May 29, 2020

In This Issue
From Our Blog
Why Missouri Needs a 21st Century
Civilian Conservation Corps

As we prepare to rebuild from the devastation wrought by the pandemic, we will need to summon solutions that match the magnitude of moment.

One challenge we will have to address is the youth unemployment crisis. Americans under 30 years of age are out of work at a level not seen since the Great Depression. This crisis touches all demographics, but disproportionally affects youth of color, indigenous youth and rural youth. More than a quarter of a million Missourians have filed unemployment claims.
 
The good news is that we already have a strong foundation upon which to build...

Missouri Nature Minute

CFM has launched the Missouri Nature Minute!  It's a series of short videos sharing some timely natural events with you.  Get out and enjoy the outdoors with the Missouri Nature Minute!

CFM Store
LIMITED AVAILABILITY:  "Bring 'em back to Missouri" T-shirts with the CFM medallion on the front ONLY $8.00. Get yours 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.
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.
Last Chance: 
Register for Elk Season


This Sunday, May 31st, marks the last day you can apply to enter the drawing for Missouri's inaugural elk season!  Four bull elk tags will be awarded this first season.  Each eligible Missouri resident can apply for the drawing on the Dept. of Conservation website for $10.  To the four winners, elk permits will cost $50 each.  

"Elk are a native species in Missouri but were hunted to extinction in the state through unregulated hunting during the late 1800s. With the help of numerous partners and supporters, MDC reintroduced about 100 elk to a remote area of the Missouri Ozarks in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Most were cow elk with some calves and immature bulls. Their numbers have grown to more than 200, and their range has expanded in recent years to cover portions of Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. The area consists of nearly 80 percent public land interspersed with tracts of private property."  Information from MDC.

Learn more and apply here.

MDC Opens Comment Period on  Proposed Bear Season


The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking initial public input on a proposed limited and highly regulated hunting season for black bears, which would be open only to Missouri residents. If approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission, a season could occur as soon as the fall of 2021. MDC is asking for initial public comments through Friday, June 5th.

According to MDC, over the last 50 years bear numbers in the Missouri Ozarks have increased significantly and today Missouri is home to between 540 - 840 black bears. Bear numbers are currently increasing each year and bear range in the state is expanding.

Read MDC's full article HERE.

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.



CLC Accepting Applications


CLC is accepting applications!  If you know of any conservation-minded young people that will be high school juniors through college juniors this fall, please encourage them to apply.  You can send them the link below, send them to our website, or have them contact Colton at [email protected].


Rare Rifle Raffle



Own a piece of history with this one of a kind Winchester rifle!  This beautifully crafted Winchester Model 70 is chambered in .300 Win Mag.  The action features leafy scrollwork with the National Wild Turkey Federation Logo, State of Missouri Seal, and two elk.  A Leopold scope accompanies this rare rifle to complete an already stunning work of art.  The rifle is kept safe in a leather and felt hard case featuring a combination lock and the National Wild Turkey Federation logo in leather.


COVID-19 Update
Thank you for your continued support of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM).  We hope you and your loved ones are safe and secure.  CFM is continuing our mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are utilizing our resources, our talented team, and our statewide network to be responsive during this unusual time.  The CFM staff continue our mission to ensure conservation of our wildlife and natural resources and preservation of our outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.  Feel free to continue to contact us through our normal phone numbers and email address and stay up-to-date on our Facebook page here.