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CFM and MDC Co-Host Missouri Wetlands Summit

CFM and MDC Co-Host Missouri Wetlands Summit

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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

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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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.”

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“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.

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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.

Lifestyle

DJ Koldbeer Drops Modern Music Remixes

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Shawn Kober is an individual known for his passion for travel and exploration, particularly within the United States. With a keen interest in showcasing the hidden gems of Missouri, Shawn has leveraged his enthusiasm through his social media presence, notably on X under the handle @travelmissouri. His content focuses on promoting local attractions, cultural heritage, and lesser-known destinations, making travel accessible and appealing to a broad audience.

Recently, Shawn has stepped up his multimedia game by releasing a series of music mixes. These mixes blend ambient sounds of nature, cultural tunes from Missouri, and contemporary beats, creating a unique auditory experience that complements his visual storytelling. This new venture into music curation not only diversifies his content but also enhances the sensory journey for his followers, providing a soundtrack to the scenic landscapes he often explores and shares.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Shawn is involved in community initiatives aimed at preserving natural landscapes and historical sites in Missouri. He believes in the power of travel to educate and connect people, fostering a deeper appreciation for one’s surroundings.Professionally, Shawn has carved out a niche in digital content creation, blending his love for photography, storytelling, and travel into a career that informs and inspires others to explore. His work often highlights sustainable travel practices and the importance of understanding and respecting local cultures and environments.

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Beyond his professional endeavors, Shawn is involved in community initiatives aimed at preserving natural landscapes and historical sites in Missouri. He believes in the power of travel to educate and connect people, fostering a deeper appreciation for one’s surroundings.

Shawn’s personal journey is one of continuous learning and adventure, always seeking new experiences to share with his followers, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and discover the beauty in their own backyards. His bio is not just about travel; it’s about creating a narrative that connects people to places, history, and each other.

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Lifestyle

Camdenton’s Transparency in Question: COVID Funds Spent on Video System, Meetings No Longer Broadcast

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CAMDENTON, MO – In the small town of Camdenton, Missouri, a recent expenditure of federal COVID relief funds has sparked controversy and debate over local government transparency. The Camdenton City Council, aiming to enhance public access during the height of the global health crisis, invested in a video system to broadcast their meetings online. This move was initially seen as a step towards greater openness, allowing residents to engage with local governance without the risk of contracting the virus.

However, residents have recently noticed that these public meetings are no longer being streamed. Despite the significant investment in equipment designed to facilitate remote participation, the council has seemingly ceased using the system for broadcasting. This development has led to a wave of frustration among the community members who have come to rely on these virtual meetings for staying informed about local governance issues.

The equipment, which was purchased with funds intended to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, was supposed to be a long-term solution for public engagement. The cessation of broadcasts has led to speculation and concern about how these funds are being managed and what the implications are for future public access to government proceedings.

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Council members have yet to issue an official statement on why the broadcasts stopped, although there have been unverified reports of technical difficulties with the equipment. Some speculate that the decision might be tied to some bad publicly earlier in the year when the Camdenton Chamber raised some concerns with the city on a different topic.

The issue has caught the attention of local media, with some outlets like the Camden Citizen reporting on the matter. The broader conversation now includes calls for accountability, with residents demanding explanations and assurances that such investments will not be made in vain in the future.

This situation in Camdenton serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges many small towns face in balancing fiscal responsibility with public service during and after a global health crisis. As the town looks forward, the community hopes for a resolution that not only addresses the current lack of transparency but also ensures that future decisions reflect the needs and expectations of its citizens.

For now, Camdenton residents are left pondering the effectiveness of their local government’s use of federal funds and the ongoing commitment to open governance.

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Lifestyle

Be Safe while cooking this season, Thanksgiving Holiday Fire Safety

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Thanksgiving, the day Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate, cook and eat, is the nation’s leading day for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (USFA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high as on any other day of the year.

In addition to the hazards posed by jammed stovetops and crowded kitchens, turkey fryers and candles contribute to the elevated fire risk on Turkey Day. Preventing fires is simple when following some basic precautions. Remember, while you should always have a fire-extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, don’t delay calling 9-1-1. Ideally, use the extinguisher immediately, as someone else calls 9-1-1.

Stovetops and Ovens

Busy cooks can become distracted preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

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  • Start the holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop, and oven.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking and don’t become distracted by guests.
  • Stay in the home when cooking turkey, set a timer, and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. Preferably use the back burners.
  • Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • Have working smoke alarms in the home and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.

Turkey Fryers

Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on a covered patio because of the fire hazard. Never overfill the oil in a turkey fryer. Many turkey fires occur while the oil is being heated. Units can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Since most units do not have automatic thermostatic controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.

Safety tips:

  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Completely thaw the turkey.
  • Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Before dumping a few gallons of oil into the fryer, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the bird is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended.
  • Keep children and pets well away from the fryer. Remember the oil will remain dangerously hot for hours.
  • Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
  • Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
  • If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
  • Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
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