I Am Conservation

Missouri conservation is unique—unique in the way it derives its authority and funding from citizens, and unique in the passion and commitment of Missourians to perpetuate this legacy. On July 1, 1937, the constitutional amendment creating the Missouri Conservation Commission took effect, creating an apolitical, science-based conservation agency with exclusive authority over forests, fish and wildlife. The Commission is made up of four citizen commissioners, with no more than two from the same political party. Our current Commission celebrating 75 years of citizen-led conservation is (from left) James T. Blair, IV, Don R. Johnson, Becky L. Plattner and Don C. Bedell. The governor appoints commissioners for six-year unpaid terms. The Commission serves as the Department’s policy maker, approves Wildlife Code regulations, and oversees strategic planning, budget development and major expenditures. —Photo by David Stonner