December 2011 Conservation Action

The Conservation Commission met Dec. 14 and 15 at Conservation Commission Headquarters in Jefferson City. Commissioners present were:

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Chair

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Vice Chair

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Secretary

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Member

REGULATIONS

The Commission approved the following 2012 hunting-season dates.

• Youth Turkey season, March 31 and April 1

• Spring Turkey season, April 16 through May 6.

• Fall Firearms Turkey season, Oct. 1 through 31.

• Opening day of the 2012 November Firearms deer season, Nov. 10.

The youth spring turkey season is a week earlier than normal in 2012 to avoid conflict with Easter weekend. Other 2012 turkey-hunting regulations remain similar to 2011.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:

 Policy Supervisor David Thorne regarding Missourians’ Interests and Actions for Conservation: The Unique Legacy of Missouri.

 Wildlife Division Chief DeeCee Darrow, Private Land Services Division Chief Mike Hubbard and Resource Science Division Chief Mike Kruse regarding Missouri wetlands.

 Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle regarding turkey season.

 Elk Coordinator Ron Dent regarding an elk-restoration update.

 Dr. Harry and Mrs. Lina Berrier, Show-Me Barbecue, Columbia, regarding a donation to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.

 Deputy Director Tim Ripperger regarding the Land Conservation and Stewardship Program.

• Approved entering into a contract with Steve & Associates, Inc. for construction of the Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area Renovation of Hatchery Production Ponds Phase IV Project in Saline County at a total estimated cost of $1,218,770.89.

• Approved the 2010-2011 Annual Report for the Department of Conservation, and authorized publication and distribution.

• Approved the funding of Ozark Regional Land Trust’s acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement on approximately 415 acres in Lawrence County, with the Department being reimbursed for 100 percent of its costs from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.

• Approved the nomination of Dr. Oscar, “Oz” Hawksley as a Master Conservationist and the nominations of Earl Hoyt, Jr., and Paul Jeffries to the Conservation Hall of Fame.

• Presented the Clerical Employee of the Year Award to Wildlife Division Office Manager Michelle McGrath, Auxvasse.

• Presented the Workplace Diversity Award to Public Service Assistant Tisha Holden, Montreal.

• Recognized the following MDC employees for years of service.

35 YEARS

Chester Gary Cravens, West Plains

Charles T. Sisson, Montrose

30 YEARS

Ted E. Bond, Meadville

Craig S. Gemming, Columbia

Len E. Gilmore, Osceola

Randall D. Hass, Joplin

Brent D. Hassler, Jefferson City

Herbert M. Roberts, Alton

Lana K. Wilson, Rockville

25 YEARS

Gregory P. Barr, Camden Point

Jeffrey J. Beringer, Harrisburg

Mark F. Boone, Cape Girardeau

Forest D. Hamilton, Mount Moriah

Dennis M. Mace, Forsyth

William R. Murphy, Branson

Larry T. Rieken, Ava

Lynn H. Schrader, Troy

Richard E. Stirts, Rogersville

Andrew R. Tappmeyer, O’Fallon

Thomas L. Whelan, Salem

• Suspended hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of seven Missouri residents and one nonresident for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of one Missouri resident. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

James L. Boyer, Mountain View, all sport privileges, 6 years

Colton M. Dick, Clinton, all sport privileges, 1 year

Ryan L. Edwards, West Plains, all sport privileges, lifetime

Matthew A. Hernandez, Harrah, Okla., all sport privileges, 1 year

Tracy McLain, Cainsville, hunting privileges, until 5/4/12

Joseph A. Merriett, Ava, all sport privileges, 4 years

Logan J. Norris, Summersville, all sport privileges, 2 years

Michael C. Rhodes, Birch Tree, all sport privileges, 2 years

Michael P. Williamson, Kansas City, all sport privileges, 3 years

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 380 Missouri residents and 14 nonresidents who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.

• Suspended privileges of 211 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

• Suspended for one year the hunting privileges of a juvenile who injured another person in a hunting incident. The hunter must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

• Set its next regular meeting for Jan. 26 and 27 in Sikeston.

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This document is provided for public information only and is not an official record of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Conservation Commission.