Southwest Region Conservation Priorities

HISTORICAL VIEW

The Southwest Region was historically a mixture of tall-grass prairie, forests, woodland-savannas and glades. Rivers and streams sliced through the hills forming deep valleys, giving the landscape a distinctive character. Fire used by Native Americans kept much of this area in open woodlands that supported superb habitat for diverse plant and animal communities.

About 25 percent of the region was in tallgrass prairie. Big bluestem and Indian grass were the dominant grasses, but a variety of prairie forbs and wildflowers contributed to the land's great natural beauty.

European settlement, which began about 180 years ago, changed the landscape considerably. Farmers converted the deeper fertile soils of the prairie to intensive agriculture, and many of the wood-lands and savannas were cleared to make way for cattle forage.

Cattle grazing has developed into a dominant industry here, resulting in over 50 per-cent of the land base being planted in fescue. The high incidence of fescue has resulted in a decline in rabbit and quail populations, and most likely other wildlife populations as well. In a number of sites, over-grazing in pastures and woodlots has led to a decline in the quality of wildlife habitat.

Because of unwise land-use practices in many of the watersheds during much of the 20th century, gravel deposition in streams and rivers has been wide-spread. Many pools have filled with gravel, reducing the diversity and abundance of fish populations in a number of streams.

Despite these changes, the land's diversity and resiliency have made the region an attractive place for visitors and residents alike.

(above right)The Southwest Region is noted for its swift streams and stunning scenery.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Missouri Department of Conservation's mission is to "Protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state; to serve the public and facilitate their participation in resource management activities; and to provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about fish, forest and wildlife resources."

This web page serves as a brief outline summarizing the management priorities for the next decade in the Southwest Region.

PRIORITIES INCLUDE

1. IMPROVE STREAMS THROUGH BETTER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
2. PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE HABITAT OF CAVES, SINKHOLES AND SPRINGS.
3. ASSIST LANDOWNERS IN RESTORING NATIVE GRASSLANDS.
4. FACILITATE THE PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS.

THE REGION TODAY

Since the 1930's, conservation efforts have resulted in significant gains for fish, forest and wildlife in the Southwest Region. Large reservoirs have added 95,000 acres of open water to the landscape, and angling has become a very popular pastime throughout the area.

Improved land management practices have resulted in better public and private stewardship of the forests, streams and prairies that make this region a favored destination for those seeking )outdoor recreational opportunities.

(above left) Developing quality habitat for quail and other upland wildlife is a major Department priority.

There are currently 435,000 acres of public land in the region, 88,000 of which are owned or managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Management strategies on department lands are as diverse as the habitats on which they are found. Controlled burning is an important part of prairie management, along with conversion to warm season grasses. Old fields are actively managed by discing the soils, selective burning, and legume planting, all methods that help maintain early successional stages and improve upland wildlife habitat.

Maintaining, and when needed, expanding native vegetation along streams is a top priority for the region.These forested buffers control bank erosion, trap sediment and provide quality habitat for fish and wildlife. Anglers in southwest Missouri have a variety of opportunities to enjoy their sport, and quality smallmouth and largemouth bass fisheries are found throughout the area. In coldwater stretches of streams or rivers, rainbow and brown trout add excitement and diversity to the angling experience.

Over eons of time, dissolving limestone rock beneath the earth's surface formed tunnels and crevices that eventually became a myriad of caves, sinkholes and springs. This "Swiss cheese" effect is called karst topography, and many rare and unique animals occupy these sensitive subterranean habitats. A number of efforts designed to protect this resource are currently under way.

Over a million people are served annually through various Department of Conservation outreach and education activities. Current offerings include nature center programs, hatchery tours, Hunter Education courses, one-on-one dialogue at fairs and community gatherings, special events celebrating hunting and fishing, and workshops for educators. Public service is a top priority for department staff both regionally and statewide.

(above right) Keeping streams viable is a crucial part of the effort to maintain southwest Missouri's beauty and biological diversity.

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

Conservation Lands

Practicing sound stewardship on department lands demonstrates our commitment to healthy fish and wildlife populations and sustainable forests and prairies. With care and foresight, the unique beauty of the Southwest Region can be used and enjoyed for many generations.

PROJECTED 10 YEAR MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

• Improve streams through sound management, including enhancement of habitats and corridors.
• Convert 3,200-plus acres of fescue to native vegetation.
• Bring into management 700-plus acres of glades. · Bring into management more than 800 acres of woodland-savannas.
• Develop or renovate small impoundments to enhance fishing.
• Enhance management of 1,200-plus acres of prairie.
• Bring into management 2,100-plus acres of old field habitat.
• Restore 235 acres of bottomland forest, 110 acres of shortleaf pine, and landscapes of contiguous forest cover on appropriate sites.
• Enhance caves, sink-holes and springs.
• Provide specialty hunting and fishing opportunities.
• Provide prompt, consistent, and effective services to landowners.
• Expand recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, fishing and shooting sports.

Private Lands

Privately owned lands comprise 92 percent of the region, meaning that landowners are critical to maintaining and improving habitat quality. For example, private landowner cooperation has been crucial to the restoration successes of deer and turkey populations in this region.The following priorities demonstrate the department's commitment to partnering with landowners in order to wisely manage southwest Missouri's natural resources.

(right) A strong Protection presence ensures sound management of the region's resources, and allows people to enjoy the outdoors safely.

PROJECTED 10 YEAR MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

• Continue furnishing a diligent enforcement presence that enhances compliance and public safety.
• Assist landowners in restoring native grasslands.
• Provide quality public service that helps citizens enjoy and appreciate the outdoors.
• Develop demonstration sites that let landowners examine successful land-use practices.
• Provide educational opportunities for students, teachers and the general public.
• Help landowners protect and restore caves, springs and sinkholes.
• Foster the protection of sensitive species and their habitats.
• Develop region-specific materials to help landowners control nuisance wildlife.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information on the Conservation Department's programs and services in the Southwest Region, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation, Southwest Regional Office, 2630 N. Mayfair, Springfield, MO 65803, or telephone 417.895.6880. Our world wide web address is www.mdc.mo.gov

(right) The Department works closely with landowners to encourage wise management of the region's significant forest resources.