News

At its meeting on February 20, the MCHF Board funded several projects to support ongoing work by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff. These projects include: Macon Family Outdoor Fun Day – $1,250 Blue River Community Restoration Day – $2,475 Columbia Public Schools Outdoor Education Program – $5,000 DeKalb County Upland Bird Youth Hunt – […]

Chip McGeehan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries and wildlife management at the University of Missouri – Columbia. He went on to pursue a career in business, but remains dedicated to wildlife management and conservation. He sustainably grazes herds of bison on his 1,000-acre ranch along the James River in Webster County, where […]

At its meeting on December 5, MCHF Board appointed four new Directors to replace outgoing Board members David Reynolds and Jan Horton, Springfield; Steve Bradford, Cape Girardeau; and Cynthia Metcalfe of Springfield. New members are appointed to serve a three-year term with an opportunity to volunteer for an additional three years.

At its meeting on August 8, 2013, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Chris Vitello as the Executive Director for the Foundation. Mr. Vitello is retiring from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) after 27 years. He worked his way through the ranks of the Department beginning […]

At the August 8, 2013 Board meeting, the MCHF approved 9 projects totalling $23,975. The approved projects contribute to the Department of Conservation’s priorities and are closely tied to: 1) capital improvement projects; 2) forest, fish and wildlife restoration efforts; 3) land acquisition or 4) hunter recruitment and outreach. This funding is made possible through […]

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) Executive Director Rick Thom recently announced his pending retirement, effective June 30. During Thom’s tenure, MCHF has increased its visibility, improved its business operations, and funded scores of conservation projects. Thom has headed MCHF since 2007, after retiring from a 28-year career with the Missouri Department of Conservation, including positions […]

New Platforms Dedicated on May 4, 2013 The MCHF began fundraising to construct a fishing and viewing platform at Bennett Spring State Park in 2011. The platform was to be constructed below the dam at Bennett Spring. The goal of $45,000 was met and additional funding allowed an effort to construct an additional handicapped accessible […]

At its Board meeting on February 13, 2013 in Jefferson City, Missouri the MCHF Board approved funding for 10 projects for the Missouri Department of Conservation. This funding is made possible through private donations to MCHF and revenue from MCHF Conservation License Plate donations: Community Archery Grant Program for City and County Parks: $5000 Funding will […]

Carroll Wilkerson and Dr. Wayne Morton joined MCHF Board in February 2013.

Jim Burge loves football and duck hunting. In the fall, and when time allows, the University of MO (MU) senior defensive lineman (#91) can often be found at one of his favorite spots in the Columbia area, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. Since January, Burge has been interning at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Columbia […]

Classmates of the Sugar Creek Gobblers 2012 Weekend Outdoor Workshop (WOW) event participated in a wide variety of hands-on learning activities held at the Big Horn Ranch March 23rd-25th. The overnight 3-day agenda included archery, flintlock rifles, trapping, fly rod casting, turkey calling, clay target shooting, and bone identification. The event concluded with a live […]

At a recent board meeting the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation decided to raise funds for a new viewing and fishing platform along the spring branch at Bennett Spring State Park. This was in response to a request from MDC director Bob Ziehmer to help make this project a reality. As soon as the board decided […]