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Southeast Missouri Lawmaker Says Missouri Conservation Commission Needs More Rural Representation

February 22, 2021 6:09AM CST
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Southeast Missouri Lawmaker Says Missouri Conservation Commission Needs More Rural Representation
Bob Brown Conservation Area wooden walkway Damage was incurred by levees, wetland pools, roads, and improvements such as the wooden walkway to the waterfowl blind accessible to all visitors. MDC is making good progress on repairs now that a main river levee is repaired. MDC Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

A southeast Missouri lawmaker says Missouri’s Conservation Commission needs more rural representation, and that commissioners should be elected. Annapolis GOP State Representative Chris Dinkins has filed legislation that would increase the commission’s membership to nine nonpartisan members: one appointed by the governor and eight elected from each Conservation region:

Missouri’s Conservation Commission currently has four members, appointed by the governor. The current commissioners are from Sikeston, Columbia, Kansas City, and Rolla. The House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on Dinkins’ legislation this (Monday) evening in Jefferson City. If lawmakers approve her resolution this session, it would go to the statewide ballot in 2022.