The Federation Report
August 26, 2016

In This Issue
2016 Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax Renewal
The primary source of funding for the state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent parks, soils and water sales tax, which provides about three-fourths of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.

The parks, soils and water tax was created through a constitutional amendment and earmarked specifically for the state park system and efforts to stop soil erosion. The tax was first approved by voters in 1984, and has since been reapproved by voters three times in 1988, 1996 and 2006. Two-thirds of voters approved the tax the last three times, showing how much Missouri voters support their state park system.
From Our Blog:
 
Missouri's Newest State Park Welcomes Visitors

Stepping out on the balcony of my beautiful room in the Betty Lea Lodge at Echo Bluff State Park, I am greeted by a panorama of sunrays cutting through fog rising along Sinking Creek. It's a stunning sight.

Echo Bluff officially opened July 30, becoming our state's 53rd state park. These parks, along with 34 historic sites, are managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Missouri's state park system offers unique properties across the state, but Echo Bluff is truly exceptional.

Echo Bluff is located approximately 25 miles south of Salem on Highway 19. It's about 15 miles north of Eminence. Sinking Creek flows through park and is home to the namesake bluff. The creek's confluence with Current River is just a little ways...

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®. It is fun, easy, and makes a big difference for neighborhood wildlife.

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®.

Together the National Wildlife Federation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri realize every habitat garden is a step toward replenishing resources for wildlife locally and along migratory corridors.

In addition, a portion of your application processing fee supports the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the National Wildlife Federation's programs to inspire others to make a difference and address declining habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, amphibians and other wildlife. The fee is waived for schools Pre-K to Grade 12.

Print your
Certified Wildlife Habitat® application HERE.

Visit nwf.org/garden to commit to wildlife and certify today!
Missouri River Bird Observatory
Save the Dates
Calling All Amateur Nature Photographers

The Missouri River Bird Observatory invites you to submit your favorite bird photo to our Images of Hope: the Birds of Missouri photography contest. The contest runs from now until October 1, 2016. The top 25 entries will be unveiled and auctioned at MRBO's fundraising event on November 11, 2016; those 25 photographers will also receive a complimentary ticket to the event.  Entry fee is $25 per photo.

MRBO Second Annual Major Fundraising Event - November 11
  
Mark your calendars and don't miss the opportunity to enjoy all that this night of festivities has to offer while helping to make a difference in the care of our natural environment. The evening will include a dinner buffet provided by Feasts of Fancy, full bar, original conservation exhibits, and silent auction. Tickets are $75.

For all details, contest rules, and submission guidelines visit:  HERE
CFM Store
CFM Logo T-shirt
~ $15.00 ~
   
Lewis and Clark's
Journey Across Missouri
~ $10.00 ~
Items are available for 
purchase on the
Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis
Saturday, October 15
Country Club of St. Albans
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Trophy Room Tours
3:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Main Event

St. Louis is the third stop of CFM's regional event series in 2016. Join the Conservation Federation of Missouri to enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon at the historic Village of St. Albans, on the Missouri River.
 
The event familiarizes St. Louis residents with the outdoor opportunities in the area while they learn more about the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
 
Trophy room tours are $12 per person (by reservation). The main event is $80 per person or $150 per couple. This event includes a reception, live music, silent and live auctions. There will be a program by the Wild Bird Sanctuary and a special presentation on "Images of Missouri Wildlife".

Join CLC and Make a Difference in the Future of Conservation in Missouri
It's that time of year again for high school juniors and seniors, and college students to apply for CFM's Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC).
 
CLC's mission is to engage youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources while developing the next generation of conservation leaders. CLC provides students the opportunity to learn about conservation advocacy and policy development, leadership and communication skills.
 
Students have the unique opportunity to interact and network with all levels of resource professionals in the conservation field. The CLC program is highly regarded statewide and, for past participants, has led to internship and job opportunities. By volunteering in conservation events and CLC activities throughout the year, members also create lifetime friendships.
 
Applicants must demonstrate achievement in organized conservation activities and will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or a current CLC or CFM member. Please share with someone you think would benefit from this program.
 
Join CLC and make a difference in the future of conservation in Missouri.
 

MDC Accepting Applications thru August 29 for Next Class of Conservation Agents
Selected candidates will undergo 26 weeks of intense training in all facets of law enforcement and resource management.
Those who make the grade will receive county assignments and become the face of conservation in their assigned communities - enforcing the Wildlife Code of Missouri and helping the public with issues such as nuisance wildlife and land management.
To qualify, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a field related to the natural sciences or criminal justice.
To apply -- and for more information including salary range, duties and responsibilities, degree requirements, qualifications, and special-ability requirements -- visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/careers .
For more information, contact Travis McLain at 573-522-4115, ext. 3261 or [email protected] , or Cheryl Fey at 573-751-4115, ext. 3819, or [email protected] .
MDC and Partners Provide Mentored Dove Hunts for First-time Hunters
Interested in dove hunting? MDC in partnership with NWTF, QF, QUWF, MPF, and private landowners will provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters on 12 fields primarily located on private land across the state.
 
Each participating new hunter will be assigned a mentor. Pre-hunt workshops will provide basic hunter safety. Participants are encouraged to attend a dove hunting workshop or hunter education prior to participating.
 
Three hunts will be offered on each field. Each field will be limited to two first-time hunters and their mentors per acre to maximize safety and provide a quality experience. Priority will be given to anyone 11 and older that is hunting for the first time.
 
Field assignments determined on a first-come-first-served basis. First time hunters can attend multiple hunts as registration space permits.

Register for the mentored dove hunts  HERE . Get info on MDC dove-hunting workshops  HERE . Get information on hunter education  HERE.
 
F or more information, contact John Burk at 573-676-5994 or [email protected], or Elsa Gallagher at 660-277-3647 or
George Daniel's Streamer Tactics
September 3, 2016
September 3, 2016 9:00 a.m to Noon
 
Location:
Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building Auditorium
University of Missouri Campus
Columbia, MO
   
About George:
George Daniel began fly fishing at the age of 6 in Potter County, PA. By age 14, George's family relocated to PA's limestone region, which contained the state's best trout fisheries. By the age of 17, George was travelling throughout the state, seeking lessons from expert anglers. By age 21, George had learned from the best anglers in the NE.
 
He earned a spot on Fly Fishing Team USA. Also during that time, George was on the US Youth Fly Fishing Team's coaching staff. George's real motivation to compete was to travel the world and learn from world-renowned anglers to develop a global approach.
 
In that brief period, George had success by winning back-to-back US National Championships and placing in the top 5 in the 2006 World Fly Fishing Championships. Eventually, competitive fly-fishing took its toll, so George retired to spend more time travelling with his family and to focus on fly fishing education.
 
George works exclusively with TCO Fly Shop with Livin On The Fly LLC. George currently assists with the US Youth Fly Fishing Team as well as writing and conducting fly fishing clinics/presentations across the country. His first book, Dynamic Nymphing has become a best seller. George lives along the banks of his favorite trout stream with his wife, Amidea and their two children.
 
For questions, contact Scott Gerlt at (573) 256-9521 or [email protected].
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Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program State Shoot