Annual Report Fiscal Year 1998–1999

Hunting Permit with the regular Firearms Deer Hunting Permit and added a Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit and a Managed Deer Hunting Permit for the 1999 hunting seasons. Increases in some permit fees and decreases in others also are among changes in permit fee structure that were approved. Reshaping Missouri's hunting and fishing permit fee structure addresses suggestions from the public about resident and nonresident permits.

What the Money Buys - Fiscal Year 1998 - 1999

Forests - $12,969,340

Conservation Department programs foster a healthy and growing forest resource. Examples are: growing and distributing 4.3 million tree and shrub seedlings for public and private land, assisting private forest landowners and Missouri communities, managing 442,664 acres of public forest land, developing the state's forest industry and conducting research on trees and forests.

Wildlife - $13,878,917

Conservation Department programs ensure wildlife populations that are in harmony with habitat and human enjoyment. Examples are: management of about 501,066 acres of public land and assistance to private landowners, research and population monitoring of game and non-game species, wetland development, wildlife restoration and wildlife damage control. Provided wildlife habitat improvement through 2,779 contacts with private landowners.

Fisheries - $11,744,191

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Missouri. During 1998, the Conservation Department sold 1,530,156 resident and non-resident fishing permits and tags of all types to 926,357 people. The agency produced 9,246,523 fish for stocking in various waters and conducted 11 stream management workshops with a total attendance of 456 private landowners. The Conservation Department manages 846 public impoundments totaling 276,918 acres of water.

Natural History - $1,730,597

Emphasis includes development of guidelines and workshops on savanna and prairie restoration and management, surveys for marsh birds, designation of additional natural areas and vegetation monitoring of selected natural areas, continuation of major book projects, incorporation of natural history information and natural heritage data in regional management guidelines, updates to the heritage database and promotion and recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and endangered species work in Missouri.

Law Enforcement - $13,409,321

Paid for law enforcement, resource management, information, education and public service contact activities conducted by 150 conservation agents, hunter education programs and 1,850 volunteer instructors conducting 1,038 classes and certifying approximately 29,000 students annually. Supplied 53,830 pounds of food plot seed to 3,580 landowners.

Outreach and Education - $9,952,392

Paid for education materials and contacts with Missouri schoolteachers, the Missouri Conservationist magazine, films, videos, postage and informational programs.

Administration - $3,139,914

Paid for legal counsel, auditor, summer help and an expanded array of other administrative charges.

Administrative Services and Human Resources - $20,181,902

Paid for human resources, federal reimbursement administration, fiscal services, aviation services, fleet management, building and grounds maintenance, planning, environmental coordination, information management and technology and other essential services.

Land Acquisition, Landowner Assistance, In-Lieu Taxes - $7,673,439

In lieu of tax payments, which included levee and drainage district taxes, total $617,501.82 to 112 counties. The four largest payments were to St. Louis ($48,116.95), Holt ($39,568.44), Howard ($34,366.00) and Shannon ($27,069.01) counties. Since 1980, more than $7.1 million has been returned to Missouri counties under the in lieu of tax program.

Construction & Development - $11,349,291

Paid for outstate service centers, hatchery improvements, wetland development, river access site development and other construction.

Design and Development - $8,532,135

Paid for engineering, construction administration and architecture.