January 2003
Museum, Conservation Department carry on vulture tradition
Friday, January 31, 2003
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| Vulture Venture, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Wonders of Wildlife Museum, Springfield, will focus on one of the state's biggest and most interesting birds of prey. The event is scheduled for Feb. 22 at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery on Table Rock Lake. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
BRANSON, Mo. - "Awesome!" was one young birdwatcher's impression as he watched hundreds of huge black birds swirl down from the sky as if caught in an invisible whirlpool. "Grrrross! said another youngster. Some people think vultures are cool. Others find them macabre, but no one leaves Vulture Venture unimpressed.
Each winter, hundreds of turkey vultures and smaller numbers of less-common black vultures converge on Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery at Table Rock Lake. This year, the Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) Museum in Springfield to introduce people to one of North America's biggest and most interesting birds of prey.
From noon until 6 p.m. Feb. 22, hatchery and museum personnel will host an opportunity for people to see vultures up close. A high-powered telescope will give visitors a close look at wild vultures perched in trees surrounding the fish-rearing facility. Naturalists will be on hand to answer questions and explain vulture habits. The outdoors portion of the program will take place under a tent, so the event will be held, rain or shine.
Visitors will get an even more intimate glimpse of the bare-headed, road kill-eating birds at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center. There, the WOW Museum will conduct half-hour indoor programs featuring its live captive vulture, Socrates.
Visitors will be able to view a vulture video, play vulture games and take a vulture trivia quiz. For example, visitors will be asked to imitate vulture sounds. (Hint: It is easier than it seems.)
One of the most popular activities is "Build-A-Vulture," where a volunteer is transformed into a feathered and beaked scavenger. "Kids really love it," said Interpretive Programs Supervisor John Miller. "We literally turn someone into a vulture."
Miller said participants are surprised to learn that vultures are remarkably handsome birds close-up. "They're really quite pretty," he said. He also said people are fascinated by the many interesting facts they learn during programs. These include vulture's use of projectile vomiting as a defense.
The highlight of the day likely will come in late afternoon. That is when hundreds of vultures come back to Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery to roost for the night.
Returning birds join in a lazy circular descent. This behavior, known as "kettling," creates the appearance of an invisible cauldron being stirred by an enormous hand. It is a perfect opportunity to observe how the birds use their four- to six-foot wingspans to ride warm air currents rising from the hatchery waters. This event usually takes place between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
Vulture Venture is free and requires no reservations. For more information or directions to this handicapped-accessible event, call 417/334-4865 ext. 0.
- Jim Low -
Missouri nets big bucks from fishing
Friday, January 31, 2003
A look at the economics of fishing provides a new angle on this popular sport.
JEFFERSON CITY - Through the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, author Mark Twain perfectly portrayed fishing in Missouri as a delightful escape from the rigors of life. Fishing also contributes to our quality of life by adding millions of dollars to the economy each year.
The average angler spends more than $1,200 each year on fishing equipment and trips, according to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), an organization of sporting goods manufacturers, state and federal wildlife, land and water management agencies, conservation organizations and individuals. In 2001, Missouri anglers' purchases of fishing-related alone totaled $832,776,355. Those purchases helped fund approximately 15,000 jobs in the state.
Anglers also have great impact on state fisheries resources. Every Missourian who buys fishing gear contributes to fish stocking, fisheries research and other programs that help enhance fishing opportunities and state streams and lakes. The contributions are made through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act.
That's the federal law enacted in 1950 with the blessing of anglers nationwide. Nowadays it is better known as the Wallop-Breaux Act, in honor of two lawmakers who updated the law in 1984. Their amendment provides a broader tax base and protects the funds from being diverted to pay for other programs
Missouri receives approximately $6.5 million annually in federal disbursements for programs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Fisheries Division has put the funds to good use on a wide variety of projects that improve fishing opportunities.
"The majority of the accesses we construct in the state are funded 75 percent by proceeds from the excise taxes anglers pay on fishing-related equipment," said MDC Fisheries Division Administrator Norm Stucky. As you travel around the state you'll find very few places where there isn't readily available access to streams and lakes, and that access is provided free of charge."
Stucky said anglers contributions through the Sport Fish Restoration Act also are helping to improve our aquatic resources.
"Taneycomo is back in terms of being a premier trout fishery," said Stucky. "We conducted research on the trout population to find out why fish weren't reaching a larger size. The research found there was plenty of food and good habitat, but the fish were being caught so quickly they didn't have a chance to grow to a quality size."
The research led to a regulation putting a size limit on fish taken from Lake Taneycomo in the first three miles below Table Rock Dam.
"The response has been nothing short of phenomenal," Stucky said. "Last fall's sample there revealed the population of rainbow and brown trout in this three-mile reach was the best we've ever seen. The change came about as a result of research funded by the excise tax."
Indirect benefits from the Sport Fish Restoration Act also are tremendous. The federal dollars free up state money for work that Missouri otherwise could not afford.
In addition to the many monetary benefits received from angling activities there are intangibles that make fishing important.
"I wish there was some way we could capture the true value of the fishing experience," said Stucky. "The funds it provides to help protect Missouri's aquatic treasures are invaluable, but how do you put a value on the mental and physical benefits received from a fishing trip. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax. It draws family and friends together and provides a way to strengthen those relationships. I hope more Missourians consider the benefits of fishing and spend more time with family and friends enjoying this wonderful sport.
- Arleasha Mays -
Liberalized hunting helping to control snow geese
Friday, January 24, 2003
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| The abundance of fresh meat available to successful snow goose hunters encourages creative cookery. Snow goose sausage is a tasty treat with a flavor similar to pâté. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
JEFFERSON CITY - The thrill of the chase and wonders witnessed in the outdoors are the benefits of hunting that most people are used to hearing about. But talk of the ecological benefits of the sport may increase as hunters help halt damage to wildlife habitat.
Liberalized hunting of snow, blue and Ross' geese (collectively called light geese) has helped wildlife biologists throughout North America approach their goal of cutting populations of those species in half. Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Research Biologist Dave Garber says regulatory adjustments made over the past four years have helped stop an explosive growth of light geese numbers.
"Light goose numbers, a population index measured during the winter, peaked at about three million in 1998," said Graber. "In the past four years conservation orders liberalizing hunting have been enacted, and the light goose population has been cut to about 2.6 million. We want to get the population down to about 1.5 million. To do that, we need a harvest of about 1.4 million geese for the next several years."
Graber said Missouri hunters have been instrumental in reducing the numbers of light geese. Before the conservation orders, Missouri's annual light geese season harvest averaged less than 20,000. During the first three years of conservation orders, Missouri's harvests increased to approximately 100,000, and last year, hunters bagged more than 200,000 light geese.
Missouri hunters again are being called upon to help preserve arctic waterfowl habitat. A conservation order that allows hunters to pursue the geese beyond the regular hunting season is in effect now through April 30 in the north and Swan Lake zones and Jan. 27 through April 30 in the middle, south and southeast zones.
The light goose conservation order permits hunters to use methods not allowed during the regular hunting season. These include hunting with unplugged shotguns, using electronic calls, an unlimited harvest of light geese and the taking of geese until 30 minutes after sunset. All that is needed to participate in the season is a $6 Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit.
The ultimate goal of the conservation order is ecological protection. Light geese have grown so numerous that they are damaging their nesting habitat in the arctic. Wildlife biologists say without a decrease in their population the birds could cause permanent damage to habitat that sustains them and other wildlife.
Habitat improvements and changes in agricultural practices along the birds' migratory route contributed to explosive growth in light goose numbers. The birds, which pull up plant roots when above-ground vegetation is exhausted, are eating away arctic tundra habitat. A third of the area is so damaged that biologists believe it is unlikely to recover in a lifetime.
Taking advantage of the light goose hunting opportunities is not only good for wildlife it can be great for the dinner table. One bird yields a little over a pound of breast meat. Snow goose breast is dark and rich. Marinating is a frequent choice for preparation.
One quick and easy recipe calls for soaking breast fillets in Italian salad dressing and then grilling them over charcoal or in the oven broiler. Another variation uses equal parts of white cooking wine and soy sauce seasoned with fresh garlic, ginger root and lime juice.
For best results, perforate the fillets with a fork and marinate overnight. To prevent drying, wrap breast halves in smoked bacon and check often to prevent overcooking. The red color of the meat makes it easy to believe they are not yet cooked. Cook only until firm to the center, leaving the fillets juicy and tender. Combine pan drippings with leftover marinade to make a sauce and serve with wild rice.
The huge amount of meat that successful snow goose hunters can accumulate encourages innovations, such as the following recipe for snow goose salami.
--12 pounds ground snow goose meat
--3 pounds pork sausage
--3/4 cup curing salt
--6 teaspoons of liquid hickory smoke seasoning
--5 teaspoons garlic powder
--6 teaspoons of cracked pepper
--6 teaspoons of whole mustard seed
Mix well and chill overnight. Divide into 1-pound portions and roll each into an 8-inch log. Wrap with cheesecloth and tie the ends. Place on a wire rack over a pan and bake four hours at 225 degrees. Freeze or refrigerate until used.
- Arleasha Mays -
Regulation changes omitted from 2003 Wildlife Code
Friday, January 24, 2003
Commercial fishing operators and holders of captive wildlife are advised to get clarification on regulation changes to prevent code violations.
JEFFERSON CITY - Regulations changes inadvertently omitted from the 2003 Wildlife Code of Missouri could cause confusion about some restrictions on commercial fishing and requirements for holders of captive wildlife.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is concerned that information excluded from the commercial fishing seasons and methods section of the wildlife code book could lead commercial fishing operators to violate the law. Paragraph 10 of that section incorrectly repeats information in paragraph 9. Both paragraphs outline restrictions against possessing game fish while using commercial fishing gear or aboard a boat transporting fish taken by commercial fishing gear. Paragraph 10 should read: "The possession of extracted egg of any fish species, except as provided in section (7) of this rule is prohibited while on waters of the state and adjacent banks."
Of concern to captive wildlife permit holders is the omission on page 104 of an appendix detailing requirements for the cage, pen and other enclosure standards for Class II wildlife. The accompanying table contains the missing information. (If the table below and in the attached document is ureadable, visit the "News" page of the Conservation Department's Web site.)
For more information about these or other wildlife code regulations, contact the nearest Conservation Department office.
- Arleasha Mays -
CAGE, PEN OR OTHER ENCLOSURE STANDARDS FOR CLASS II WILDLIFE
3 CSR 10-9.220 (3) [Revised 03/01/03]
Species
Black bear or hybrids
Enclosure Space (sq. ft.)
150
Space for each additional animal
50% larger
Enclosure Height (feet)
8(w/top) or 10(w/o top 12 after 3/03)
Cage material
Not smaller than 9 gauge steel chain link; top required for 8-foot enclosure; 3-foot lean-in on top of fence acceptable for 10-foot enclosure. [For enclosures constructed after 3-1-03, height (without top) must be 12 feet with 3-foot lean-in on top; two strands of hot wire (8000- 10000 volt) on fence, one strand on lean-in, one strand along bottom or middle of fence; 4-inch concrete floor or non-rust 9 gauge chain link buried 2 feet and angled underground toward enclosure interior; for pens anchored flush with ground, 3-foot interior dig-out panel required at ground surface.]
Species
Mountain lion or hybrids
Enclosure Space (sq. ft.)
200
Space for each additional animal
50% larger
Enclosure Height (feet)
8
Cage material
Not smaller than 11 gauge steel chain link; top required.
Species
Wolf or hybrids
Enclosure Space (sq. ft.)
200
Space for each additional animal
50% larger
Enclosure Height (feet)
6
Cage material
Not smaller than 9 gauge steel chain link; 4-inch concrete floor or non-rust 9 gauge chain link buried 2 feet and angled underground toward enclosure interior; for pens anchored flush with ground, 3-foot interior dig-out panel required at ground surface; top required, except 8-foot fence with 3-foot lean-in acceptable for wolves.
Species
Venomous Snakes
Enclosure Space (sq. ft.)
(Perimeter must be 1 1/2 times length of longest snake)
Space for each additional animal
25% larger
Enclosure Height (feet)
Cage material
When on public display outside approved confinement facility, any side of exhibit cage exposed to the public shall have a double glass or escape-proof double mesh barrier designed to prevent contact between venomous reptile and the public.
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Lewis and Clark namesake birds sighted in Missouri
Friday, January 17, 2003
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| Clark's nutcracker atop a white pine tree at August A. Busch Conservation Area. (photo by Mike Grant) |
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| Lewis's woodpecker in a dead snag at Schell-Osage Conservation Area. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Could two birds have decided to observe the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition by visiting the state where their epic journey began? That may be a stretch, but all the same, a Clark's nutcracker and a Lewis' woodpecker have turned up at conservation areas in recent weeks.
The two bird species are among the 122 animals first described for science by the Corps of Discovery in its epic journey to the West Coast from 1804 to 1806. The woodpecker spent several weeks at Schell-Osage Conservation Area last year. The nutcracker has been visiting the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area early in January.
Conservation areas are favorite places for birders anyway, so word of unusual species gets around quickly and attracts intense interest in the bird-watching community. Jim Rathert, who works as a wildlife photographer for Missouri Conservationist magazine, is among those who flock to see rare migrants and document them.
"An unusual bird can attract hundreds of visitors wanting to add to their life-lists," says Rathert, "and we don't waste opportunities. It's important to document, and to share the excitement with photos for those who can't make the trip. These once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities are a labor of love for me."
Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is an attractive gray magpie, commonly found in the Rocky Mountains. The recent visitor to the Busch area was only the fourth documented sighting in Missouri. William Clark first recorded information about this bird in his journal on August 22, 1805:
"I saw today a Bird of the woodpecker kind which fed on Pine Burs---its bill and tale white, the wings black, every other part of a light brown, and about the size of a robin."
The expedition was near Idaho's Lemhi Pass, "on the hights of the rockey mountains." Clark's nutcrackers inhabit pine forests, where they stockpile thousands of pine nuts for winter food. These caches are important sources of forest regeneration following fires or avalanches.
Lewis' woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is the only woodpecker in the United States with wings that are entirely solid in color. Its flight is distinguished by crow-like flapping, unlike the undulating flight pattern of Missouri's native woodpeckers.
Lewis' woodpecker's normal range includes forests, from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Meriwether Lewis first reported seeing it July 20, 1805, at the Gates of the Mountains in central Montana. He described "a black woodpecker . . . about the size of the lark woodpecker as black as a crow . . . it has a long tail and flys a good deel like the jay bird."
President Bush has designated 2003-2006 as Lewis and Clark bicentennial years. Commemorative events are expected to lure millions of visitors to hundreds of sites along the trail. The focus is expected to move along with a keelboat, reconstructed and outfitted in St. Charles, Mo., which will carry re-enactors along the trail on dates 200 years apart from the original expedition's visit.
The historic Lewis and Clark journals report many important sites, events and discoveries in Missouri. Missouri communities along the trail and many state agencies are preparing for visitors during the bicentennial.
The Conservation Department owns many of the best places for modern visitors to see "what Lewis and Clark saw." While Clark's nutcracker and Lewis's woodpecker weren't seen here, their sightings underscore the importance of many "islands of habitat" that Missourian's maintain through their Conservation Department.
Conservation areas provide some of Missouri's best opportunities for bird watching, especially for species unsuited to developed areas. Information about unusual birds at the Busch area is available from by calling area headquarters, 636/ 441-4554. Information about Schell Osage CA is available by calling 417/876-5226.
- Shannon Cave -
2002 firearms deer harvest sets another record
Friday, January 17, 2003
Participants killed nearly a quarter of a million deer during the four segments of Missouri's firearms deer season.
JEFFERSON CITY - The numbers are in, and they show that Missouri had another record-setting deer hunt in 2002, bringing 247,792 deer to check stations during 26 days of firearms deer hunting.
The 2002 firearms deer season included four segments. Youngsters killed 7,580 deer during the youth-only segment Nov. 2 and 3. Far and away the largest number of deer - 217,435 - were taken during the regular firearms segment, Nov. 16 through 26. The muzzleloader segment, Dec. 7 through 15 added 9,364 deer to the tally. The antlerless-only segment Dec. 19 through 22, closed out the 2002 firearms deer hunting season with another 13,413 deer checked.
Working with the same number of hunting days as last year, hunters increased the annual harvest by 12,318. Segment totals from last year were: youth, 6,277; regular, 205,867; muzzleloader, 8,662; antlerless only, 14,668.
The Conservation Department recorded eight non-fatal firearms-related accidents during the November segment and one during the antlerless-only segment. No fatal deer hunting accidents were reported, and the youth and muzzleloader seasons went by without reported mishaps.
The number of deer taken by firearms deer hunters in all four segments of the 2003 firearms deer season amount to approximately one quarter of the state's deer herd. Hansen said this level of harvest not only is sustainable, it's necessary.
"With 800,000 to a million deer in Missouri, it takes a significant annual harvest to control their reproductive potential," said Hansen. "Deer hunters provide this service at no cost to taxpayers, and in the process they put thousands of tons of lean, red meat on their tables."
Hansen noted that Missouri hunters donated more than 38 tons of venison to needy families last year through the Share the Harvest program.
Keeping the state's deer herd at acceptable levels also helps prevent deer-vehicle accidents, which cause millions of dollars worth of property damage annually and can prove fatal to motorists. In addition, maintaining the herd at the desired size minimizes damage to agricultural crops, commercial nurseries and residential landscaping.
"Ultimately, deer population also is an ecological issue," said Hansen. "In areas where deer numbers grow unchecked, their foraging decimates plant diversity."
- Jim Low -
Build bird houses to pass winter hours
Friday, January 10, 2003
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| The hours you spend building bird houses will be repaid with many more hours of opportunity to watch songbirds, like this bluebird, throughout the spring and summer. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
JEFFERSON CITY - A small investment of lumber, nails and a little elbow grease to build bird houses can pay off in an activity to cure the winter blues and provide bird-watching enjoyment throughout the spring and summer
"Missouri has 26 species of cavity nesters, or birds that nest inside a hole in a tree trunk or limb," said Brad Jacobs, ornithologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation. "These birds, which include bluebirds, warblers, wrens, chickadees and tufted titmice, will readily use nest boxes. If you live in an urban area or along a stream where many of the old or dead trees have been removed, you'll attract birds that you can enjoy watching throughout their nesting period."
Building or refurbishing bird houses now will ensure they are ready for occupancy when birds arrive this spring.
To provide nesting habitat for the early birds of spring, put up houses for purple martins. The largest of the swallows, purple martins are named for the glossy bluish purple appearance of adult males. The first males to arrive are called "scouts." They appear in southern Missouri around mid-March and reach the northern part of the state a week or so later.
Although martins historically nested in rock crevices and hollow trees, the birds have adapted to houses provided by humans and now depend almost entirely on them. One way to attract nesting martins is to suspend several gourds from cross-pieces on a pole. The most common purple martin house is the apartment-style box. Instructions to create both type houses are included in the Missouri Department of Conservation booklet "Missouri's Purple Martins."
Missouri's state bird, the Eastern bluebird, lays eggs as early as April 1, so January is a good month to put out birdhouses for them. Bluebird nest boxes can get a lot of use as bluebirds sometimes raise three broods a year.
Knowing where to place a bird house is as important as knowing when to put one up according to Jacobs.
"Cats and other predators must always be considered when putting up bird houses," said Jacob. "When young birds first leave the nest they are going to hit the ground. If a nest box is placed where there is no cover, the birds will be easy prey. When putting up bird houses, place them in areas where rough vegetation or shrubs grow, or let the grass beneath it grow tall."
Placement also can help determine the species attracted to a bird house. Houses designed for bluebirds often are used by other birds when placed in habitat undesirable to bluebirds. A bluebird house placed 10 to 15 feet above the ground in a wooded area may be used by wrens, chickadees or titmice. The same house placed on a pole or in a dead tree could get tree swallows or prothonotary warbles as occupants.
"If you live along a stream and want to enjoy bird watching I suggest you put up a nest box," Jacob said. There's a good chance that a prothonotary warbler will occupy it. It's a brilliant gold bird that's just beautiful. But there's also a chance you'll get a flying squirrel."
Twigs and other old nest material can harbor parasites that plague young bluebirds, so remove the old nest between broods.
The Missouri Department of Conservation booklet "Woodworking for Wildlife" has easy-to-follow instructions for building, installing and maintaining houses for a variety of birds. For a copy of the booklet, write to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Science Division, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65103-0180.
- Arleasha Mays -
Workshops available to forest friends
Friday, January 10, 2003
Whether you want to sell timber, improve your forest for wildlife or keep an eye on a park, these events have something for you.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Missourians who treasure trees can pursue their interest by attending workshops offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri from now through May. One of the events is likely to be right for you, regardless of your level of experience and interest.
The workshops are part of the Missouri Forestkeepers Network program started by the Conservation Department in 1996. The program's goal is to give Missourians the opportunity and knowledge they need to care for trees, whether they are found in remote forests or urban parks.
Some Forestkeepers= involvement is limited to periodic monitoring of forest health through direct observation. Other Forestkeepers are interested in doing more than observing. They work with trees in their home neighborhoods, on their own land or cherished tracts of wilderness. The program is designed to help anyone who wants to make the most of trees in their surroundings.
The first workshop offered is geared to the needs of landowners who want to select trees for harvesting, determine their value and work with a logger to ensure the future health of their forests. The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Conservation Department's regional office in St. Joseph.
A workshop is planned for Feb. 8 at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. Participants will learn to manage forests with practices that benefit trees, wildlife and the environment.
Workshops for beginning Forestkeepers will be offered April 5 at the Conservation Nature Center in Springfield and May 3 at the Conservation Department's office in Sedalia. These workshops will provide an overview of the Forestkeepers program and prepare participants to start monitoring forest health immediately. Participants will learn how to use the free Forestkeeper kit to identify trees, conduct a tree inventory and assess tree health.
Members of the Missouri Forestkeepers Network receive The Monitor, a quarterly newsletter with bulletins on current forest health issues and hints for tree care. The newsletter also publishes information collected by Forestkeepers in their ongoing monitoring program.
Membership in the Forestkeepers Network is free. Forest monitoring is encouraged, but not required. Members decide what forest, park or other land to adopt and set their own goals
Registration is required for all workshops. A nominal fee is charged for the workshop in St. Joseph. All other workshops are free. For more information or to register, please call Forest ReLeaf at 888/9-FOREST (888/936-7378)
- Jim Low -
PILT payments bolster local governments
Friday, January 03, 2003
Keeping its promise to local governments, the Conservation Department makes annual payments to replace tax revenues on land it owns.
EMINENCE, Mo. - Local governments throughout Missouri get a Christmas present from the Missouri Department of Conservation each year. For some, the gift is an indispensable part of operating revenues.
The year-end payments to counties are commonly called payments in lieu of taxes, or PILT, because they compensate local governments for revenues lost when the Conservation Department buys land, removing it from tax rolls. In 2002, the Conservation Department's PILT payments totaled $582,933.
Of Missouri's 114 counties, 113 received PILT payments this year. Payments ranged from $47,761.36 to St. Louis County to $40.43 to Laclede County.
St. Louis County's share of PILT money is small compared to the overall county budget, but in other areas the Conservation Department's contribution represents a significant percentage of county revenues.
"It means survival to our government," said Shannon County Presiding Commissioner Shane VanSteenis. "It's a big part of our general revenue budget."
VanSteenis said Shannon County's property tax base is very small because much of the county's acreage is owned by other government agencies, including the U.S. Park Service, and the USDA Forest Service. Only the Conservation Department voluntarily sends local governments money to make up for tax revenues lost when land leaves private ownership. Shannon County is the second-largest PILT recipient, pulling in $28,305.26 in 2002. "The Conservation Department's PILT money is really all we have for general revenue," said VanSteenis.
Exactly how the money is split varies according to the makeup of each county's tax levee. Payments for Conservation Department acreage are divided among all the political subdivisions in which it lies. Howell County Collector Wayne Scharnhorst said his county's $3,730 in PILT money is divided among the county road and bridge fund, schools, city governments, the sheltered workshop and ambulance fire and water districts.
Vernon County Treasurer Phil Couch said schools will get approximately 80 percent of his county's 2002 PILT payment of $20,908.71.
The majority of PILT money comes from land the Conservation Department has purchased since Missouri voters approved the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax in 1976. These payments are based on taxes being paid on the land when the agency bought it. Conservation officials also makes PILT payments of 75 cents per acre on land it owned before passage of the sales tax.
Other major PILT recipients include Mississippi County, which received $23,701.66 last year, Holt County, which received $23,155.77, and Boone which received $21,450.40.
- Jim Low -
Commission to meet Jan. 29- 30 at Tan-Tar-A
Friday, January 03, 2003
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. - The Missouri Conservation Commission will meet Jan. 29 and 30 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach.
The Commission will meet in closed session at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and in open session at 8 a.m. Jan. 30.
Commission meetings are open to the public. Items to be placed on the agenda for presentations or other business should be sent in writing to: Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180; fax 573/751-4467. Requests must be received by Jan. 15. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by writing to the same address, or by phone at 573/751-4115.
Commission officers are: Howard L. Wood, Bonne Terre, chairman, Stephen C. Bradford, Cape Girardeau, vice-chairman; Cynthia Metcalfe, St. Louis, secretary, and Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, member.
- Jim Low -
