About Us
Parent Society
Mission Statement:
The Soil and Water Conservation Society fosters the science and the art of soil, water, and related natural resource management to achieve sustainability. We promote and practice an ethic recognizing the interdependence of people and the environment.
Vision Statement:
The Soil and Water Conservation Society is recognized and respected as an effective advocate for the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. SWCS members are committed, informed, effective conservation leaders. SWCS publications and education programs enhance the members’ knowledge by generating and sharing information about natural resources. The multidisciplinary membership blends science and art to create and convey vital conservation information to others. SWCS is a sought-after source of knowledge and objective information by researchers, practitioners, and analysts.
Our international, national, and local models of interdisciplinary examination and action identifies new and effective answers to complex conservation issues. The Society anticipates emerging policy issues and is prepared to meet the changing needs of members. Milestones in conservation policy and practice reflect SWCS’s continuing contribution and leadership as an advocate for soil and water conservation.
Missouri Show-Me Chapter, SWCS
The physical boundaries of the Chapter are the same as the boundaries for the State of Missouri. The state is divided into two Chapter Areas: North and South (of the Missouri River). Membership in the Chapter is limited to persons who hold membership in the parent society and pay Chapter dues.
The Mission and Vision of the Chapter are the same as those of the parent society.
Location:
- The headquarters of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is: 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023; Phone: (515) 289-2331; Fax: (515) 289-1227; website: http://www.swcs.org
Activities
Fall Forum: (Annual) Our Forums provide multi-faceted perspectives of current Missouri natural resource issues. Landowners and agricultural producers, conservationists, government officials, and others represent their views on “hot” topics. Forums are typically held in September – November.
Winter Meeting: (Annual) Conducted during the Missouri Natural Resources Conference held at the end of January or early February. The conference is sponsored by the Missouri Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society, Society of American Foresters, and the Missouri Show-Me Chapter, SWCS, with strong support from state and federal agencies.
Conservation Federation of Missouri: The chapter is an affiliate, voting member. CFM is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Chapter members receive CFM newsletters and discounts.
Scholarships: (Annual) The chapter provides scholarships to graduating high school students and undergraduate college students in Missouri with major study fields related to natural resources.
Natural Resources Conservation Camp: The chapter provides financial support for minority high school students to attend. Students compete to attend this Missouri summer camp.
Professional Journal: The nationally recognized “Journal of Soil & Water Conservation” is published bimonthly. The Journal includes soil and water conservation research articles and practical feature articles that cover a wide variety of topics and issues.
Newsletters: Chapter newsletter published quarterly. The Society’s national newsletter, the “Conservogram” is published bimonthly.
Discounts: Available on chapter and national conferences and meetings and qualified publications.
Professional Certification: Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) is administered and sponsored by SWCS and the International Erosion Control Association.
Opportunities for Personal Self-Development: Membership in the Society offers personal and professional development through chapter leadership positions, new experiences, personal visibility, workshops, conferences, tours, new relationships and many other possibilities.
History of SCSA (SWCS) in Missouri
The following material was originally published in the first volume of the “History of Show-Me Chapter, SCSA, 1955 to 1985”, written by Jack Walker, assisted by Ralph McGill. It was updated in 1996 by Ross Braun.
The Soil Conservation Society of America (SCSA) was organized in 1945 and later incorporated in the District of Columbia. The Society is a private, non-profit, scientific and educational organization. Membership includes more than 11,000 individuals and businesses in nearly 90 countries. Most of these members are professional natural resource conservationists — agronomists, biologists, engineers, foresters, geographers, hydrologists, planners, soil scientists, and teachers. Some are farmers, ranchers, or legislators. All have a profound interest in society’s primary objective — to advance the science and art of wise land use.
When the Soil Conservation Society of America was organized in 1945, six of the charter members resided in Missouri. These members were William Shotwell, Washington, Mo.; Hugh Steavenson, Elsberry; and Harold E. Grogger, Kenyon G. Harmon, Howard C. Jackson, and Dwight Smith, all of Columbia.
By 1950 the membeship had expanded to 64 members in Missouri. The first organized SCSA activity in Missouri was to form the Alfalfa-Brome Chapter. The organizational meeting was in Cameron. The Alfalfa-Brome Chapter embraced all counties north of the Missouri River and all counties west of Chillicothe. The chapter officially was established by SCSA President Firman E. Bear on March 24, 1950. Ralph McGill, the first president, served in 1950 and 1951. Kermit Irwin was president from 1952 through 1954.
On January 18, 1955 the Alfalfa-Brome Chapter met at the Frederick Hotel in Boonville, and voted to disband. A new statewide chapter, named “Show-Me,” was organized. Cleo Statton, Fulton was chairman. Roger Sherman, Elsberry, was vice-chairman. W.E. Moyes, Columbia, was secretary-treasurer. Charter members of the Show-Me Chapter were: Oscar C. Bruce, Columbia; Ralph McGill, Bethany; John Kriz, Higginsville; Kenyon G. Harman, Columbia; Lee Bowen, New Madrid; W.E. Moyes, Columbia; Roy Kinnard, Bowling Green; George hayes, Maysville; Glen F. Boyel, Richmond; Kyle Peterson, Kahoka; C.M. Long, Palmyra; Kermit R. Irwin, Warrensburg; William Culpepper, Columbia; John Richardson, Cameron; John LaMar, Montgomery City; Howard C. Jackson, Columbia; N. Howard Funk, Kirkwood; Roger Sherman, Elsberry; Ezra P. Mauk, Albany; Dean Jackson, St. Charles; John Finch, Carrollton; V.B. Sheldon, Hannibal; Dale Mitchell, Grant City; Harold Grogger, Columbia; John Fichter, Bethany; William Shotwell, Washington; Charles Magee, Gallatin; John H. Gibson, Springfield; Turner R. Haden, Memphis; Leslie Volmert, Kingston.
The Soil Conservation Society of America name was changed to the Soil and Water Conservation Society by a membership vote in spring 1987. The Show-Me Chapter was changed to the Show-Me Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society by a membership vote to change the chapter by-laws in December 1987.
1986
Officers:
President: Leon Tillet
Pres.-elect: Bob Harryman
Vice-pres: Dave Owen
Secretary: Barb Evans
Treasurer: Barb Evans
Directors:
northwest: Robert Bush
northeast: Lynn Kilpatrick
southeast: John Jesse
southwest: Harry Majors
central: Bob Hummel
Council:
northwest: Dan Switzner
northeast: John Turner
southeast: Bob Herschbach
southwest: Vern Renner
central: Jim Robinson
Newsletter editor: Charlie Rahm & Bob Brejcha
Awards: Jim Coyle, Moberly Radio Station
Show-Me Chapter awarded West-Northcentral Region Outstanding Chapter Award at 1987 Annual Meeting in Billings, Montana
Summer Meeting: Branson
Winter Meeting: Columbia (theme?)
Area Meetings: Northeast Area fall meeting at Herman.
Chapter Membership: 231
1987
Officers:
President: Bob Harryman
Pres.-elect: Lane Thurman
Vice-pres: Lynn Kilpatrick
Secretary: Hugh Curry
Treasurer: Micki Yoder
Directors:
northwest: Bennie Leflore
northeast: John Turner
southeast: Dave Owen
southwest: Jim Igert
central: Steve Baima
Council:
northwest: Dan Switzner
northeast: Ross Braun
southeast: Clif Baumer
southwest: Bill Brouk
central: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Bob Brejcha & Bob Harryman
Awards: Reggie Bennett, Professional Conservationist
Tod Nelson, KAAN, News Media
Clark Gantzer, Outstanding Service, Scholarship Committee
Joleen Finders, Outstanding Service – Nominating Committee
Dan Switzner, Outstanding Service, Summer Meeting
Gary VanDeVelde, Outstanding Service, CFM Delegate
Scholarship: Christopher Wilson, Macon
Winter Meeting: Columbia, “Conservation Impacts of the 1985 Farm Bill;” SWCS President Donald VanMeter participated
Summer Meeting: Weston, MO – Lewis & Clark State Park
Area Meeting: Northeast Area meeting at Higbee.
Chapter by-laws amended:
1) SCSA changed to SWCS: The chapter name was changed from the Show-Me Chapter of the Soil Conservation Society of America to the Show-Me Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The name change is consistent with the change made by the parent society earlier in the year.
2) Area Council people will be elected for two-year terms, the first year serving as area council person and the second year serving as area director.
3) In the event of a vacancy on the Executive Council, the President, in consultation with the nominating committee chairperson, will find a qualified candidate and present the willing member’s name to the Executive Council. The Executive Council will fill the position by majority vote.
1988
Officers:
President: Lynn Kilpatrick
Pres.-elect: Vic Simpson
Vice-pres: John McCarthy
Secretary: Hugh Curry
Treasurer: John Turner
Directors:
northwest: Dan Switzner
northeast: Ross Braun
southeast: Dave Owen
southwest: Jim Igert
central: Steve Baima
Council:
northwest: Reggie Bennett
northeast: Larry Fisher
southeast: Clif Baumer
southwest: Tom Shiflet
central: Don Pfost
Newsletter editor: Norm Klopfenstein, SCS
Awards: Bob Ridgeway, BASF, Conservation Education
Scholarship: Darren Cutright, Montgomery City
Winter Meeting: Columbia, “Continuing the Soils & Parks Sales Tax”
Summer Meeting: Hannibal – Mark Twain State Park (coordinated with Illinois Chapter mtg. @ Quincy, IL)
Raffle: Canoe won by Tom Shiflet
Chapter Membership: 182
Other Events:
*Gary VanDeVelde represents chapter to Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), dues $250.
1989
Officers:
President: Lane Thurman
Pres.-elect: Ross Braun
Vice-pres: Randy Freeland
Secretary: Hugh Curry
Treasurer: John Turner
Directors:
northwest: Dan Switzner
northeast: Larry Fisher
southeast: Renee Phillips
southwest: Tom Shiflet
central: Frank Gordon
Council:
northwest: Richard Cox
northeast: Odie Swanegan
southeast: Nancy Ayers
southwest: Dan Divine
central: Sarah Fast
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Norm Klopfenstein
Awards: Mac Johnson, editor Missouri Conservationist, Professional Conservationist
Volunteer: Andy Runge, Mexico, MO
Conservation Education: Missouri Botanical Garden
Citizen’s Committee for Soils & Parks Sales Tax: Charles Callison, Betty Broemmelsiek, Ed Stegner, Gene Croy, Ruth Chenhall, Gary VanDeVelde, WalMart Corporation, Missouri Farm Bureau.
National Commendation: Lynn Kilpatrick
Scholarship: none
Winter Meeting: Columbia – “Low Input Sustainable Agriculture”
Summer Meeting: UMC Delta Center, Portageville
Raffle: Muzzle-loader replica rifle, Chris Parrot
Chapter Membership: 192
Other Events:
14 chapter members attended the SWCS Annual Meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Chapter caps and Earth Day t-shirts and buttons offered for sale.
1990
Officers:
President: Ross Braun
Pres.-elect: Reggie Bennett
Vice-pres: Tom Shiflet
Secretary: Hugh Curry
Treasurer: John Turner
Directors:
northwest: Richard Cox
northeast: Odie Swanegan
southeast: Nancy Ayers
southwest: Dan Divine
central: Sarah Fast
Council:
northwest: Robert Miller
northeast: Keith Jackson
southeast: Bill Seffens
southwest: Jim Igert
central: Dennis Hansen
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Ross Braun
Awards: Pat Wolf, Professional Conservationist of the Year
John Walters, Successful Farming, News Media of the Year
Don Hamer, Volunteer of the Year
Scholarship: Russ Alford, Thayer
Winter Meeting: Forest, Fish & Wildlife Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort, “Conservation of Riparian Corridors” (January 1991)
Chapter sponsored “Wetlands on Private Lands” workshop
Summer Meeting: Stockton Lake
Raffle: Spotting scope, Keith Jackson
Membership: 184 3 corporate members
Other Events:
* First SWCS West North Central Regional conference. Held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
* Don Wolf nominated by chapter and awarded Conservation Federation of Missouri, Soil Conservationist of the year award.
* Chapter sells 126,000 SWCS cartoon booklets to MDC and DNR for distribution to schools.
* Show-Me Chapter awarded West-Northcentral Outstanding Chapter.
1991
Officers:
President: Reggie Bennett
Pres.-elect: Tom Shiflet
Vice-pres: Allen Green
Secretary: Hugh Curry
Treasurer: John Turner
Directors:
northwest: Robert Miller
northeast: Keith Jackson
southeast: Bill Seffens
southwest: Jim Igert
central: Dennis Hansen
Council:
northwest: Larry Fisher
northeast: Terry Hill
southeast: Ed Templeton
southwest: Mel Thompson
central: Doug Wallace
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Ross Braun
Awards: Jim Gerrish, Professional Conservationist
Steve Dawson, KCTV Kansas City, News Media
Volunteer – Hickory County SWCD Junior Board
Education – Howard Coambes, John Jennings, David Pitts
Scholarship: ?
Winter Meeting: Columbia – “Grassland Conservation”
Rich Duesterhaus, SWCS Past-president attending.
Sponsored Grassland Workshop at Forest, Fish & Wildlife Conference
Summer Meeting: Stockton Lake
Central Area Mtg: Eagle Bluffs Wetland Restoration Project, Columbia
Raffle: Charles Scwartz print, fly cast rod and reel
Other Events:
* Five members pledged a total of $250 for landscaping at SWCS headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa.
1992
Officers:
President: Tom Shiflet
Pres.-elect: Allen Green
Vice-pres: Sarah Fast
Secretary: Dave Rastorfer
Treasurer: Sam Kirby
Directors:
northwest: Larry Fisher
northeast: Terry Hill
southeast: Renee Phillips
southwest: Mel Thompson
central: Doug Wallace
Council:
northwest: Mary Beth Jungk
northeast: Mike Bradley
southeast: Ed Templeton
southwest: Raleigh Redman
central: Randy Freeland
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Ross Braun / Cheryl Lobb
Awards: Professional Conservationist – Joe Bachant
News Media – Kathy Love, Missouri Conservationist
Volunteer – William Maerli, Crawford County SWCD
Conservation Education – Steve Goodlet, Weston H.S.
Cert. Appreciation – Colonel James Craig; USACOE, Chris Brescia, Midwest Area River Coalition;
Clif Baumer
National Honor Award – Ross Braun
Scholarship: Cynthia McLane, Centralia
Winter Meeting: Grassland Conservation held in December at Columbia. Rich Duesterhaus, SWCS Past-president attending.
Sponsored Grassland Workshop at Forest, Fish & Wildlife Conference
Summer Meeting: St. Peters – “Partnerships Protecting Mississippi River Resources”
Raffle: Charles Scwartz print, Binoculars
Other Events:
* Hosted West-Northcentral Regional Meeting in St. Peters, included barge tour of Mississippi River from Winfield to St. Louis Harbor.
* Jack Walker represents chapter on Missouri Clean Water Commission
* 50th Anniversary t-shirts offered by chapter.
1993
Officers:
President: Allen Green
Pres.-elect: Sarah Fast
Vice-pres: Larry Fisher
Secretary: Dave Rastorfer
Treasurer: Sam Kirby
Directors:
northwest: Mary Beth Jungk
northeast: Mike Bradley
southeast: Ed Templeton
southwest: Raleigh Redman
central: Randy Freeland
Council:
northwest: Ron Harris
northeast: Doug Rainey
southeast: Melinda Barch
southwest: DeDe Vest
central: Scott Crumpecker
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Cheryl Lobb
Awards: Professional Conservationist – Donald Fischer and Ed Stegner
Media – Jay Truitt, KMZU Radio
Volunteer – Dick Weibel, Boone County SWCD
Chapter Commendation – John Ikerd, Randy Freeland, Suzie Forbis, Ross Braun, Mike Bradley and Sam Kirby
National Outstanding Service Award – Bob Harryman
Scholarship: Benjamin Waller, Exeter
Winter Meeting: Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference, “Changing Values in Natural Resources”
Chapter conducted “Approaches to Water Quality” workshop.
Fall Forum: Property Rights versus Society’s Needs
Raffle: Remington shotgun
Membership: 176 members and 48 percent were Soil Conservation Service employees
17 percent women
19 life members
8 students
1 corporate member
Other Events:
First year the Show-Me Chapter SWCS is an official sponsor of the Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference. Other state chapters include the Society of American Foresters, American Fisheries Society and the Wildlife Society.
1994
Officers:
President: Sarah Fast
Pres.-elect: Pat Wolf
Vice-pres: Mary Beth Jungk
Secretary: Dave Rastorfer
Treasurer: Mike Bradley
Directors:
northwest: Ron Harris
northeast: Doug Rainey
southeast: Melinda Barch
southwest: DeDe Vest
central: Scott Crumpecker
Council:
northwest: Bob Harryman
northeast: John Turner
southeast: Ron Darden
southwest: Rita Mueller
central: Frank Hershey
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Cheryl Lobb
Awards: Professional Conservationist – Donald Wolf
News Media – Dan Miller, Progressive Farmer magazine
Volunteer – Montgomery County Women’s Ag. Awareness Group
Certificate of Appreciation – Cheryl Lobb, Patrick Wolf, Dan Silberberg, and Keith Jackson
National Commendation – Reggie Bennett
Berg Fellowship – Sanford Rikoon
Scholarship: ?
Winter Meeting: Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference
Fall Forum:
Raffle: Remington shotgun and Binoculars
Other Events:
Second year that the Show-Me Chapter SWCS is an official sponsor of the Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference. Other state chapters include the Society of American Foresters, American Fisheries Society and the Wildlife Society.
Chapter Membership: 187
1995
Officers:
President: Pat Wolf
Pres.-elect: Dan Silberberg
Vice-pres: Keith Jackson
Secretary: Cheryl Lobb
Treasurer: Mike Bradley
Directors:
northwest: Bob Harryman
northeast: John Turner
southeast: Ron Darden
southwest: Rita Mueller
central: Frank Hershey
Council:
northwest: Mary Beth Jungk
northeast: Doug Rainey
southeast: Reggie Bennett
southwest: Bill Goodwin
central: Steve Taylor
CFM delegate: Gary VanDeVelde
Newsletter editor: Scott Crumpecker
Awards:
Professional Conservationist – Henry Ferguson
News Media – Mike Surbrugg
Certificates of Appreciation – Dee Vanderburg, Kathy Green, Mike Bradley, Ross Braun, Don Schuster,f
and Wanda Eubank
Scholarship: Tina Bell, Park College
Winter Meeting: Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference, “Missouri’s Research Monitoring Projects”
Fall Forum: “Environmental Impacts of Large vs. Small Swine Farms,” Moberly Auditorium
Raffle: Black powder rifle & deep fat fryer (donated by Bass Pro)
Smoker-Cooker donated by Bass Pro for raffle at annual meeting in Des Moines
Chapter Membership: 187
Other Events:
Third year that Show-Me Chapter SWCS is an official co-sponsor of Forest Fish and Wildlife Conference. Show-Me Chapter will host conference in 1997.
President Pat Wolf transferred out of state and resigned in September. Dan Silberberg, president-elect, was appointed by the Executive Council to complete the term as president.
Possible Appendices: Explanation of executive council officer duties 1986 and 1995.
1986 – Duties of officers and committees re-established. (look at recently past newsletters)
President: Directs all chapter affairs
Pres.-elect: Chairs Fall Forum and membership committees
Vice-pres: Chairs program committee, co-chairs winter meeting
Council: Serve on program committee, assist with summer meeting
Directors: Policy & membership committees, chair area meetings
Natural Resource Committee: Hold seminars and workshops. Plan technical sessions for winter and summer meetings in areas of Soil, Water, Plants, Air and Wildlife.
Cultural Resources Committee: Hold seminars and workshops. Plan technical sessions for winter and summer meetings in areas of erosion, sedimentation, recreation, land use and surface mining.
Education Committee: Publish chapter newsletter quarterly. Encourage cartoon booklet sales. Prepare editorials and news releases.
Nominations: Make nominations and hold elections before November 1st of each year.
1996
Officers:
President: Dan Silberberg
President Elect: Sam Kirby
Vice President: Cheryl Lobb
Secretary: Ross Braun
Treasurer: Darlene Johnson
Directors:
northwest: Mary Beth Jungk
northeast: Doug Rainey
southeast: Ray Hudak
central: Steve Taylor
Council:
northwest: Ken Bruene
northeast: Tim Coy
southeast: Dennis Shirk
central: Allen Voss
Newsletter Editor: Scott Crumpecker
Awards:
Professional Conservationist – Russ Mills
New Media – Larry S. Harper, Missouri Ruralist
Volunteers of the Year – Mr. & Mrs. Ray Koenigsfeld
Conservation Education – Bass Pro Shops
Conservation Education – Wanda G. Eubank
President’s Award – Reggie Bennet
Chapter Appreciation:
Tom Deberry, Ross Braun, Don Schuster, Tammy Teeter, Dee Vanderburg, Sarah Fast, Lorene Christie, John Turner, Allen Green, Keith Jackson, Scott Crumpecker, Tim Coy, Doug Rainey, and Sam Kirby.
Scholarship: $500 scholarship awarded to Ed V. Fisher, Washington, Missouri
Winter Meeting: Forest, Fish & Wildlife Conference – “Conservation and the Landowner: The Future of Missouri’s Resources”
Fall Forum: “Missouri’s On-Site Sewage System Law”, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Jefferson City
NE Area Fall Outing: Premium Standard Farms
SWCS Annual Meeting: 14 members attended Society conference in Colorado
Membership: increased by nine percent to 202 members
Other Events & Activities:
Sarah Fast elected to SWCS Board of Directors
First Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference hosted by SWCS
Chapter assists K.I.D.S. “Global Network Maze” project in St. Louis
Student chapter chartered at University of Missouri – Columbia with 12 students
Volume of chapter history, 1985-96 published
Donated $500 to Soil & Parks Tax Initiative
Four executive council meetings held
14 members attended the SWCS annual conference in Keystone, Colorado
Marilyn Gann earns CPESC Specialist status
Annual business meeting at FFW Conference
Chapter History Volume II published
Chapter donates $500 to Soil & Parks Tax initiative
Chapter President’s Award initiated
Sam Kirby nominated for national SWCS Fellow Award
Jack Walker nominated for national SWCS Outstanding Service Award
1997
Officers:
President: Sam Kirby, Jr.
(417) 777-8020
Pres.-elect: Gary VanDeVelde
(573) 893-5188
Vice-president: Terry Cosby
(573) 761-3105
Treasurer: Darlene Johnson
(816) 248-3358
Secretary: Ross Braun
(573) 876-9426
Past-pres.: Dan Silberberg
Directors:
Northwest: Ken Bruene
(816) 431-3893
Northeast: Tim Coy
(573) 767-5276
Central: Allen Voss
(816) 882-6347
Southeast: Dennis Shirk
(573) 897-3797
Southwest: Steve Wilson
(417) 532-7222
Councilpersons:
Northwest: Billy Mozingo
(816) 564-3462
Northeast: Wanda Eubank
(573) 385-2149
Central: Dudley Kaiser
(573) 443-2748
Southwest: Bill Brouk
(816) 547-2353
Southeast: vacant
Events:
Hosted Annual Missouri Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference
Theme: “Conservation Partnerships”
Chapter Member Attendance: approx. 100 (over 50 percent of chapter membership)
Total Attendance: over 910 (topped the old record of about 850 people)
Record number of exhibitors including first-time addition of Missouri agricultural representatives, Cattlemen’s Association, Pork Producers, Poultry Association, Corn Growers, Soybean Association and several agricultural product manufacturers.
Expense: No chapter expense
Revenue: Profits from the conference are maintained in a conference account, to be divided by all four chapters after a base of $17,000 (default expense) is achieved.
Profit: > $1,000 from donated items for chapter raffle
Notes: Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs) were available to Wildlife Society, Society of American Foresters and CPESC specialists. A pesticide re-certification program and the CPESC exam were offered.
Hosted West North Central Chapter Development Workshop February 4 – 7, 1997
Annual Fall Forum: October 3, 1997
Theme: “Urban Development: Environmental & Economic Impacts”
Description:
Representatives of private industry, environmental organizations (Sierra Club), state and county government presented their pursuit, concerns and regulations relating to urban development. Each representative presented their case, the panel then interacted to highlight concerns and a public/attendee question and answer session concluded the forum.
Evaluation:
Panel members were forthright to express their views. Interaction between panel was very interesting and displayed the professional knowledge of the panel members. The open question and answer session became a discussion between attendees in addition to the responses of panel members.
Hindsight:
It was difficult to attract people from all over the state to a central location for this focused forum. A request by developers and local government in the Springfield and Branson urbanizing area led to a chapter southwest area conference using the same theme and format.
Chapter Member Attendance: approx. 32
Total Attendance: 47
Expense: $274
Revenue: $405
Southwest Area Conference: November 13, 1997
Purpose: Conduct a forum for government officials and the public involved and/or concerned about urban development.
Theme: “Urban Development: Environmental and Economic Impacts”
Description:
A panel of representatives from private industry and government explained the challenges they face in the pursuit of economic development and environmental protection. This conference was the result of a request from local government officials who could not attend the chapter fall forum in Columbia, Mo.
Evaluation:
Sponsorship by the city of Branson successfully highlighted the local significance of this conference to the public. Responses from attendees expressed the educational value of the conference and a desire to continue educational events on urban development.
Chapter Member Attendance: approx. 15
Total Attendance: 38
Expense: $ 10
Revenue: $140 (from registration fees)
Membership Recruitment:
The chapter and 4 members are registered as national SWCS recruiters. (Two members received Awards of Merit for recruiting, one received the “fishing trip” award.)
Chapter fact sheet describing benefits and activities developed to help recruit members.
Chapter participated in national membership week campaign; activities include:
Chapter president sent letter to all chapter members asking them to recruit at least one member and enclosing member recruitment forms
As requested by chapter president, NRCS State Conservationist sent email message to all employees with follow-up letter and membership application forms to all NRCS and SWCD offices.
28 new members recruited ( 15 percent) (Goal = 18 members / 10 percent)
Awards:
Created one new award for 1997, Legislators’ Award, and presented the President’s Award (new for 1996) to Reggie Bennett, chapter member chairing Forest, Fish & Wildlife (FFW) Conference steering committee.
Awarded at 1997 Annual Business Meeting & FFW Conference banquet:
Professional Conservationist of the Year:
Russ Mills, retired NRCS State Conservationist
Volunteer Conservationist of the Year:
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Koenigsfeld, farmers
Conservation Educator:
(tie) Bass Pro Shops and Wanda Eubank (Univ. Extension)
News Media:
Larry Harper, editor Missouri Ruralist magazine
Scholarship:
Edward Fischer, junior at Truman State University
Public Policy:
Led a campaign to change the name of the Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference to one that would better represent the more current and broader interests of the four sponsoring societies. After a majority of the members of all four societies approved a name change, the conference steering committee recommended that that the quad-societies presidents’ council select a name. In August 1997 the presidents’ council elected to change the name to the Missouri Natural Resources Conference.
The Show-Me Chapter is a member of the Watershed Conservation Initiative. The initiative was “formed” as a result of interests developed at the 1996 Missouri Watershed Stewardship Workshop sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. Each member of the initiative provides 1-2 members to serve on the committee. The committee plays an important role in the development of virtually all statewide watershed programs.
The chapter president serves on the quad-society presidents’ council. The council was formed to create a more powerful voice to the public and state government concerning natural resource management in Missouri.
The chapter is an affiliate, voting member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). All chapter members receive CFM newsletters and other publications. The chapter liaison serves as chair of at least one committee and a member of two other committees to provide guidance to the CFM board of directors.
The chapter is an operating partner of the Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN), see attached brochure. A director for MoWIN and office location will be selected in 1998.
Fundraising:
— member dues
— raffle at annual conference (1997 raffle items = replica muzzle loader & spotting scope)
— SWCS t-shirt sales (1997 sold t-shirts to Wyoming chapter)
— donations
— Fall Forum profits
Education:
Bass Pro Spring Classic Kick-Off: Chapter display booth at this large Bass Pro Shops event. The weekend (two-day) event includes public attendance during the day and invited attendance in the evenings including hunting and fishing professionals, manufacturers, government officials, and other outdoor recreation “dignitaries.”
Chapter members from Truman State University, University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri Western State University brought 15 students to the 1997 Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference. Lodging for students is free and registration is half-price.
KIDS Global Network maze construction and website: Assisted a St. Louis non-profit organization for teachers and students to erect a 2-acre maze of student posters about environmental protection. The chapter also provided soil and water conservation information for the organization’s website.
Media:
Press releases for the following events were distributed to the NRCS statewide media mailing list including newspapers, magazines, radio and television.
1997 Forest, Fish and Wildlife Conference (covered by most regionally important newspapers, and agricultural and conservation magazines, and some rural radio stations)
Fall Forum (covered by some regionally important newspapers and local television)
Scholarship Application Announcement (covered by some regionally important newspapers, regionally important radio stations, and agricultural and conservation magazines)
Other:
Published Chapter History, Volume II, 1986-1996.
Chapter president mailed sponsor recruitment letter to appropriate agencies and organization in Missouri for the
February 1998 “Managing Manure in Harmony with the Environment” conference.
Chapter president recruited NRCS State Conservationist and Mo. Dept. of Natural Resources Director support for the February ‘98 manure management conference. Agency heads sent letters to all staff encouraging conference attendance.
1998
1999
2000
Officers
President: Bob Ball
President Elect: Gary Baclesse
Vice President: Renee Cook
Secretary: Ron Redden
Treasurer: Larry Fischer
Past President: Ken Bruene
Directors
northwest: Dave Johnson
northeast: Bob Broz
southeast: Anne Seyer
central: Lynn King Heidenreich
Council
northwest: Lynn Leimkuehler
northeast: Dan Yager
southeast: Ray Hudak
central: Bob Hagedorn
Newsletter Editor: Wanda Eubank
Chapter Awards
Professional Conservationist of the Year: John Saunders
Legislative Award: David Klindt
News Media Award: Jim Coyle
Volunteer of the Year: Jim Cole
Educator of the Year: Lori Lewis
President’s Award: Ross Braun, Gary Van de Velde, Wanda Eubank, Allan Johnston
Scholarship: $500 scholarship awarded to Joseph Calhoun, North Central Missouri College ; $300 scholarship awarded to Holly Lang, Truman State University
Society Awards
Outstanding Service Award
Commendation Award
MNRC Conference: ” Private Land – The Foundation for Conservation” held January 31 – February 2, 2001 , at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach .
Fall Forum: “Land Use Planning…The Public and Private Viewpoints”, Wednesday, December 6, 2000 , University Outreach and Extension Center , St. Peters .
Other Chapter Events & Activities:
The following are activities and highlights included in the Missouri Show-Me Chapter, Soil and Water Conservation Society Year 2000 Annual Report:
- Executive Council meetings were held in February, April, June, December, and during the Missouri Natural Resources Conference February 1, 2001 . The Executive Council developed a Chapter 2000 Action Plan of Work and Operating Budget as well as updated the Long-Range Plan for years 2000 – 2005.
- Served as a co-sponsor and provided administrative support for the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Water Quality Short Course where 40 resource professionals in the state received formal classroom and field training from a cadre of University of Missouri-Columbia faculty and other resource professionals during three days in April.
- Co-hosted the SWCS annual meeting and conference in St. Louis with the Illinois Chapter. Over 1100 people attended. Chapter member, Ross Braun, served as co-chair of the Local Arrangements Committee. For this important role, Ross was presented the “President’s Citation” by SWCS Executive Vice President, Craig Cox. Past President, Gary Van De Velde, chaired the Finance Committee and Terry Cosby chaired the Hospitality Committee. Over 80 Missouri Show-Me Chapter members served in critical leadership positions or otherwise volunteered their time to make this conference a success. During the conference, the Chapter received the “Outstanding Chapter” award in the West North Central Region “in recognition of accomplishments in overall programming to carry out the goals and objectives of the Soil & Water Conservation Society”.
- The Chapter supported the legislative efforts of the Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientists (MAPPS) to have Menfro Silt Loam recognized in the state legislature as Missouri ‘s official state soil. Representative David Klindt, sponsor of HB1825, received the “Legislative Award” for his efforts.
- Held our annual Fall Forum titled “Land Use Planning…The Public and Private Viewpoints” at the University Outreach and Extension Center, St. Peters, Missouri on Wednesday, December 6, 2000. Over 60 people attended.
- Hosted the Missouri Natural Resources Conference at Tan-Tar-A Marriott Resort at Lake Ozark , Missouri . Over 900 resource professionals attended this conference. The program theme was ” Private Land – The Foundation for Conservation”. Craig Cox, SWCS Executive Director, served as a keynote speaker along with Dr. Paul Johnson of Iowa, retired Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and former Chief of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. During this conference the Chapter sponsored a technical workshop that attracted 150 people titled “Not all watersheds are created equal: Using soil surveys for watershed assessment and management”.
- Chapter President, Bob Ball, chaired the MNRC Quad Societies Leadership Council comprised of the top leadership from four professional natural resource societies in the state: Missouri Wildlife Society, Missouri Society of American Fisheries, Missouri Society of American Foresters and the Missouri Show-Me Chapter, SWCS.
- The Chapter awarded one $500 and one $300 scholarship during our Chapter business meeting February 1st. The scholarship committee designed a new brochure, announcement and news release for this year’s Betty Broemmelsiek Memorial Conservation Scholarships. The Chapter website now includes a scholarship feature. Efforts are underway to develop an endowment fund to provide long-term income for the scholarship program.
- A meeting was held at the University of Missouri-Columbia with several graduate and undergraduate students interested in careers in conservation and natural resources management. This meeting resulted in a revitalization of the Central Missouri Student Chapter. Kim Turner serves as the President of this student chapter. Discussions are underway atNortheast Missouri State University and NW Missouri State University to possibly begin student chapters there as well.
- The Chapter co-sponsored “Watersheds: Issues and Answers” hosted by the North Fork Watershed Project held in Paris, Missouri attended by 85 people interested in watershed management needs and activities in Northeast Missouri. Nearly half of the audience attended for professional updates and training while a similar number wanted more information on water quality in the region.
- Three Chapter members (Bob Ball, Ken Bruene, and Joe Dillard) served on the West North Central Region’s program planning committee for the conference titled “The Watershed Approach to Improving Water Quality: Fact or Fantasy?” held in La Crosse, Wisconsin March 28-30, 2000. Several people from Missouri attended the conference. Chapter members Dr. Tabitha Madzura, Donna Menown, Dr. Bill Kurtz, Todd Farrand, Lynn Heidenreich and Bob Ball gave presentations during concurrent sessions.
- The Chapter applied for a $29,490 grant from Philip Morris, Inc. to develop, publish and distribute (in hardcopy and electronic format) the “Missouri Conservation Assistance Guide”. Although this specific grant was not approved, the project was funded from other sources. The Guide was formally announced during the Missouri Natural Resources Conference. It will be available in both hardcopy and on the Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN) Internet website in early March.
- The Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN) recognized the Chapter with a signed “Declaration of Intent” out-ligning our support and commitment to the project as a three-year MoWIN partner.
- The Chapter’s website was upgraded to better serve our membership. Additional upgrades are planned.
- The Chapter served as a co-sponsor for the “20th Annual Central States Forest-Soils Workshop” held in Hannibal ,Missouri in October attended by 125 resource professionals from eight states.
- The Chapter helped publicize and promote two field days titled “Vegetative Barriers for Soil and Water Conservation and More” conducted by member Pieter Los, research specialist for Soil and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia.
- Chapter membership increased by 20% adding 42 new members since last January! After a major updating of the Society’s database, our membership currently stands at 251.
- The Chapter sponsored a “Soils and Urban Conservation” tour in the St. Louis metropolitan area July 11th attended by 33 people. The Chapter applied for and received a Section 319 minigrant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $1601 to help fund this project. The grant required a 40% local match ($1,068) that was provided from a variety of sources.
- The Treasurer for the Chapter received an independent audit on two separate occasions on his financial records. No deficiencies were noted, and all recommendations have been adopted.
- The Chapter donated 278 canvas bags remaining from the Society annual conference to the Special School District . TheSpecial School District is for students with mental and/or physical disabilities. The bags will be distributed to students in need of bags for school supplies. Renee Cook, Vice President, delivered them on Wednesday, August 30th to Barb Eckholdt, Public Relations Director for the school.
- The Chapter is a partner in the Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN). Chapter President, Bob Ball, represented the membership (and all non-profit organizations) on their Advisory Council.
- A $750 donation from the Chapter to the Missouri State Envirothon Competition provided T-Shirts for participating high school students. Lori Lewis, coach of the five member David Hickman High School Envirothon Team, received the “Educator of the Year” award for her efforts in advising her team. They have won the state competition the past two years and competed strongly at the Canon Envirothon 2000 in Nova Scotia , Canada .
- The Chapter provided financial support and in-kind assistance to the Natural Resources Career Camp held annually over two weeks for high school students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources management.
- Several Chapter awards were presented to deserving recipients during the Missouri Natural Resources Conference: Professional Conservationist of the Year, Legislative Award, Media Award, Educator of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. In addition, Leslie Holloway representing Missouri Farm Bureau was recognized for her efforts in supporting our Fall Forums in 1999 and 2000. President, Bob Ball, recognized four chapter members with “Chapter President’s Award” plaques for tremendous support to the Executive Council and Chapter during the year.
- The Chapter helped sponsor a “Site Inspectors Workshop” in the St. Charles County Soil and Water Conservation District.
- “Changes Facing Agriculture” is the initial theme for a West North Central region conference to be held during 2002. Chapter members Dan Downing and Ken Bruene serve on a planning committee for this proposed conference.
- The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) recognized northeast Area Director, Bob Broz, as “National Agricultural Ambassador of the Year” during their annual meeting in August.
- Chapter Past President, Gary Van De Velde, serves on the Conservation Federation of Missouri Board of Directors as the Chapter’s Liaison to the Federation. This past year he also held the office of 1st Vice President, was Chair of the Awards Committee, Chair of the Personnel Committee, Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and served on the Resolutions Committee.
- A Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) workshop is scheduled for March 20, 2001 inSpringfield , Missouri . Several chapter members are helping plan the workshop. Seven individuals within the state now hold the CPESC certification.
- Twelve chapter members and the Missouri Show-Me Chapter donated to the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s “Millennium Campaign” in an effort to help the Society attain their goal of raising $100,000.
2001
2002
Highlights Annual Chapter Report
2003
Officers & Highlights Additional Highlights
2004
2005
2006
2007