Missouri is blessed with an abundance of natural resources.  From mighty rivers and clear flowing streams to oak forests and rolling hills, outdoor enthusiasts have options aplenty.  Yet our good fortune should not be taken for granted and ways to improve land stewardship must never be discounted.  Unfortunately, state legislators’ efforts to shed light on growing discontent with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) have been mischaracterized as an attempt to eliminate authority and funding rather than increase accountability and transparency.

Roughly two-thirds of the state’s six million residents live in urban areas.  Yet, unlike western states, the majority of Missouri land is owned by private citizens—93 percent of the state’s 44 million acres.  Yes, there are sizeable public holdings, but successful land management must incorporate private landowners.

In 1976, the Missouri Constitution was amended to create a dedicated funding source for MDC.  The department is funded in large part by a one-eighth of 1 percent sales tax to the tune of about $105 million in fiscal year 2014.  The General Assembly approves MDC’s budget each year, yet this is largely ceremonial as suggestions are not encouraged.  The chasm created in recent years with legislators who have become frustrated with MDC has grown, and more bills are introduced each session to force changes within the department.

Legislators are not acting alone or out of spite.  Many people, including those who actually own and manage our natural resources, recognize and appreciate the expertise MDC brings to the table, but have become disenchanted as their concerns seem to have gone unheard.  A quick reading of policies adopted by Farm Bureau members reveals several concerns along with two actions that, if adopted, would go a long way toward restoring trust in the department.

First, the one-eighth cent conservation sales tax should be subject to a statewide vote every 10 years.  We are not calling for the tax to be eliminated, but believe that earmarked tax issues should never be placed in the Missouri Constitution unless there are provisions for automatic, periodic voter review.  This is hardly a novel idea as the one-tenth cent soil and parks tax is placed on the ballot every decade.  Lest anyone think this is Trojan elk, the soils and parks tax has passed every time with votes to spare in recent elections.   To keep things fair, and again mirror the soils and parks tax, no taxpayer dollars should be used in the campaigns for or against continuation of the conservation sales tax.

Second, the size and nature of the Conservation Commission should be changed.  Currently, the commission is comprised of four people appointed by the Governor.   Commission meetings are an exercise in futility — requests to present comments must not only be submitted, but approved in advance.  Witnesses say their piece to commissioners who sit in silence, ask no questions and offer no feedback.   Increasing the number of commissioners will not make the body more hospitable, but it will assure better representation for all areas of the state.  Changing the culture of MDC officials to be more receptive of those with concerns or suggestions doesn’t require legislation, but would be a step in the right direction.

MDC and its proponents quickly circle the wagons when state legislators and others signal discontent.  To supporters, you are with them or you are not…there is no middle ground.  Sadly, this stifles progress and ignores many real conservationists around the state — those who own and manage the land.