Take Back The MDC
A Gathering Point for True Sportsmen
Missouri State Senator Dan Clemens
Missouri State Senator Dan Clemens
April 5th 2007
I stand before you today for a brief point of personal privilage. Few senators have been chewed on as much as I from present and former Senators, Representatives and Missourians for carrying the flag of the Missouri Department of Conservation. I've always taken those chewings with a smile because while I knew the department was not perfect, I believe them to be working in the right direction.
Today that flag I carry is at half staff. Conservation does have a duel mission, protecting our hunting and trapping resources, and educating our citizens about preserving the wonderful resources that Missouri offers. They do so with plenty of resources of their own. As we all know, they're almost entirely funded by their own sales tax. The so called "Missouri Plan" has made us the crown jewel of America's Conservation Departments.
Unfortunately, over the past few years the department and especially its governing body, the conservation commission, have lost their leadership and lost their vision and moved forward unchecked as their "feel good" education movement has trampled all over the heritage of our states sportsmen.
And anyone who stands in their way is always reminded of their constitutional authority to do whatever they wish. I say, "NO MORE."
When good people who have utilized their own personal property to enjoy hunting and fishing are telling me they are being needlessly harassed by conservation agents, its time to restore proper leadership and vision.
When we have an epidemic of Feral Hogs destroying private property and increasing the risk of Brucellosis and other disease outbreaks in our livestock and then the federal government steps in before the Department of Conservation does, it's time to restore proper leadership and vision.
When a very small group of Missourians wish to legalize a sport that is legal in many of the neighboring states, and are teased with trial seasons cut short all because that sport is not the image that the department and the commission would like to have, its time to restore proper leadership and vision.
I know that there are several spots on the Conservation Commission opening up soon. I urge Missourians who are sportsmen and are listening to me today to contact the governors office and urge that good people receive those appointments
I urge the hunting and fishing industry to stand up and demand a return to common sense on the Conservation Commission. I urge our Governor to only submit, and the members of the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, and my fellow Senators to only approve Conservation Commission Nominees who will honor the true mission of this department.
I thank the body for this time this morning. I wish you all good easter break. I myself will be out this weekend filling my license limits of fish and getting ready for spring turkey season.
I will do so in the shade of the flag for the purpose of conservation. But I will do so with a sharper eye on the Department of Conservation and the Conservation Commission.
Dan Clemens
Missouri State Senator
20th District
Chairman - Conservation, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
Sen. Dan Clemens Remarks
Just last month State Senator Dan Clemens made remarks on the Missouri Senate Floor expressing his concerns with the current leadership at the MDC. Please read his remarks and forward them on to others who may wish to read them. Click Here
Report to Elected Officials
Please download and pass on the Take Back The MDC report to elected officials concerning the current state of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Please call your state elected representatives and senators and tell them that you are concerned with the Leadership at the MDC. Tell them you want change!
Download HERE
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