Two Proposals That Could Eliminate 85% Of Mdc Funding If Passed

[Norm M]

Thanks, Al, for your intelligent insights. I think you, too, realize this constitutes the most serious threat to conservation we've seen. And this is just the beginning. An inside source told me a couple of days ago that those who wish to topple the MDC are really going to step it up next year, though I find it hard to imagine a stronger effort than already being mounted.

And Norm, I'm very familiar with how handicapped Illinois and Kentucky are by their respective legislatures. Most of us don't realize how good we have it in Missouri. "You don't know what you've got--until you lose it."

Here's what we could lose if just the measures Redmon proposes pass (taken from information gathered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri):

Closure of Department shooting ranges.

Closure of Department Nature Centers

Elimination of partnerships with rural fire departments

Closure of fish hatcheries.

Elimination of public and private fish stockings

Closure of Department maintained boat accesses.

Significant reduction in habitat work on conservation areas.

Significant reduction in resource enforcement by conservation agents.

Most fish and wildlife research projects and monitoring will end.

Significant reduction in efforts to control invasive species.

Limited support for the Share the Harvest Program

and that will put you well on the path to becoming Illinois .

[Chief Grey Bear]

I applaud your efforts Ron and I stand with you 1000%!

I have posted this type of action from the legislators here for the last couple of years.

Not many here have any concern. If fact some are rather flippant about it.

It must appear to some that it is more of a hunting thing and won't affect fish so who cares.

I just don't think they are able to see the bigger picture and the huge consequences that are about to happen. And they are about to happen!

We almost lost it all if it wasn't for the Governor that they all hate saved it for them.

[rFisherk]

Thanks, Chief. With one of the best, if not the best, conservation department in the nation, it is easy to become complacent. And the way politics is run these days, it's common to feel disenfranchised from the process, like your voice--and even your vote--doesn't really amount to much. But that's exactly why they have become so detached from us and attached to special interests: they figure they can do anything they want, as long as the special interests provide huge sums of money for their reelection campaigns. All they figure they've got to do is look good on TV. But as you, and a few others here, have surmised, this is a serious and dire situation, and further apathy could be devastating.

I hope not too many wait until they actually lose things to speak up and get involved. The easiest thing anyone can do is join and support the Conservation Federation of Missouri by visiting http://confedmo.org/. They are our watchdogs and our unified voice.

Those who already feel strongly about this volatile issue can contact their representatives and tell them to keep their hands off our Conservation Department. Few people know who represents them, but it is easy to find out by visiting http://wwww.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Even fewer people ever contact their representatives, so those who do...speak with a loud voice. A simple email, phone call or letter gets a high degree of notice, because they fully realize that we not only are paying attention, but that if we go to the trouble to contact them, we will vote, and we will get our friends and family to vote likewise.

[Chief Grey Bear]

That is just how I see it also.

[Jeff Tief]

Just sent e-mails to the local reps. in the House and Senate expressing my concerns on the 2 bills mentioned.Took the guy who is the State Senator trout fishing years ago at Montauk and went to school with the State Reps. parents.

[rFisherk]

Fantastic, Jeff.

[bs1827]

I too will be sending emails very soon. Not to stray away from the topic, but I agree with rFisherk, the Conservation Federation of Missouri is an excellent organization that is well worth supporting. It is my opinion that if you are willing to give money to national organizations such as the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, TU, etc. you should most certainly support our local organizations, or at the very least subscribe to their online newsletter to stay informed.

For a basic 1-year membership it's only $35, and that includes a sweet sticker to stick on your rig!

Rant over.

[Jeff Tief]

Already got a response from the State Reps. office and she is against any proposal or bill that affects eliminating funds for the MDC.

[rFisherk]

A lot of people don't know about the Conservation Federation of Missouri. It is a citizen's organization of individuals and sportsmen's groups. They are not affiliated with any political group or government organization. They monitor and present a unified voice before the legislature, the MDC and the DNR. The members of CFM are the conscience of hunters, fishermen, foresters, campers, trappers, hikers, paddlers, birdwatchers and more. CFM speaks for sportsmen and sportswomen whenever and wherever it is necessary, to support our collective opinions on the future of Missouri outdoors. In fact, most of the conservation legislation in Missouri today exists, because of the federation’s strong advocacy work.

To sign up for their Legislative Action Alerts, their newsletter and/or to join, visit: http://confedmo.org/A membership also includes a subscription to their Missouri Wildlife Magazine.

[Guest]

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