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Conservation Business Services

Conservation Business Services support the Department’s efforts to maintain public trust by providing overall administrative and fiscal oversight of the conservation programs and activities aimed to protect and manage fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state and provide opportunities for citizens to use, enjoy and learn about those resources. This program ensures citizen resources are managed wisely and includes financial and asset management and planning; legal and audit support; facilities maintenance and construction planning and support; and information technology planning and support.

Education and Communication

Education and Communication programs support the Department’s efforts to connect people with nature by implementing actions to help Missourians understand and enjoy the value of our fish, forest, and wildlife resources.  Actions to increase citizen  awareness of the importance of healthy land and water for a healthy society include: developing a statewide relevancy campaign to showcase the importance of nature in economic vitality and quality of life; delivering efficient and effective nature-based educational programs to diverse audiences; and cultivating partnerships with organizations that build capacity to deliver on Missouri’s conservation goals.

Fish and Wildlife Management

The Fish and Wildlife Management programs supports the Department’s efforts to take care of nature through the research and management of fish and wildlife species and Wildlife Code Enforcement. Fish and wildlife species are managed for healthy and sustainable populations for use and enjoyment by Missouri citizens.  The program includes conducting fish and wildlife research, surveying and monitoring public interest in fish and wildlife, providing oversight for development of hunting and angling regulations, monitoring the health of fish and wildlife populations, and managing for diverse species of fish and wildlife, including the recovery of species of conservation concern.

Habitat Management

The Habitat Management program supports the Department’s efforts to take care of nature through the research and management of terrestrial and aquatic habitats on public and private lands.  The program provides assistance to private landowners to ensure they achieve their terrestrial and aquatic habitat goals.  This program uses sound science and established best management practices and implements a tiered management approach to effectively sustain healthy terrestrial and aquatic habitats for all citizens to appreciate.

Recreation Management

Recreation Management programs support the Department’s efforts to connect people with nature by implementing action plans to help Missourians access recreational areas.  Services include: public access to nature through management of Conservation Areas and recreation access partnerships; partnerships with local governments, citizens and municipalities; and financial assistance for community conservation programs such as Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance Grants (TRIM), Landowner and Community Assistance Program (LCAP), Community Conservation Grants, Community Archery Grants and the Community Assistance Program Grants.

Staff Development and Benefits

Staff Development and Benefits support the Department’s efforts to maintain public trust by attracting, developing and retaining a high-performing, talented workforce that delivers quality conservation resources to Missouri’s citizens. Ensuring Missouri remains a leader in conservation requires an employee recruitment and development program that is competitive with other potential employers. A skilled and motivated conservation workforce is crucial to achieving Missouri’s conservation goals.  Programs include Recruitment and Retention; Rewards and Recognition; Compensation and Benefits; Performance Management; and Employee Development.