Missouri Conservationist February 2012

2012·7.2 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
Serving nature & You
Volume 73, Issue 2, February 2012 •
[ ]
Note to our readers
Conservationist Highlights
M
issourians have led the state’s conservation effort for generations
and they continue to be conservation leaders today. this month,
the Conservationist highlights Chelsey Kroese, a high school

student who interned on a Healthy forests for fu-
black bear project. Chelsey ture generations are vital to
helped measure bear dens, in Missouri’s economy and qual-
addition to many other re- ity of life. They are sustainable
search duties, and she co-au- resources that can be man-
thored the article on Page 22. aged in perpetuity.
University of Missouri gradu- Healthy forests provide:
ate student Alicia Burke is • Clean water.
featured in the “I Am Conser- • Clean air.
vation” segment (back cover). • Livable communities.
Alicia’s work with neotropical • Wood products & jobs.
birds is helping the Depart- • Habitat for wildlife.
ment learn about the unique Healthy forests need to
interconnectivity of forest eco- be renewed. Careful harvest-
systems. Alicia represents Mis- ing of mature and overcrowd-
souri at its best as she served ed trees renews the forest,
eight years in the United States creating the next generation
Navy and one of her life goals of woods. Managing public
is to be a wildlife biologist on a and private forests through
military base. science helps conserve wood-
Help us celebrate the De- lands for future generations,
partment’s 75th anniversary create jobs and enhances Mis-
by participating in the photo souri’s economy.
contest (Page 8). Entries in Foresters and citizens
seven different categories will have worked side by side to
be accepted through May 15. Missourians will select the “Best of improve Missouri’s forests on both private and public land. The
Show” photograph from the seven winners. All the winners will Department is better equipped today to manage Missouri’s for-
be highlighted in the October issue of the magazine. The Depart- ests with improved scientific knowledge. Our staff is building
ment regularly receives outstanding photographs from Missou- on the hard work and enthusiasm of past foresters to ensure
rians and their outdoor adventures, so dust off those cameras Missouri continues to enjoy healthy and sustainable forests.
and send us your best shots! Missouri’s conservation future is bright with students like
Enjoy this issue’s 75th anniversary article: Healthy For- Chelsey Kroese and Alicia Burke helping us learn more about our
ests for Generations (Page 10). The article walks us through the state’s natural resources. Missouri citizens have worked together
abundance to ashes period of Missouri’s forest history and then to create a conservation legacy admired and copied around the
back to abundance today, which is due to citizen involvement. world. As Missouri citizens work toward conservation goals, our
From the late 1800s and early 1900s, which produced millions collective natural resource future rests on making informed,
of railroad ties, to the Showboat era of informing and educating science-based conservation decisions that enhance our quality of
people, to the firefighting era, to today’s sustainable forest prod- life, economy and state.
ucts industry, Missouri forests are a resilient, renewable resource.
Today’s Missouri forests support 41,200 jobs and contribute $7.3
billion to Missouri’s economy. Tim D. Ripperger, deputy director
[CoNteNts]

February 2012, Volume 73, Issue 2
Features
Cover: Missouri’s largest Bur Oak Tree located
near Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
8 Photo Contest near Columbia by Noppadol Paothong
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to enter our 75th Above: Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
Anniversary Photo Contest. near Springfield by Noppadol Paothong.
10 Heathly Forests for Generations
by Brett Dufur
The Conservation Department was created by a citizen-led effort to restore MisCellany
Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife 75 years ago. This is the story of how 2 Letters
Missourians have worked together to improve our forests to benefit wildlife 4 news & events
and people, for generations to come. 5 ombudsman
28 Plants and animals
18 Regulations 2012 Update 30 Places to go
32 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
22 Does a Bear Den in the Woods? 32 Contributors
by Chelsey Kroese and Jeff Beringer
An intern’s-eye-view of Missouri bears’ home lives.
February 2012 Missouri Conservationist 1
[Letters]
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
Missouri adventures old grandsons, Ashton and Quentin, enjoyed a So, with that said, we would also like to extend
Since moving to Alaska from Missouri decades gorgeous fall day one Saturday in October with a our appreciation to MDC’s work that helps make
ago, I’ve hunted for Dall sheep, grizzly, caribou, hike up Hughes. We found the view spectacular. these experiences some of the best life can offer
and moose. None of those hunts were any more As we were getting out of the car in the and to ensure future generations’ enjoyment of
exciting than the last-light buck on my brother’s parking area, another vehicle pulled in and a these activities as well.
farm in Weatherby last month, or our duck couple eagerly asked if this “was the right place Nov. 6, 2011, I took my daughter Emily out for
hunt near Macon. The quality of the hunting for the hike.” I laughed and told them they must her first youth gun season, and I am proud to
experiences offered by the Show-Me state rival have seen the article in the Conservationist, too. say she was successful in taking a 9-point buck
those of anywhere in the country. I was glad to They had. off a friend’s land in northern Ste. Genevieve
be back. Mr. Paothong’s stunning photos in the We live only 45 minutes away and never County. Thanks again for providing Missourians
December issue of Missouri Conservationist were realized what grandeur was almost in our back opportunities like this that help promote and
a pleasure as well. yard. Keep sharing! pass on to our younger generations the wonder-
John D. Erkmann M.D.,Anchorage, AL Pam CoxWilliams, Lonedell ful gift of conservation.
Chad Roth, Ste. Genevieve
Thanks so much for a great magazine! Thanks My wife, Sherry, daughters Amber, 15, and Emily,
especially for helping us make some wonderful 13, and I really appreciate the work that you all Winter Wonders
family memories from your article about Hughes do to make the Missouri Conservationist maga- I want to thank you for the fine piece on winter-
Mountain Conservation Area [“Places to Go”; zine one of the best magazines printed. We look ing eagles in Missouri [Eagles on the Mississippi;
September]. forward to the new issue arriving every month. December]. Being a bit of a camera buff myself,
My husband and I, our 16-year-old daughter, Our family enjoys the Missouri outdoors, be it I especially appreciate the technical details
with boyfriend in tow, and our 8- and 6-year- boating, camping, fishing, hiking and hunting. offered on each of Noppadol Paothong’s fine
photographs. I understand these details and
they help me enjoy his photos even more fully.
The only thing missing is the understanding of
what it took for Noppadol to sit out there in the
cold, with his fingers freezing, waiting for the
perfect shot.
Art Sporleder, Lakeshire
I would like to commend David Stonner on his
excellent cover photo on the Jan. 2012 issue
[Hickory Canyons Natural Area in Ste. Genevieve
County]. The contrast, color and composition are
beyond comparison!
Walt Jones, Lake St. Louis
Deer Kids: Update
This time Timmy Gunn got his deer. Timmy, 14,
of St. Peters, was featured in The Deer Camp Kids
[October], a story about the annual deer hunting
Reader Photo Skating
camp for hearing impaired youths at the H. Roe
Bob Merklin of Ware photographed this red-eared slider near his house. “I’ve Bartle Scout Reservation.
seen turtles just under the surface of the water on calm, sunny days,” says During the 2010 hunt described in the story,
Merklin, “but I’ve never seen them walking around on the ice when the lake is Timmy saw a large buck deer but did not get a
frozen.” MDC Herpetologist, Jeff Briggler, says that turtles don’t really hibernate shot. However, this fall, he returned to the hunt
during winter, rather they enter a state called brumation. During cold weather, at the Bartle Scout camp and shot a doe.
reptiles will become lethargic and inactive. However, during relative warm spells, Chris Capps, an MDC outdoor skills specialist,
reptiles may be active for brief periods of time. Briggler speculates that this turtle served as guide for both hunts. His stepfather,
came up to bask on a log in the sun on a mild day and ended up on top of the ice. Eric Pettit, also accompanied him on the hunts.
2 Missouri Conservationist  February 2012
Northeast sUBsCRiPtions Missouri
C
onservationist
Northwest Phone: [phone], ext. 3856 or 3249
Address: C irculation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
E-mail: [email protected]
Conservationist online services: Subscribe to the
Kansas Central St. Governor Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon
City Louis magazine, update your mailing address, or sign up to
receive an e-mail when the latest issue is available THe ConServATIon CoMMISSIon
online at mdc.mo.gov/node/9087 Don C. Bedell
Southeast Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households James T. Blair, IV
Southwest Don R. Johnson
Out of State $7 per year
Ozark Becky L. Plattner
Out of Country $10 per year
Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. Director Robert L. Ziehmer
Deputy Director Thomas A. Draper
omBUDsman qUestions Deputy Director Tim D. Ripperger
Phone: [phone], ext. 3848 General Counsel Tracy E. McGinnis
Internal Auditor Nancy R. Dubbert
Address: O mbudsman, PO Box 180,
DePaRtment HeaDqUaRteRs
Jefferson City 65102-0180 DIvISIon CHIefS
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] Administrative Services Carter Campbell
Address: PO Box 180, Design and Development Jacob Careaga
Jefferson City 65102-0180 eDitoRial Comments Fisheries Chris Vitello
Phone: [phone], ext. 3847 or 3245 Forestry Lisa G. Allen
ReGional oFFiCes
Address: M agazine Editor, PO Box 180, Human Resources Thomas Neubauer
Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730 Jefferson City 65102-0180 Outreach & Education Mike Huffman
Central/Columbia: 573-884-6861 Private Land Services Mike Hubbard
E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas City: 816-622-0900 Protection Larry D. Yamnitz
Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 ReaDeR PHoto sUBmissions Resource Science Mike Kruse
Wildlife DeeCee Darrow
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/readerphotos
Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 E-mail: [email protected] ConServATIonIST STAff
St. Louis: 636-441-4554 Address: M issouri Conservationist, Reader Photo, Editor In Chief Ara Clark
Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180 Managing Editor Nichole LeClair Terrill
Art Director Cliff White
Staff Writer Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer Jim Low
MDC Online Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites. Photographer Noppadol Paothong
Photographer David Stonner
Designer Stephanie Thurber
Blog: mdc.mo.gov/node/109 Missouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.gov Artist Mark Raithel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MDConline Nature Shop: www.mdcNatureShop.com Circulation Laura Scheuler
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/mdc_online Twitter: www.twitter.com/MDC_Online The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
Kids’ site: www.XplorMo.org www.twitter.com/Nature_Videos ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department
Missouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/node/83 YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/moconservation of Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson
City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; out
of state $7 per year; out of country $10 per year. Notifi-
cation of address change must include both old and new
address (send mailing label with the subscriber number
on it) with 60-day notice. Preferred periodical postage
paid at Jefferson City, Mo., and at additional entry offices.
Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
Six times a year we’ll bring you eye-popping art,
ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2012 by the Conservation
photos and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters, Commission of the State of Missouri.
niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
and people who’ve made a living in the wild. programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation
Come outside with us and XPLOR! is available to all individuals without regard to their race,
color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions
Ages: 7–12 should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO
Missouri residents: FREE (one subscription per household) Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice)
Out of state: $5 per year; Out of country: $8 per year or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax
A guardian’s name and address is required with the subscription.
Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue.
Printed with soy ink
xplormo.org | 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249
February 2012 Missouri Conservationist 3
[ ]
News & eveNts
by Jim Low
visiting Missouri this winter are juveniles. Many
are near starvation. They are not accustomed to
automobiles, and often land on highways and fail
to flee from speeding cars.
MDC Wildlife Ecologist Brad Jacobs said people
should not approach the birds. He asked motorists
to slow down and do their best to avoid killing owls
on roadways. If you see a snowy owl, please call
Jacobs at 573-522-4115, ext. 3648.
Conservation Partner of Year
Bass Pro Shops has named MDC Director Robert
L. Ziehmer as one of its two 2011 Conservation
Partners of the Year.
In presenting the award, Bass Pro Shops
founder Johnny Morris noted Ziehmer’s com-
mitment to public input and involvement as key
components of conservation success.
“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are proud to honor
Bob and the Missouri Department of Conserva-
tion for everything they have done for all of us as
Missourians to protect our right to hunt and fish
as well as for their conservation efforts that help
protect the wildlife and their habitat. Their work
has gained them recognition as the national con-
servation leader that other states try to model.”
Ziehmer and Richard Childress, president and
CEO of Richard Childress Racing, received the 2011
awards from Morris at the company’s annual
Christmas luncheon for associates held at their
national headquarters in Springfield.
Past winners of the Bass Pro Shops Conserva-
tion Partner of the Year Award include Wayne
Snowy owl
LaPierre of the National Rifle Association, Rob
Keck of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Jeff
Trandahl of the National Fish and Wildlife Foun-
Snowy Owls Visit Missouri
dation and former MDC Director John Hoskins.
Some Missourians may wonder if they have been lemmings) crash, the birds are forced to travel
magically transported to the Hogwarts School south in search of food.
of Wizardry, as huge, white owls appeared in Missouri experienced such mass migrations,
unprecedented numbers around the state. known as irruptions, in the 1970s and 1980s. How-
The title character of the movie Harry Potter ever, the current event far exceeds previous ones.
and the Sorcerer’s Stone receives a white owl as MDC has received dozens of reports from people
a birthday gift. The cinematic bird is a perfect who were entranced to find the beautiful white
match for owls that began showing up in Mis- owls perched in odd places. Most of the sightings
souri in December. came from the northern half of the state.
Snowy owls normally inhabit the high arctic Snowy owls are similar in size to great horned Bass Pro Shops has named MDC Director Robert 
region of North America and Eurasia. However, owls, which are common in Missouri but are much L. Ziehmer as one of its two 2011 Conservation 
in years when populations of their prey (mainly darker than snowy owls. Most of the snowy owls Partners of the Year.
4 Missouri Conservationist  February 2012
Demystifying Deer Management
populations with trail cameras, harvest records quality deer nutrition, establishing and manag-
All that remains of the 2011-12 deer season are and observations, aging live deer and aging deer ing food plots, and factors that influence deer
stories and photos, but thanks to collaboration by examining their jawbones. population dynamics. Landowners interested
between MDC and the university of Missouri The guides include photographs, detailed in improving their property for wildlife should
Extension, landowners can turn those remnants illustrations and worksheets. They are available contact their private land conservationist for
into action plans for better deer hunting. at extension.missouri.edu/main/DisplayCat- technical assistance. Find your local Department
MDC resource scientists Emily Flinn and egory.aspx?C=82. Additional guides are under representative using the “Who’s My Local Con-
Jason Sumners have teamed up with Extension development and will be available at the same tact” link at www.mdc.mo.gov/.
Fish and Wildlife Specialist Robert A. Pierce II to site in the coming months. Topics covered in Deer hunting contributes $1.1 billion to Mis-
create a series of free, downloadable guides to upcoming guides include the biology of antler souri’s economy annually and supports approxi-
practical deer-management techniques. Topics development, setting up landowner and wildlife mately 12,000 jobs. Those are not the only benefits,
already available include implementing quality cooperatives, deer-habitat management prac- however. Hunting is a tool that allows landowners
deer management on your land, estimating deer tices, deer diseases, the importance of providing to manage local deer populations for fewer, more
Ask the Ombudsman
q:
Why do crows flock together research specific to St. Charles County, but there have
to attack other birds such as been studies elsewhere of ways to accommodate wildlife
owls and hawks? movement. In the western U.S. and Canada, traditional
migration corridors for large mammals are logical locations
a:
There is some debate over the for constructing safe wildlife crossing points. Soil- and
function of “mobbing,” which vegetation-covered overpasses and underpasses have been
is the term for the bird behavior you built in Europe and Canada to provide safe crossing points.
G
OR described. It is anti-predator behavior and may serve to: divert Smaller-scale, culvert-like crossing sites have been installed
D.
O
O a predator from an area where there are fledgling crows, train under roadways in the U.S. for turtles and small mammals,
W
G
Y, Bu young crows to recognize predators, or alert other crows to and these often include some type of funnel to direct animals
vERSIT the presence of the predator. Crows are known to mob various to the crossing. In Missouri, wildlife may cross roadways
NI hawks, vultures, bald eagles, owls and ravens. The fact that almost anywhere and would have to be funneled into safe
u
N
HER the predator does not usually turn on the mobbing crows may crossing points—and these funnels could be quite extensive.
uT
O indicate that surprise is an essential element in the hunting As you would expect, it is a matter of the cost of construction
A S
ORGI method of predatory birds. Crows will also mob raccoons, versus other demands for spending public funds.
vER, GE squirrels, foxes, domestic cats and humans.
MCKEE q:
GIS I live in St. Charles County, which is bordered by
NEST: STuR by major thhieg Mhwisasyosu wriit ahn 3d- fMooist-stiasslli pbpair rriivceardse as nddo wdins stehcet ed
NETS medians. Have there been any studies of the effects of these
OR
H unintentional fences on wildlife distribution in the county?
G;
N
O
H
OL PAOT a: Movement barriers are an important component of
OPPAD the effects of urban sprawl on wildlife populations.
N Safety considerations often dictate that median barriers be
uT:
NER; TRO uwsheedr eto m liemdiiat nh ewaidd-tohns caorell insaiornrosw o.n I hdiognh’-ts kpneoedw roofa adnwya ys Crow
N
O
D ST
DAvI Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints concerning Department of Conservation programs.
DEER: Write him at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, call him at 573-522-4115, ext. 3848, or email him at [email protected].
February 2012 Missouri Conservationist 5
[News & eveNts]
by Jim Low
or bigger deer. The new management guide series ting artworks based on the theme, “River habi- Peters in the 7th-8th-grade category, and Ryan
is designed to help landowners and hunters fine- tat—we gotta have it!” Winners were: Myles vernon of California High School in California in
tune harvest at the local level to maintain healthy, Hamacher of St. Francis Xavier in Jefferson City in the 9th-12th-grade category. All five first-place
stable deer populations that meet their needs. the K-2nd- grade category, Ray Winter of St. Cath- winners will have their postcards printed and
erine Labouré in St. Louis for the 3rd-4th-grade sold through MDC’s Nature Shops. Participating
Endangered Species Awareness
category, Sydney Haistings of St. Paul’s Episcopal students learned about Missouri’s endangered
More than 4,000 students entered the 2011 Day School in Kansas City for the 5th-6th-grade species and the importance of sustaining healthy
Endangered Species Postcard contest, submit- category, Katie Heflin of Heflin Homeschool in St. habitats. view the top three entries from each
grade category and get more information on the
contest at www.mdc.mo.gov/node/3533.
Adapt Felt-Soled Waders to Avoid Spreading Rock Snot 2011 Loggers of the Year
Missouri’s trout waters are threatened by invasion of Didymosphenia geminata, commonly called When it comes to excellence in logging, three
didymo or rock snot. This invasive diatom covers stream bottoms with dense mats, impairing heads apparently are better than one. That was
their value to fish and anglers. Porous-soled waders can carry the invasive diatom to new waters, the conclusion of the panel of forestry experts
so effective March 1 the use of waders or footwear with felt or other porous soles will be banned who named Jay Duncan, Gene Fiske Sr. and Gene
when fishing in trout parks and other specific trout waters in Missouri. Some anglers may choose Fiske Jr. of J&G Logging in Summersville as Mis-
to replace felt-soled waders. However, you also can adapt felt-soled waders to comply with the souri’s 2011 Loggers of the Year.
new regulation by sealing the soles with solutions of contact cement or marine rubber cement. The Logger of the Year Award is given to log-
The procedure is outlined in an instructional video at http://bit.ly/rRLejr. Adapting waders is gers who demonstrate good working relation-
just one step toward solving the problem of spreading rock snot. It still is vital to check and clean, ships with landowners and foresters, minimize
or dry all waders and all other gear that have had contact with the water. damage to remaining trees and resources on
harvest sites, use best management practices to
conserve soil and water, address wildlife man-
agement concerns, practice sustainable forest
management and use wood products wisely.
One thing that set the three apart from other
candidates was the fact they garnered multiple
nominations from representatives of the Mis-
souri Forest Products Association, Pioneer Forest,
The Nature Conservancy and MDC. Nominations
noted the men’s commitment to both their cus-
tomers and to protecting forest resources.
“MDC recognizes and appreciates loggers
who use best practices to harvest timber in
ways that are economically, ecologically and
socially sustainable,” said Missouri State For-
ester and MDC Forestry Division Chief Lisa Allen.
“The statewide Logger of the Year award is the
highest honor loggers can achieve in Missouri.
It takes special conviction to being the best to
achieve this honor, and we congratulate these
outstanding loggers. ”
Missouri Logger of the Year recipients receive
framed certificates from MDC and a Stihl chain- YLIE
W
saw donated by Crader Distributing in Marble Hill. Y
Muzzleloader Deer Harvest NES: BECK
A
March 1 the use of waders or footwear with felt or other porous soles will be  G CR
Hunters shot 15,238 deer during the muzzle- N
banned when fishing in trout parks and other specific trout waters in Missouri. loader portion of Missouri’s firearms deer HOOPI
W
6 Missouri Conservationist  February 2012
U
Did You Know? We work with you and for you to
season. Missouri held its first muzzleloader
sustain healthy forests.
season in 1988. Back then, hunters had to de-
clare if they intended to use a muzzleloader or
a center-fire rifle. If they chose a muzzleloader,
The George O. White State Forest Nursery
they had to use a muzzleloader during the fire-
arms season in November but also could hunt » Located in Texas County, the George O. White State Forest Nursery
during the muzzleloader season. That first year, offers a variety of low-cost seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks and
the muzzleloader season was three days long. erosion control, as well as wildlife food and cover.
Since then, many of the original restrictions » More than 100,000 seedlings are given to fourth graders for Arbor
on muzzleloader hunting have been relaxed, Day each year.
and the season has been lengthened to 11 days. » 200,000 seedlings are provided for planting projects on Department
Changes in muzzleloader technology also have lands annually.
contributed to the sport’s increased popularity. » 80,000 seedlings are provided to FFA, 4H, Scout groups and other
When Missouri had its first muzzleloader hunt 23 youth groups annually.
years ago, most commercially available muzzle- » More than 13,000 orders are processed and about 3.5 million seedlings
loaders were traditional caplock and flintlock are shipped each year.
types, and muzzleloader season was a practical » About 62 million seedlings were sold over the past 15 years.
exercise in hunting history. Today, most hunters » A special 75th anniversary tree bundle is being offered this year.
use in-line muzzleloaders, often with telescopic The bundle consists of two seedlings of 10 species, including flowering
sights, modern propellants and bullets. dogwood, bald cypress, black walnut, white fringetree, red oak, white
oak and shortleaf pine.
Water Summit Defines Priorities
» More than 70 species of trees and shrubs are offered by the
Missouri’s Water Summit brought together nursery to help Missourians create wildlife habitat.
people from across the state Dec. 1 and 2 and » For prices and ordering information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/
produced dozens of recommendations for node/3328, or call 573-674-3229. The nursery accepts orders through April.
the wise, sustainable use of Show-Me State However, many bundles and individual tree and shrub species will sell out
water resources. The Conservation Federation before then. Orders are shipped starting in February.
of Missouri (CFM) organized the meeting as a » Since 1935, the nursery has been producing trees. For more information
follow-up to the 2009 Summit on the Future on the history of the nursery, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/node/3986.
of Missouri Outdoors. The summit theme was
“Missouri’s Water Realities: Deepening Our
Water Wisdom and Mobilizing for Action.” The
top 10 action priorities identified during the trade leaders, political leaders and business
summit were: leaders to develop a combined water ethic
1. Develop a simple, unified water awareness on a watershed basis.
campaign that connects with all Missouri 7. Increase efforts for water quality and quan-
citizens. tity outreach and education (statewide cam-
2. Establish, incentivize and evaluate best paign, reallocation of resources for outreach
management practices, strategies and and education, charismatic water icon).
water goals at the watershed level. 8. D evelop a comprehensive/integrated state-
3. Build a sense of pride, emotional connec- wide water plan.
tion and responsibility through a statewide 9. Expand the floodplain and restrain
clean water campaign with education. development.
4. Protect watersheds, riparian corridors and 10. Recognize and showcase the environmen-
flows through incentives that place a value tal success of innovative farmers through
on healthy water resources. a local community partnership-based
5. Invest in water resource planning, conserva- approach (e.g., Farmers Teaching Farmers).
tion and efficiency at all geographic levels. Summit results, including videos of speakers The Water Summit produced recommendations 
6. Strategically partner with industry and and panel sessions, are available at www.con for  the  wise,  sustainable  use  of  Missouri’s 
commerce to inform and educate citizens, fedmo.org/watersummit. water resources.
February 2012 Missouri Conservationist 7
75
th anniversary of Conservation
Photo Contest!
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to enter our
75th Anniversary Photo Contest. Get out those cameras and search those photo
files for your best images that celebrate the natural wonders of Missouri and the
75-year legacy of MDC. Winners will be featured in the
October issue of the Missouri Conservationist, as well as
on the MDC website and other media.
A full list of rules and guidelines can be found on
our website: www.mdc.mo.gov/node/16689. Entries
will only be accepted via Flickr, an Internet photo
sharing service. If you are not on Flickr, it is easy to
join. Just go to our 75th anniversary photo contest
Flickr site for more information: www.flickr.com/groups/
mdc75thanniversary/.
There are seven categories you can enter (see examples
to the right):
1. Mammals
2. Plants
3. Reptiles and Amphibians
4. Insects and Spiders
Photo Tip of the Month 5. Birds
Great wildlife photography requires more than just long zoom lenses— 6. Outdoor Recreation
It requires planning and patience. Most wildlife photos don’t happen by 7. Habitats and Landscapes
chance. The best images are usually captured by careful research and
planning so the photographer knows the best place and time to capture Entries will be accepted through May 15. After that
the elusive critter. Then patience must be observed, as it often takes sev- date, a panel of photography and nature experts will select
eral hours or even days of quiet waiting for the subject to appear. the best entry in each category. These category winners
Wildlife photographer Noppadol Paothong spent two months re- will be posted on the MDC website starting July 1, when
searching the Missouri endangered king rail and another four months the public can vote for their favorite. The photo with the
of repeated trips to the marsh (with very early mornings), before finally most votes will be named “Best of Show.” All seven win-
capturing this and other photos of the elusive bird. During those frustrat- ners will be displayed in the October magazine and other
ing four months, Nop talked to experts and did more research to better MDC media.
understand the bird’s behavior. That work finally paid off with the photos So grab those cameras and head outside to capture
that appeared in the April 2007 issue of the Missouri Conservationist. your best shot and help us celebrate our 75th anniversary!
8 Missouri Conservationist  February 2012