Annual Report Fiscal Year 1999–2000

in 1999. The season also set a record for the lowest number of hunting accidents in any modern spring turkey season. There were no fatal accidents and only four non-fatal hunting accidents.

What the Money Buys - Fiscal Year 1999 - 2000

Forests - $14,028,436

Conservation Department programs foster a healthy and growing forest resource. Examples include distributing 4.78 million seedlings for planting to nearly 12,500 landowners, developing 112 Landowner Forest Stewardship Plans, bringing an additional 19,805 acres under total resource management , managing 444,417 acres of public forest land, developing the state's forest industry and conducting research on trees and forests.

Wildlife - $14,566,820

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, research and population monitoring of game and non-game species, wetland development, wildlife restoration and wildlife damage control.

Fisheries - $13,180,726

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Missouri. In 1999, the Conservation Department sold 1,494,924 resident and non-resident fishing permits and tags of all types to 909,026 people. The agency produced 3,660,117 fish for stocking in various waters and opened the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery. The Conservation Department manages 849 public impoundments totaling 277,055 acres of water.

Natural History - $2,101,983

Coordinates and provides overall and specialized services to the Department's natural areas, endangered species programs, wildlife diversity and natural community conservation and management programs, as well as programs to promote public appreciation of natural resources.

Law Enforcement - $15,383,151

Paid for law enforcement, resource management, information, education and public service contact activities conducted by 216 conservation agents. Conservation agents, along with 1,850 volunteer instructors, conducted 994 hunter education classes and certified more than 30,000 students.

Outreach and Education - $11,570,355

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

Private Land Services - $3,264,934

Newly established division provides resource education and technical assistance to private landowners to conserve forest, fish and wildlife resources.

Administration - $3,648,058

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

Administrative Services and Human Resources- $29,357,383

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 - $10,524,618

In lieu of tax payments, which included levee and drainage district taxes, totaled $639,004.82 to 112 counties. The four largest payments were to St. Louis ($48,116.95), Holt ($39,568.44), Howard ($28,204.12) and Shannon ($27,074.59) counties. Since 1980, more than $7.7 million has been returned to Missouri counties under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.

Construction & Development - $17,693,355

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

Design and Development - $9,349,998

Paid for engineering, construction administration and architecture.