Save Missouri's State Parks
Our state parks are currently in a funding crisis, facing a backlog of $200 million in critically needed infrastructure upgrades — from aging water and electrical systems, to cabins and bridges in need of repair.
As funding runs dry, our state parks could slip into disrepair
From Lake of the Ozarks, where visitors can observe bald eagles, to the historic Katy Trail, which stretches through four-fifths of Missouri, our state parks rank among the nation's best and most visited.
But our state parks are currently in a funding crisis, facing a backlog of $200 million in critically needed infrastructure upgrades — from aging water and electrical systems, to cabins and bridges in need of repair.
Last year, we won protections for the State Parks Earnings Fund, a cornerstone parks funding source. And now we are calling on our leaders in Jefferson City to address the backlog of rehabilitation needs in our state parks in the General Assembly.
Our parks need steady funding
Without dedicated state funding, park managers can't afford to fix the unreliable water systems at Hawn State Park, restore aging cabins at Lake of the Ozarks, or repair stressed bridges along the Katy Trail.
For too long, our legislators have looked the other way while some of our best-loved state parks have fallen into disrepair.
With your activism and our advocacy, we can protect our state parks
We refuse to let our natural heritage fall into disrepair — and we have a plan to convince state leaders to get serious about funding for our state parks, from Katy Trail to Ha Ha Tonka. We're bringing together Missourians from all walks of life to protect our parks. All of us — bird-watchers, hikers, tourism businesses and Missourians across the state — have something to fight for.
Our citizen outreach staff has been knocking on doors across the state since May to educate Missourians about what's at stake. We're also testifying in Jefferson City, educating lawmakers, and shining a spotlight in the media on the need to protect our state parks.
Thousands of you have joined the fight too. Across the state, you're calling or emailing your legislators, signing petitions, spreading the word to your friends and family, and speaking out at official hearings.
Click here to send a message to your state leaders — and join the campaign today.
Tell your leaders in Jefferson City to give our state parks the funding they need.
Key Facts
- Legislators have done little while state parks delay $200 million in critical rehabilitation projects and repairs.
- Missouri's state parks make back 20 times their annual cost through tourism and job creation.
- Our parks face a backlog of $200 million in critically needed repairs and infrastructure upgrades.