Take A Day Off For Conservation

[rFisherk]

I realize next Thursday, April 2, is a work day for most, but if you could take a personal or vacation day to attend Conservation Day at the Capitol, it could be the most important thing you do for conservation this year.

The whole idea is to present a strong and unified conservation front, right in the Capitol Rotunda, right in front of the various legislators who now threaten it from so many angles. It has to be on Thursday, because unlike working stiffs, legislators all go home to start their weekends by Friday.

A strong showing at this event not only will help kill the current glut of legislation--it will send a strong signal to those considering similar measures in the future. They seem to think they can do about anything they want for their special interest donors, because the general public, and the majority of conservationists, are apathetic about the political process. Conservation Day will make them think differently, and the stronger the attendance the stronger the message. Let's make it standing room only.

Everything is free, and the various conservation groups that have signed up to man booths at the event represent a diverse cross section of conservation interests. They include:

Hunting Works for Missouri

Katy Land Trust

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Coalition for the Environment

Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance

Missouri Delta Waterfowl

Missouri Ducks Unlimited

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Missouri Outdoor Communicators

Missouri Park and Recreation Association

Missouri Parks Association

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Missouri Trappers Association

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Ozark Regional Land Trust

Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation

Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever

Quality Deer Management Association

Renew Missouri

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Stream Teams

This not only will be a great political event, but a great place to socialize with like-minded conservationists, network with those who share your interests and investigate all this great state has to offer. It really is one of the best in the nation. Let's ensure it stays that way, and if anything, improves.