News and Almanac

Federal funds to finance hatchery

The Conservation Department will receive $15 million in federal aid over the next six years to construct the Lost Valley State Fish Hatchery near Warsaw.

The money comes from Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds, which come from excise taxes paid by anglers and boaters on fishing equipment, a portion of the federal fuels tax and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats.

The total cost of the project is $20 million. The hatchery will be one of the largest capital improvement projects to be completed under this fund.

The culmination of 15 years of planning, site studies, analysis and design, the modern hatchery will include 68 acres of lined ponds, as well as administrative, production and interpretive facilities.

The new hatchery will allow the Conservation Department to increase and improve fish production, supply and delivery.

Report Details Fishing Prospects

Learn what waters are likely to produce good fishing for what species from the "1997 Fishing Prospects Report."

This free publication provides up-to-date, detailed information about the species, sizes and numbers of fish you can expect to find in 22 streams and 58 lakes around the state. The report is based on fish population sampling by Conservation Department fisheries biologists.

The report also lists fishing regulations, disabled access facilities and telephone numbers to call for more information about particular fishing areas.

Copies of the "1997 Fishing Prospects Report" are available at Conservation Department offices and from some fishing permit vendors. To receive a free copy by mail, write to Fishing Prospects, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180.

New Trails Opened at Mark Twain Lake

The U.S. Corps of Engineers has opened two new multi-use trails in the vicinity of Mark Twain Lake near Hannibal.

Lick Creek Trail begins across from the Ray Behrens Recreation Area and runs eight miles along the Mark Twain Lake shoreline to the Duane Wheelan Recreation Area, where hikers will find a two-mile loop trail back to the trailhead.

The Joanna Trail has six- and 11-mile loops traversing hardwood forests, glades, bluffs and fields of native prairie grass. The trail includes a connecting path to the Frank Russell Recreation Area, which has a corral with 20 stalls for equestrian campers.

The trails are shared by equestrians, bicyclists, hikers and hunters. Primitive camping is allowed at various locations. For more information, write Mark Twain Lake Project Office, Route 2, Box 20-A, Monroe City, 63456, or call (573) 735-4097.

Revised Orchid Book Released

The definitive plant guide, Missouri Orchids, by Bill Summers has been revised and updated. The third edition contains accounts of two orchid species that were not in previous editions.

Distribution maps for all species have been updated and new photos and graphics have been added.

This 112-page field guide or reference book is available at Conservation Nature Centers for $5 plus 31 cents sales tax.

Waterfowl Hunting Reservations End

Thanks to an increasing number of wetland areas and surging waterfowl populations, hunters no longer will have to apply for reservations to hunt at selected Conservation Department areas.

The Conservation Department has been phasing out the waterfowl hunting reservations system. Last year, reservations were required at Duck Creek, Ted Shanks and Swan Lake conservation areas.

Hunters now can arrive at the office of their desired hunting area and take part in drawings for available hunting spots. If the number of hunters exceeds the area's capacity, those who are not drawn can fill open spots vacated by other hunters.

Many conservation areas offer waterfowl hunting without daily drawings. These are included in Missouri Wetlands, which lists recreational opportunities and services statewide.

Free copies of Missouri Wetlands are available at Conservation Department regional service centers or by sending a card to Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180.

Whitewater Races Moved to April

The Missouri Whitewater Championships, usually held during the second weekend of March on the St. Francis River, are being moved to the second week of April. The 1997 races will be held April 12-13. The backup dates are April 19-20.

The change allows more daylight and warmer temperatures for racers and spectators and increases the likelihood of acceptable water levels on the river.

Top Callers and Hooters Square Off

The St. Louis Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold the 1997 Mid America Open Wild Turkey Calling and Owl Hooting Championships during the St. Louis Boat and Sports Show at the America's Center in St. Louis Feb. 15.

The competition, one of the largest of its kind in the country, offers as prizes more than $7,000 in cash, shotguns and trophies.

Registration is limited. For more information or to register early, write event chairman Steve Stoltz, 7252 Orchid Meadow Ct., St. Louis, 63129, or call (314) 846-7179.

Agents' Association Offers Scholarship

The Missouri Conservation Agents' Association is offering a one-year, $1,000 scholarship to one Missouri resident student who is interested in pursuing a career in conservation law enforcement.

Deadline for application is March 1. For more information, contact Marsha Jones at (816) 627-4726.

Become An Outdoorswoman

Women can learn to hunt, fish, trapshoot, canoe and enjoy other conservation related outdoor activities in a supportive environment at three-day workshops being held at Potosi and Osceola.

"Becoming an Outdoorswoman" is a national program that started in Wisconsin and has spread to nearly 40 states. The Conservation Department has been coordinating Missouri programs since 1995.

This year's workshops will be May 16-18 at Potosi at the YMCA of the Ozarks and at the Roe H. Bartle Boy Scout Camp in Osceola Sept. 12-14.

The program allows women to hunt, fish and learn about nontraditional outdoor recreation and provides them with the opportunity to meet other women interested in outdoor activities.

The average cost of a program ranges from $65 to $135, depending on location. Participants are provided with all necessary equipment and meals and lodging are provided.

For more information about the "Becoming an Outdoorswoman" workshops, send a card to Outdoorswoman, Runge Conservation Nature Center, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180, or call (573) 526-5544.