Conservation issues took the spotlight at last Tuesday’s Laclede County Commission meeting.
The Commission received a briefing from Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) agents Jarad Milligan and Hunter Ridenour.
Ridenour was introduced as a newly assigned agent to the area and the report highlighted ongoing wildlife, environmental, issues affecting the county.
Ridenour, who joined the local Conservation office at the end of July, is a Southwest Missouri native with a degree in agronomy and agricultural development, who previously served in Taney County and Pemiscot County.
Milligan reported that the infrastructure project at Bennett Spring is set for completion between late 2027 and early 2028. The state has brought in a new contractor, Crossland Construction.
“It's an eyesore right now, as we all know, but I believe the light is at the end of the tunnel and once it's finished, I believe it'll be state of the art and it'll be a huge economic boost,” Milligan said.
He also said separate Department of Natural Resources (DNR) trail and bridge renovations have already been completed.
Despite drought conditions, Milligan said Laclede County has escaped major outbreaks of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in the deer population, also known as "blue tongue.” Only about 10 cases have been reported locally this year, keeping the overall deer population highly stable compared to the severe die-offs seen in 2012.
He also said a low harvest is expected from the newly implemented early October antlerless season due to unseasonably high temperatures over the opening weekend.
Milligan reported that hog populations remain mostly confined to the southeastern portion of Laclede County. Incidents and landowner complaints have drastically dropped compared to five years ago, a success credited to targeted mitigation efforts by the USDA.
Commissioners noted that Laclede County currently lacks a local processor participating in the "Share the Harvest" venison donation program.
Milligan told the commission that regulatory paperwork, chronic wasting disease (CWD) mandatory testing requirements, and the financial reality of processors having to temporarily halt lucrative beef and hog operations have hindered local enrollment. However, he said state officials are currently evaluating a revamp of the program to streamline paperwork and encourage statewide participation, he said.
