I Am Conservation

Johnny Morris, shown with his daughter Megan, is an Ozarks native, the founder of Bass Pro Shops and an ardent conservationist. “Conservation is the future of fishing, and it is vital that we invest in the future,” said Morris. “If fishermen and especially kids, can’t catch fish and enjoy exciting times in public waters, then our industry and the sport we love will not continue to attract future generations.” Morris sees the need for citizens to take a strong position in the careful management and use of our natural resources, and he has a long standing commitment to conservation. Morris recognized the importance of conservation education and created the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Education Center (named for his parents) that houses the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF School) for young Missourians. He contributes heavily in time and resources to many conservation efforts like the Table Rock Fish Habitat Initiative with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Arkansas Game and Fish. In 1993 the Missouri Department of Conservation honored Morris with the Master Conservationist Award. “All of us at Bass Pro Shops salute the Missouri Department of Conservation for 75 years of unparalleled conservation leadership and achievement,” said Morris.

Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops