’s degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1985. He worked as a biologist for the University of Wisconsin Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies before joining the MDC as a Fisheries division management specialist in 1986. He then held the positions of Fisheries research biologist, programs supervisor, administrative manager, and most recently as Resource Science Center unit chief before accepting his new position.

“Mike is a well-known and respected leader with broad experience in many aspects of natural resources conservation,” said Ziehmer. “He has served on numerous internal committees and task forces, and has established and maintains cooperative working relationships with universities, colleges, agencies and non-governmental research groups.”

The Resource Science division ensures the integration of population dynamics, habitat relationships and constituent desires into science-based management and policy for grassland, agricultural, forest, wetland and aquatic systems throughout Missouri. Division staff assist resource managers with evaluation of fish, wildlife, and habitat management efforts with a special emphasis on species and communities of concern through surveys, monitoring and comprehensive databases. The division also provides technical support for establishing harvest regulations, conservation planning, and public information.

Earlier in the year, Tom Neubauer was named Human Resources division chief.

Neubauer replaced Debbie Strobel, who retired after 34 years with the MDC.

Neubauer graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology and began his 17-year career in human resources work. He started with the Missouri Department of Transportation as a human resources specialist and was promoted several times before becoming compensation supervisor. He joined the MDC in 2003 as the compensation and benefits manager and held this position prior to his current one.

“Throughout his career, Tom has been involved in a wide range of HR functions,” said Ziehmer. “He has extensive knowledge of organizational structures, internal relationships and market competitiveness. His work with our insurance health plan has been important in keeping it fiscally sound while and still providing valuable member benefits and services. As a fisherman and outdoorsman, Tom strongly believes in our mission and its positive impact on our stakeholders and environment.”

The Human Resources division provides services that help the MDC attract and retain qualified employees to accomplish its goals and objectives. Division activities include recruitment and selection, compensation and job classification, policy administration, training and development, benefits, employee relations and safety.

The noted retirements, along with 96 others at the end of the Department’s 2010 fiscal year, June 30, are part of the MDC’s expense reduction plan. The plan was approved by the Conservation Commission in September 2009 and includes reducing staff, primarily through retirements.

“Employee salaries and benefits are typically an organization’s largest expenses,” explained Ziehmer. “Reducing personnel costs compared to other expenses will help keep us in a sound financial position while still allowing us to provide quality conservation services to the people of Missouri.”

- Joe Jerek –

Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited Hosts Gary Borger

On June 12, 2010, Mid-Mo TU will be hosting Dr. Gary Borger in Columbia.  This special event will be held at RADIL Auditorium at Discovery Ridge, at the University of Missouri.  Ticket cost is only $15, and the number of tickets is being limited to just 75.  For information, contact Scott Gerlt at gerlts@missouri.edu or call him at 573-256-9521. 

The weekend is tentatively planned as follows:  From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Dr. Borger will present: "Reading the Water" - The tactics of finding, stalking, presenting the fly to, and hooking and playing trout in lakes and streams; and "Sight Fishing with Nymphs from Top to Bottom" - Learn these amazingly easy and highly successful new tactics for nymph fishing that makes the process totally visual -- not just fishing dry flies. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., lunch break. Food can be purchased on site. From 12:00 to 1:00 Dr. Borger will be available for book signings.  From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Dr Borger will present: "Casting and Mending" (weather permitting); "Really Matching the Hatch" - There's far more to matching the hatch than having the right fly, learn the underlying secrets for consistent success on big, selective trout during heavy hatches; and "Presentation" - The many arts and science of fly fishing integrated into one cohesive strategy for consistent angling success, the tricks for fining and taking big trout.

Mark VanPatten named Water Conservationist of the Year

This Conservation Department fisheries biologist

helped release a flood of citizen stream-conservation efforts.

SUNRISE BEACH–Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Management Biologist Mark VanPatten recently received the Water Conservationist of the Year Award from the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM).

In February 1989, VanPatten applied to make the Roubidoux Fly Fishers Missouri Stream Team No. 1. He went on to become Missouri Stream Team coordinator and has continued to promote the program tirelessly for more than 20 years. Today, Missouri has more than 4,000 stream teams with 80,000-plus volunteers.

VanPatten and his wife, Regina, also get youngsters interested in stream conservation through an after-school Hooked on Fly Fishing program that teaches 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders how to tie flies and catch fish. He also helped Arkansas launch its own Stream Team program.

VanPatten was one of 11 Missourians honored by the CFM at its annual awards ceremony March 5 at Lake of the Ozarks. The CFM presents awards each year recognizing efforts in several fields of conservation endeavor. More than 300 conservation supporters, including Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon and Bass Pro Shops founder John L. Morris, were on hand to salute this year’s honorees.

Other 2010 CFM honorees include:

·         Charles Drury, Conservationist of the Year

·         Ray Eye, Dittmer, Conservation Communicator of the Year

·         Katy Schrader, Joplin, Conservation Educator of the Year

·         Terry Cunningham, Salem, Forest Conservationist of the Year

·         Denny Bopp, Lebanon, Professional Conservationist of the Year

·         Bill Miller, Goodman, Water Conservationist of the Year

·         Bruce & Jan Sassman, Bland, Wildlife Conservationists of the Year

·         Dan Witter, Jefferson City, and Douglas Eiken, California, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement.

The CFM is a broad-based citizen conservation group, representing more than 85,000 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 573/634-2322 or visit www.confedmo.org/.

-Jim Low-

ROARING RIVER HATCHERY

OBSERVES ITS 100TH YEAR

2010 marks the 100^th consecutive year of trout production at Roaring River State Park. The first hatchery at Roaring River was built by Roland Bruner in 1910, and trout have been produced there continuously ever since. Retiring Roaring River Hatchery Manager Jerry Dean has written an excellent  article available in PDF form at the following link:  Roaring River's 100th anniversary

JERRY AND BRENDA MILLER TO SOUND SIREN

FOR TROUT OPENER AT BENNETT SPRING

Jerry and Brenda Miller, who recently retired after running Weaver's Tackle Store and Campground for the last twenty-five years, will officially start the 2010 Catch-and-Keep Trout  Season at Bennett Spring State Park on March 1st.  There will be an Open House for them between 3 and 5 pm at Weaver's Tackle Store, so their many friends and well-wishers will have a chance to come by and share some great memories.   For more  information, see the Weaver's Fishing Report. 

NOTE:  For news and photos from Opening Day 2010, be sure to visit  www.mostateparks.com/troutopening.htm

Opening-day anglers will find improvements at trout parks

The Conservation Department has upgraded fish habitat

and hatchery facilities at Missouri’s four trout parks.

JEFFERSON CITY–Opening day of Missouri’s four trout parks always involves excited anglers and hungry rainbow trout. New features at this year’s event include enhanced fish habitat and improved hatchery facilities.

For more than 70 years, Missourians have been celebrating the arrival – or at least the anticipation – of spring by turning out in large numbers at trout parks on March 1. Although the parks remain open year-round, anglers can catch and keep fish only from March 1 through Oct. 31. They must release fish they catch from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February.

The opportunity to shake off winter torpor and take home fresh trout attracts more than 10,000 anglers to the parks some years, along with more than a few people who come simply to witness the spectacle.

The Missouri Department of Conservation operates trout hatcheries at all four trout parks. It stocks three trout for every angler expected on opening day. Based on records of past opening days, the Conservation Department expects 8,000 anglers will attend this year’s trout opener and so will stock 24,000 trout at the four parks.

Weather plays an important role in determining crowd size on opening day. The trout park attendance record occurred in 1992, when 14,947 anglers descended on the parks for a Sunday opener with beautiful weather. Although this year’s opening-day crowd is unlikely to approach that high-water mark, pleasant conditions could boost the total considerably.

This is the 100^th consecutive year of trout production at Roaring River State Park near Cassville. Roland Bruner built the first hatchery there in 1910. The state took over the property in 1928 and has operated the hatchery ever since.

By the time anglers arrive March 1, work crews will have finished removing gravel from selected areas of the spring branch at Roaring River. Flooding last year washed excessive gravel into the stream, covering bottom structure that benefits trout. The crews also have been removing excess aquatic vegetation to improve fishing conditions.

Similar habitat work has taken place during the off-season at the other three trout parks. Visitors also may find ongoing renovation work at the Conservation Department’s trout hatcheries. These include a new production building and major raceway renovations at Bennett Spring Hatchery and a new feed storage building and office renovation at Roaring River.

Anglers who have not visited Montauk State Park since the 2009 trout opener will find a new fish-cleaning station to make their post-fishing chores more convenient and keep the park cleaner.

Three of Missouri’s trout parks – Bennett Spring near Lebanon, Montauk near Salem, and Roaring River – are state parks, owned by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The fourth – Maramec Spring Park, near St. James – is owned by the James Foundation. The Conservation Department operates trout hatcheries at all four.

For more information about trout park fishing, call:

·         Bennett Spring - 417-532-4418.

·         Maramec - 573-265-7801.

·         Montauk - 573-548-2585.

·         Roaring River - 417-847-2430.

Anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. Missouri residents 16 through 64 need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag. Nonresidents 16 and older need a fishing permit.

Trout parks are only one option for Show-Me State anglers. For more about the state’s extensive system of trout streams and winter trout fishing, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/7248.

-Jim Low-

New state-record brown trout is big, but bigger

ones might still swim in Lake Taneycomo

The world record is more than 10 pounds

heavier than Missouri’s current record.

BRANSON 12/08/09 – For Scott Sandusky, the most exciting fish in the world is the Missouri state-record brown trout he landed Nov. 20. For the rest of us, the most exciting fish are the even bigger brown trout that might still be prowling the depths of Lake Taneycomo.

Sandusky, a 49-year-old resident of Arnold, caught his 28-pound, 12-ounce fish on Berkley Power Bait and 4-pound-test line on a spinning rod and reel. The fish – which bore some resemblance to a football – bested the previous record – another Taneycomo fish – by more than a pound. It measured 37 inches from nose to tail.

Sandusky’s catch is dwarfed by the world record brown trout, caught from Michigan’s Big Manistee River Sept. 9. That fish weighed 41 pounds, 7 ounces. However, the Missouri Department of Conservation says Lake Taneycomo could harbor even bigger brown trout.

In September 1997, a Lake Taneycomo angler found a monster brown trout dead near the lake’s 18-mile marker. The fish measured 41.75 inches long. Some estimated its live weight at 45 pounds.

Mike Kruse, now fisheries administrative manager for the Conservation Department in Jefferson City, was the agency’s trout research biologist in 1997. At the time, he noted that the dead fish could have been a world record.

Conservation Agent Quenten Fronterhouse said he has seen larger fish in the Trout Hollow area. Fisheries Management Biologist Shane Bush said Conservation Department fisheries workers have found a number of brown trout weighing more than 30 pounds when conducting electrofishing samples.

“With our annual stocking rate of around 10,000 brown trout a year, Taneycomo should have no problem producing additional world-class brown trout in the future,” said Bush.

 “There is no telling how many world-class brown trout are swimming around in Lake Taneycomo,” said Kruse. “The lake’s natural food base is phenomenal, and it has an abundance of deep-water habitat that can hide big fish.”

Furthermore, said Kruse, Lake Taneycomo’s slow-moving current allows big trout to grow rapidly, because they don’t have to expend much energy.

In contrast, anglers are likely to expend lots of energy looking for big browns at Lake Taneycomo, spurred on by Sandusky’s success.

-Jim Low-

BOB ZIEHMER NEW DIRECTOR OF THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Monday, November 09, 2009 

JEFFERSON CITY–Conservation Department Director-Designate Bob Ziehmer says he wants the agency to embrace change to meet its challenges. His new boss says he hopes the Show-Me State’s next top conservationist will take enough time to smell the roses.

The Missouri Conservation Commission announced Friday that Robert L. (Bob) Ziehmer will head the agency starting Jan. 15. He will be the eighth director in the agency’s 73-year history, replacing John D. Hoskins, who has been director since July 2002.

Ziehmer, 42, is a native of California, Mo., where he currently lives with his wife, Beth and their daughters, Emily, 14, and Lauren, 11.

“I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity the commission has entrusted to me,” said Ziehmer. “This is a huge event for me and for my family.”

Ziehmer said one of his top priorities as director will be maintaining the citizen confidence and support that have made Missouri a national conservation leader. “We need to have open dialog with Missourians about important issues,” he said. “I welcome that. Citizen input and involvement are critical to conservation.”

Examples of citizen input that have been effective in the past include: holding public meetings on important topics, conducting surveys to ensure Conservation Department services meet citizen needs and increasing the agency’s use of diverse media outreach avenues for two-way communication with citizens.

He said one short-term challenge facing the Conservation Department is dealing with decreased revenues as a result of the slowed economy.

“We are not in a crisis mode,” said Ziehmer, “but we need to continue to ensure that efficiency measures are in place and to streamline processes. The public has entrusted the department with a unique and special system of conservation governance and funding. We must maintain accountability.”

Ziehmer said the Conservation Department will continue proactive steps to address Conservation challenges, such as educating all citizens about the importance and value of Missouri forest, fish and wildlife resources, enhancing hunter and angler numbers, addressing invasive species and alternative fuel issues. Working together with citizens and conservation partners will keep Missouri a clear national leader in forest, fish and wildlife management.

FORMATIVE YEARS

The director-designate studied fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He began his career with the Conservation Department in 1991. He said his parents influenced his career choice by encouraging his interest in hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor activities.

Ziehmer’s scoutmaster, Conservation Agent Richard Schroeder, also played an important role in shaping his ambitions.

Schroeder recalls that Ziehmer and his parents, Carl and Andree, were active conservationists, working to improve wildlife habitat on their land.

“Years later, when Bob was in college, he used to ride along with me when I was working,” said Schroeder. “We handed out seed for food plots, did educational programs and other normal agent work.”

“Bob was a good scout,” the retired conservation agent says. “When he earned his Eagle Scout, I had to vouch for his character, and I was glad to do it. At his eagle ceremony Jim Keefe (editor of Missouri Conservationist magazine) presented the award. I don’t think Bob had ever met Jim, but he knew him from the magazine.”

Public invited to share ideas at an informational meeting
regarding Bennett Spring State Park Oct. 23

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 15, 2009 -- In an effort to ensure that the public has an opportunity to provide input regarding services in state parks and historic sites, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites you to bring your ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Oct. 23, at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon. The informational meeting will be begin at 6 p.m. at the park's nature center's classroom and is open to the public.

Representatives from the park will provide information on future plans for the park and answer questions. The current fishing platform project will be discussed during the informal meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions on the park's goals, objectives and new initiatives. Based partially on previous comments and input from the public, the Department renovated Campground #1 and completed two playground upgrades.

Bennett Spring State Park is located 12 miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park office at 417-532-4338 or by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at mostateparks.com.

Conservation Commission approves

new MDC staffing plan to reduce costs

Plan focuses on maintaining a sound financial position
by reducing expenses through adjusted staffing and service levels.

JEFFERSON CITY 09/18/09 —The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved a staffing plan that significantly reduces expenses for the Conservation Department.

The Commission announced the plan at its meeting Sept. 18 in Hillsboro. The plan focuses on reducing personnel costs compared to other expenses. Conservation Department Director John Hoskins said the plan will help keep the agency on a sound financial footing.

“Like most other agencies and organizations, we are feeling the impacts from this ongoing economic downturn,” said Hoskins. “This plan will help ensure our sound financial position during this continuing period of lagging revenues and well into the future.”

The Department's two largest revenue sources, the conservation sales tax and permit revenues, have not kept pace with inflation.  From 2000 through mid-2009, both permit revenues and conservation sales tax revenue increased less than inflation by double digits.

Revenue from the Department’s one-eighth of 1-percent conservation sales tax was $6.4 million lower in Fiscal Year 2009 than the previous year. The decline came on the heels of a $400,000 shrinkage of sales-tax revenues in FY 2008. The new staffing plan is expected to produce annual savings of approximately $7.5 million.

“The fiscal year 2009 decrease was the largest one-year decline in conservation-sales-tax history,” Hoskins said. “It also is the first time that conservation-sales-tax revenues have decreased two years in a row.”

While revenue reductions have hurt the Conservation Department’s recent bottom line, Hoskins said the new staffing plan is not solely a reaction to the economic downturn. It is consistent with the long-term goal of better balancing staffing costs with spending on facilities and services.

“Employee salaries and benefits are most organizations’ biggest expenses,” said Hoskins. “The staffing plan approved by the Conservation Commission ensures adequate funds allowing continued service to the people of Missouri through delivery of solid conservation services.”

The majority of the expense reductions will be achieved by keeping vacant positions unfilled. The Department has been holding 39 full-time positions vacant since early this year. It anticipates another 134 vacancies in full-time positions, largely through retirements, over the next 20 months. The total of 173 vacant positions represents 10.7 percent of the Department’s staff.

Hoskins noted that staff and expense reductions will impact some Conservation Department facilities and services. He said the Department is still determining specific changes.

“We have to live within our means just like our fellow Missourians and will continue to deliver our core conservation services,” said Hoskins. “That is what we are doing. Thanks to Missouri voters’ foresight in providing the conservation sales tax, we still have enough resources to do our job.”

The Conservation Department’s budget represents less than 1 percent of the State of Missouri’s total annual budget.

Gov. Nixon to speak at Conservation Agent Graduation Sept.4, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY MO -- Governor Nixon will address the Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2009 Conservation Agent Class during a graduation ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, at the Capital City Christian Church, 1512 Swifts Hwy in Jefferson City. The 19 new agents will begin their county assignments after graduation.

 The new agents started their training on March 1. The extensive training covered a wide variety of topics, including fish, forest and wildlife management, wildlife code and law enforcement, boating, first responder duties, CPR/First Aid, hazardous materials and statutory law.  Upon graduation, the agents will be licensed as Peace Officers through the Department of Public Safety. 

- Joe Jerek -

Hoskins announces retirement plans, search

for a new conservation director to begin Sept. 1

Current director will serve until January.

JEFFERSON CITY 08/18/09 –The Missouri Conservation Commission will conduct a national search to replace Conservation Department Director John Hoskins, who announced his retirement plans Friday.

Hoskins’ announcement came at the close of the Missouri Conservation Commission’s August meeting in Jefferson City. He said he will continue as director until Jan. 15.

“There are seasons and cycles in nature,” said Hoskins in announcing his retirement, “and a season is changing in my life. The cycle of service as Director of the Department is nearing an end.  I have enjoyed this work, but I look forward to the next season of my life. Janet (Hoskins’ wife) and I intend to move to our Carter County farm, where we can live simply, close to the land, and close to our family.”

Hoskins’ Conservation Department career began as a conservation agent 32 years ago. He has been the agency’s director since July 2002. He is only the seventh director in the agency’s 72-year history.

Commission Secretary Don Johnson said Hoskins’ leadership will be missed.

“Director Hoskins brought superb administrative skills to this job,” said Johnson. “That, combined with a deep commitment to our wild resources and John’s faith in citizen-led conservation, has done much to strengthen a program that has always been a national model. We are sorry to see him go, but we wish him a long and happy retirement, enjoying the natural legacy he helped preserve.”

Johnson said the Conservation Commission will post a job announcement for the director’s position Sept. 1 at www.missouriconservation.org.

Conservation Department achievements during Hoskins’ administration have included:

·        Increased transparency and accountability, including holding more than 100 public meetings to gather citizen input on topics ranging from deer, waterfowl, quail, trout and catfish, and general Director’s forums.

·        Established a new strategic plan, The Next Generation, that builds on the many successes of the Design for Conservation Plan.

·        Built additional shooting ranges and renovated existing ones.

·        Opened new conservation education facilities in Kansas City (Discovery Center), Cape Girardeau (Nature Center), St. Louis (Howard and Joyce Wood Conservation Education Center) and Winona (Twin Pines Education Center).

·        Launched an intensive quail-recovery effort, using federal and private partnerships to leverage state funds.

·        Increased number of boating and fishing accesses.

·        Used state/federal/private partnerships to enhance wetland habitat and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

·        Increased efforts to retain and recruit hunters and anglers.

·        Participated in partnership efforts with the communities of Joplin and St. Joseph to establish Conservation Education Facilities.

·        Acquired key land parcels, such as an addition to the James A. Reed Conservation Area in Jackson County, LaBarque Creek Conservation Area in Jefferson County, and the Stephen C. Bradford Unit of the Black Island Conservation Area in Pemiscot County.

·        Enhanced trout stocking and coldwater fishing opportunities.

·        Implemented revised best management practices for timber-harvest activities on conservation areas to ensure long-term forest sustainability.

·        Award-winning professional staff achieved national and state recognition on a variety of fronts.

Hoskins’ career began in 1977 , when he was assigned to Butler County as a conservation agent. In 1980, he received a promotion to Ozark regional staff specialist, in which capacity he was responsible for Conservation Department personnel’s training and safety in the Ozark Region. In 1981, he moved up to Ozark Region assistant supervisor, helping establish the agency’s first Protection Division regional office and coordinating the pilot “Stash Your Trash” anti-littering campaign on float streams. He took over as Protection Division Supervisor in the 10-county Central Region in 1987.

In 1997, Hoskins moved to Jefferson City, where he assumed duties as Protection Division Section Chief for eastern Missouri. He became section chief in the General Services Division in 1998, then was promoted to Protection Division Chief in 2001. His promotion to director came 17 months later.

“I also look forward with optimism to the next cycle of Department leadership,” Hoskins said when he announced his retirement plans. “I believe that the Department’s best days are still ahead and that the next Director and leadership team will advance the cause of conservation in ways and deeds I cannot know today.

“It is an honor to serve the people and the fish, forests, and wildlife of Missouri. I regard the Department and the Commission to be the highest of public institutions and models for what public service should be. I feel blessed and privileged to have been a small part of it.”

-Jim Low-

Conservation Commission welcomes new commissioner Don Bedell

Sikeston businessman and conservationist brings experience and passion for Missouri outdoors.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO 08/11/09  – “I remember spending every summer as a kid with my grandparents on the Current River catching grasshoppers and whatever else we could get our hands on, and fishing for goggle-eye or whatever we could catch,” recalls the Missouri Conservation Commission’s newly appointed commissioner Don Bedell.  “I’ve always had a love for the outdoors. I’ve duck hunted all of my life, since I was big enough to carry a shotgun. And now I’ll be able to help the people of Missouri make sure the outdoors we love will be here for our kids and grandkids and their grandkids.”

Gov. Jay Nixon announced the appointment of the 68-year-old Sikeston businessman and longtime conservationist on July 30 for a term that expires July 1, 2015. Bedell will fill the role of Commissioner Lowell Mohler whose term expired July 1.

"Don Bedell has been a leader in Missouri's conservation community for decades, and his experience as an avid conservationist and sportsman will be a valuable asset to the Commission in its role of managing the state's forestry and wildlife resources," Gov. Nixon said.

Conservation Department Director John Hoskins praised Bedell for his past service to conservation and for his new commitment to guiding the state's conservation programs.  “Don Bedell’s enthusiasm for conservation and his life experience in both business and outdoor pursuits will help him quickly contribute to the Commission’s important work.”

Bedell brings a depth and breadth of experience to the Commission. In addition to being an accomplished businessman who has founded more than 100 companies and has sat on numerous boards of directors, he is an avid conservationist and enthusiastic sportsman. He is a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a Life Member of Quail Unlimited, Inc., a Sustaining Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a Diamond Sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a Life Member of Safari Club International.

While Bedell has fished and hunted around the world—from Mexico to Canada and in Africa—his roots are firmly planted in the Missouri Ozarks.  His parents were born and raised in and around Carter County. They moved to the state of Louisiana where Bedell was born, raised and went to college.

He returned to Carter County in 1966 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, a Master of Science in Animal Nutrition with a double minor in biochemistry and wildlife from Louisiana State University, and working toward a doctorate in Philosophy from LSU.

Bedell has lived, fished and owned property along the Current River in Carter County for most of his life. His family also owns farmland in Stoddard County near the Duck Creek Conservation Area. As a Missouri landowner, he has a deep appreciation of the value of managing land for wildlife. “We’ve been able to get some of our land along Duck Creek declared ‘wetlands’ by the federal government. We also plant a lot of food plots on our farmland and leave edge rows for wildlife habitat,” he explains.

He adds, “For the first time in a long time, I’m seeing good numbers of quail again in Missouri. They are coming back and the Department needs to be applauded in that effort.”

Bedell recalls one of his first experiences with the Department of Conservation.

“When I returned to Missouri after graduate school, I went to work for my wife’s family at Carter County Telephone Company. Back in the 1960s, we maintained the telephone lines at Peck Ranch and I got to watch the Department trap wild turkeys to restock all around the state. Back then, wild turkeys were pretty much gone in Missouri and the Department was bringing them back. It really interested me and made me appreciate even more the work of the Department. It also made me think what I, and all of us, can do to help make sure future generations will still be able to enjoy the hunting and fishing and other outdoor opportunities we have had.”  

He says that he is eager to serve the people of Missouri as a commissioner.

“From overwhelmingly supporting the constitutional amendment that created the agency back in 1936 to passing the sales-tax funding in 1976, it speaks well of the people of Missouri that they are leaders in the efforts to provide the funding and resources necessary for the Department to do the work it needs to do.”

 He adds, “Through my experiences of being on boards and working with a great variety of people, I believe I can reach out to people for their ideas, take an in-depth look into things and provide a different perspective.”

Bedell will serve at his first Commission meeting on Aug. 13 and 14 at the Department headquarters in Jefferson City.  Bedell's appointment to the Conservation Commission is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

Current commissioners are William “Chip” McGeehan of Marshfield, Don Johnson of St. Louis and Becky Plattner of Grand Pass.

Missouri voters established the Conservation Commission with Constitutional Amendment 4 through the initiative petition process in 1936. Under that amendment, the governor appoints commissioners to six-year terms. No more than two commissioners may be from the same political party. The commission carries out duties associated with the control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation of the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state.

 

-Joe Jerek-

Source of exotic snails less mysterious than their name

Conservation officials remind anglers to reduce the risk of spreading invasive species by not dumping bait.

JEFFERSON CITY  08/07/09 – The latest in a seemingly endless parade of exotic plants and animals to show up in Missouri has a name that seems ironic to those struggling to hold the line against invasive species.

During a 2008 vacation on the Niangua River, a man noticed snails that were much larger than any of Missouri’s native snails. They were the size of chicken eggs. He brought some to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Camdenton office.

“I was glad to get the report,” said Fisheries Management Biologist Craig Fuller. “They were Chinese mystery snails, a species on Missouri’s list of prohibited species. Besides being illegal to possess, they have the potential to multiply out of control and upset the ecological balance in Missouri waters.”

Since being discovered at a private boat ramp at Mountain Creek Campground, the snails have been found a short distance downstream in the Niangua River, at the Conservation Department’s Prosperine Access. Considering how many high flows have occurred on the Niangua River in the past year, Fuller says it seems likely the snails already have spread to other locations as well.

In spite of their name, there is little mystery about how Chinese mystery snails and other invasive species have spread across North America. People brought them here, some accidentally and some intentionally.

Chinese mystery snails arrived at Asian food markets and in the pet trade to be stocked in aquariums.

The zebra mussel, which turned up at several Missouri lakes in 2006, hitched a ride from Eurasia to the Great Lakes in the ballast tanks of oceangoing vessels. Since then it has traveled to distant lakes and streams on trailered boats.

The rusty crayfish, native to the Ohio River Basin, has been spread through the live-bait trade.

The gypsy moth, which has devastated forests from the East Coast to the Midwest, was brought to the United States in an attempt to hybridize silk worms. Now, their main method of colonizing new areas is attaching eggs to travel trailers and other outdoor equipment.

Dozens of other invasive species in North America have similar stories. Some, like the common carp, are so familiar we hardly recognize them as transplants. But each one alters the balance of plant and animal life by displacing native species.

Invasive Species Coordinator Tim Banek said the Niangua River mystery snail report was the sixth confirmed infestation in Missouri. He said he is not aware of any effective way to eradicate the snails, though removing and destroying them whenever possible is worthwhile.

More important, said Banek, is avoiding spreading Chinese mystery snails or other potentially harmful plants and animals. The simplest precaution, and one of the most effective, is never dumping bait.

“When you buy minnows, worms, crayfish or other live bait, you never know for sure where it came from or whether it might contain adults or larvae of invasive species,” said Banek. “Instead of dumping bait on the ground or in the water, put it in a trash bag and send it to the landfill. That is a pretty good guarantee that non-native species won’t escape. Furthermore, the Wildlife Code prohibits the release of unused bait to waters where it did not originate.”

Information about invasive species is available at mdc.mo.gov/landown/invasive.htm.

-Jim Low-

Wildlife Code changes take effect July 1

Changes include youth pricing for permits,

mentor requirements and nonresident permits.

JEFFERSON CITY  06/24/09 – Changes to Missouri’s Wildlife Code scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2009 will affect the availability and cost of youth and nonresident permits.  Other changes will affect areas where the antler-point restriction is in effect, urban deer hunting zones, the timing of the antlerless and muzzleloader portions of firearms deer season and the portion of southeast Missouri where antlerless deer permits may be used.

The Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit, which has been around since 1999, will not be sold after June 30. The $17 permit entitles holders age 6 through 15 to take one turkey in the spring and one in the fall and one deer during any firearms deer hunting season segment. The Youth Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit also is being discontinued July 1.

Instead, young hunters – whether residents or nonresidents – will be able to buy regular firearms deer hunting permits at half the price paid by adult Missouri residents. Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permits purchased during the 2009 spring turkey season will remain valid for the fall firearms deer and turkey seasons.

The order of the muzzleloader and antlerless portions of firearms deer season is reversed this year, with the antlerless portion taking place Nov. 25 through Dec. 6, and the muzzleloader portion running from Dec. 19 through 29. The Conservation Commission changed the timing of these events at the request of hunters.

Also new this year is a requirement that youths be at least 6 years old to receive landowner permits. Reduced-cost nonresident landowner deer and turkey hunting permits are no longer available, and prices for nonresident hunting and fishing permits have increased.

Another set of changes is aimed at bringing consistency to requirements for mentors of firearms hunters who have not completed hunter education. Until this year, hunters as young as 17 could serve as mentors under the requirements for some permits, while other permits required 21-year-old mentors. In certain circumstance, mentors faced no age restrictions.

This year when mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-education certified and not hunting on a landowner permit, all mentors, including landowners on their own land, must be at least 18 years old and hunter-education certified unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1967. 

Qualifying nonresident students may purchase resident permits this year, except lifetime permits.

New areas with the antler-point restriction include Ste. Genevieve County and the portions of Cass and Jefferson counties not included in the new urban deer zones. The antler-point restriction no longer applies to the portion of northeastern Franklin County now in the Urban Zone.

Archery antlerless deer permits now may be used in Cape Girardeau County, and qualifying air-powered guns may be used during firearms managed deer hunts.

Finally, deer hunting methods and seasons have been changed on some conservation areas in an effort to improve game management and hunting quality. Details of this and other regulation changes are explained in the 2009 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2009 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet. These publications are available in July wherever hunting permits are sold or at www.missouriconservation.org.

-Jim Low-

Missouri Stream Team turns 20

This citizen-led conservation dynamo has room for

as many Missourians as love the state’s flowing waters.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO  06/10/09 –Missouri Stream Team turns 20 this month, and if you happen to be out on a Missouri stream the weekend of June 13 and 14, you are likely to see evidence of the trailblazing organization in action.

The Show-Me State’s citizen-led stream conservation movement traces its roots much farther back than two decades. However, Missouri Stream Team – a joint effort of the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources – did not come into being until 1989. On Feb. 1 that year, the Roubidoux Fly Fishers became Stream Team No. 1. Since then, an estimated 80,000 citizens have formed 4,000 Stream Teams.

The program passed the 4,000-team milestone recently when a new Wal-Mart Store in Jefferson City officially adopted the Moreau 50 Access on the Moreau River. Wal-Mart encourages employees to join Missouri Stream Team through the company’s Volunteering Associates Program, which supports such efforts financially.

Although some of the state’s 4,000 stream teams have disbanded, many still are pursuing their commitment to Missouri’s rivers, creeks and rivulets more than a decade after organizing. Old or new, dozens of Stream Teams are visiting their chosen waters this month, removing litter, planting trees, checking water quality, conducting public-education events and doing myriad other things to ensure clean, healthy running waters.

“We thought it was most fitting for Stream Teams to celebrate this double milestone by doing what they do best in the places they love best,” said Stream Services Program Supervisor Paul Calvert.

Missouri Stream Team will hold an event this weekend to let individual stream teams from around the state gather and celebrate their achievements and renew their commitment to stream conservation. The Stream Team Celebration Weekend will take place where it all began, near the banks of Roubidoux Creek in Waynesville.

“We are sponsoring a cleanup and float of the Gasconade River,” said Calvert, “a cleanup of the Roubidoux, a barbecue, live music, breakfast and educational learning stations on a load of river-related topics. After dark on Saturday, we will show a new Stream Team video celebrating 20 years of progress.

Calvert said Stream Teams have formed associations that demonstrate their ability to accomplish things on a huge scale. However, their biggest achievement continues to be the cumulative difference they make working on individual streams.

“Since we began keeping records in the mid-90s, stream teams have reported performing approximately 1.5 million hours of volunteer work,” said Calvert. “The actual number is much larger, because not every stream team reports all its activities. The benefit to Missouri streams is incalculable. This is citizen-led conservation at its best.”

The most popular stream team activities are litter pickups, water quality monitoring, presentations, educational projects and tree planting. Litter pickups have removed more than 6,000 tons of trash from streams and stream corridors.

When Missouri Stream Team began, there were only a handful of reportable activities. However, as teams became involved in increasingly diverse activities, the number grew. Today the program tracks participation in 34 activities, from adopting stream accesses and photo monitoring to watershed mapping and zebra mussel monitoring.

Innovations continue. Some stream teams have concluded that while removing trash from streams is necessary, a more productive approach is to work with law-enforcement agencies to stop littering and trash dumping.

Calvert says there is no such thing as a “typical” stream team. Stream teamers come from all parts of the state and all walks of life.

“The only real common factors are a love of streams and a willingness to give of their time and energy to care for them.”

Missouri Stream Teams has three components – education, stewardship and advocacy. This is a direct result of the first Rivers and Streams Conference, which was held in 1988.

“People told us then that they wanted to know what was right or wrong with water quality and stream health,” said Calvert. “They told us they wanted opportunities for hands-on work to fix the problems, and they wanted to be able to speak out about stream issues in an informed manner. We took those things as our role – giving citizens the tools they needed to do what needs to be done.”

The original Stream Team staff was bowled over by the groundswell of participation that followed the formation of Missouri Stream Team. The program’s growth dwarfed initial goals, topping 500 teams and 25,000 volunteers in its first five years. Twenty years on, Calvert and his staff continue to be amazed at the rate of growth.

“You would expect things to level off at some point,” he said, “but we are adding teams today as fast as we ever have. You have to wonder what the next 20 years will bring.”

 For help forming a Stream Team or finding an active one in your area, call 573-522-4115, ext. 3591, or visit www.mostreamteam.org.

-Jim Low-

Vision for Missouri outdoors emerges from summit meeting

Conservation leaders from government, NGOs and

businesses produced an outdoor vision for the 21^st century.

COLUMBIA, Mo. 06/09/09 –In a historical echo, Missouri conservation leaders met in Columbia May 28 and 29 and hammered out a vision for the state’s outdoor future. Outdoor education, water conservation and connecting families with the outdoors topped the list of priorities that leaders agreed should guide conservation for the next three-quarters of a century.

The meeting mirrored one that took place in Columbia 74 years ago. On Sept. 10, 1935, sportsmen and conservationists from across Missouri met in the ballroom of the Tiger Hotel to discuss the sad condition of the state’s forests, fish and wildlife. Before leaving, they formed the Restoration and Conservation Federation of Missouri. That organization, known today as the Conservation Federation of Missouri, spurred the development of a conservation program that remains at template for other states.

Approximately 150 people attended the Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors at the Columbia Hilton Garden Inn. Attendees included the directors of the Missouri departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, the supervisor of the Mark Twain National Forest, the field supervisor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and representatives of dozens of nongovernmental organizations. Three state legislators, Sen. Frank Barnitz (D-Lake Spring) and Reps. J.C. Kuessner (D-Eminence) and Charles Schlottach (R-Owensville), attended the meeting.

The summit’s stated purpose was to chart a course for the next 75 years of Missouri’s air, water, forests, fish and wildlife and the economic and recreational and economic activities that depend on them. The first day of the conference featured speakers who framed the discussion of the outdoors in the broadest sense.

Gov. Jay Nixon kicked off the event, exhorting attendees to go beyond conservation.

“The air needs to be cleaner,” said Nixon, who received the Conservation Federation’s Conservation Legislator of the Year award in 1991, when he was a state senator. “The water needs to be cleaner and more plentiful, and more people need to appreciate the simple joy of the outdoors and the nature that we all share.

“I ask you to go beyond what people did when they got together the first Conservation Commission 75 years ago. If we aim that high and work together, then in a room much like this, after all of us are long gone, there will still be a group of empowered and impassioned leading Missourians who dedicate their time and resources to passing this planet on as a better place than they found it.”

Nixon emphasized the importance of getting more Missourians involved in outdoor pursuits related to nature. He also noted the need for conservation groups with diverse and sometimes divergent interests to focus on shared values.

Following Nixon’s address, Yale University Professor of Forestry and Environmental Science Stephen R. Kellert spoke about why outdoor experiences are critical to Americans’ individual, physical, social and economic wellbeing. University of Missouri Professor Larry Brown spoke about how Missouri’s social geography has affected the state’s natural resources.

Before the summit, organizers surveyed influential Missourians about outdoor recreation and conservation. Survey results provided a starting point for discussions about top outdoor priorities.

On the second day of the conference, attendees separated into working groups based on interest in the following topics:

·        Water

·        Air

·        Plants, animals and habitats

·        Outdoor mentorship

·        Conservation Funding

·        Education

·        Public land

·        Private land

·        Leadership structure

·        Stakeholder input

Each working group developed a list of important conservation actions for the next 75 years. During the final summit session, the working groups presented their lists to the full group, and all attendees voted on the entire list. The top 10 priorities emerging from this process were:

1.      Teaching Missourians about the outdoors

2.      Ensuring clean, abundant surface and groundwater

3.      Connecting families and communities to nature

4.      Supporting and funding outdoor resources and activities

5.      Conserving plants, animals and habitats

6.      Acquiring public lands for outdoor uses

7.      Helping private landowners

8.      Ensuring clean air

9.      Developing an organizational structure for outdoor leadership

10.   Promoting stakeholder input

Conservation Federation President Glenn Chambers said the consensus that emerged from the gathering of conservation leaders was “Get the message out that quality, healthy outdoors is essential for life.”

D.J. Case & Associates Marketing Research Director Dan Witter said the message he carried away from the gathering was, “We as a people may be able to survive without the outdoors, but we will be a terribly impoverished people – spiritually and physically – if we track that direction. In other words, 10 out of 10 people need the outdoors, not just hunters and anglers, but everybody.”

The Conservation Federation organized the summit in cooperation with Audubon Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, D.J. Case & Associates, the George C. Clark Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Missouri departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy and the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities.

-Jim Low-

2009-2010 deer seasons set

The order of Missouri’s antlerless

and muzzleloader seasons is reversed this year.

JEFFERSON CITY 04/27/09 –Most of this year’s fall deer and turkey hunting seasons and regulations will look familiar to experienced hunters, but this year’s rules also contain a number of significant changes.

The Missouri Conservation Commission set dates for all portions of the 2009-2010 firearms deer seasons last year. Those dates are:

·        Urban Zone Portion - Oct. 9-12

·        Early Youth Portion - Oct. 31-Nov. 1

·        November Portion - Nov. 14-24

·        Antlerless Portion - Nov. 25-Dec. 6

·        Muzzleloader Portion - Dec. 19-29

·        Late Youth Portion - Jan. 2-3

Starting July 1, the Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit and the Youth Antlerless Hunting Permit no longer will be available. Instead, resident and nonresident youth will be able to buy regular deer and turkey hunting permits at reduced costs. Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permits purchased during the 2009 spring turkey season remain valid for the 2009 fall firearms deer and turkey hunting seasons.

This year’s archery deer and turkey season is from Sept. 15 through Nov. 13 and from Nov. 25 through Jan. 15.

At its April meeting, the Conservation Commission voted to extended the antler-point restriction regulation to some areas and removed it in others. New areas with antler-point restrictions include Ste. Genevieve County and the portions of Cass and Jefferson counties not included in the new urban zones. Urban zone boundaries no longer follow county lines, and areas included in the urban zone are not under antler-point restrictions this year.

Maps showing the new urban zone boundaries and areas where antler-point restrictions apply will be included in the 2009 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which will be available in July wherever hunting permits are sold.

Qualifying air-powered guns – which first were allowed for deer hunting last year – may be used during modern methods managed deer hunts this year. The Conservation Commission added Cape Girardeau County to those where archery antlerless permits may be used.

This year, when mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-education certified, all mentors – including landowners on their own land – must be at least 18 years old and hunter-education certified unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits no longer are available. However, qualifying nonresident students may purchase resident permits, except lifetime permits.

Deer hunting seasons and methods have changed at some conservation areas this year. Details of these and other deer and turkey hunting regulation changes are explained in the Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations booklet.

-Jim Low-

Weather outlook favorable for spring dogwood display

Serviceberry trees already are in bloom, and redbuds are starting.

JEFFERSON CITY 03/30/09 –Spring began March 20, according to the calendar, but for many Missourians spring starts with the first blossoming of Missouri’s native flowering trees. State officials say prospects are excellent for a good dogwood display this year.

The serviceberry (Amelanchier arobrea),  redbud (Cercis canadensis)  and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) all are native to Missouri. Serviceberry trees – also known as shadbush -- bloom first, painting hillsides with splashes of bright white. Redbuds are next, sending out clusters of rose-purple flowers from late March through early May.

Dogwoods provide the season climax, normally reaching their blossoming peak in mid-April near the Arkansas border and two to three weeks later near Iowa. Pink dogwoods and other cultivated varieties often bloom earlier than their wild relatives. Even native varieties bloom earlier in cities, due to the warming effect of heat-retaining asphalt and concrete.

  Weather plays a critical role in determining when flowering trees reach their scenic peak, and weather also can dramatically affect flowering duration. Serviceberry trees, redbuds and dogwoods all can bloom a week or two earlier than normal if March weather is unseasonably warm, as it was in 2007. By the same token, a hard freeze, such as the one that struck early in April that year can put an abrupt end to flowering.

Similarly, cool weather can retard blooming. Rainy, windy weather can cause redbud blossoms to drop early, and hot, dry weather in April sometimes shortens the dogwood display.

The serviceberry showing has been excellent so far and is well advanced over most of the state. Redbuds are just beginning to bloom in central Missouri, and dogwoods appear to be only days behind. However, parts of the Ozarks seem to be behind these trends, and dogwood bloom could be slightly delayed.

Overall, this year’s weather seems favorable for a spectacular dogwood display. The long-range weather forecast from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center indicated spring conditions consistent with the average date of last frost of April 6 in St. Louis. Slightly above-normal temperatures throughout much of March could cause dogwood blossoming to peak a little early in this area. Kansas City foresters say they expect a peak dogwood bloom in mid-April, barring a hard, late freeze.

Redbud and dogwood fans have several favorite drives that offer particularly good viewing. These include:

--Highway 19 between Montgomery City and Thayer;

--Highway 5 between Versailles and Gainesville;

--Highway 142 between Doniphan and Bakersfield;

--Highway 72 between Cape Girardeau and  Rolla;

--Highway 63 between Kingdom City and Thayer;

--I-44 between Eureka and Rolla;

--Highway 50 between Eureka and Jefferson City;

--Highway 60 between Poplar Bluff and Springfield.

For more information about flowering trees in Missouri, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/8417.

-Jim Low-

Conservation Action

March 2009

The Conservation Commission met March 11 and 12 at Roaring River State Park, Cassville.  Commissioners present were:

William F. “Chip” McGeehan, Marshfield,

Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City,

Don R. Johnson, Festus,

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass,

REGULATIONS

The Commission approved recommendations from the Regulations Committee to:

§         Remove the requirement for a cable restraint permit.

§         Permit bowfishing in commercial waters during all hours throughout the year.

§         Add thermal imagery equipment to the list of prohibited equipment while simultaneously in possession of any firearm, bow or other implement whereby wildlife could be taken.

§         Increase the daily limit and possession limits for squirrels from 6 to 10 and 12 to 20, respectively.

§         Increase the daily limit and possession limit for squirrels taken through falconry from 2 to 10 and 4 to 20, respectively, and expand the season to open the fourth Saturday in May and close Feb. 15, to match the regular squirrel season.

§         Remove otter and muskrat trapping zones and set a statewide season and harvest quota for otters.

§         Add Atlantic salmon to the Approved Aquatic Species List.

§         Remove chronic wasting disease related regulations from the Wildlife Code.

§         Clarify that a Special Use Permit is required to place a geocache or letterbox on a Department area, but not to search for a geocache or letterbox placed on an area.

§         Eliminate special provisions for waterfowl blinds at Thomas Hill Reservoir, and instead place them under the general requirements that blinds be constructed onsite only of willows and non-woody vegetation and that blinds and decoys be removed daily.

§         Remove Long Branch Lake Management Lands from the list of areas closed to waterfowl hunting after 1 p.m.

§         Prohibit the use of float tubes at selected Department-owned lakes.

§         Add Anthony and Beatrice Kendzora Conservation Area (CA) to the list of areas where firearms firing single projectiles are prohibited except during managed deer hunts or when using a twenty-two (.22) or smaller caliber rimfire firearm to take furbearers treed with the aid of dogs.

§         Change regulations regarding outboard motors, hunting, fishing and trapping on several community lakes.

ADMINISTRATIVE

The Commission:

• Presented Volunteer Service Awards to Sylvia Smith and Mike Mihalik for more than 2,000 hours of service and to Bob Ball and Charles Burwick for over 5,000 hours of service at Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
• Received a presentation from Fisheries Field Operations Chief Chris Vitello about Missouri Trout Park Partnerships.
• Honored The James Foundation for exemplary efforts in managing Maramec Spring Park and their role as the Conservation Department’s partner in management of the associated trout fishery for more than 50 years.
• Honored the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for exemplary efforts in managing Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park and their role as the Department’s partner in management of these important trout fisheries.
• Approved the purchase, with funds received from the trust of George Wade Shelton, of approximately 320 acres as a new conservation area in Dade County, and naming the area the Wade and June Shelton Memorial CA. 
• Approved the advertisement and sale of approximately 1.4 million board feet of timber on 741 acres of Sunklands CA in Shannon County.
• Approved the advertisement and sale of approximately 1.6 million board feet of timber on 596 acres of Angeline CA in Shannon County.
• Suspended hunting and/or fishing privileges of 34 Missouri residents for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of eight Missouri residents. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

            Lesley D. Ash, Brumley, all sport privileges, 7 years

Jason D. Ballard, Williamsburg, hunting privileges, 8 months,

Randy E. Barnes, Ellington, all sport privileges, 2 years

Richard L. Barrett, Excelsior Springs, all sport privileges, 1 year

Franklin D. Becherer, St. James, all sport privileges, 1 year

Devin L. Burkhiser, Unionville, hunting privileges, 1 year

William Z. Butler, Bolivar, all sport privileges, 1 year

Joshua L. Carpenter, Seneca, all sport privileges, 3 years

Brandon L. Chadd, Halltown, all sport privileges, 1 year

Darren L. Chumbler, Winfield, all sport privileges, 2 years

Eric C. Cockrum, Florissant, hunting privileges, 6 months

James A. Crutchfield, Moberly, all sport privileges, 2 years

Paul C. Davis, St. Joseph, all sport privileges, 1 year

Anthony L. Fisher, Macon, all sport privileges, 1 year

Matthew C. Friedrich, Boonville, hunting privileges, until 12/16/2009

Toby W. Friedrich, Wooldridge, hunting privileges, until 12/16/2009

Mark A. Gerlach, Centertown, all sport privileges, 1 year

Bradley A. Gruver, Cuba, hunting privileges, 1 year

Ryan N. Hopp, Luray, all sport privileges, 1 year

Paul G. Huddleston, Smithton, hunting privileges, until 12/4/2010

William R. Huddleston, Smithton, hunting privileges, until 12/4/2010

Jimmie C. Hughes, Cuba, all sport privileges, 1 year

Christopher T. Irvine, Savannah, all sport privileges, 1 year

Justin C. Jensen, Conway, all sport privileges, add 2 years to current suspension

Brian J. Johnson, Ewing, all sport privileges, 1 year

Francis J. Lamb, Bakersfield, all sport privileges, 1 year

Michael L. Matney, Dexter, all sport privileges, 2 years

Anthony T. Newman, Aurora, all sport privileges, 1 year

Alex W. Pilsner, Cape Girardeau, all sport privileges, 1 year

Michael R. Savage, Annapolis, all sport privileges, 1 year

Larry E. Sharp, Edwards, all sport privileges, 1 year

John Shepherd, Hannibal, all sport privileges, add 1.5 years to current suspension

Dustin T. Souder, Brixey, all sport privileges, add 3 years to current suspension

Melvin J. Spradley, Edwards, all sport privileges, 1 year

Phillip E. Stephenson, Macon, all sport privileges, 1 year

Roger R. Thornton, Carthage, all sport privileges, 1 year

Spencer P. Watkins, St. Joseph, all sport privileges, 1 year

Nathan D. Wolf, Amity, hunting and fishing privileges, until 12/4/2010

Micky D. Wyatt, Warrensburg, all sport privileges, 1 year

One juvenile, all sport privileges, until 2/3/2010

Two juveniles, turkey hunting privileges, until 5/11/2009

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 217 people who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws.
• Suspended the hunting and fishing privileges of one Missouri resident and 211 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
•  Suspended the hunting privileges of three Missouri residents and one Kansas resident who injured or killed other persons in hunting accidents. The suspensions are for periods of up to five years. The hunters must complete a hunter education training course before restoration of privileges.
• Set the next Conservation Commission meeting for April 16 and 17 at Conservation Department Headquarters in Jefferson City.

2008 rains affect 2009 trout stocking

Stocking will be down

10 percent in most waters.

JEFFERSON CITY 03/16/09 – The effects of last year’s record rainfall continue to be felt a year later, with an announcement that the Missouri Department of Conservation will reduce trout stocking.

2008 was the wettest year in Missouri history, with nearly 6 feet of precipitation falling during the year in some areas and more than 12 inches of rain falling in less than 24 hours in others. Conservation Department Hatchery Systems Manager James Civiello said these torrential rains affected trout hatchery operations in several ways.

The most significant impact came from the forced release of massive amounts of water from Table Rock Dam in Taney County. Prior to 2008, the most rapid release ever witnessed there was 31,000 cubic feet per second. Last year, the dam let as much as 47,500 cfs pass through turbines and flood gates.

“Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery sits right below Table Rock Dam,” said Civiello. “The enormous volume of water pouring into Table Rock Lake forced the Corps of Engineers into record releases in June, and that created less-than-ideal water conditions for trout in our facility.”

Civiello said the temperature of water flowing from Table Rock Lake through the hatchery reached 65 degrees at times. This is too warm to spawn trout eggs and keep hatched fish healthy. Water quality became an issue, too. As a result, the hatchery lost more than 30,000 pounds of fish to disease and parasites, compared to the normal annual loss of approximately 7,000 pounds. Most of these were 3- to 6-inch fish that otherwise would have gone to other hatcheries.

In most years, Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery produces approximately 1.3 million trout for stocking and smaller fish for transfer to other hatcheries, where they are reared to stocking size. Last year the number fell to 1.1 million.

Meanwhile, other hatcheries were experiencing rain-related problems, too. Bennett Spring Hatchery near Lebanon and Maramec Spring Hatchery near St. James both lost fish to floods that compromised water quality and washed fish out of rearing areas.

To compensate for losses, hatchery managers “pushed” small fish, feeding them more to hurry their growth to the average stocking size of 12 inches. While this helped keep last year’s stocking near target levels, it amounted to borrowing fish from 2009. The hatchery system no longer has enough fish in the pipeline to keep up with this year’s stocking goals.

Consequently, the Conservation Department plans to reduce stocking at Missouri’s four trout parks and most other waters by 10 percent. This includes trout management areas and Lake Taneycomo. Statewide, the cutbacks will result in stocking 180,000 fewer trout this year than expected.

“We stuck with the traditional stocking level for opening day at the trout parks,” said Civiello. “Since then, however, we have been stocking about two fish per anticipated angler instead of the usual 2.25 per angler. We should be able to sustain that level of stocking 12-inch fish for the rest of the year.”

One exception to the reduction is the trout stocking program at Fort Leonard Wood. Another is the winter trout fishing program at urban lakes, for which the Conservation Department buys fish from other hatcheries.

Civiello said he hopes to return to normal stocking levels in 2010. He said the agency will continue to monitor hatchery inventories, trout tag sales and other factors and make adjustments to minimize the effect on stocking.

-Jim Low-

Tim Smith is new conservation ombudsman

NOTE: for information about Kids' Fishing Days, see the Kids' Fishing Days page and the Calendar of Events Page. 

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