The Missouri Department of Conservation is committed to improving the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state. To meet this goal, participation in resource stewardship by citizens is necessary. We will expand educational opportunities so more of the Central Region population is exposed to the conservation message. We also will make increased opportunities for outdoor recreation available to the residents and visitors of the region. Natural Areas are lands representing the best examples of biological communities in the state, permanently protected and managed for the purpose of preserving their natural qualities.
Examples are prairies, springs, glades, savannas, oxbows and caves.
These areas serve as the core for restoration of a larger area, and are prime sites for the education of the public. The Conservation Department realizes that conservation of fish, forest and wildlife resources depends on a positive working relationship between landowners and professional resource managers. The importance of this continued relationship in programs and consultation is reflected in the following Regional Conservation Priorities. A waterfowl hunter uses a disabled-accessible blind at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. The Conservation Department is projecting the restoration of 15,000 acres of wooded stream side buffers.