According to projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for 2005 to 2010, the projected number of ag-related job openings for new graduates is 52,000, which is 2,700 more than the projected number of qualified graduates. (more…)

In today’s email from Missouri DNR, Lorisa Smith provides a number of “green-friendly” ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Missouri. Whether or not you celebrate on this Saturday, on March 17, or not at all, this idea caught Traveler’s eye:

…”And for those who aren’t able to travel to the Emerald Isle to visit the legendary Blarney Stone, Missouri offers plenty of interesting rocks and geologic formations as well. Tower Rock, located just outside of Wittenberg in Perry County, is an erosional remnant from shifts of the Mississippi River channel, and like the Blarney Stone, it is composed of limestone. In fact, though Missouri limestone may not give the gift of gab, it contributes more than $1 billion to Missouri’s economy.” (more…)

For the first time since 1997, walleye fishing is open on the St. Francis River and its tributaries above Wappapello Dam. The Missouri Conservation Commission closed walleye fishing on the river above the dam after the fishery declined through the 1970s and 1980s. (more…)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake will sponsor a Hunter Education class at the Wappapello Lake Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center.

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Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today more than $740.9 million will be distributed to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50 states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, and territories to fund fish and wildlife conservation, boater access to public waters, and hunter and aquatic education. These Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program funds come from excise taxes and import duties on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, sportfishing equipment, electric outboard motors, and fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines. (more…)

Two Missourians were among the winners in a contest where the world’s best wild turkey callers battled for state pride, bragging rights and more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. The event was the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Calling Contest Championships, held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 20 to Feb. 22. (more…)

Approximately four months after former governor Rod Blagojevich authorized $9.25 million to be pulled from six of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ dedicated conservation funds, newly sworn-in Governor Patrick Quinn overturned the decision. (more…)

Resident fishing permit prices remain unchanged from 2008.
Resident and nonresident anglers under age 16 will be able to buy trout
permits for $3.50 instead of the regular price of $7, effective July 1. Daily trout tags remain $3 for adults and $2 for anglers under age 16.
Effective July 1, nonresident fishing permits will increase from $40 to $42.
Nonresident students attending public or private secondary, post-secondary or vocational schools in Missouri can buy 2009 resident permits, except lifetime permits, starting in July. Such purchases must be made at MDC offices. Such student fishers need student and residency IDs with them while fishing. –MDC releases.

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STLtoday.com, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch website, reports the Army Corps of Engineers is suing AmerenUE, claiming Clearwater Lake in
southeast Missouri was damaged by sediment from the 2005 collapse of the
utility’s upper Taum Sauk reservoir. Read the story at http://www.stltoday.com/business/manutech

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At its December 19 meeting in Jefferson City, the Missouri Conservation Commission discussed changes to the structure and pricing of hunting, fishing and trapping permits as proposed by the Commission in September. (more…)