Lifestyle
CFM and MDC Co-Host Missouri Wetlands Summit
CFM and MDC Co-Host Missouri Wetlands Summit

On February 1-3, the Federation and Department of Conservation co-hosted the Missouri Wetland Summit at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark.
The long overdue event brought together over 330 people from 15 states to hear presentations and discussions among a wide variety of experts, professionals, and other interested parties on the state of wetland conservation in Missouri and the challenges that lay ahead.
The result of a recommendation made by resolution from the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Wetland and Waterfowl Committee, the Summit was seen as an important step in determining the future of wetland conservation, restoration, and management in Missouri. https://www.confedmo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Resolution-11-Support-for-MDC-Intensively-Managed-Wetlands.pdf
The Summit was focused on bringing a wide range of citizens and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and interests in Wetlands. Attendees include state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private citizens, wetland enthusiasts and much more.
The conference was kicked off by George Seek, Wetlands and Waterfowl Committee Chair, and Ken Babcock, a long-time wetlands and waterfowl professional, former MDC and DU employee, and member of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.
In his opening remarks, George told the crowd, “It does an old wetland biologist’s heart good to see so many folks interested in helping to shape the next chapter of what we like to refer as the Missouri model of wetland conservation.”
“The model is simple. Build effective, trustworthy relationships with your partners and stakeholders and good things will happen. But it takes dedicated leaders and resource professionals, as well as many engaged wetland advocates, at all levels, with a passion for advancing wetland conservation, to make the model work,” George continued. “Our challenge is to keep the Missouri model of wetland conservation going strong for the next 50 years.”
Mr. Babcock reminded us, “In Missouri, we have had the luxury of standing on the shoulders of giants as we looked toward the future – people like Crawford, Vaught, Milonski, and Fredrickson to name a few.”
It was through their vision and leadership Missouri became a leader in wetland conservation. Moving forward, we recognize an evolution and the rise of new challenges, and from this idea the Summit was created.
Over 30 presentations were delivered covering a large range of topics ranging from general wetland management, the science behind wetland conservation and restoration; impacts of climate change on bird migrations, precipitation, and flooding; the importance of wetlands to
water quality, federal programs, public-private partnerships, and the need for greater support and engagement of landowners, especially the agricultural community.
While historically the center of wetland conservation has been waterfowl focused, speakers and attendees alike agreed the time, need, and urgency for doing more has arrived.
During the first evening of the event at dinner, Mr. Leigh Fredrickson was recognized with an award for his outstanding lifetime for his dedicated service in Wetlands Science, Education, Partnerships & Management in Missouri and throughout North America. He addressed the crowd with many heartfelt stories, and words of encouragement to those in attendance. A huge congratulations and thank you to Leigh and his wife Judy for attending the Summit.
Also on hand at dinner was Tricia Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) to talk about The Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems. She explained that this Institute is a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and its School of Natural Resources. It will be formed to advance sustainable management and conservation of fisheries, wetlands, and other aquatic systems.
Please join us as we celebrate an exciting new partnership with MDC and MCHF to advance sustainable management and conservation of fisheries, wetlands, and other aquatic systems.
“Wetland management decisions must consider much more than just waterfowl and hunting opportunities. We must consider all species of fish and wildlife along with a broad range of aquatic systems,” Ken explained. “It is more than providing a place to hunt ducks and geese. We must consider the needs of other groups like birders, or any who simply enjoy the special contact with nature that wetlands provide.”
A big theme through the Summit was how to best recognize, consider, and promote the many other benefits wetlands provide to a citizenry not always in tune with these needs. The future of the Missouri model must include the message that wetlands provide benefits for all people whether by reducing the impacts of floods, improving water quality, and or providing other ecological services.
“The essential leadership necessary to ensure that Missouri continues to set the bar high in wetlands conservation were in attendance,” said Ken Babcock. “This illustrates an unwavering level of commitment for addressing the challenges of the future, and I am confident Missouri will effectively rise to those challenges.”
“The summit served to demonstrate that the passion, interest, and professionalism for advancing wetland conservation in Missouri is alive and well,” said George Seek. “It also validated the role of CFM as a foundational piece of the Missouri Model of Conservation.”
“I truly believe that years from now we will look back on the 2023 Wetlands Summit as a great turning point in the future of wetland conservation in Missouri. We had so many knowledgeable individuals from many different backgrounds and generations come together to collaborate and advance this important and changing issue,” said CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze. “A huge thank you to all the volunteers, presenters, staff and all involved in making this historical event a huge success.”
The conference was, in many ways, a passing of the torch to the next generation of conservationists.
Watch for the September/October issue of the Conservation Federation magazine for more stories about the Summit and the future of wetland conservation in Missouri.
We thank the attendees for a tremendously successful summit, including the many sponsors who made it possible, including Ducks Unlimited, USDA, NRCS, Bass Pro Shops, Land Learning Foundation, Upper Mississippi/Great Lake Joint Venture, Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative, Forrest Keeling Nursery, The Bottoms Duck Camp, Massasauga Flats, LLC, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Cattails Environmental, LLC.
Hot News
Osage Beach City Debunks Shock Jock’s Fabricated Raid Tale

In a move to set the record straight, the City of Osage Beach has issued a stern rebuke against a misleading satire concocted by local shock jock, Nathan Rinne. The story, which painted the city in an unfairly draconian light, claimed that a resident faced a dramatic raid due to an oversight on hot water heater inspections.
The city’s official statement reads:
” It has come to our attention that someone outside the Osage Beach community is impersonating the City by posting fake press releases with our official logo on social media. These misleading posts are not from us, and we want to make sure you have the right information straight from the source.”
The fabricated narrative by local radio host Nathan Rinne suggested a scenario where city officials stormed a local’s property, an action that not only never occurred but also misrepresents the city’s approach to community services and inspections.

Here’s how the City of Osage Beach is clarifying the channels for accurate information:
- Official Social Media: Stay updated through our verified accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
- City Website: All authentic news and updates can be found at www.OsageBeach.org.
- Monthly Newsletter: For direct updates, residents are encouraged to subscribe to the city’s newsletter at [ tinyurl.com/4kb3246p ].
Many speculate on the motivations behind such misleading content. This incident underscores the broader issue of misinformation in local media, where sensationalism can overshadow factual reporting.
The City of Osage Beach is keen to mend any rifts caused by this misinformation, urging residents to rely on official channels for factual updates and reminding everyone of the community’s commitment to safety, transparency, and mutual respect.
Lifestyle
Tornado Myths
“Tornadoes never strike the same area twice.”False! Tornadoes can strike any area at any time, regardless of past history. For instance, Cordell, Kansas was hit by tornadoes on the same day, May 20, three years in a row. Also, three different tornadoes hit the same church in Guy, Arkansas on the same day.
“Tornadoes can always be seen from far away.”False! Not only do tornadoes not always have to appear as a visible funnel cloud, but they can also be hidden by heavy rainfall during the day or by darkness at night.
“If I am near a highway overpass, I should abandon my vehicle immediately and take shelter there.”False! While a highway overpass is a sturdy structure that may offer protection from flying debris, it will not protect you from dangerous winds. In fact, an overpass can act as a wind tunnel and may cause accelerated wind that collect debris, causing you more harm. If you are in your vehicle and a tornado is approaching, you should pull your vehicle to the side of the road immediately, get out, and lay flat in a nearby ditch covering your neck and head.
“Tornadoes do not hit big cities.”False! Tornadoes can hit anywhere at any time. Several large cities have been hit by tornadoes throughout history, including Dallas, Miami, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Wichita Falls, Salt Lake City and St. Louis.
“A tornado always forms and appears as a funnel cloud.”False! A tornado can cause damage on the ground even when a visible funnel cloud has not formed. Also, if you see a funnel cloud that does not appear to be touching the ground, the wind and circulation may still reach the ground and cause extensive damage.
Hot News
Osage Beach Mayor Calls for Unity Amid Public Criticism and Social Media Backlash

Osage Beach, MO – During a recent city council meeting, Osage Beach Mayor addressed mounting frustrations surrounding the city’s leadership and growing criticisms, particularly from nearby municipal officials and residents. The mayor expressed confusion over why the city seems to be “in the crosshairs” of public scrutiny despite efforts to maintain open lines of communication and improve the community.
In an emotional statement, the mayor called out ongoing disparaging remarks from an alderman in a neighboring city, who has been vocal in criticizing Osage Beach and its decisions, particularly in relation to public development and fiscal management.
“I don’t know why we’re being targeted, especially when our doors are open, and I’m available to talk,” said the mayor. “You can Google my number, give me a call, come talk to me—but for whatever reason, we’re on the crosshairs. And I don’t quite know yet why.”
The mayor was referring to a recent Facebook post from an alderman in a neighboring town, who criticized the Osage Beach Board of Aldermen’s decision-making and the city’s development efforts. The alderman’s comments, which included a disparaging emoji-laden message, suggested that Osage Beach was too quick to approve projects, including a $3.9 million runway rehabilitation project, while neglecting local issues like the city’s ongoing sewer problems.
The Facebook post, shared by Missouri Network TV, sparked a wave of online comments, many of which supported the alderman’s view that Osage Beach’s priorities were out of order. One comment claimed that taxpayers were footing the bill for the runway project while basic infrastructure issues like sewage were being ignored.

The mayor, however, took issue with these claims, calling out the misinformation circulating online. He clarified that funding for the runway project, like many public initiatives, was largely grant-funded, not solely taxpayer-funded. He also stressed that the city was fully committed to solving local challenges, including improving infrastructure.
Frustrated by what he perceives as a growing tendency to criticize from behind computer screens, the mayor also took aim at a local woman who has repeatedly called for “better leadership” but has never run for office or reached out for a one-on-one conversation.
“I had a complaint, and I ran for office. That’s how you address issues in this town—by getting involved,” said the mayor. He recounted how, in the past month, he personally met with two residents who initially had complaints about city leadership but changed their perspective after a candid discussion over coffee.

The mayor emphasized that local officials should be collaborating, not undermining one another. He urged residents to engage in direct dialogue instead of venting frustrations online, calling for more constructive community involvement.
“We need to stop badmouthing each other. The people of Osage Beach want good things for their community, and if you have an issue, come talk to us,” the mayor said. “We’re here to listen, and we’re here to solve problems.”
While the mayor’s speech struck a tone of frustration, it was also a call for unity and a reminder that collaboration—both between officials and with residents—is the key to addressing the city’s challenges.
As Osage Beach moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the mayor’s plea for more direct engagement and less online negativity will resonate with those who continue to voice concerns about the city’s future.

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