The Ozark Podcast
Kyle Veit & Kyle Plunkett
Ep. 238 - Ryan Walker - 40 Years on the James River: "We're Losing Smallmouth"
SEP 16, 202630 MIN
Description
Data could change how Missouri manages its best smallmouth creeks.
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Ryan Walker is back for part two, and this time the conversation goes deep on conservation. For five years Ryan has been quietly logging every fish, every location, every date, building a citizen science dataset compelling enough to bring before Missouri's regs committee.
He breaks down why current limits are too loose, why the spawn closure Missouri implemented is brilliant, and what he'd change tomorrow if given the keys to MDC.
Whether you're 22 or 52, if you love these Ozark rivers, you need to understand what's at stake — and what one person with a notebook can actually do about it.
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0:00 – 40 Years on the James River
5:00 – The Role of James River Basin Partnership
7:00 – Are Ozark Smallmouth Populations Actually Declining?
8:30 – What Citizen Science Actually Looks Like
13:00 – Why Ryan Hates Missouri's Current Smallmouth Regulations
16:00 – How to Approach MDC with Data
21:00 – The Keys to MDC Reg Changes
24:00 – Stream bank restoration
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
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