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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

Caves

January’s Conservationist contained an irresponsible “invitation” to explore caves (Get Outside, Page 28). It is totally irresponsible to suggest visiting caves during the winter hibernation period for bats. Awakening dormant bats can be fatal to them. Also, entering caves any time of year can be a problem due to white-nose syndrome (WNS), not to mention that almost all caves on public lands are now closed due to WNS. Also, there is no mention of any cave safety techniques.

Bill O’Donnell, Interpretive Manager 

Round Spring Cave, National Park Service, Retired

MDC caves were closed in 2010 in response to white-nose syndrome (WNS), and before that time, “cave open” signs were displayed with proper safety requirements for entering. Winter disturbance of hibernating bats and potential spread of WNS is of serious concern. The closure of public land caves and necessary safety precautions should have been considered before including this article. We strive to strike an appropriate balance between encouraging responsible outdoor recreation and conservation messages. We apologize for missing the mark with this article. —The Editors

Science for the Win

I enjoyed seeing the article in your February issue about Dan Dey, former USDA Forest Service research scientist, who was named a Missouri Master Conservationist [In Brief, Page 9]. I think it’s great that the magazine so often highlights how important a good science foundation is to properly managing our forest, fish, and wildlife resources, and, in this case, the role Dan has played in linking the two. Congrats, Dr. Dey! 

Jane Fitzgerald Reeds Spring

Priority Geographies

I really enjoyed the Missouri River Hills article in your February issue [Page 22]. What a great example of area identification along with deliberate steps to improve key environments and promote habitat. The positive benefits both intended, and surprisingly unintended, were a clear example of the value of this approach to targeted environmental improvement. The public/private partnership demonstrated the vital importance of cooperation in saving our environment. 

Have you considered featuring other priority geography areas in future issues?

Thank you for continuing to produce such a wonderful magazine. It covers such a wide variety of conservation-related topics. The emphasis on research to guide your work is so interesting and demonstrates the scientific guidelines you use to direct your work.

Janet Desnoyer Kearney

We will run a series of articles on priority geographies in 2027. —The Editors