Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001–2002

improved. The MDNR paid for 70 percent of the $540,000 project. The Conservation Department designed the project, supervised construction and provided the remaining funding.

What the Money Buys - Fiscal Year 2001 - 2002

• Forests - $14,779,428 Conservation Department programs foster a healthy and growing forest resource. Examples include distributing 7 million seedlings for planting to nearly 13,725 landowners, developing 99 Landowner Forest Stewardship Plans, bringing an additional 16,550 acres under total resource management , managing 438,700 acres of public forest land, developing the state's forest industry and conducting research on trees and forests.
• Wildlife - $13,322,731 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 - $13,939,371 Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Missouri. In 2001, the Conservation Department sold 1,439,201 resident and non-resident fishing permits and tags of all types to 721,037 people. The agency produced 7,294,188 fish for stocking in various waters. The Conservation Department manages 849 public impoundments totaling 277,055 acres of water.
• Natural History - $2,084,402 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 - $14,781,070 Paid for law enforcement, resource management, information, education and public service contact activities conducted by 200 conservation agents. Conservation agents, along with 2,053 volunteer instructors, conducted 1,051 classes and certified more than 34,000 students.
• Outreach and Education - $13,050,891 Paid for education materials and contacts with Missouri schoolteachers, the Missouri Conservationist magazine, films, videos, postage and informational programs.
• Private Land Services - $5,371,201 Newly established division provides resource education and technical assistance to private landowners to conserve forest, fish and wildlife resources.
• Administration - $6,664,129 Paid for legal counsel, auditor, summer help and an expanded array of other administrative functions.
• Administrative Services and Human Resources - $28,499,622 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 - $4,838,696 In lieu of tax payments, which included levee and drainage district taxes, totaled $576,070.08 to 112 counties. The four largest payments were to Shannon ($80,782), St. Louis ($50,192), Reynolds ($30,904) and Vernon ($25,593) counties. Since 1980, more than $8.77 million has been returned to Missouri counties under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.
• Construction & Development - $13,329,929 Paid for outstate service centers, hatchery improvements, wetland development, river access site development and other construction.
• Design and Development - $8,903,709 Paid for engineering, construction administration and architecture.