Mission: The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to protect, preserve and enhance Missouri's natural, cultural and energy resources.

History of the Department

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources was created under state reorganization July 1, 1974. The department serves all the state's citizens through its involvement in environmental and resource-related issues of the day. The department deals with the critical area of energy, helps develop mineral resources in an environmentally safe manner, protects Missouri's land, air and water resources and works to preserve the state's historic and natural heritage through state parks and state historic sites.

Read more about our department history in our winter 2004 issue of the Missouri Resources Magazine.

For additional information, see our Department Fact Sheet. PDF