Missouri Department of Conservation Annual Report 2010 by Missouri Department of Conservation

Author:Missouri Department of Conservation
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Missouri, state government publication

^^^^^ Teaching Missourians About Fish, Forest and Wildlife Resources

Grassland Evaluation contests

The Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest is a national success born from partnerships; partnerships that have existed for more than two decades. It's a fun way for students to learn about grassland and wildlife management. Despite the challenging economic times, 23 FFA and 4H grassland management teams managed to travel to southwest Missouri from across the country to compete. Grassland experts from across the nation invested limited resources to come. The knowledge imparted to the participants will provide management experience to benefit the nation's grassland resources.

In October, FFA and 4H teams competed in district and state Grassland Evaluation Contests. District contests were held in six regions with the top teams competing for the state championship in Columbia. Teams rated fields and plots for their condition, soil and wildlife value, and identified plants. The contest is a cooperative effort between MDC, Natural Resources Conservation Service, University Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Missouri Forestkeepers Network

The USDA Forest Service's State and Private Forestry program awarded a $70,000 grant to MDC to facilitate outreach to Missouri landowners who own fewer than 60 acres. This project was implemented in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri through an annual cooperative agreement supporting the Missouri Forestkeepers Network

34 2009-2010 MDC Annual Report

(FKN). The FKN program is a volunteer, self-driven network of people interested in forests and forest monitoring.

More than 2,400 individuals, groups and organizations were enrolled in the program in FYIO. Members contributed 11,363 hours of volunteer time which can be valued at $236,918 using the Independent Sector's value for volunteer time.

In FYIO, FKN focused efforts in 13 counties that were selected based on rapid forest parcelization, population growth, proximity to large communities and location in the state. Those 13 counties were Lincoln, Warren, Christian, Cass, Platte, Phelps, Boone, Camden, St. Francois, Franklin, Jefferson, Ray and Webster Letters were sent to all landowners owning between 10-60 acres of land in these counties, encouraging them to participate in the FKN program. Nearly 350 landowners joined.

In addition. The Heritage Woods program was developed to appeal to landowners who are not interested in or not eligible to participate in other recognition programs.

Fire-suppression training

MDC supports volunteer fire departments in many ways. One way in particular is by providing annual wildland fire-suppression training to fire departments throughout the state. We conducted 28 sessions and trained more than 534 local firefighters in fire behavior, suppression techniques and safety at no cost to the fire departments or the volunteers. In addition, we also provided instructors and logistical support for the Midwest Wildfire Training Academy held in Jefferson City each year This academy draws thousands of participants from throughout the state and the Midwest.

Discover Nature Schools

Discover Nature Schools helps teachers engage students in hands-on, outdoor, place-based learning. In 2010, more than 39,000 Missouri children were connected with nature through various Discover Nature Schools instructional units and grants. Thus far, 104 schools adopted the middle-school aquatic unit, 109 schools taught the elementary habitats unit, and 91

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