The Missouri Geological Survey was founded in 1853 as the state’s first agency dedicated to studying and managing its natural resources. The mission of MGS today is providing Earth science information and services supporting stewardship and beneficial use of Missouri's natural resources, and that benefit public health and safety. That mission is fulfilled through six programs.
- Administration Program provides support to the Missouri Geological Survey in areas of fiscal, personnel, facilities and other administrative functions.
- The Dam and Reservoir Safety Program oversees nonagricultural and nonfederal dams 35 feet or higher within the state ensuring they are constructed, maintained and operated in a safe manner.
- The Geological Survey Program provides basic, applied, and regulatory functions related to the state’s geology through geologic mapping and other geoscience investigations, assessment of environmental effects and geohazards, and by regulation of oil and gas resources and wells including underground injection.
- The Land Reclamation Program ensures the beneficial reclamation of former and current mine lands to protect public health, safety and the environment from the adverse effects mining.
- The Soil and Water Conservation Program aids landowners for the installation of practices to reduce soil erosion and preserve water quality on agricultural land within the state. Missouri has 114 county-level soil and water conservation districts, each supported by the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission and statewide Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax.
- The Water Resources Center investigates, monitors and administers planning efforts concerning surface water and groundwater resources within Missouri. It also defends Missouri’s interests and claims to water in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.