"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.
Control panel door with lock and key

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.

Energy efficient equipment

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.

Orrick school roof and installed equipment

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.

Ozarks Medical Center power equipment

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.

Carl Junction city hall with U.S. and Missouri flags on a flagpole.

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 post construction

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.

Huzzah River in Madison County

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

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.

Two men dig to put in plants on the bank of water in a wetland.

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.

Buildings in a rural Missouri town.

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.