Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell reappointed by Gov. Nixon

Gov. Jay Nixon recently announced his reappointment of Don C. Bedell (pictured) to the Missouri Conservation Commission.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon recently announced his reappointment of Don C. Bedell of Sikeston to the Missouri Conservation Commission. The Commission protects and manages Missouri’s forest, fish and wildlife resources and provides opportunities for Missourians to use, enjoy, and learn about nature.

“Don Bedell’s service on the Conservation Commission since 2009, including a term as chair, has been exemplary, cementing Missouri’s role as the nationwide leader in conservation,” said Gov. Nixon regarding his July 24 reappointment of Bedell.

Gov. Nixon added that, during the past six years, with Bedell as a member, the Missouri Conservation Commission has seen record harvests of wildlife, and increased numbers of participants in outdoor conservation-related activities, particularly among Missouri’s youth, minority, and disabled populations. The Governor praised the commission for its excellent management of Missouri’s wildlife and forestry resources, even in challenging circumstances.

Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell stated, “It is an honor to have been appointed and serve Missouri citizens these past six years. The combined work and dedication of Department staff and Missouri citizens has resulted in some great conservation achievements over the last six years. The Governor, First Lady, and my fellow Commissioners are great conservationists who continue to help Missouri be a national and world leader in conservation. I am both flattered and humbled to serve a second term on the Conservation Commission.”

Bedell, a Republican, is an accomplished businessman, avid conservationist and enthusiastic sportsman. He is a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a Life Member of Quail Unlimited, Inc., a Sustaining Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a Diamond Sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and a Life Member of Safari Club International.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Master of Science degree in Animal Nutrition with a double minor in biochemistry and wildlife. He is owner of B&B Boats and Bikes in Sikeston and B&R Marine & Cycle in Batesville, Ark. He has founded and run numerous other businesses, primarily in healthcare/nursing home management. He serves on numerous boards of directors and is an advisory board member to the Southeast Missouri State University College of Health and Human Services.

The four members of the Conservation Commission serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Not more than two Commissioners from the same political party may serve at the same time. Commissioners receive no salary or other compensation. The three other Commissioners are Marilynn J. Bradford of Jefferson City who serves as Commission Chair, David W. Murphy of Columbia who serves as Vice Chair, and James T. Blair, IV, of St. Louis who serves as Secretary.

Commissioner responsibilities are statewide and include serving as the Conservation Department’s policy makers, approving Wildlife Code regulations, strategic planning, budget development and major expenditure decisions, and appointing the director of the Conservation Department.

The Governor has appointed Bedell to a term that ends July 1, 2021. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

For more information on MDC and the Conservation Commission, visit mdc.mo.gov/about-us/get-know-us/leaders-and-organizational-structure/meet-conservation-commission.

Governor Outlines What's at Stake with Vetoes Impacting Wildlife Management and Conservation Commission

Governor Jay Nixon spoke to a nearly packed house at a little after 10:30 am on Tuesday to give a short history lesson on the Missouri Conservation Commission, and then outline how a series of his vetoes will protect the commission from political wrangling, as well as their budget from special interest sales tax carve-outs.

Bill Crawford, 2011

In an emotional and unexpected moment, after Nixon's eloquent recount of how and why the (Read more about Bill Crawford)
commission came to be in the 1930's, he introduced Bill Crawford. Mr. Crawford was also in attendance 80 years ago in this very same room as the commission was born back in September of 1935.  He was seventeen.

For those who know the history of Missouri conservation, the state of Missouri had been decimated by the 1930's by logging, market hunters, mining, and short sighted agricultural practices to name a few.  The deer and turkey populations were down to a few thousand, elk, bison, and deer were extirpated, and fish populations were painfully small.  The commission was formed to alleviate these horrendous problems by appointing a non-political entity to faithfully steward the state's natural bounty.

Leaping forward 80 years, deer and turkey populations number in the millions, elk have been reintroduced, black bear are making a natural comeback, Ozark rivers are running clean, and they are full of smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as many other species.  Even with the management practices necessary to make these things happen, the timber industry still hums along at a sustainable level, and whatever has been lost in revenues in this industry has been amply compensated for by dollars flowing into communities and state coffers by in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and women.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, overseen by the Missouri Conservation Commission has been a shining example of how to manage natural resources all across the United States.  With very little research, one can see how much better Missouri residents have fared with this system than in states using politically beholden entities.

It is therefore a true indictment of the short sightedness of Missouri legislators, almost entirely comprised of Republicans, that they would take bold steps to jeopardize this system.  In  a last minuted money grab clearly motivated by special interest lobbyists, these "representatives of the people," carved out sales tax exemptions for a bizarre cross-section of industries.  The example Nixon cited was the dry-cleaning industry.  Did you know that under legislation passed by the Missouri House and Senate, dry cleaners now enjoy exemptions from sales taxation?  Are you happy to know that the funds thus depleted will deprive the MDC from carrying out the conservation efforts cited above...to the tune of approximately $12 million per year?

Additionally, apparently the "captive cervid" lobby is thriving in Missouri as well.  Legislation vetoed by the Governor the day of his speech would have transferred regulation of these captive whitetail deer (primarily) to the Department of Agriculture.  The legislative transfer was an attempt to remove the regulatory jurisdiction of the MDC in trying to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  The MDC has done an outstanding job of eradicating the outbreak of CWD detected a few years ago, first in captive deer and then in adjoining wild populations.  The transfer of authority would have greatly damaged such efforts.

Of course vetoes can be overridden.  The sportsmen and women owe it to the legacy of conservation in Missouri to make sure this does not happen.  By and large, the sporting community is made up of men and women who are not generally at great odds with conservative legislators and they will listen to us if we make our voices heard in great enough numbers.

Do not rely on your friend, your neighbor, or the organization to which you belong.  The two bills he vetoed today are SB 1326 and HB 506.  Additionally, he has already vetoed the sales tax carve-outs for special interests.  Contact your state senator and house member to let him or her know you expect them NOT to override these vetoes.  The future of our hunting, fishing, and natural resources depend on your efforts now.

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Cape Nature Center: June ‘Families in Nature’ event set with two fun-filled sessions

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center invites all to attend the Families in Nature Saturday, June 7. According to Education Consultant, Bridget Jackson, the center has made adjustments to the day’s scheduled events.

event on

“Instead of families coming for an all-day event, as we stated in our newsletter, we will have a morning session and an afternoon session,” Jackson said.

The morning session is scheduled for 8:30 until noon and the afternoon session will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jackson said both sessions will include archery, fishing, and canoeing activities.

“We strive to equip families with the knowledge and skill so that they can continue to discover nature together for generations to come,” Jackson said. “For many families, this event will be the first step toward that legacy.”

Registration is required and begins May 15. Jackson said sessions are limited to 30 people each and reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. Call the Nature Center at (573)290-5218to register. For information on other Nature Center programs go online to mdc.mo.gov.

State Parks Youth Corps expands to St. Louis

DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)

A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to St. Louis this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at St. Louis City Parks to area youth.

“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to St. Louis, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”

“Providing summer jobs for young people is one of the top priorities of my Regional Youth Violence Prevention Task Force," said Mayor Francis Slay, City of St. Louis.  "Giving kids a summer job reduces crime and increases academic success.  I thank Governor Nixon for helping to provide funding so that we can issue paychecks to teens and young adults for the work they do.  I am confident a good job will help teach them the values of discipline, sacrifice, respect and teamwork."

“Partnering with St. Louis gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the St. Louis community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.

Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development and Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).

In addition to the added positions in St. Louis, SPYC is also expanding to Kansas City where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in Kansas City Parks.

Gov. Nixon nominates J. Kent Emison to Conservation Commission

JEFFERSON CITY–Governor Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon has nominated J. Kent Emison, D-Higginsville, to serve on the Missouri Conservation Commission.

Emison is a partner at the Lexington law firm of Langdon & Emison. Raised on a dairy farm in Lafayette County, he and his wife own 80 acres in Lafayette County, 20 of which are devoted

to quail habitat. He has been a member of the Higginsville Park Board for more than 25 years.

Emison earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Gov. Nixon has nominated Emison for a term ending June 30, 2019.

The Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves, and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.

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Informational meeting at Lake Wappapello State Park Dec. 12

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Lake Wappapello State Park on

Thursday, Dec. 12. The meeting will be held at the park office from 3-5 p.m.

Park representatives will provide information about the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about park services and operations. These informational meetings are part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Lake Wappapello State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Lake Wappapello State Park is located on Highway 172 in Williamsville, Mo.  Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-297-3232. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting for Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site on Nov. 4

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site. The meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, at the City Administration Building, 219 N. Washington in East Prairie. 

Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Topics will include future management plans, research projects and upcoming programming. Visitors are invited to share comments on services and operations at both sites. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573-748-5340 or Big Oak Tree State Park at 573-649-3149. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

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Informational meeting at Hawn State Park Nov. 2

Pickle Creek in Hawn State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve.   The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the park’s amphitheater.

Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the park and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the park. These informational meetings are part of an ongoing effort by the Missouri State Parks to ensure that the public has input on services and facilities offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Hawn State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Hawn State Park is located off Highway 144, 20 miles west of Ste. Genevieve in Ste. Genevieve County. The amphitheater is located in the campground. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at (573) 883-3603. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Open house, cabin reservation lottery set for Nov. 1 at Sam A. Baker State Park

The dining lodge at Sam A. Baker State Park was built by the CCC of native stone and wood. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house at Sam A. Baker State Park on Friday, Nov. 1 between 9 a.m. and noon outside the park store.   The open house also marks the opening of the cabin reservation lottery for the 2014 recreational season. The lottery will determine the order of preference for cabin reservations at the park.

A Sam A. Baker State Park tradition, requests to be entered into the lottery reservation system may be made in person at the park beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the drawing will begin at 9 a.m. Sam Baker Concessions will be at the park to administer the lottery and assist individuals with their reservations. Cabin rental reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 573-856-4223 beginning at 9 a.m.

Cabin rental reservations are made through Sam Baker Concessions, while picnic shelter houses may be reserved directly through the park in person or by phone at 573-856-4411. Throughout the open house event park representatives will be available to answer questions provide information on future plans for the facility. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. In the event of rain, the meeting will be moved to the park dining lodge. This open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Sam A. Baker State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. In addition to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails through wooded natural and wild areas, Sam A. Baker State Park also features a 1.5 mile accessible paved path suitable for walking, jogging and bicycles. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson, MO in Wayne County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-856-4411. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting at Route 66 State Park Oct. 26

 Meramec River as it flows past Route 66 State Park in St. Louis County, Missouri. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 26 at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. The informational meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center and refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the park will be on hand to review recent activities and discuss future projects. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations and plans for development.  The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Route 66 State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Route 66 State Park is located two miles east of Eureka off Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-938-7198. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting at Castlewood State Park Oct. 26

Castlewood State Park (Photo credit: fotobydave)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. The informational meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the park office and refreshments will be provided.

Recent accomplishments and future plans at the park will be highlighted. Visitors are invited to share comments on Castlewood State Park’s services and operations. Park staff will discuss ongoing efforts to remove invasive plant species from the park, repair trails and restore a portion of riparian forest bordering Kiefer Creek.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Castlewood State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

Castlewood State Park is located off of Highway 141, then west on Big Bend Road to Ries Road, then turn left on Ries Road. The park entrance is at the intersection of Kiefer Creek and Ries Roads. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-227-4433. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting scheduled at Cuivre River State Park Oct. 26

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Cuivre River State Park in Troy. The open house will be held at the Cuivre River Visitor’s Center at 6 p.m.

The meeting will include discussion of recent accomplishments at the park and projects completed by 2013 State Park Youth Corps workers. Park staff will discuss future plans and hold an informal question and answer session. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park and its facilities. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the Missouri State Parks to ensure that citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Cuivre River State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Cuivre River State Park is located 3 miles east of Troy on highway 47. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Cuivre River State Park directly at 636-528-7247. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Informational meeting at Bennett Spring State Park Oct. 25

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Oct. 25, at Bennett

Spring State Park near Lebanon. The informational meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Nature Center classroom.

Staff from the park will present information about operations, resource management and recreational developments at the park. The agenda will include a summary of activities that took place in 2013 and future plans for the park. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Bennett Spring State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Bennett Spring State Park is located 12 miles west of Lebanon on Hwy 64. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 417-532-4338. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting scheduled at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Oct. 22

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, near Columbia. The informational meeting will address Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site and Clark’s Hill/ Norton State Historic Site. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day-use area of the park. Themeeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input and knowledge on services provided in parks and historic sites.

A visit to Rock Bridge State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year. For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located five miles south of Columbia on Highway 163. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Informational meeting planned at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Oct. 11

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Oct. 11, at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Black River Center.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located 13 miles south of Pilot Knob on Hwy N. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-546-2450. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

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Informational meeting scheduled at Finger Lakes State Park Sept. 20

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at Finger

Lakes State Park near Columbia. The meeting will be held in the park office. Park staff will be available to provide the most recent information about the park and answer questions. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure that citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Finger Lakes State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year. For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Finger Lakes State Park is located 10 miles north of Columbia off Highway 63 in Boone County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly 573-443‑5315. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

Watch bats fly out of Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge State Park on July 12 and 13

Visitors can watch endangered gray bats fly out of Devil’s Icebox Cave on July 12 and 13. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will include a variety of activities featuring bats and take place from 7:30 until 10 p.m. both evenings.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Connor’s Cave with a guide and learn more about bats’ unique characteristics and awesome abilities. Visitors will also have the opportunity to play a family-friendly game about bats. The program is recommended for participant ages 7 to adult and registration is required.                        

A visit to Rock Bridge State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge.

To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located five miles south of Columbia on Highway 163. For more information about the park or to register for the event, call 573-449-7402. For information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Public invited to share ideas at Long Branch State Park Open House, June 22

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, June 22 at Long Branch State Park in Macon. The open house will be held at the Long Branch

Marina Store from 4 to 6 p.m.

Recent activities at Long Branch State Park include the new seawall north of the swim beach, State Park Youth Corps, prescribed burning, and improved sites for tent camping in the campground. Park staff will also discuss future plans at the park and present an overview of the park and its resources with a question and answer session to follow. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park and its facilities.

This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input to facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 660-773-5229.

A visit to Long Branch State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge.

To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Long Branch State Park is located two miles west of the U.S. Highway 63 and 36 junction in Macon County. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Bison Hike scheduled at Prairie State Park June 22

Visitors are invited to mark the start of summer at Prairie State Park by taking a guided bison hike. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hike will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take a trip back in time and see one of the most magnificent mammals on its native prairie habitat. A park naturalist will discuss bison biology, Native American uses, herd dynamics and prairies.

The bison hike is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge.

To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-843-6711. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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• Open house planned at Trail of Tears State Park, June 9 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)