Green Horizons

Missouri’s forests are at a crossroads! Missouri’s trees and forests have the potential to play a pivotal role in many of the serious challenges society is currently facing – energy demand, water quality and climate change just to name a few. At the same time, Missouri’s forests are under serious threat from a number of influencers, and available resources for addressing these threats are limited.

To determine the best path forward, the Missouri Department of Conservation is currently embarking on an effort called the Missouri Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy (FRAS). Once completed, FRAS will include a comprehensive assessment of the key threats and opportunities facing Missouri’s urban and rural forest resources, a vision for desired future forest conditions, and a road map for achieving this vision. The success of this effort depends on the involvement and collaboration of people like you.

This May and June, the Department will hold workshops throughout Missouri. The purpose of these meetings will be to present our Draft Forest Assessment, to gather feedback from stakeholders, and to begin collaborating on the preparation and implementation of a Forest Resource Strategy. Please invite friends, acquaintances, or organization members you think would be interested, gather your ideas and attend one of the meetings.

Each meeting will start at 10 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by contacting Donna Baldwin no later than 10 days prior to meeting date. You can reach Donna via e-mail (donna.baldwin@mdc.mo.gov) or by regular mail (MDC; Attn: Donna Baldwin; P.O. Box 180; Jefferson City, MO 65102).

For the latest information on FRAS visit the Web site: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/MDCLibrary/MDCLibrary2. aspx?NodeID=2857

This site is being continually updated with documents added as they are developed.