Green Horizons

Conservation Federation of Missouri:
The voice for Missouri's great outdoors

By BRANDON BUTLER | Executive Director, Conservation Federation of Missouri

As the first few rays of sunlight slid through the stand of giant oaks to the east of my ground blind, the forest came alive around me. An owl hoot triggered a turkey gobble. Squirrels began to chatter and frolic. Deeper down the holler, a deer snorted. The purple flowers of eastern redbuds began to stand out from the crowd.

I can't claim to know much about the science of forestry. I couldn't even guess the financial value of a tree. Truthfully, I can't even identify all the trees on my property. What I know, what I understand, is the intrinsic value of a forest. The feeling of serenity found deep inside the trees is alluring, and it draws me back as often as time affords.

You surely know more about forestry than I do, but there's a good chance I know more about catching trout on a dry fly than you do. You see, we may not have the same primary passions that drive us to be conservationists, but that's good. If we are to protect all of our natural resources in Missouri, then we need individuals to support their diverse specific interests.

Greater than the individual though, is the collective whole. Missouri needs the individuals representing specific interests to be unified as a collective, powerful voice fighting together for all of our natural resources. The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has been doing this since 1935.

CFM is the "Voice for Missouri Outdoors." We are a Federation in the truest sense of the word. CFM is made up of over 80 affiliate organizations that represent conservation interests as diverse as forestry, wildlife, fisheries, air quality, water quality and more. Our affiliates may not always agree on each specific issue, but collectively the membership of CFM believes in the importance of conserving our natural resources for the benefit of future Missourians. We stand united behind this belief and strive to always work towards our mission, which is: To ensure conservation of Missouri's wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state's rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Early members of CFM were instrumental in the creation of the Conservation Commission, which you recognize today as the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the passage of the one-eighth cent Conservation Sales Tax. If Missourians shall continue to live in a state with thriving forest, fish and wildlife resources, then today's citizens must be engaged in the process of protecting our unique system of authority from ongoing attempts of some who are determined to undermine what most American conservationists refer to as the greatest state conservation agency to ever exist.

From 1935 until today, Missourians have been working to restore and conserve our state's natural resources and wildlife species. Missouri has once more become a land rich in game and habitat. We only have these resources because of the citizen conservationists who came before us. They restored our natural resources. Now we must conserve them for our children and our children's children. Please do your part. If you're not already a member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, joining today would be a great start.

Membership is only $35 per year and joining online is a quick and simple process. Simply visit www.confedmo.org/join