Missouri Parks and Soils Tax

History and Importance

Background

In 1984, Missouri voters expressed their support for State Parks and Soil Conservation by voting Constitutional Amendment Number 2 for a sales tax of one-tenth of one percent. Half was used for state park purposes and half for soil and water conservation purposes. In accordance with the Amendment’s sunset provision, in 1988, 1996 and most recently in 2006 voters approved continuance of the Parks and Soils tax. The measure must be approved again in 2016. Although donations and partnerships are always important for acquisitions and sustenance of the system, the dedicated sales tax is the key to maintaining the quality of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.

Parks

The Missouri Division of State Parks manages 83 state parks and historic sites. The parks system includes some of the best representations of Missouri landscapes – forest, woodlands, savannas, glades and prairies. It also preserves many unique geologic features such as canyons, natural bridges, caves and sinkholes. In addition to protecting and enhancing numerous valuable Missouri cultural and natural resources, the parks system provides an abundance of educational and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to our state. Forty state parks and historic sites have campgrounds, with campsites. There are 960 miles of trails to explore Missouri landscapes whether on foot, on horseback, on bicycle or an all-terrain vehicle. Water sports and fishing are available in streams, rivers and lakes. Individual picnic areas and picnic shelters for large group gatherings are available in many parks. Visitation to Missouri state parks in recent years has exceeded 18 million users. Our Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites generate millions of dollars for the Missouri tourism industry.

Soils

Soils supports agriculture, the number one industry in the state. Although a great deal of progress has been made over the past decade, Missouri still has one of the highest soil erosion rates in the nation. Decreasing topsoil means increasing consumer prices. Renewal of the Parks and Soils tax will continue to help improve and retain Missouri’s soil resources for lower food prices. By providing farmers with cost sharing funds, more land can be protected from soil erosion, thereby reducing the siltation of Missouri rivers, streams and lakes, which will result in improved water quality and wildlife habitat.

KEY FACT

Both the Missouri Division of State Parks and the Division of Natural Resources Soil and Water Conservation program depend on the dedicated sales tax for operation and maintenance of their respective programs. The programs receive no general revenue and they depend on the tax to operate and meet rising costs to maintain infrastructure, programs, equipment and staff.