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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

Yelped

Thanks for the information on the six conservation areas [Conservation Areas Get Yelped, March, Page 22]. I’ve spent many days exploring the wild lands of our beautiful state, but these are all new destinations for me!

J. Biehle, via email

Neonics

Slowing Insecticide Movement in Soil [Nature Lab, March Page 4] misses the easily solved problem of neonics getting into our waters in Missouri. Quit using neonics on crops grown on MDC land.

I have included two links regarding integrated pest management and organic methods: short.mdc.mo.gov/4J7 and short.mdc.mo.gov/4J8. These methods are embraced all over the world and they are successful. There are thousands of home gardeners doing this in Missouri and hundreds of farms using these methods.

Dayna McDaniel via email

MDC’s goal with the row crop production, haying, and grazing on conservation areas isn’t to maximize yields, but enhance habitat and food for wildlife on conservation areas. Therefore, in 2022 the department made several changes to our agricultural crop program. This growing season, all new agricultural crop contracts that were bid out will have a waiver giving the option to plant neonic treated seeds the first year of the contract. However, in future years, all plantings will require neonic free seed. The one year waiver was put in place since many farmers purchase seed in late summer or early fall. In addition, the department is in the process of initiating a cover crop program for cropped acres on conservation areas that will improve soil health. Starting in 2022, MDC will begin requiring cover crops on all new ag crop contracts. The goal is to have 75 percent of row cropped acres in a cover crop program within five years. —The Editors

Tapping Trees

Our family loved the February issue. Tapping Into New Traditions [Page 23] about maple sugaring was a huge hit. Our son, Ezra, asked if we could tap our maple last summer. I told him we had to wait until late winter, but admittedly this was all I knew about maple sugaring.

When I saw your article, it reminded me of his request. We decided to try our hand at it with the guidance in your article. I didn’t know it was so simple! Thanks for inspiring a new family tradition.

Jasmine B., Springfield

Up Front with Birds

Up Front in the March 2022 issue [Page 3] was beautifully done.

I am an avid bird feeder, so I’m definitely interested in the ornithologist’s article [For the Love of Birds, Page 10]. Thanks for all MDC does.

John Foster, via email

Sarah Kendrick sings! My love of birds runs deep. My two life-listing aunts traveled the world, but always enjoyed the local feathered friends around St. Louis. We learned early the use of field glasses, bird feeders, and hiking outdoors. Now, I’m passing this on to my grandkids — and Sarah’s article helps.

John Ruck, via email