Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) have formed a joint venture called Monarch Bioenergy to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) across Smithfield’s hog farms in Missouri. This partnership converts manure collected from Smithfield farms into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Once complete, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in […]
The opposition is growing to a proposed housing development on land owned by the University of Missouri that could disrupt popular outdoor destinations in the state. The proposed subdivision on the Missouri Bluffs would include approximately 275 units and be built next to the Weldon Spring and Busch Conservation areas and Katy Trail State Park. […]
The state Natural Resources Conservation Service has issued a local disaster declaration for five northwest Missouri counties affected by recent Missouri River flooding. Conservation Engineer Marty Comstock says the eligible counties for Emergency Watershed Protection Program aid are Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, and Platte. Governor Parson says he expects to request a federal […]
Representatives of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State of Missouri agencies will participate in public meetings May 2-3 in northwestern Missouri to explain various types of flood-recovery assistance available to landowners and units of government. During the meetings, representatives of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development […]
An estimated 350 black bears call southern Missouri home, and as the spring season gets underway, these magnificent mammals leave their winter dens in search of food. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding Missourians to be proactive and “Be Bear Aware.” MDC Resource Scientist and Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee said it is imperative […]
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is making $2 million available to interested farmers to help install voluntary edge-of-field monitoring stations on agricultural land in five states, including Missouri. “Edge-of-field water quality monitoring provides quantifiable data that supports voluntary-based conservation efforts aimed at reducing the movement of sediment and nutrients off Missouri farms,” State Conservationist […]
According to preliminary data from Missouri Department of Conservation, young turkey hunters harvested 2,540 turkeys during the 2019 spring youth season, April 6 and 7th. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 61 turkeys harvested, Laclede with 56, and Texas with 52. Warm weather and sunny skies helped increase this year’s youth-weekend harvest over last year’s […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering its annual cost-share grants to assist government entities and non-profits with management, improvement, and conservation of trees and forests on public land. The Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) cost-share grants can help communities fund tree inventories, removal or pruning of hazardous trees, tree planting, and the training […]
They say it takes a village to raise a child. A village of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener volunteers grow gardens to help feed the hungry and homeless across the state. Last year, volunteers for the Laura Miller George Help Center of Mexico, Mo., gardened and grew for the local food pantry and […]
The next deadline for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding this year is May 10, 2019. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in the fiscal year 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes to this critical […]
Missouri’s annual No MOre Trash! Bash will be held April 15 through May 15. The Trash Bash is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Transportation as part of an ongoing No MOre Trash! statewide anti-litter campaign. “Litter is unattractive, costly and harms the environment,” said Stacy Armstrong, MoDOT’s No MOre […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a workshop on the basics of reloading metallic ammunition cartridges April 8-9. The class will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the MDC Northeast Regional Office located at 3500 S. Baltimore St. in Kirksville. Whether participants want to enjoy more time on the shooting range or develop […]
The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission has received the Missouri Rural Water Association Waterdrop Award for Excellence as 2019 Source Water Protection System of the Year. The commission prepared a source water protection plan in anticipation of the construction of the East Locust Creek Reservoir, which would cover 2,338 acres and supply water to […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation is still looking for leads on the two elk shot in Shannon County Feb. 8, near the Log Yard. The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and Operation Game Thief (OGT) are now offering an $8,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the poacher/s that shot the two elk. […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has closed several conservation areas in the state’s northwest region due to Missouri River flooding. Some areas are under water, others are inaccessible or will remain closed due to public safety issues until further notice. MDC staff on March 19 continued to work with local farmers and the levee […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to discover nature and spend an evening with wildlife from 6 to 8:30 Tuesday evening, March 19th in the Milan C-2 School gym. No registration is required. Conservation staff will display exhibits on forestry, furbearers, deer, turkey, fisheries, quail, habitat management, and hunter education. Visitors can also […]
Missouri turkey hunters can expect a challenging spring season according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The spring turkey hunting season starts with a youth-only weekend April 6-7. The regular spring season runs April 15 through May 5. Although the good hatches of 2011, 2012, and 2014 helped bolster turkey numbers in much of […]
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has released a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Little Otter Creek Watershed Plan. The plan involves the construction of a proposed multipurpose reservoir in Caldwell County. This supplement addresses changes since NRCS prepared the Little Otter Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Impact Statement in 2003. The supplement […]
Two have been elected to terms on the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Results from Friday’s voting show Ethan Griffin and John Rice were elected to represent areas west of Highway 65. They are to serve four-year terms.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has set an April 15 deadline to apply for wetland and agricultural land easements in Missouri. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help private landowners, tribes, land trusts and other groups protect valuable lands through easements. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program focuses on restoring and protecting wetlands as […]
