CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORIES

Since its launch in 1997, the MCHF has provided more than $7 million in conservation funding. This includes more than $600,000 in conservation grants and $1.85 million in on-the-ground stream protection efforts, working with the Missouri Department of Conservation and other conservation partners statewide.

When Missourians get together to work on a common conservation goal, amazing things happen. The MCHF brings donors and partners together to fund conservation projects and outdoor recreation opportunities. It has managed to stretch dollars, materials, and labor resources with projects large and small.

Below are examples of current and past projects made possible by investments from the MCHF, its donors, and its partners. The MCHF continues to direct funds toward lasting conservation projects in 2008.

The MCHF was part of the Truman Lake Wetlands Restoration Partnership of 16 groups raised $312,000 to restore 770 acres at six wetland sites and four wet prairie sites in the Upper Osage River basin in west-central Missouri. Construction began on May 1, 2005, and the partnership continues to restore important linkage habitats within this sprawling landscape complex that will expand the mosaic of wildlife habitats.

Historically, the Upper Osage River flooded the landscape, creating a wide variety of habitat types for wildlife species. Human settlement and the Harry S Truman Dam and Reservoir ended the mix of bottomland forest, wet prairies and marshes. This wetland restoration project is recreating these lost natural communities through a complex of linked habitats to benefit a large suite of shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl. New recreation and viewing opportunities for the public have also been initiated.

Wetland Restoration Partners :
• AgriDrain Corporation

• Aquila
• Audubon Society of Missouri
• DBY Specialties
• Ducks Unlimited
• Forrest Keeling Nursery
• Grand Slam Waterfowl
• Kansas City Power and Light Company
• Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative
• Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
• Missouri Department of Conservation
• Missouri Waterfowl Association
• Sharp Brothers Seed Company
• Women’s Conservation Club
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)

The Truman Lake Wetland Restoration Partnership will continue to restore important linkage habitats within this sprawling landscape complex that will expand the mosaic of prime wildlife habitats.

Outdoor Classrooms

Since 2001, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has invested $200,000 in the Show-Me Conservation Outdoor Classroom Grant Program. Matched by $137,851 from the Missouri Department of Conservation and $272,092 from local sources, this program has funded the development and enhancement of hundreds of outdoor classrooms across the state.

Outdoor Skills Programs

Many times, donations and memorials are directed by the contributors to be used to help young people and underserved groups enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few of projects we have funded.

Trenton High School – funds for the Outdoor Skills Class which were used to purchase canoes, paddles, life vests with partner BassPro, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Trenton Schools.
Fishing Equipment for the St. Louis Special School District – for the 2nd time, we have provided special fishing equipment for use by disabled anglers in St. Louis through the Missouri Department of Conservation Urban Fishing Program.

Conservation Lands Invite Public Use

Because public demand has out-paced conservation funds, MCHF has funded public use projects on conservation land. Last year, we funded:

Hunting blinds for the disabled at Grand Pass Conservation Area in partnership with the Missouri Waterfowl Association.

Shade pavilion at a popular kids fishing pond at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center in Chillicothe with partner Chillicothe R-II School District.