Community Corner

Vote Missourian as National Conservationist of the Year

Missouri residents have a 'dog in the hunt' in this year's Budweiser's 2012 Conservationist of the Year national award. Online voting for four finalists runs through Jan. 6.

Missouri leaders have had a longstanding commitment to conservation excellence, and many and residents indicate they chose to live in this area due to the overall natural ambiance. Local outdoor lovers now have a chance to put Missouri on the national map in a manner that totally supports conservation.

Don Johnson of Festus, MO, is one of four finalists for Budweiser's Conservationist of the Year Award. The recipient of this national award will be decided by online voting, which runs through Jan. 6. Each person may vote one time; all that's needed to enter a vote is date of birth.

Vote now by clicking here.

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According to information on the Conservation Federation of Missouri's website, Johnson is active in the National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Archery in Schools Program, and Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM).

The site indicated CFM is "gladly championing" Johnson for this award, calling him "Missouri's Conservation Hero."

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The site's description of Johnson stated he continually searches for ways to give back to communities, such as being a proponent for Share the Harvest program, helping to manage the state's deer herd and promoting greater awareness of the many contributions to society made by hunters. 

Ron Coleman, executive director of West St. Louis County-based Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region that operates in Wildwood and Eureka, agrees in supporting Johnson. "This would be a great thing for both Don and conservation in Missouri," he stated in an email to Open Space Council supporters.

Johnson was president of the CFM from 2006 until his appointment to the Missouri Conservation Commission in 2007. He chaired both the Ways & Means and Executive committees, and served on many resource committees. CFM managers indicate Johnson's leadership shaped much of what CFM is today.

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Following college, he served as a U.S. Air Force pilot, flying 130 combat missions in Vietnam and earning four Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
 


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