The following column is the sixth in a series intended to benefit woodland owners.

      The Karkaghnae Club woodland landowners are characterized by an enthusiasm and love for their properties. Interests are varied but often include wildlife, woodland health, forest products, recreation and solitude among the many.  However managing woodland ownerships does not offer many opportunities to interact with other landowners with similar interests or government land management agencies. 

There is an organization, “The Karkaghnae Club”, which is centered around the management of Missouri forests and other wild lands. The name “Karkaghnae” originated in the folk lore of logging camps as a nemesis of those who made their living in the woods. From these mythical beginnings has emerged a club that has remained active in showcasing land management and industries revolving around natural resources in the Missouri Ozarks since the 1950’s.  Although many members are landowners, or land managers, it is not a requirement. The club meets approximately 6 times during the year, including an annual banquet/speaker/election meeting in the winter with the remaining meetings held as outdoor tours followed by a meal and meeting. Meeting sites are usually within 100 miles of Salem, Mo. Field meetings are normally on Thursday afternoons in the spring and fall. All meetings and tours are open to members and guests.

     The 2006 agenda started with the winter meeting held in January at Zeno’s restaurant in Rolla with speaker Melanie Carden-Jessen, Conservation Education Consultant with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) seeking input concerning future plans of The Forest Heritage Center. Field meetings consisted of an April tour of the Current River Pole Company land management and processing site; a tour of the Meramec Springs Ironworks site and trout park; a tour of the George O. White State Tree Nursery in Licking; a tour of the Missouri State University Wurdack Farm between Salem and Steelville; and a tour of the Forest Service Sinkin Experimental Forest near Bunker.

     If you would like to join the Karkaghnae Club group in exploring the resource management activities being undertaken in the Ozarks you can contact the Club by e-mail. The club e-mail is Karkaghnae@hotmail.com.   Annual dues are $5 for a member and spouse.