2015 Year in Review - Missouri Conservation

A YEAR TO REMEMBER --
The success of conservation in Missouri has grown through the work and support of our citizens and partners.
Here are just a few conservation milestones and accomplishments from 2015.
RESTORATION:
Maintaining healthy fish and waters is important to Missourians. For 30 years, MDC has worked to restore the ancient Lake Sturgeon. This year, they were found naturally reproducing in the Mississippi river near St. Louis – a great success story for a fish nearly extinct in our state.
In lakes and streams around the state, anglers celebrated breaking nine state records with their big catches.
CONSERVATION CENTERS:
More than a million people visited Conservation centers this year. Exhibits, trails and programs offer new ways to discover nature.
From hiking to learning how to go frog-gigging, there’s something for everyone—maybe even a New Year’s resolution.
“It’s exciting for scientists…”
In 2015, our Cape Girardeau Nature Center made national news when a snake there was considered to have its second “virgin birth”.
HUNTING SUCCESS AND OUTDOOR SKILLS:
There was success afield this year as deer and turkey harvest numbers were up.
Deer and turkey hunters can now Telecheck their harvests using the new MoHunting App on their mobile devices.
Programs and events help first timers and veterans enjoy shooting sports.
To help hone outdoor skills, construction began on a new state of the art shooting range at Busch Conservation Area near St. Louis and completed on a new archery range there.
MONASP:
This year, a fifth grader in the Missouri National Archery in the schools program, took first place in a national 3-D Challenge. The MONASP archery program serves 135,000 students in 500 schools statewide and those involved say it helps build confidence and self-esteem.
TECHNO WILDLIFE:
Some of our wildlife has gotten “geeked-out” this year. GPS and satellite technology is helping our scientists study and learn more about white-tailed deer and black bears.
DEALING WITH WEATHER EVENTS:
Some natural events like floods and fires call for an emergency response. When flash floods hit northwest Missouri this year, three conservation agents responded to help rescue eight stranded motorists. They received the Medal of Valor, Missouri’s highest honor, from Governor Jay Nixon for their heroic efforts.
MDC helped Missouri fire departments suppress nearly 3,000 wildfires this year. The department along with the U.S. Forest Service helps provide matching grants to rural fire departments. Excess equipment and training are also provided.
HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS:
Many times, fire is the remedy for improving the landscape. Prescribed burns as well as plantings and other work, helps landowners improve their land for healthier habitats that attract wildlife. Our Private Land Services program provides advice and assistance to more than 29,000 landowners each year.
These are just a few conservation highlights for this year. Missourians helped to shape them and share in their success. The Missouri Department of Conservation wishes you a Happy New Year full of opportunities to discover nature.