Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance
January/ 19 / 2018
Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance (MCCA)
Be an informed and knowledgable citizen and have your voice for conservation in Missouri be heard. 

MCCA has three goals:
  • Unite college students across Missouri who care about conservation.
  • Members are educated on key conservation issues in Missouri through email, social media and the MCCA website.
  • Members engage and have their voice be heard by participating in MCCA's advocacy efforts, including utilizing CFM's Legislative Action Center. 
Share with your friends and classmates today!

In This Issue
Legislative Update 
Ashley Hollis and Brooke Widmar

T he focus of MCCA is to keep you updated on legislative issues that may impact the conservation of our natural resources. We have outlined a few bills that we are watching. 

HB 1827 - Jay Houghton (District 043 - R) - Modifies the definition of livestock by adding the word "bison."

Why to watch it: CFM will be watching for amendments trying to include cervids as livestock.

SB 823 - Dave Schatz (District 26 - R) - Modifies provisions of the Missouri Clean Water Law.

Why to watch it : This bill modifies the definitions of "discharge", "water contaminant", "water contaminant source", and "waters of the state".

SB 761 - Dave Schatz (District 26 - R) - Provides that any person convicted of poaching a turkey, white-tailed deer, black bear, or elk illegally may be required to provide restitution to the state.

Why to watch it : Currently the state of Missouri does not have set fines for poaching, and the belief is that the stronger fines will help deter poachers.

SJR 20 - Brian Munzlinger (District 18 - R) - SJR 20 amends the constitution to require that the sales tax dedicated to conservation purposes be re-submitted to voters for approval every 10 years.

Why to watch it: The ⅛ of one percent sales tax supports healthy forests, wildlife and fish which support Missouri's economy and our bountiful outdoors. This bill would require Missourians to approve the tax every 10 years.

SJR 19 - Brian Munzlinger (District 18 - R) - SJR 19 Modifies the membership composition and terms of service of the commissioners of the conservation commission and terms of service of the commissioners on the Conservation Commission.

Why to watch it: The Conservation Commission functions effectively in it's current form and changes to the commission such as adding commissioners or changing commissioner's terms of service could weaken the commission and conservation authority in Missouri.

Visit the  Legislative Action Center  to see all the bills we are watching and keep informed about legislative issues. 



Conservation Day at the Capitol


Have your voice be heard! Join us for Conservation Day at the Capitol on March 27, 2018. Learn more  here.
 



Left to right: Mizzou student Gabby Elliot studied abroad in Thailand over winter break; Kendell Loyd bands Saw-whet Owls at the Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station; Six MCCA students attend the first ever Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders conference in Kansas City in November.


Scholarship Opportunities


The Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust have numerous scholarships available to high school, undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a degree in conservation. Learn more here.


Ducks Unlimited
Members of MU Duck Unlimited Chapter
by MU student Joe Gates

Ducks Unlimited (DI) conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. The University of Missouri Ducks Unlimited Chapter is one of 5,300 other chapters within the United States that raise funds to help protect our wetlands. 

Why are wetlands so important? Not only do wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and terrestrial mammals, they provide areas for excess water from flooding, recharge our aquifers for drinking water, and filter sediment & waste before entering our rivers. Recreational benefits from wetlands include kayaking, hunting, photography, fishing, and hiking. Join Mizzou Ducks Unlimited today for your chance to make a positive impact on the environment. Contact ejgx8c@mail.missouri.edu or cjmr53@mail.missouri.edu to join the University of Missouri chapter. Or find a local chapter at your university.

Let us know if you would like your conservation club or organization highlighted in the MCCA newsletter.



Twitter: @MCCA_MO