"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 State Parks New Campsites, Cabins, Renovations and Improved Infrastructure
The State of Missouri’s approved budget for FY22 included $68 million in revenue bonds and federal grant funding for upgrades at nearly two dozen state parks including new campsites, new cabins, renovations and improved infrastructure.
Rock Island Line Corridor Hiking and Biking Trail Development
The department signed a deed transferring ownership of the Rock Island Line Corridor from Ameren to the State of Missouri on Dec. 14, 2021. Once the hiking and biking trail is developed, it could eventually connect to the Katy Tail, creating a 400-mile trail loop in Missouri.