Adair, Macon, Monroe, and Shelby counties pilot MDC
Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program
The program offers landowner incentives while increasing public access opportunities.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Adair, Macon, Monroe, and Shelby counties in northeast Missouri are piloting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP), which offers incentives to landowners who agree to provide public recreational access on their private land.
MDC Private Land Conservationist Ted Seiler, of Macon County, said the new program rewards participants on a per-acre basis for existing quality habitats and will hopefully encourage landowners to create new wildlife habitat. The additional habitat could result in higher landowner incentive payments while providing enhanced opportunities to allow others to discover nature on private land.
Financial incentives in the form of annual payments will be provided to landowners who provide public access for hunting, or wildlife viewing. MDC is looking to enroll 1,200 acres during the first year within the pilot counties to determine if any changes are needed. The fully funded grant will eventually allow up to 10,000 acres in Missouri to be enrolled into the program.
“This program is a great example of multiple organizations uniting to put conservation dollars to work locally,” Seiler said. “With this program, private landowners also contribute to the partnership by allowing access on their property.”
Contract lengths will be for one year with the potential to enroll again in subsequent years. MRAP may provide access payments as high as $20 per acre, and there are also additional incentives available for improving or creating wildlife habitat. Once enrolled in the program, the designated tract of land will be open to the public to enjoy the land for the prescribed options. Four public access options for landowners to choose from include: wildlife viewing, small game hunting, youth hunting and fishing, and all access hunting and fishing.
“This program will be a great opportunity for MDC to continue to enhance and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for adult and youth outdoor users where public access is currently limited or overused,” Seiler said. “People who haven’t traditionally had a place nearby to
hunt, fish or enjoy wildlife viewing may have access to new opportunities closer to home once this program is in full swing.”
MDC opened enrollment in the pilot counties on Oct. 1. Interested landowners within these counties should contact their Private Land Conservationist. To find local MDC contacts, go to mdc.mo.gov and scroll to “Local Contact”. Program inquiries may also be directed to MRAP Program Manager Jeff Esely by phone at 573-522-4115 ext. 3513 or email at jeff.esely@mdc.mo.gov.
Joe Steuber hunts turkey with his a 12-year-old daughter Madi during a turkey hunting season in Missouri.
Adair, Macon, Monroe, and Shelby counties in northeast Missouri are piloting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program, which offers incentives to landowners who agree to provide public recreational access on their private land, such as hunting.