CONSERVATION ACTION
June 30, 1997 report of news and decisions of the
Missouri Conservation Commission
Contact: Shannon Cave or Jim Low, (573) 751-4115;
E-mail: Shannon.Cave@mdc.mo.gov
General news
The Conservation Commission met June 30 at Zeno's Motel & Steak House,
I-44 West, in Rolla. The open meeting to consider business began at 10:15
a.m. with all Commissioners present:
John Powell, Rolla, Chairman
Ronald J. Stites, Plattsburg, Vice Chairman
Randy Herzog, St. Joseph, Secretary
Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, Member
Commissioners approved establishment of ten common regions of the state
for field units of all divisions, designed to improve public service and
coordination. The next meeting was set for July 29 in Jefferson City.
Regulations
The Commission approved a 21-day spring turkey season for 1998 beginning
on the Monday closest to April 21, with a bag limit of two male turkeys
or turkeys with visible beards, provided only one turkey may be taken the
first week of the season and only one turkey may be taken per day.
The Commission also approved a 14-day fall firearms turkey season for 1998
beginning the second Monday in October; removed the restriction that only
one turkey may be taken during each week of the season, provided only one
turkey may be taken during the first week of the season and only one turkey
may be taken per day; and opened Greene County to fall turkey hunting.
In addition, the Commission approved simplifying information required on
turkey transportation tags and eliminated the requirement for completing
in ink a harvest log printed on the permit.
Commissioners received a report entitled "Committee Report on Deer
Program Issues Related to POS." The report recommended changes
in distribution of 1998 deer permits, designed to avoid long lines and computer
problems that were experienced on February 1 of this year. Changes to be
implemented include abandoning the "first-come, first-served"
concept, providing over-the-counter sales for units with unlimited permits,
reestablishing a random drawing for units with limited permits, beginning
deer permit sales on July 1, issuing separate deer and turkey hunting permits
that include transportation tags, and liberalizing the availability of landowner
quota permits.
Approval to
>> advertise and sell an estimated 1,181,678 board feet of mixed hardwood
sawtimber from 205 acres of the 39,447-acre Rocky Creek Conservation Area
(CA) in Shannon County.
>> advertise and sell an estimated 694,360 board feet of mixed hardwood
sawtimber from 226 acres of the 3,768-acre Fourche Creek CA in Ripley County.
>> negotiate an agreement with the City of Arnold, Jefferson County,
under which the Department would provide a cash grant toward the City's
purchase of 118 acres to be managed as an urban wild acres site and an outdoor
classroom. MDC funding is contingent upon the passage of a city sales tax
earmarked for the project.
>> transfer 100-150 wild turkeys per year to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department for an additional five year period-renewing an existing agreement.
Land Acquisitions
The Commission acquires land only from willing sellers, making annual payments
to compensate local governments and schools for lost tax revenues at assessment
levels current when acquired. Public access to acquisitions will be appropriate
only after closing of real estate transactions, at which time boundaries
will be marked and further information will be available. Approval was given
to proceed with acquisition of the following:
>> purchase 155 acres in Andrew County as an addition to Worthwine
Island CA.
>> purchase 40 acres in Harrison County as an addition to Pawnee Prairie
CA.
>> purchase 1.5 acres in Mississippi County as an addition to Ten
Mile Pond CA.
Area Names
The Commission gave the following names to recent acquisitions:
Name County Acres
Catlin Prairie CA Barton 240
Gist Ranch CA Texas 11,404
Hart Creek CA Boone 574
URL http://www.mdc.mo.gov/news/action/1997/act0630.html
Last Revision Date: 06/30/97
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