The Federation Report

February 7, 2020

In This Issue
David Risberg Memorial 
Grant Challenge
 


David Risberg was an avid outdoorsman with a love of hunting and fishing, and an abiding interest in preservation, conservation and management of natural resources.  A memorial grant program has been set up to provide funding to CFM's affiliated organizations to take action on conservation projects.  

David's parents, John and Mary, have set up a challenge for this fund and will match every dollar raised up to $50,000.  Please consider donating today to these boots on the ground projects that are funded in his honor.  

From Our Blog:

Missouri's Rich Outdoor Heritage



Missouri is the number one state in the nation for conservation and outdoor recreation. Let that sink in.

We strive to be the top state in the nation in various categories, and sometimes fall short, but not when it comes to hunting, fishing, hiking, floating, bird watching, camping, recreation and so many other unique outdoor opportunities. We must work together to protect what we all love and cherish, so that future generations have the same great opportunities that we have...

Operation Game Thief

If you witness or suspect a wildlife violation, report it to your local conservation agent or call the toll-free number 1-800-392-1111.  You may remain anonymous and you may ask to be considered for a reward if you wish.  
Click HERE for more information about OGT.
CFM Store
Polo Shirts
Is spring on your mind?  Order your CFM polo shirt today!
Ranger Rick Magazines


Support the Conservation Federation of Missouri by subscribing to the Ranger Rick family of magazines.  Give your young adventurer the perfect reading material for bedtime reading.  There are issues available for ages 0 to 4, ages 4 to 7 and ages 7 to 12.
  Learn more at www.nwf.org/cfmkidsgift
CFM Platinum 
Business Alliance
Members

Thank you to our platinum sponsors.

Convention 2020



Registration now open!

Don't miss out on our largest event of the year, the 84th Annual Convention.  Join us for a weekend of networking, awards, a banquet dinner, silent and live auctions, and be a part of our resolution process.

Legislative Action Center Update

  
Updates Now Posted

WELL DONE!  We are pleased to announce our "Snack Stick" Share the Harvest bills (HB 1711 and SB 662) passed unanimously out of both the House and Senate Committees.

The Missouri 2020 Legislative Session is in full swing and we are working hard to bring you details on what is going on at the Capitol.   The complete list of bills we are monitoring is posted on our Legislative Action Center (LAC).  You can find those bills HERE .  We will keep you up-to-date as these bills go through the legislative process and inform you if amendments to the bills cause us to change our position.  

Priority pieces of legislation:

House Bill 1711 and Senate Bill 662 allow "shelf stable packaged foods to be donated to and distributed by charitable organizations," which would create an avenue for donation of products like meat sticks and jerky through the Share the Harvest Program.

HB 1547, which would allow contractors to purchase liability insurance for application of prescribed fire. Missouri is one of very few states where this is not currently possible, and CFM believes such a bill would allow better access to important habitat management techniques for many landowners.



Mark Twain National Forest Asks for Comments


Sustainable recreation strategy
- public input needed

Every five years, the public has the opportunity to share their thoughts about the strategic future of the recreation program on Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF); and right now is one of those opportunities.  A process called Recreation Site Analysis (RSA) has begun, and MTNF will be accepting public comments through March 6, 2020. Public comments will provide insight to help recreation staff understand the trends in use.  Specifically, MTNF is looking for comments regarding developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds, boat landings, and picnic areas.

For the full text, CLICK HERE.

Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt


The Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt has been a very successful event over the last 11 years and serves both as a celebration of Missouri's leading role in providing outdoor recreational opportunity as well as recruiting and retaining additional outdoor enthusiasts. This hunt is a cooperative effort between Governor Mike Parson, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, National Wild Turkey Federation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, elected officials from the capitol, and a host of private landowners and other volunteers.

Deadline to apply is March 20th.  If you would like to refer a youth that may enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or for more information, click HERE.

Recovering America's Wildlife Act


Support Recovering America's Wildlife Act.  The bill has now passed out of the House Natural Resource Committee and must be approved in the House and Senate. Only two Missouri law makers are supporting this bill.

Please encourage your local representatives to become co-sponsors.  To learn more and help us spread the word, contact your legislators today. Click here for more information.