
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.

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.

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

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

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.