Report of news and decisions of the
Missouri Conservation Commission
Contact: Jim Low or Arleasha Mays, (573) 751-4115;
E-mail: Arleasha.Mays@mdc.mo.gov
General news
The Conservation Commission met July 29 at the Department of Conservation in Jefferson City. The open meeting began at 10:15 a.m. with all Commissioners present:
Ronald J. Stites, Plattsburg
Randy Herzog, St. Joseph
Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City
Howard L. Wood, Bonne Terre
The first item of business was a presentation by Commissioner Howard L. Wood of his official notification of appointment by Governor Mel Carnahan to a six year term as Conservation Commissioner.
Commission officers for Fiscal Year 1997-98 were elected: Ronald J. Stites, Chairman; Randy Herzog, Vice Chairman; Anita B. Gorman, Secretary; Howard L. Wood, Member.
In conjuction with the meeting, the1997 honoree, Jack A. Stanford was inducted into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame in a special ceremony.
The next meeting was set for August 27 in Kansas City.
Regulations
Based upon revised federal frameworks, the Commission approved shortening the woodcock season to 45 days (October 15 to November 28) and reducing the bag limit to three daily and six in possession. Continuing long-term declines in woodcock populations necessitated this change by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Regulations Committee held a public meeting to hear comments regarding a proposed rule change that would prohibit release of hunting dogs onto private property from any public roadway unless the hunter owns or leases said property or has prior permission from the landowner. The meeting had been called to discuss problems affecting the continuing deterioration of relationships between landowners and dog owners. At the conclusion of the public meeting, it was reiterated that no action would be taken on the proposal at that meeting, and the Department would notify interested parties when and if this or a related issue was scheduled for a vote by the Regulations Committee.
Land Acquisition
The Conservation Commission acquires land only from willing sellers, based on identified conservation needs and current property value appraisals. Payments in-lieu-of-taxes are made annually to compensate local government and schools for lost revenues. Approval was given the following acquisitions:
Accept a donation of approximately 3.009 acres in Boone County as an addition to the Columbia District Office. The property is two tracts of approximately 1.762 and 1.247 acres bordering the Columbia District Office, bounded on the west by old Highway 63.
Purchase of approximately 7.13 acres on the North Fork of Cuivre River in Pike County as a public fishing access. The tract is located 3 miles northeast of New Hartford on Highway 161.
Exchange approximately 7 acres of Sunklands Conservation Area, Shannon County, for 6 acres adjacent to Sunklands Conservation Area. The exchange involves no funds. The exchange will provide legal access for the Department at two property corners.
Convey title to approximately .9 acres of Rocky Barrens Conservation Area, Greene County to an adjacent landowner to correct a boundary line.
Approval to
advertise and conduct a timber sale on Coldwater Conservation Area in Wayne County.
rescind existing policy, Sale of Forest Products, and authority to conduct future timber sales valued at less than $150,000 under provision of the "Conservation Commission Statement of General Forest Management Policy and Direction" adopted on May 30, 1997.
amend an existing Community Assistance Program agreement with the City of Hamilton, Caldwell County, under which the Department would provide a cash grant reimbursement for development of additional pubic use facilities at the 85-acres Hamilton City Reservoir.
amend an existing Community Assistance Program agreement with the City of Sedalia, Pettis County, under which the Department would provide a cash grant reimbursement for purchase and installation of an aeration system in Liberty City Park lagoon.
Presentations
Commission meetings are open to the public, and those wishing to be placed on the agenda for a presentation or other business must write to Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, at least 10 working days before the meeting date.
The Honorable Jim Murphy, Representative, 95 District, Crestwood, discussed possible Commission participation in acquisition of tract within the City of Fenton for public use.
Special Recognition
35-year Service Awards were presented to Wilburn E. Hoskins, Gordon W. Proctor, Stanley R. Lurk and Edgar C. Ponder.
30-year Service Awards were presented to Edward A. Keyser, George L. Hiser, Charles L. Marrs, Ranney E. McDonough, David E. Pitts, Warren W. Wiedemann and Cullen H. Wilson.
25-year Service Awards were presented to Jay P. Bowmaster, Arthur L. Brandon, Howard W. Gray, Willie R. Gray John H. Meyer, James D. Pokorny, Harry T. Quigley, David A. Riggs, Hollis G. Sapp Jr., Robert B. Wideman and Herman E. Gibson.
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