"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.
Energize Missouri Agriculture Program big check Thomas Stuart, Craig Redmon, Tracy Parker, Emily Wilbur, Governor Mike Parson, success story Sept. 13, 2022

New Bloomfield Farmer Participates in Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Funding Opportunity

Missouri farmer Thomas Stuart participated in the Energize Missouri Agriculture program, a $3 million energy efficiency cost-share grant program. The program helps farmers move toward more energy efficient and profitable operations by reimbursing them for energy saving and renewable energy equipment. The program provided up to $7,500 in cost-share reimbursement for 441 projects aimed at reducing energy costs for agricultural operations.

Director Dru Buntin holding the pinnacle award with the MoDNR team members and management

Pinnacle Award - The Sewershed Surveillance Project

In 2020, MoDNR partnered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Missouri Veterans Commission and researchers from the University of Missouri–Columbia to create Missouri’s Coronavirus Sewershed Surveillance Project. This team was awarded a Pinnacle Award by Governor Parson for their efforts on this groundbreaking project at the 2021 Governor’s Awards for Quality and Productivity ceremony. 

Decades-old pesticides with labels falling off containers being removed from the bed of a silver pickup truck at a collection event

Pesticide Collection Program on Track for a Record Year

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Pesticide Collection Program is on track to break its record for the most waste pesticide collected in one year. The pace was set when the single-event record was broken at this year’s first drop-off event March 12. 2022, in Portageville when more than 90,000 pounds of pesticide was collected. 

Herculaneum Mott Street Air Monitoring Site

Air Quality Attainment Status Officially Achieved in Jackson and Jefferson Counties

This action marks the culmination of nearly a decade of work by the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri’s industries to improve air quality in these areas

Gravestone and tree in a field at the Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site.

Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site

In June 2021, Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site was dedicated as the 92nd facility in the Missouri State Parks system

Wind turbines in a corn field.

Missouri State Energy Planning Process Engages More than 700 Energy Stakeholders

In 2021, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources continued an ongoing series of virtual workshops to engage more than 700 energy stakeholders in the Missouri State Energy Planning process

Education using interactive websites.

MoDNR Launched New Website in August 2021

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources launched a new website in August 2021. The new website was redesigned and reorganized to improve the customer experience and allow users to find information faster and easier.

A department staff member, holding a 3-ring binder that states "Permits 101"

Permit backlog Reduced by 86% from January 2017 through Nov. 30, 2021

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources reduced its permit backlog by 86% from January 2017 through Nov. 30, 2021

A laptop computer with a graphic of industrial, web and business icons floating above it.

State Parks GIS Develops Tools to Increase Efficiency and Improve Communication

The department developed several tools, including an interactive state park map, an asset management inventory and a hazard assessment app, that increased efficiencies and improved communication with internal staff and the public.

Missouri Geologic Map

Arc GIS Hub Offers One Stop Shop for Missouri Geological Survey Data

To better serve our stakeholders, the department created a GIS Hub webpage to offer a one-stop shop to all publicly available Missouri Geological Survey data, ArcGIS datasets and applications.