Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Conservation Commission has selected Jason Sumners as the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective June 1, 2024. Sumners currently serves as the deputy director of resource management for MDC and will succeed Sara Parker Pauley, who will retire this spring after 30 years of public service, as director.

“The Commission did a national search for the director position because we knew we had tough shoes to fill with Sara leaving,” said Missouri Conservation Commission Chair Steven Harrison. “Jason is uniquely poised for this director...

By Joe Jerek, MDOC

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Director Sara Parker Pauley announced she will retire July 1 after a 30-year career in public service that began as a policy coordinator at MDC and ended as the first female director of the agency when she took the position in November 2016. 

“The opportunity to serve as director of one of the top conservation agencies in the country over the last seven years -- and to work alongside an immensely talented team of staff, partners, and commissioners -- has been a life-changing experience for me,” said Pauley...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Andy Barnes the 2018 Colonel Bob Brantley Wildlife Officer of the Year at their annual meeting in Mobile this week. Barnes is a conservation officer for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“Today’s conservation enforcement officers wear many hats. They assist other law enforcement officers with everything from search and rescue to manhunts. They are the primary face of our state agencies to the public. They mentor, educate, promote, serve and protect,” SEAFWA President Chuck Sykes said. “Agent Barnes...

The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) presented the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Electrofishing Equipment and Safety Committee with a special recognition award at their annual meeting in Louisville this week. The ten-member team has updated and standardized electrofishing guidelines, which multiple states are adopting.

“This manual provides safety guidelines, technological updates, and equipment improvements,” SEAFWA President Alvin Taylor said. “The result is a set of guidelines that effectively builds on past recommendations.”

The Missouri Conservation Commission has selected Sara Parker Pauley as the ninth director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective Nov. 1, 2016.

“As a lifelong conservationist, hunter, and outdoorswoman, Sara Parker Pauley appreciates and understands the value of Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources,” said Conservation Commission Chair Dave Murphy. “Sara has a breadth of experience and a proven track record of success to lead the Department.”

“I look forward to this opportunity the Commission has entrusted me with,” Pauley said. “I began...