Missourians delivered a powerful endorsement of conservation this month, voting overwhelmingly to renew the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax with an unofficial 82% approval. The voters showed they deeply value state parks, public lands, soil and water resources—and are willing to invest in protecting them for generations to come.
This one tenth of one percent sales tax funds Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, as well as soil and water conservation programs statewide. Adding ten cents to every $100 spent, it generated approximately $69.9 million last year, providing approximately 75% of the Missouri State Parks budget and allowed for free admission to Missouri’s state parks. For the portion of the sales tax that goes to state parks, Missourians on average contribute $10 a year—considerably less than the cost of one-time admission in most other states.
With this vote, Missourians have once again affirmed the importance of public funding for the places birds and people need, continuing a legacy of support through statewide votes that began in 1988 and continued through 1996, 2006, 2016 and 2026.
Audubon is proud to have supported a successful ballot initiative and thoughtful funding mechanism to support the places birds and people need, as well as important soil and water programs that help farmers and landowners protect and maintain important resources on their land. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this effort and join the celebration of this important affirmation of the value of public funding for public lands.
