During the legislative session, my time in the 31st District can be somewhat limited. So, during the interim, it is nice to be able to visit places close to home, get caught up with what I have missed, and visit with local, dedicated state employees. Recently, I was reminded that, sometimes, the most overlooked beauty is right in your own backyard, when I had the chance to visit a few of our local conservation areas in Cass and Bates counties.
I had the pleasure of visiting two farms, one in Cass and one in Bates County, that were proud to show me the ways in which they were utilizing conservation efforts to enhance their farms, and the land surrounding their property. Tom Lampe of Garden City gave me a tour of the wildlife areas he has set up around the perimeter of his land using state, federal and conservation partner cost-share programs and in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in an effort to encourage wildlife to return to the area, as well as to stem the erosion process in those areas. I also learned those kinds of programs are free services offered by the MDC for all landowners in Missouri.
I stopped at North Lake, north of Harrisonville, for a brief tour of the Community Assistance Program (CAP) currently utilized there. This is another program is sponsored by the MDC. It provides fisheries’ management and assistance to the local community, while helping to develop and upgrade recreational facilities. In order to preserve this sponsorship, the community maintains the area and opens the lake to the public. This way, it is mutually beneficial, in that there is a well-maintained conservation area close to home that provides recreation opportunities and a sense of community responsibility in a joint effort with the city of Harrisonville.
After my time there, I headed to the Settle’s Ford Conservation Area. This structured nature-specific area, both river bottom wetlands and prairie-like uplands, provides food, shelter, and nesting habitats for many varieties of wildlife. Fishing is available in the South Grand River, as well as small, permanent and intermittent streams and several ponds. There are hiking trails and roads in the conservation area, which also make for good bird watching, given the diversity of the landscape. Hunting is allowed during the appropriate seasons, and even trapping is permitted with a special use permit from the MDC.
Then I traveled a short distance to the Settle’s Ford Gun Club Range, a shotgun range east of Adrian. They are open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Although my visit was not during those hours, I did have the chance to explore the facility and shoot a few sporting clays. I will be sure to go back to work on my aim during regular business hours.
Information on these areas, as well as other conservation areas in the 31st District and throughout the state, is available online at www.mdc.mo.gov. After my enjoyable experience visiting these conservation areas in Bates and Cass counties, I was impressed with both the quality of conservation programs and the abilities of the state employees
In today’s economy, the term “staycation” is used often. To me, a “staycation” means the opportunity to stay close to home and enjoy local points of interest. It’s also a chance to take advantage of local areas and parks, such as the ones I visited, which are wonderful ways to spend time with family and friends. After all, these areas are provided for Missourians and other visitors to our state to educate us and to keep us in tune with our world. Let’s fulfill their promise to us.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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