Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages nearly one million acres for conservation and public use in Missouri and right now the department is focusing in on monthly area management plans that are posted on their website.  Amy Buechler, Public Involvement Coordinator, urges citizens to comment on the management of their conservation areas.

“We’ve got monthly area management plans online and we’d like to get comments back from people on the management of their conservation areas,” Buechler said.

Plans that ready to view online are:
Kansas City area–Upper Osage District Prairie
Northeast–J. Thad Ray Wildlife Area and Steyermark Woods 
Northwest–Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area and Bonanza Conservation Area 
Southwest–Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Watch our Google Hangout with David Thorne and Amy Buechler

The other main area of focus for the Department of Conservation continues to be deer management and health.  The Missouri Department of Conservation is working with hunters, landowners, businesses, and partner organizations to identify and limit the spread of CWD, Chronic Wasting Disease, in Missouri. All deer hunters, landowners, businesses, and conservation organizations must do their parts, including captive deer breeders and big-game hunting operations.

“Deer health is a great concern,” said David Thorne,  Policy Supervisor.  “Missourians didn’t see many deer at the turn of the century and into the 30’s.  Now, what family wouldn’t want to go outside and see deer or wildlife around their home?”

There are several ways the public can be involved.  Thorne encourages those interested to call, write, or visit one of the deer management open house.

There are several ways the public can be involved.  Thorne encourages those interested to go online, call, write, or visit one of the deer management open houses. Provide comments online at www.mdc.mo.gov/deerhealth, call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 573-751-4115 and ask for a comment card which they can fill out and return postage-paid; or  send a letter to the Department of Conservation Regulations Committee; at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102; or visit a Deer Management Open House.

June 23: St. Louis – Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane
June 24: Jackson – Knights of Columbus Hall, 3305 North High St.
June 25: Van Buren – Van Buren Youth and Community Center, 1204 D Highway
June 26: West Plains – West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall, 110 St. Louis St.
June 30: Kirksville – Kirksville High School Gym, 1300 S. Cottage Grove
July 1: Chillicothe – Litton Agriculture Campus M.W. Jenkins Building, 10780 Liv 235
July 2: Lees’ Summit – Lakeland Community Church, 913 NE Colbern Road
July 7: Hannibal – Quality Inn Atlantis Ballroom, 120 Lindsey Drive
July 8: St. Joseph – Missouri Western University 218/219 Blum Union, 4525 Downs Drive
July 9: Columbia – Hilton Garden Inn Magnolia Room, 3300 Vandiver