JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 25, 2022 - Melanie Smith, a deputy regional director with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Missouri State Parks, has been selected as Team Member of the Month for October 2022. Smith was selected for her service to the department and efforts toward the ongoing development of the Rock Island Trail.
Recently, the department accepted a 144-mile section of the former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad corridor for development into the Rock Island Trail. The trail will be developed in sections over several years, with each section including different features and challenges.
From evening meetings with communities and organizations along the future trail to facility visits and tours for the department’s executive and planning teams, Smith has provided a considerable amount of assistance with the project’s planning stages. All of this has required a busy travel schedule.
Smith also has spent a great deal of time meeting with landowners to answer questions to keep the project moving forward in a positive direction. She has been able to do this in addition to her usual duties, which include oversight of 10 state parks and historic sites, including the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park.
“Melanie is a real-life example of exemplary public service and of going above and beyond the call of duty each and every day,” said Dustin Webb, the northern regional director and Smith’s supervisor, who nominated her for the award. “I’m humbled and honored to work with her and she is a huge part of our amazing Missouri State Parks team!”
Smith joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in April 1994 and resides in Sturgeon.