News Release 543

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND MORE

Volume 34-543

Contact: Sue Holst

(For immediate release)

573-751-6510

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 8, 2006 -- This holiday season, add the outdoors to your shopping list with gifts related to Missouri state parks. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers camping gift certificates, sweatshirts, totes, backpacks, books and much more.

For the camping enthusiast, gift certificates are available at different price levels that reflect the type of campsite needed. Gift certificates for one night of camping at a basic campsite are $9, at an electric campsite are $16, at an electric/water campsite are $17, and at a sewer/electric/water campsite are $20. Discounted rates are available for certificates purchased for senior citizens 65 years and older or persons with disabilities. Recipients can use their gift certificates for either first-come, first-served campsites or when making a camping reservation.

For those who enjoy getting outdoors, state park apparel available for those outings includes sweatshirts (hoodies and crews), t-shirts and hats. A variety of sizes and colors are available. Accessories available for those outdoor adventures include totes, backpacks and water bottles. Merchandise relating to Katy Trail State Park is also available.

The nature enthusiast will enjoy the book "The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri." This full-color hardback book showcases what the state's native plant and animal communities looked like prior to settlement. It includes detailed descriptions of Missouri's terrestrial natural communities including forest, woodland, savanna, prairie, glade, cliff, wetland and cave, and features color photos and maps.

For those seeking a special Christmas ornament, the department offers a Missouri State Capitol Christmas ornament. For the kids, a new children's book was published this year for Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. "Belle" tells the story of Nathan Boone's young granddaughter, who was staying in her grandparents' home when historian Lyman Draper visited in 1851 to interview the Boones about their family history.

For more information or to order any of these items, contact the Department of Natural Resources toll free Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). Some merchandise is available to order online at www.mostateparks.com/shop/index.html. Order forms for camping gift certificates can also be downloaded from this Web site. Items may be purchased with a check, money order, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or Visa card. Please allow one week for delivery of your gift.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/parkssearch.do.

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