The Federation Report
January 26, 2018

In This Issue
Legislative Report:

The legislature is back in session. CFM is watching the following bills:

These are not all the bills CFM is monitoring. Click here to visit our Legislative Action Center to learn more about all the bills affecting conservation and natural resources in Missouri. Please note, we are currently in the process of updating the content in the LAC. More information will be added soon. 

From Our Blog:

Sportshows Open World of Possibilities
Booths like this one belonging to Bulls Shoals Boat Dock and Marine offer information and show specials to help you plan your next adventure. 

It's show season. All across the country, Boat, Sport, and Travel Shows are kicking off with the intention of introducing outdoors enthusiasts to people, places and products that can enrich pursuits of fish and game, and outdoor recreation. Here in Missouri, the Kansas City Boat and Sportshow is set to take place January 18-21 at H. Roe Bartle Hall and the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow is February 8-11 at America's Center. 
Growing up in Northwest Indiana, Grandpa always took me to the Chicago Sportshow and a much smaller one in South Bend on the campus of Notre Dame. My parents would allow me to take a day off school, because grandpa refused to fight the weekend crowds. We would browse the aisles, always buying lures and beef jerky. We collected enough marketing materials about lodges and fishing guides to fill a grocery bag.

Job Opening:
Director of Development

CFM is in search of a qualified individual to serve as Director of Development.  Learn more at HERE .

NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat

Recognize your commitment to wildlife and certify your yard, balcony container garden, schoolyard, work landscape or roadside greenspace into a 
Certified Wildlife Habitat®.

By creating a natural garden with native plants, you are providing essential elements of wildlife habitat: food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young. Add a water source - such as a birdbath - and follow sustainable gardening practices, and your garden will not only be wildlife-friendly, but it will qualify as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat®.

In addition, a portion of your processing fee supports the Conservation Federation of Missouri and National Wildlife Federation's programs to inspire others to make a difference. The fee is waived for schools Pre-K to Grade 12.

Print your
Certified Wildlife Habitat® application  HERE.

Visit  nwf.org/garden to certify today!



A newsletter from the Center for Agroforestry in conjunction with the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri

CFM Platinum Business Alliance
Members


Thank you to our platinum sponsors.

CFM Announces 
David Risberg Memorial Grants

David Risberg enjoyed conservation practices. Now his memory will live on through projects all across Missouri.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is proud to announce the inaugural application period for the David Risberg Memorial Affiliate Grant Program.
"Thanks to the generosity of John and Mary Risberg, and the many donors who followed their lead, CFM now has the ability to offer grants to support the efforts of our nearly 100 affiliated organizations. I am humbled and proud that the Risbergs have placed their trust in CFM to honor David's memory," said Brandon Butler, CFM Executive Director.
CFM is awarding $10,000 in 2018. This total will be divided into multiple awards up to $2,500. This competitive grants program is only available to CFM affiliate organizations and must be used for advancing conservation priorities through projects and campaigns that grow the conservation movement, and strengthen the affiliate network.
"Mary and I are so excited to see this memorial grant program get underway. It is a fitting way to honor our son's memory, given his lifelong pursuit of conservation efforts. Our intent is to enable grant recipients to expand their own pursuit of such efforts with the funding this program will provide," said John Risberg.
Grant applications are available on the CFM website. The deadline for proposals is February 16, 2018. Scanned email applications sent to bbutler@confedmo.org are preferred. If mailed, they must be postmarked by February 16. Mail to 728 W. Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Recipients of grants will be notified on or about March 1, 2018. The grants will be awarded at the Affiliate Luncheon during the 82nd annual CFM Convention on March 10, 2018.
For application information, Click  here.
To donate to the David Risberg Memorial Endowment, Click  here.

CFM Annual Convention
March 9-11, 2018


It is that time again. Please make plans to join us March 9-11, 2018 at our 82nd CFM Annual Convention in Jefferson City at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. 
 
We have been working hard to make this year's convention truly special. Our annual awards ceremony, hosted by our partner Bass Pro Shops, takes place Friday evening. We will be recognizing numerous outstanding Missouri conservationists. On Saturday night our banquet includes a wonderful dinner, fellowship among friends, and our famous auction.
 
So, mark your calendar, reserve your room, and plan to join us as we celebrate conservation at our annual convention. 
 

Conservationists at the Capitol

Each Wednesday from February 21 through March 14, CFM will convene a group of conservationists at the Missouri State Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss important topics and legislative initiatives concerning conservation and natural resources. 

"It is critical for elected officials to hear from citizens, especially their constituents.  At CFM, we have created themed days to teach conservationists how to best communicate with their state representative and senator. We will work through CFM members and affiliate leaders to gather participants. Collectively, these four days plus Conservation Day at the Capitol on March 27 will showcase the diversity, depth and strength of CFM before our state leadership," said Brandon Butler, CFM Executive Director.
 
Schedule
February 21,2018 - Hunters, Trappers & Anglers
February 28, 2018 - Forestry
March 7, 2018 - Parks and Recreation
March 14, 2018 - Land, Water and Environment

Each day will have a similar agenda:
11 am - Meet at CFM office
11 - 12 - Working lunch with training on how to meet with legislators ($10/person)
12 - Walk to Capitol
12:30 - 3 p.m. - Legislator Meetings
3 p.m. - Depart Capitol

If you would like to be a more informed and engaged citizen, and have a more hands on approach to our democracy, plan to participate in one or more of these themed days.
 
RSVP to Brandon Butler via email  bbutler@confedmo.org or 573-634-2322.

Sign up for our 
Interactive Advocacy Portal

If you haven't done so already, sign up for our Legislative Action Center. This interactive advocacy portal allows you to see what bills we are watching that affect conservation and our natural resources.  Once signed up, the system allows residents to see who their representatives are and send already written emails directly to them at the click of a button.