The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation approved 12 projects benefiting conservation at the August 24, 2011 board meeting in Jefferson City. The 12 projects approved total $45,197. Listed below are the 12 projects approved. These projects contribute to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s strategic goals; help promote hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation; promote Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources; and improve habitat.
Discover Nature Teachers Project – $6,000
The Discover Nature Teachers Program will involve teaching college students how to use the Department’s Discover Nature School Program. This is a unique partnership with Missouri State University and the Department to teach the Discover Nature School Program to future teachers.
Apple Creek Shooting Range Shelter – $10,000
This project is located at the Apple Creek Conservation Area shooting range in southeast Missouri to construct a 24’x30’ outdoor education facility/shelter
Missouri Girls Exploring Nature Program – $1,500
The Missouri Girls Exploring Nature is a three day camp hosted by conservation agents in the Northeast Region. The camp is offered to young ladies between the ages of 11 and 15. The camp teaches a variety of outdoor skills including canoeing, hunter education, hiking, fishing and camping.
Guatemala Conservation Area Project – $5,000
Located along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, the Sierra Caral is a unique transitional ecosystem of wet rainforest and pine-oak forests. The area is a critical refuge for 120 neotropical migratory species. Currently, the Sierra Caral is completely unprotected and being developed at an alarming rate. Funding will help purchase and protect over 5,000 acres of forestland in Guatemala.
Third Annual Wounded Warrior Program – $3,000
This event is sponsored by a non-for-profit organization called Peterson Outdoors. The event will allow U.S. soldiers who have been wounded in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam to participate in a special deer hunt on private land in Barton and Jasper counties.
Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program – $5,000
Funds will help cover travel and lodging expenses for the 3 winning teams at the Missouri Archery in the Schools State Tournament. Funds will allow the winning teams to travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the 2012 National Tournament.
Discover Nature Radio Partnership – $4,000
Through a unique partnership with National Public Radio, MCHF funding will help produce a full year of two-minute “Discover Nature” radio spots that currently air Monday morning during the popular drive time radio program Morning Edition. Each weekly topic will be written by Department staff to help NPR listeners discover nature. The program will air in southeast Missouri. Hear Radio Spots
Painted Rock Trail Restoration Project – $2,847
The Osage Bluff Scenic Trail parallels the Osage River on the Painted Rock Conservation Area. From the trail, hikers can view the Osage River from a 200 foot cliff overlook. Funds will help repair and retreat the wooden boardwalk and viewing platforms along this popular trail.
Castor River Trail Signage – $3,200
Located on the Amidon Conservation Area in the Castor River Shut-Ins Natural Area, the Pink Rock and Cedar Glades Trail is a popular designation for hikers, photographers and wildlife watchers.
Twin Lakes Walleye Research Project – $650
In recent years, both Bull Shoals and Norfolk Reservoirs have received national attention as a top walleye fishing designation. The Department is working with the Arkansas Game and Fish and local anglers to collect vital information on the Bull Shoals and Norfolk walleye fisheries and angling pressure.
Hunting for Heroes Program– $2,500
This event will allow 6 to 8 wounded law enforcement officers the opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature at a central Missouri game bird shooting preserve. The 3 day event will include 2 dove hunts, pheasant hunt and special dinner. Funds will help cover the cost of food, hunting equipment and cost of the pheasant hunt.
CRP Sprayer for Private Land Habitat Work – $1,500
Quail Unlimited and the Department have made significant habitat improvements for quail and grassland birds in the Cass County Quail Focus Area. Much of the work is being completed on 10 to 20 acre blocks where large Agri-Service companies will not perform herbicide applications. Funding will help defray the cost of a heavy duty, pull behind sprayer that private landowners can use.
