A new report released by the Missouri Department of Conservation demonstrates successes made in the 18 months since approval of Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy. The report is organized around activities in 36 Conservation Opportunity Areas (click here for a map) and includes accomplishments from numerous conservation partners throughout the state.

Highlights include nearly $12 million in new funding (both public and private) invested in Conservation Opportunity Areas. This includes funding made possible through State Wildlife Grants (Wildlife Diversity Fund and Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Grants), as well as funding from other agencies and private foundations.

The Existing Conservation Network, or lands that are set aside for conservation, grew by over 13,000 acres within Conservation Opportunity Areas. Growth includes acquisitions, private easements and easements made possible through Farm Bill programs.

Significant partnerships have developed to help implement greater conservation actions within Conservation Opportunity Areas. Local communities, sportsmen and women groups, non-profit organizations and agencies have all banded together to help implement Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy.

While the accomplishments of this report are significant, an incredible amount of work remains. Teaming With Wildlife supports additional funding to help fully implement Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy.