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License plate sales support conservation projects
MDC
March 2003
Everyone gets a helping when Missourians put a little nature on their plates.
JEFFERSON CITY-- What do a disabled-accessible fishing pier at Brookfield Lake, a program to teach Missouri teens about quail management and an archery range at the Grundy Conservation Area (CA) have in common? Last year all benefitted from the sales of conservation license plates.
People who buy conservation license plates can choose artwork of a white-tailed deer, a bluebird or a largemouth bass. Last year, sales of the specialized license plates provided $71,760 for conservation education and other outdoor and wildlife resource enhancement programs. The funds are administered by the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF). This private, nonprofit organization uses donations and income from conservation-themed license plates to further fish, forestry and wildlife programs.
One of the programs that get a boost from conservation license plates sales is the Missouri Department of Conservation's effort to build outdoor classrooms throughout the state. Fifty-five schools received grants to build or improve outdoor classrooms last year.
In addition to receiving funding, schools approved for outdoor classroom grants get one-on-one assistance from conservation education consultants in planning their projects. Existing outdoor classrooms include interpretive nature trails, amphitheaters and hands-on prairie restoration areas.
Other programs funded through the sale of conservation license plates in recent years have included:
Northwest Region -- Installed a barrier-free loading and fishing dock at Brookfield City Lake. Supported prairie restoration by purchasing equipment in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation and The Nature Conservancy.
Southeast Region -- Added disabled-accessible parking, built a wheelchair-accessible trail and overlook as part of a project that includes the Knob Lick fire tower. Purchased equipment for outdoor skills clinics.
Ozark Region -- Built a 30-target archery trail range with disabled access at Grundy Wildlife Area near Ava.
East Central Region -- Supported two teams with the Missouri Youth Conservation Corps working at Bray CA near Rolla, Little Maries Creek, Indian Creek and Spring Tree Gap in partnership with Central Ozarks Private Industry Council.
Southwest and Northeast Regions -- Conducted two, six-day Quail Academies to teach high school students and teachers to be ambassadors of upland wildlife management in their home communities in partnership with Quail Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri and University of Missouri.
Kansas City Region -- Funded "In Concert with Nature," a 30-minute, monthly television show seen by 550,000 Kansas City area residents on KCEN and in schools.
Central Region -- Helped pay for security surveillance equipment to deter vandalism and poaching at CAs.
Conservation license plates require a $25 annual donation. The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau charges an additional $15 for the personalized plate number. For more information about conservation license plates and the work of the foundation, contact the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573/634-2080 or 800/227-1488.
MDC
March 2003
Everyone gets a helping when Missourians put a little nature on their plates.
JEFFERSON CITY-- What do a disabled-accessible fishing pier at Brookfield Lake, a program to teach Missouri teens about quail management and an archery range at the Grundy Conservation Area (CA) have in common? Last year all benefitted from the sales of conservation license plates.
People who buy conservation license plates can choose artwork of a white-tailed deer, a bluebird or a largemouth bass. Last year, sales of the specialized license plates provided $71,760 for conservation education and other outdoor and wildlife resource enhancement programs. The funds are administered by the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF). This private, nonprofit organization uses donations and income from conservation-themed license plates to further fish, forestry and wildlife programs.
One of the programs that get a boost from conservation license plates sales is the Missouri Department of Conservation's effort to build outdoor classrooms throughout the state. Fifty-five schools received grants to build or improve outdoor classrooms last year.
In addition to receiving funding, schools approved for outdoor classroom grants get one-on-one assistance from conservation education consultants in planning their projects. Existing outdoor classrooms include interpretive nature trails, amphitheaters and hands-on prairie restoration areas.
Other programs funded through the sale of conservation license plates in recent years have included:
Northwest Region -- Installed a barrier-free loading and fishing dock at Brookfield City Lake. Supported prairie restoration by purchasing equipment in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation and The Nature Conservancy.
Southeast Region -- Added disabled-accessible parking, built a wheelchair-accessible trail and overlook as part of a project that includes the Knob Lick fire tower. Purchased equipment for outdoor skills clinics.
Ozark Region -- Built a 30-target archery trail range with disabled access at Grundy Wildlife Area near Ava.
East Central Region -- Supported two teams with the Missouri Youth Conservation Corps working at Bray CA near Rolla, Little Maries Creek, Indian Creek and Spring Tree Gap in partnership with Central Ozarks Private Industry Council.
Southwest and Northeast Regions -- Conducted two, six-day Quail Academies to teach high school students and teachers to be ambassadors of upland wildlife management in their home communities in partnership with Quail Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri and University of Missouri.
Kansas City Region -- Funded "In Concert with Nature," a 30-minute, monthly television show seen by 550,000 Kansas City area residents on KCEN and in schools.
Central Region -- Helped pay for security surveillance equipment to deter vandalism and poaching at CAs.
Conservation license plates require a $25 annual donation. The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau charges an additional $15 for the personalized plate number. For more information about conservation license plates and the work of the foundation, contact the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573/634-2080 or 800/227-1488.
