"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead
Missouri’s natural resources efforts certainly looked differently than it did decades ago. In 1974, Missourians recognized how important it was to protect and preserve our great state, and that’s when the Department of Natural Resources was created. Our work to protect Missouri’s natural resources is not a task that can be completed alone. It takes all of us working together to make a difference and obtain our achievements. With your continued support, we can help make Missouri an even better place to live, work and enjoy the great outdoors. We invite you to explore a few of our many success stories.
Several people standing between two school buses.

Lewis County C-1 School District Commits to Alternative-Fueled School Buses

Using cost-share assistance through the Volkswagen Trust Fund, Lewis County C-1 School District replaced two of their old diesel buses with a new propane bus and an all-electric bus.

Tugboat engine

Volkswagen Trust Funds Replacement of Tugboat Engines

MoDNR’s Volkswagen (VW) Trust team visited Capital Sand’s Marge I tugboat. Capital Sand replaced the vessel’s older diesel engines with new engines partially funded by cost-share from the VW Trust.

The front of a truck is swiveled open to expose its engine.

Volkswagen Trust Truck Replacement Funding

MoDNR’s Volkswagen (VW) Trust team awarded Iron County $96,600 in cost-share funding for the replacement of two government-owned dump trucks.

Governor Mike Parson hands a Municipal Utility Emergency Loan Program big check for $3.39 million to members of the City of Fulton.

City of Fulton receives $3.39 million zero-interest Municipal Utility Emergency Loan

Zero-interest loan will ease impact of electricity, natural gas costs from February cold snap.

Division of Energy director Craig Redmon hands a Municipal Utility Emergency Loan Program big check for $750,000 to members of the Hannibal Board of Public Works.

Hannibal Board of Public Works receives $750,000 zero-interest Municipal Utility Emergency Loan

A $750,000 interest-free emergency loan to the City of Hannibal will lessen the financial impacts for the city and its residents.

MoDNR staff and grant awardees stand next to an electric vehicle charging station completed in May 2021.

Traveling Across Missouri in an Electric Vehicle Made Easier

Finding locations to recharge your electric vehicle while traveling across Missouri may have felt like a game of hide and seek in the past. Finding a nearby charging station today, however, is getting easier thanks to the department's Volkswagen Trust Funds.

Solar panels

Missouri Energy Loan Program: Greenfield R-IV School District

The Energy Loan Program assisted Greenfield R-IV School District with $639,850 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $74,099.

Laclede County city hall building

Missouri Energy Loan Program: Laclede County

The Energy Loan Program assisted Laclede County with $133,010 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $36,648.

Control panel door with lock and key

Missouri Energy Loan Program: Lee’s Summit R-VII School District

The Energy Loan Program assisted Lee’s Summit R-VII School District on eleven (11) projects, for a total of $4,729,996 in Energy Conservation Measures that created a combined estimated annual savings of $596,699.

Energy efficient equipment

Missouri Energy Loan Program: Lincoln University

The Energy Loan Program assisted Lincoln University with $1,863,000 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $205,150.