Missouri Conservation Agents Association

2010 Scholarship Recipients

By Jeff Leonard

A Lafayette High School student with aspirations of pursuing a career in the field of conservation was awarded a scholarship by local representatives of the Missouri Conservation Agents Association (MCAA) this week.
Michael Judd, a senior at Lafayette, discovered the scholarship using the Internet. To be considered, applicants for the scholarship had to be Missouri residents who were pursuing a degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Fisheries, Ecology, Agriculture, Criminal Justice or a closely related field study.
For Judd, it was a perfect match.
“I’ve always loved being outdoors and doing things outdoors and I want to pursue a career where I’m not stuck at a desk all day,” he said.
Judd’s love of the outdoors was kindled through spending time at his grandmother’s place on Big Lake where he often fished. Judd hasn’t narrowed down what field of outdoor study he’ll pursue but is excited about the many opportunities.
After graduation, he plans on attending Missouri Western State University which offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management, and is one of only two programs in the state of Missouri to offer all of the requisite courses for certification as a wildlife biologist by the Wildlife Society.

Western also has a student chapter of the Wildlife Society. This group participates in many activities related to their field, including prairie restoration work, deer spotlight surveys at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, quail surveys, public educational events, and more.
Judd was the sole recipient of this scholarship and was chosen from eight eligible candidates from throughout the state by the MCAA. MCAA Representatives and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Agents Jason Braunecker and Dave Carlisle were on hand to present the scholarship.
“It’s great to see a local student receive this award.” said Agent Braunecker, who is one of 151 agents who are voluntary members of the MCAA. The group was founded in 1975 and its mission is to promote and enhance the protection and enjoyment of Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources by providing education, professional development, mutual benefit and representation for Missouri’s citizens, Conservation Agents and their families.
“That’s what the Missouri Conservation Agents Association is really all about, helping people better their lives through conservation” said Carlisle.

Outdoors reporter Jeff Leonard may be reached at npsports@npgco.com.