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Letters to the Editor

Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Email Magazine@mdc.mo.gov or write to us:

Missouri Conservationist
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

December Issue

We just wanted you to know how great the December issue was. They are all interesting and informative, but this one topped the list. Thank you for all you do.

Reta Smith Kansas City

Connecting Through Conservation

The Missouri Conservationist has been a wonderful reconnect for me. I left for the West immediately after my 1967 Poplar Bluff High School graduation. Last year, my family sent me a subscription. The combination of great photography, coupled with interesting and educational stories and information, takes me back to my childhood days fishing and swimming around Black River and Lake Wappapello. The thought of elk wandering near my southeast Missouri hometown is terrific. I plan to be back in the area next year and hope to spot them. Keep up the good work.

Mike Laughlin Grass Valley CA

I want you to know that I’m totally a city girl; concrete is my natural habitat. But I picked up the Missouri Conservationist in the doctor’s waiting room, and by the end of the first article, I was hooked. Well-written, interesting features, beautiful photography, informative illustrations — I really liked it, and I’m watching for the next issue. Thanks for a great publication.

Martha Darling Bridgeton

Eagle Eye

Just finished reading the January issue. My grown daughter, home from Boston over the holidays, and I were thrilled when we came upon seven bald eagles in a field as we drove into St. Louis from Marthasville. Three were on the ground paying close attention to what appeared to be a deer carcass and the other four were in surrounding trees. We were awestruck at their sheer size and to see so many, so close. The following day we saw three again in the same place. And amazingly, two days later, we came upon the same scene, but with only one eagle sharing his meal with two turkey vultures.

Lynn Weber via email

Love for Wildlife

In 2017, I started rearing monarchs. I reared 57 with 200 milkweed plants. In 2018, along with the same 200 milkweed plants, we sowed 250,000 wildflower seeds in an 800-square foot garden. That year, I reared 323 monarchs. I tagged 197 for their migration to Mexico. Milkweed plants are not enough to keep the monarchs close. You need wildflowers. This year we plan to double our wildflower garden and add to our milkweed plant population.

Dick Thorsen Bevier

We have subscribed to the Missouri Conservationist for years and have had contact with the department with wildlife questions or statements. We love everything wildlife. We have raised monarchs to offset their decline, fed various bird species, and our little country acre has been host to lots of wildlife. I enjoy every one of your Up Front articles. The life experiences you share are very interesting and heartwarming. Keep up the good work and thank you for what you do for Missouri conservation.

Carlene Mease via email

Love for the Conservationist

My dad, who is 90, and I read the Missouri Conservationist from cover to cover together. And discuss everything in it. I’m glad the Missouri Conservationist is still available in hard format as he would not like reading the articles off a computer screen.

Nancy Confer Fenton

As a farmland owner and conservationist, I want to heap praise on your photographers Noppadol Paothong and David Stonner. Their photographs are truly beautiful and professionally done. What talent! Thank you for publishing this fine, informative magazine for our great state.

Larry H. Ross Unionville

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Conservation Headquarters

• 573-751-4115 | PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

Regional Offices

• Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730
• Central/Columbia: 573-815-7900
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• St. Louis: 636-441-4554
• Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161

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Keep Animals Wild

City or countryside, Missouri’s wild animals are your neighbors, and finding a young animal alone doesn’t mean it needs help. In spring and early summer, deer and other wild animals are sometimes left alone for long periods while their parents look for food. If you see young wildlife in the outdoors, don’t assume it is abandoned or hurt.

Leave Young Wildlife Alone

If you believe an animal is in distress, notify the closest Missouri Department of Conservation office. MissouriConservation.gov