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to MDC Home Page1. Orscheln Farm and Home endorses TWW
2. WOW offers introduction to outdoor activities
3. Gift ideas abound for outdoorsy dads
4. MDC property auction set for June 21
5. Commission to meet in Rolla June 30
We are subject to strange goings-and-comings, to sudden exits and unpredictable absences. Our tolerant women-folk have the benefit of their spouses only now and then. Bream-widows, they call themselves. For during the full moon bream fishing is at its traditional best. -- Havilah Babcock, My Health is Better in November
One of the Midwest's leading rural and suburban retail store chains has thrown its support behind an initiative that would provide for better management of non-game fish and wildlife.
MOBERLY, Mo. -- Orscheln Farm and Home L.L.C. has become the latest corporate sponsor of Teaming With Wildlife (TWW), a national effort to improve management of non-game wildlife. Orscheln is the second major corporation based in Missouri to put its clout behind the national initiative.
Orscheln officials said they decided to back TWW because it fits their corporate commitment to improve the quality of life in rural communities. "Our group is delighted to join the national coalition and support a user fee dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation," said Orscheln Executive Vice President and General Manager Terry W. Shoenberger. "We believe this initiative will benefit our customers, our stores and increase our marketing opportunities in several areas. This can directly benefit the 4-H and FFA groups we work with and help promote nature tourism for many communities."
Shoenberger said he also feels supporting TWW is "the right thing to do" because many products sold in Orscheln's 82 stores are tied directly to wildlife. Examples include bird feeders, bird seed and bird houses. "This is an opportunity to give something back and play a part in sustaining the natural resources that are the source of our prosperity," he said. "We owe it to ourselves and to our children to take care of these resources."
Jerry Conley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, said Orscheln's involvement with TWW is an extension of the company's existing policies. He noted that local Orscheln stores make their facilities available for 4-H club meetings and similar activities, and the company expects to enlarge product lines related to outdoor activities.
"When we showed them how fast nature photography, wildlife watching, bird feeding and other wildlife-based recreation are growing, they were eager to consider an active role in promoting it," said Conley. "Missourians can be proud that we have progressive, community-minded companies like Orscheln that are willing to be leaders in improving wildlife-related conservation education and recreation."
Orscheln stores, including 35 in Missouri, serve rural and suburban customers. Their merchandise includes farm, yard and garden supplies, hardware, plumbing, electrical, automotive, paint, pet and livestock feed and outdoor clothing. The company also has stores in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Orscheln employs about 5,000 people and generates more than $500 million in sales annually. It recently announced the expansion of its cable manufacturing plant in Moberly, bringing 40 jobs to that town.
Bass Pro Shops, the national outdoor mail-order company based in Springfield, endorsed TWW in 1996. Other Missouri businesses backing the initiative include Arundale Products, Inc., Tracker Marine, Missouri Wildflower Nursery, American Rod & Gun and Big Cedar Lodge. The Conservation Federation of Missouri, the state's largest and broadest-based conservation group, also has endorsed TWW.
TWW is an effort to reinvest a small part of the money spent on wildlife-related recreation in protecting and managing non-game animals and their habitats. To do this, TWW would place a small excise tax on equipment used for birdwatching, backpacking, nature photography and outdoor pursuits other than hunting and fishing. This excise tax, ranging from one-quarter of 1 percent to 5 percent of the wholesale price, would generate about $350 million nationwide each year for state and local conservation, recreation and education programs. Missouri's share of this money would be about $6.5 million annually.
The MDC has developed a list of projects and programs that could be funded with money from dedicated non-game wildlife funding under TWW. These include:
--Providing grants to community groups to develop trails, wildlife habitat and natural areas.
--Planning for community nature centers in partnership with local agencies.
--Enhancing wildlife viewing areas with viewing towers, blinds and boardwalks and signs.--Creating interpretive programs and wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with cities, counties and private organizations.
--Offering grants to schools to develop outdoor classrooms or create biology study areas.
--Creating a conservation leadership program to carry out local conservation projects.
--Providing technical assistance to help communities incorporate parks, green space, trails, nature areas and storm-water management into new developments.
--Restoring bottomland forests, wetlands and wet prairies, marshes and aquatic habitats to benefit fish, forest and wildlife resources.
"Gaining congressional approval for TWW will require active popular support," says Cheryl Riley, wildlife diversity coordinator for the Conservation Federation, which heads Missouri's efforts to gain congressional approval of TWW. She says citizens must contact their congressional representatives if they feel Teaming With Wildlife is worthwhile. TWW supporters anticipate consideration of the proposal by Congress this session.
For more information on TWW, contact: Cheryl Riley, Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65101-1534. Phone: (573) 634-2322. Information also is available via Internet at: http://www.gorp.com/teamww.
-jim low-
Missourians can learn how to enjoy the outdoors at dozens of workshops on subjects ranging from family camping to hunting with muzzleloading rifles.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Take a walk on the wild side this summer with a five-day exploration into the Wonders of the Outdoor World (WOW). WOW, the National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School, is designed to teach the basics of safe and ethical participation in outdoor recreational activities and conservation programs.
The outdoor skills school, sponsored by The Missouri Department of Conservation, the University of Missouri, the Mark Twain National Forest and Bass Pro Shops, will give participants an opportunity to combine five days in southwest Missouri with fun and informative lessons about the outdoors.
WOW is scheduled for August 2-6 on the Drury College campus. Comprehensive courses on everything from Missouri rocks, to nature photography to hunting and fishing skills are available. Other courses include Beginning Archery, Field Archery, Beginning Canoeing, Kayaking, Family Camping, Basic Field Ecology, Caves and Recreational Caving, Exploring Life in Streams, Hypothermia and Nature Journaling. A complete course listing is included in WOW registration packets.
WOW participants are responsible for their lodging. Dormitory style lodging on the Drury campus is available. Rooms may be booked for Saturday through Tuesday for $60 per person. In addition to lodging you will receive breakfast Sunday through Tuesday, bed sheets, a pillow case, one blanket and access to the physical recreation center. You must furnish your own pillows and towels.
Registration for the outdoor skills school is $150 per person 11 and older. That fee includes handout materials, transportation to selected program sites, four lunches and two dinners. A separate day camp is available for children under age 11 for $35 per day. Pre-registration is required for both WOW and the day camp. Request registration materials from: Wonders of the Outdoor World c/o Bass Pro Shops, 1935 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65898. Or call (417) 832-9019.
-arleasha mays-
If your dad loves the out-of-doors, why not give him a present he can use there?
JEFFERSON CITY -- Are you wondering what to give your outdoorsy dad for Father's Day? Consider the wide selection of books, video and audio tapes and other outdoors-related goods available from The Missouri Department of Conservation.
If your dad is interested in Missouri wildlife, give him "Missouri Nature Viewing Guide" ($3.50), a directory to the best nature viewing areas in the state. For the outdoorsy dad who needs tips for turning his catch into a feast, order "Cy Littlebee's Guide to Cooking Fish & Game" ($2). The whole family can enjoy exceptional food while he learns to make deerburgers, turtle soup, pheasant cacciatore and gooseberry pie.
Give your dad flowers this Father's Day in a form he will find hard to refuse. Make him dandelion pancakes for breakfast or day lily soup and violet petal salad for lunch. These and other tasty ideas for using wildflowers to add a little spice to ordinary meals can be found in "Wild Edibles of Missouri" available from the Missouri Department of Conservation ($4.50). This informative book is only one of many unique and affordable Fathers' Day gifts available from MDC.
Other MDC books offer information on a variety of topics, ranging from hiking trails to amphibians. One of MDC's most popular publications is "Missouri's Conservation Atlas" ($15). Whether you're planning a Saturday fishing trip or a week-long camping trip, the atlas gives you detailed information and maps on MDC areas, facilities, activities and wildlife. Step into the Missouri outdoors with this essential guide to MDC lands across the state.
With an MDC video, your father can increase his knowledge of nature or discover a new hobby. Video selections include "Exploring Outdoor Missouri " ($11), "Fishing Missouri " ($10), "Beginning Fly-tying" ($9) and "The Nature of Trapping" ($10). In May, MDC added a new video to its collection. "Furbearers of Missouri " ($10) is now available and just in time for Father's Day.
Send your father back in time with the "Voices of the Hills: A Journey to Shannon County" ($5), a new MDC audio tape. The people and traditions of the Ozark region come alive through this historic tale of music and narration.
MDC publications, videos and audio tapes are available at conservation nature centers and service centers in Springfield, Blue Springs, Kirkwood, Jefferson City and Cape Girardeau or by mail. To receive a catalog and order form, write to: Books & Videos, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Orders from Missouri residents are subject to sales tax, and mail orders carry an additional postage and handling fee.
A great gift idea for the hunter or angler in your family is a Missouri hunting, trapping or fishing permit. Whether his interest is in trout fishing or turkey hunting, the outdoorsman in your family will appreciate this affordable gift. Permits are sold statewide at most retail stores where hunting and fishing supplies are sold.
Want dad to know you appreciate him year-round? Get him a subscription to the Missouri Conservationist, a monthly magazine with spectacular photographs and detailed articles about wildlife. The magazine is free to adult Missouri residents. To subscribe, mail name and address to: Conservationist Subscription, Circulation Office, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
Explore the MDC publications and videos with your family, and then explore the areas you are learning about by visiting a nearby conservation area. Father's Day is the perfect time to appreciate Missouri wildlife while spending time with your family. For a map of Missouri conservation areas, write to: Outdoor Map, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
-amy glup-
From 4x4's to computers you're sure to find some good bargains at the MDC public auction in Springfield.SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Do you dream of a relaxing jaunt around your backyard atop a John Deere riding lawnmower? Perhaps your heart's greatest desire is to drift along a rolling river in a 18-foot Polarcraft boat. Well, your ship or tractor has finally come in. An auction scheduled for June 21 in Springfield is a chance to buy these dream conveyances and other surplus property from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Bargains will be abundant at the MDC maintenance center at 2630 N. Mayfair. Potential buyers can preview the sale items from 1 to 5 p.m. June 20 or from 8 to 10 a.m. June 21. Bidding will begin at 10 a.m. June 21.
This year's auction items include two-ton, three-quarter-ton and half-ton trucks and 4x4 pickups, Jeep utility vehicles, vans, station wagons and sedans. Those who prefer to go off-roading in the water can choose from several boats. The MDC even has boat trailers for sale to haul your purchase home. Various brands of outboard motors also are up for auction.
Green will be a visible color at the auction with several John Deere tractors available. The MDC auction may have something for you if you're in the market for generators and power trimmers, too.
If your passion lies with disk drives, hard drives and keyboards, check out the Compaq portable computer, Dell laptop computer and several computer printers available. Complete computer units and assorted computer equipment also will be on the auction block.
The MDC auction can even satisfy more simple needs, like those for a toolbox, a chain saw or battery chargers. A list of the items for sale will be available at the auction registration, or you can receive one by mail. Write to: Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. For your convenience, the MDC will accept personal checks with proper identification. All property must be paid for prior to removal on the day of sale.
-amy glup-
ROLLA, Mo. -- The Missouri Conservation Commission will hold its next regular meeting June 30 at Zeno's Motel & Steak House, I-44 West, Rolla. The Commission will meet in closed executive session at 8:30 a.m. The open session will begin at 10:15 a.m.
Commission meetings are open to the public. To be placed on the agenda for a hearing or other business, write to Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson
City, MO 65102-0180 not later than June 13. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements at the same address, or by phone at (573) 751-4115.Commissioners are: John Powell, Rolla, chairman; Ronald J. Stites, Plattsburg, vice-chairman; Randy Herzog, St. Joseph, secretary, and Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, member.
-jim low-
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