The Federation Report
November 4, 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:
 
Parks, Soil and Water

 
When you head to the ballot box on November 8 th, you may have some tough decisions to make. Thankfully, there is a no-brainer on the ballot for everyone who appreciates Missouri's natural resources and state park system. Amendment 1, if passed, will renew the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax for another 10 years, thus ensuring our state parks remain free for all visitors, our waters flow clean and our soil stays on the landscape.
 
Since first enacted in 1984, Missouri's 1/10 cent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax has been approved four times by Missouri voters. In 2006, the last time the sales tax was renewed, over 70 percent of voters approved it. Half of the sales tax revenue goes to support Missouri's state park system and half goes to soil conservation and water quality programs.
 
The Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax in a unifying measure, bringing together diverse individuals, organizations and industries from across all political affiliations working together to ensure this important funding stream continues...

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 commit to wildlife and certify today!
Green Horizons
A newsletter from the Center for Agroforestry in conjunction with the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri.
 
View the newsletter HERE
 
CFM Store
Hunters Don't Shoot
Livestock T-shirt
~ $15.00 ~
 
Lewis and Clark's
Journey Across Missouri
~ $10.00 ~
 
Items are available for 
purchase on the
Join CFM for Three Years and We Will Give You a CFM Yeti Rambler   
For a limited time, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is offering a three-year membership for $100 that includes a stainless steel 20 oz. CFM Yeti Rambler.
 
The many historic achievements of CFM have all been made possible thanks to individuals like you working together to accomplish extraordinary feats. If our future is to be as successful as our past, then we will need your help. Please join us CFM today .
 
Your membership includes a three-year subscription to our magazine Conservation Federation, special member-only discounts to select businesses and invitations to CFM events throughout the year.
 
Anyone who appreciates Missouri's natural resources and sporting heritage benefits from the actions of CFM. We are "The Voice for Missouri's Outdoors" for citizens across the state and at the Capitol.
 
To join CFM, visit our website for easy online registration at www.confedmo.org/join, or contact Laurie Coleman at 573-634-2322.

Join CLC and Make a Difference in the Future of Conservation in Missouri
This is your last chance! The application deadline for the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) is quickly approaching. Students should apply online at www.confedmo.org/clc before November 15th. Please remind the young adults in your life to apply now for this valuable opportunity.
 
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.
 
Join CLC and make a difference in the future of conservation in Missouri.

 

CFM Annual Convention
March 10-12, 2017
Please make plans to join us March 10-12, 2017 at our 81st CFM Annual Convention in Jefferson City at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. We are making preparations for our biggest and best convention ever. 
 
Each year many businesses, affiliates and individuals contribute to our success by underwriting part of our costs for the weekend. We are deeply grateful for this incredible generosity. If you are planning to attend and have any items for our auction please get them to us at your earliest convenience. This will allow us time to plan for their effective use.  
 
So, mark your calendar, and plan to join us as we celebrate conservation at our annual convention. 

Your Vote Will Help
Ozark Regional Land Trust Win $10,000
The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) has a new video contest, and Ozark Regional Land Trust's (ORLT) entry is now live. The contest theme is: " Land is My..."  J.P. Scott, the creator of the video above, has selected ORLT to receive the $10,000 grand prize should his video win top honors.
 
LTA invited people from all over the country to participate in this fun community project by having them upload a brief video of what land meant to them. J.P. interviewed one of ORLT's very own landowners, John McGee, and from that interview, developed the theme for his entry.
 
Watch the video and vote every day until the end of the competition. You can vote every 24 hours until November 18th.
 

Business Alliance Supporter
Shelter Insurance
Shelter Insurance is a dynamic group of companies focused on providing financially secure insurance protection and services. They opened their doors in  1946 and have since become a most successful and financially sound regional insurance groups in the country. They transformed from a small company providing Missourians affordable car insurance into a leading corporation offering a variety of insurance products in 17 states.
Sign Up for Our
Interactive Advocacy Portal

The Conservation Federation of Missouri has launched an Interactive Advocacy Portal. 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.

 

Sign up TODAY for FREE 

 

Parks, Soils & Water Sales Tax