Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance Newsletter
Be an informed and knowledgable citizen and have your voice for conservation in Missouri be heard.

CURRENT KEY ISSUES IN CONSERVATION

Legislative Report 

CFM is watching the following bills:

Cervid Legislation
Conservation Authority
Waterways
Wildlife
Permit Sales
SB 370
Land Access
General
These are not all the bills that CFM is monitoring this session.  Click here to visit our Legislative Action Center (LAC) to learn more about all the bills affecting conservation and natural resources in Missouri. Join the LAC for free and learn who your local legislators are. CFM uses the LAC to keep members updated on current legislative issues. MCCA is a program sponsored by CFM.

Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax 
Passes with 80.1 % of the Vote

On behalf of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, thank you to every Missourian who voted yes on Amendment 1 to renew the Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax (PSWST). This important vote passed with 80.1 percent of the vote. This is nearly a 10 percent increase from 2006 when it was passed with 70.8 percent. And for the first time ever, Amendment 1 passed in every county of our state. 
 
This monumental show of support for our incredible Missouri State Parks, and soil and water conservation proves once again how important the conservation of our natural resources is to Missourians.
 
The Citizens Committee for the Renewal of the Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax worked extremely hard to build support for the renewal. This committee, which consisted of a diverse array of organizations and individuals, proves what we can accomplish when working together towards a common goal. The Conservation Federation, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, The Nature Conservancy, Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Parks Association are just a few of the many that stepped up with staffing and fundraising to ensure the passage of Amendment 1.  
 
CFM applauds all citizens who spoke up for the tax, put a sign in their yard and voted yes on 1. Because of all of you, we are "Keeping a Good Thing Going" for at least another 10 years, and we have once again sent a message to the rest of America that conservation matters in Missouri. 
 
Yours in Conservation,
Brandon Butler 
CFM, Executive Director


T ell your friends about us
We are trying to grow this organization and we need your help! Please continue to share with your friends and classmates. Email: mcca@confedmo.org for more information or tell them to join at   www.confedmo.org/mcca.

Conservation Day at the Capitol 
 Save the Date - April 12, 2017
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.


Join us April 12 for Conservation Day at the Capitol. Conservation Day at the Capitol is a signature event for MCCA. All college students are encouraged to join CFM at the Missouri State Capitol for the event. Get a group together and join us.

Last year, over 25 organizations affiliated with CFM had information boots and highlighted their mission in conservation. The event brings awareness to some of the most pressing conservation issues in Missouri by bringing conservationists from all across the state together to promote and support our natural resources and outdoor heritage. We hope citizens and legislators alike will tour the affiliate booths to learn about the diverse outdoor passions of Missourians. The event also encourages students and citizens to meet and interact with their local elected officials. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and be an advocate for conservation.  Thank them for protecting the legacy of conservation in Missouri. Let them know what your priorities are. We want everyone to be aware of the importance of conservation in Missouri. 

Now is the time to have your voice heard. There are many issues we are working on to protect the great state of Missouri and its future.

This is a great day for MCCA students to UNITE, EDUCATE, and ENGAGE. Come as a group, educate yourself and meet your legislator. Let your voice be heard. Let your legislator know how important Missouri's natural resources are to the next generation. We hope that large numbers/groups of college students participate in this event. Show up as a unified body and make a visible impact. Show the legislators that our next generation cares about conservation and wants them to act responsibly. Bring your club or group for the day or come with a group of friends. Contact jsampsell@confedmo.org for more information. 

Does Promoting Conservation of our Natural Resources Matter?

Yes it does. Many of today's children (and adults for that matter) are "afraid" to go outside and enjoy nature. We need to encourage more individuals to connect with nature. "It's up to us to help them understand why they should." The connection is what helps them to care and want to make a difference in helping to conserve our natural resources. Here is a great article that highlights this. We need to be the difference. 
Other Upcoming CFM events
CFM Annual Convention
March 10-12, 2017

Convention Highlights:
  • Annual Convention Awards Ceremony
  • Meet Conservation Natural Resource Leaders
  • Natural Resource Committee Reports
  • Affiliates Luncheon
  • Banquet Auctions
Visit   http://www.confedmo.org/annual-convention/ or contact Laurie Coleman at lcoleman@confedmo.org or 573-634-2322 to register or for more information. This is a great opportunity to network with people from all areas in the field of conservation.

CFM |  573-634-2322 ext 103 | mcaa@confedmo.org | www.confedmo.org
STAY CONNECTED: