--independent and non-partisan--
dedicated to the protection,
enhancement, and interpretation
of Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites
Missouri Parks
A National Model In Crisis
The Missouri system of State Parks and Historic Sites is a model for the nation and has regularly been listed among the top four state park systems nationwide. But it is now in serious financial crisis. The Missouri system is supported almost entirely by half of a one-tenth-of-one-cent state dedicated sales tax -- support that has been re-affirmed by a two-to-one voter margin each time it comes up for renewal. But diversions from the Park Sales Tax Fund and inadequate funding for capital improvements have resulted in severe staff cuts and a $200 million backlog in vitally needed rehabilitation of facilities and infrastructure. On the funding crisis in general, see a fact sheet and recent issues of MPA's newsletter Heritage. Several general categories of capital improvements need significant funding and a short prioritized list of specific projects has been delineated for possible inclusion in a state building bond fund. A Powerpoint slide program and script regarding the crisis in capital improvements funding is available for download here. MPA encourages citizens to bring these issues to the attention of their state senators and representatives. You might also want to consult lists of senators and representatives with state park and historic sites in their districts. On May 19, 2010 , the National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Missouri was one of five states whose parks are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage.
Missouri Parks Association Links
Heritage - Newsletter of the Missouri Parks Association
Johnson's Shut-Ins/Church Mountain Efforts Building a Constituency for State Parks: The Missouri Experience
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Update How Missouri Supports Parks and Historic Sites
Missouri Parks & Events Calendars
MPA's Urban Population Outreach Project
Missouri House of Representatives
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission
State Historical Society of Missouri
FirstGov - Your first click to the U.S. Government
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Conservation Federation of Missouri
Environmental Links for Missourians
Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation
Missouri Archaeological Society
Missouri Chapter of The Nature Conservancy
Missouri Coalition for the Environment
Missouri Environmental Education Association
National Parks and Conservation Association
Online Highway - a Travel Guide
Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club
Webster Groves Nature Study Society
