"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.
North Central Redevelopment (North Sarah Apartments)
Multiple undeveloped lots and vacant and dilapidated buildings have spotted the area along N. Sarah St. in St. Louis for many years. The area was zoned residential with commercial and retail uses. Extensive remediation and removal efforts allowed for redeveloping the site into a multi-family, mixed-use development with residential, community and commercial space.
North St. Louis (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West Campus)
Twenty-seven city blocks within a historic neighborhood in St. Louis will be the new home for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West Campus. An assortment of 551 properties, including a mix of residential and industrial properties dating back to the 1800s, became blighted with contamination from asbestos, household wastes and other contaminants. The 45 million cleanup and $1.7 billion budget to build and furnish the redevelopment project looks to serve as a catalyst for further development in the area.
Post Office Redevelopment (OPO Startups LLC)
A local entrepreneur purchased the 1908 post office building on Main St., with a dream of turning his hometown into a hub for high-tech, high-potential startups. The renovated 10,000-square foot facility was converted into a mix of offices, studio space and co-working space and now anchors the multi-building regional digital startup community in St. Charles.
St. Louis Port Authority Industrial Complex (River City Casino & Hotel)
The 80-acre site in Lemay saw heavy industrial activity since the early 1900s. Abandoned for many years, the St. Louis County Economic Development Council and the St. Louis County Port Authority cleaned it up to attract potential developers. Excavating and disposing of tons of contaminated materials and other wastes, and constructing a new thoroughfare, helped render the site eligible for redevelopment into a state-of-the-art gaming and mixed-use complex.
Van Brunt Street Car Barn (9th & Van Brunt Athletic Fields)
The site, located at E. Ninth St. and Van Brunt Blvd. in historic Northeast Kansas City, was previously used for streetcar maintenance, bus maintenance, body shop and fueling facility. The site has since been transformed into a community-gathering place and youth soccer complex, including an all-weather soccer field, amphitheater/ event plaza, walking trail and concessions building with restrooms.
State Revolving Fund Loan Program Success Stories
The department has provided more than $3.5 billion dollars in grants and loans to hundreds of communities since establishing the State Revolving Load Fund program in 1987.
Roadmap to Resilience is a Success
The Roadmap to Resilience Grant has successfully concluded. As a next step, Energy is working to develop an outreach plan and materials with the goal of providing additional value to various small- to medium-sized Missouri communities and other interested stakeholders.
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.
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.
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.