Save Missouri's State Parks
Our state parks are currently in a funding crisis, facing a backlog of $400 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 some of our state leaders haven't been prioritizing our parks as the state treasures that they are.
In fact, many of our parks are falling apart, due to a backlog of nearly $400 million in critically needed infrastructure upgrades. Aging water and electrical systems and broken bridges and cabins are now commonplace in these amazing places.
For too long, our legislators have looked the other way and diverted funding away from conservation. And we can't let it happen anymore.
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.
We refuse to let our natural heritage crumble — 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.
With your activism and our advocacy, we can protect our state parks
Two years ago, 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 to make sure that our treasured state parks are there for future generations of Missourians.
To make sure that our legislators stand up for state parks, we’re building and strengthening alliances with outdoor enthusiasts, recreational advocates, park advocates, and members of the business community. 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, speaking up in the media, 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 $400 million in critical rehabilitation projects and repairs;
- Missouri state parks receive 18 million visitors each year, provide 14,535 jobs, and contribute $1 billion annually to Missouri's economy—25 times their annual cost; and
- In 2010, the National Trust for Historic Preservation called Missouri's state parks and historic sites a "prime example" of the funding threat around the nation, naming our parks and historic sites to its list of the country's most endangered natural, cultural and architectural heritage spots.