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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
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Marvelous Mag

I’ve been reading your magazine for years, and I still marvel at a free magazine that beats any magazine I’ve ever paid for. Stories, photos, knowledge … You excel in all areas.

Wm. Forster, via email

Schwartz Murals

Thank you for the article on the artwork of Charles Walsh Schwartz in the August issue [The Art of Missouri’s Conservation, Page 10]. His keen interest in nature and considerable artistic talents were recognized at a young age by his uncle and mentor John Kennedy Walsh, my grandfather. Our family has always been quite proud of C.W. Schwartz’s accomplished career. We encourage all Missourians to visit the Commission Headquarters to view the pictorial history of conservation in the Show-Me State as depicted in the murals.

James Walsh Baxendale, Webster Groves

Thank you for the eight beautiful, informative Missouri murals in the August issue. They were an awesome treat for my 80-year-old eyes. Your dedication to Missouri wildlife and native grasslands over 200 years is simply awesome!

Joyce Zesch, via email

Your article on the murals reminded me of the friendship we had with Charles and Libby Schwartz and the wonderful memories I had growing up as part of the department’s “family.”

Years ago, my father, Earl Coleman, worked at headquarters, first as an agent training officer and ultimately as superintendent of Protection. When the second printing of The Wild Mammals of Missouri by Charles and Libby Schwartz came out, he bought a copy and asked Mr. Schwartz to sign it. He took the book but didn’t return it for a few weeks. When my dad got the book back, Mr. Schwartz had done a watercolor of a bison from the mural, with the inscription, “I drew this old bison because, somehow or other, he personifies the character of rugged individuals like you, Earl, of which there are so few left.” Then he and Mrs. Schwartz signed the book.

Janet (Coleman) Downey Clarkston, MI

I thought the art and story of Missouri’s conservation, past, present, and future, were great. Coming from South Dakota (pheasant capital of the world) in 1957, I have been able to take advantage of most of the wonderful things MDC has done over the years. As an avid hunter of quail, deer, ducks, and Canada geese, I have enjoyed all of the foresight and improvements MDC has done and thank you for it.

Dean Hurlbut, St. Joseph

What Lies Beneath

August’s Beneath the Water’s Surface by Doug Novinger [Page 16] brought back fond memories on the Jack’s Fork River some 50 years ago. As ferocious as the crayfish appeared through a face mask, they were our favorite. It is simply amazing what can be observed beneath the surface with a face mask on and crystal-clear water like that of the Jack’s Fork.

Dan Sullivan, Linn Creek