Scotland County, Missouri has had its own Conservation Agent for well over 40 years. In July 2019 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announced that they would temporarily merge Scotland and Schuyler Counties together and we would share the Schuyler County Conservation Agent. This now appears to be a permanent change. The taxpaying citizens of Scotland County are essentially paying for a service (through taxes) that they are not fully receiving. Filling this position would be at no cost to the county or its residents.

Beyond the enforcement of game and fish laws dedicated County Conservation Agents are members of the community in which they serve and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to that community. From providing information/training to landowners and residents, to assisting with nuisance animals, attending local church services, attending local school sporting events, writing articles in the local newspaper and providing expertise in emergency water rescues, they are the face of the Missouri Conservation Commission throughout the communities in which they serve. We are currently lacking this face in Scotland County.

Dedicated County Conservation Agents also provide educational opportunities for students in our local schools. This has immediate and potentially long term benefits to the Conservation Commission. Not only do the students learn, but I’m sure the idea is born in some students to begin thinking about pursuing a career as an Agent or Law Enforcement Officer. Perhaps more than one Agent today was once a school aged child who was inspired to become a Conservation Agent, because of the interaction with an Agent during an educational event at school.

If you are a resident of Scotland County, Missouri and of voting age (at least 18 years old) you can potentially change this outcome by requesting MDC fill this vacant position. You must be a resident of Scotland County, Missouri and of voting age to respond to this petition. Positive responses will result in this issue being placed on the April 2021 Scotland County Ballot at no cost to the county or its residents.