"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.
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.
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.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: Orrick R-XI School District - Emergency Loan
The Energy Loan Program assisted Orrick R-XI School District with $358,250 in emergency funds for energy efficiency repairs that created an estimated annual savings of $39,691.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: Ozarks Medical Center
The Energy Loan Program assisted Ozarks Medical Center with $2,340,000 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $267,700.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: City of Carl Junction
The Energy Loan Program assisted the City of Carl Junction with $132,000 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $12,042.
South Creek Restoration Project
The project purpose was to improve the water quality and stream health of South Creek by restoring the one-mile channelized segment of the stream. The project goals were accomplished through naturalizing the stream, determining the effectiveness of stream naturalization in reducing pollutant loads and improving stream habitat, and increasing public awareness and appreciation of stormwater impacts and stream health in our urban streams.
Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group
Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 19-14 in 2019, establishing Missouri’s Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group in response to significant flooding on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. In the past decade, the Lower Missouri River Basin has seen its first, second and fourth highest runoff years on record. With more recurrent damage, the Governors of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska committed to look for innovative solutions that bring systemic protection.
Missouri Water Resources Plan - Success Story
Along with other state agencies, groups and individuals the department developed a new state water plan for a long-range, comprehensive statewide program for the use of surface water and groundwater resources of the state, including existing and future need for drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, recreation, environmental protection and related needs. The department completed the work in September 2020.
Bill Zeaman named 2020 Reclamationist of the Year
Bill Zeaman, an environmental supervisor with our Land Reclamation Program, was named the 2020 "Reclamationist of the Year" by the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. Zeaman was selected for his outstanding accomplishments in the practical application and evaluation of reclamation technology and in implementing innovative practices and designs for new reclamation strategies.
Lincoln University George Washington Carver Farm Wetland
A man-made wetland is being enhanced with native grasses and plants on Lincoln University’s George Washington Carver Farm in Jefferson City.