Thursday 28th March 2024

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced it will close its nature centers, visitor centers and education centers around the state to visitors effective Thursday, March 19, to help protect the public amid ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
MDC says the indoor facilities will be closed to the public through April 15, and MDC will reassess the situation at that point. Nature center trails remain open.
Closed MDC facilities include: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs and Lost Valley Fish Hatchery in Benton County.
All conservation areas, area trails and boat accesses remain open to the public. MDC’s offices and shooting ranges also remain open under normal operating hours. Hunting, fishing and trapping seasons continue as scheduled. MDC managed hunts and mentored spring turkey hunts continue as planned.
Earlier this week, MDC canceled other public events and programs around the state until April 15. The cancellations include scheduled hunter-education classes, other nature center programs and events, shooting-range programs and events, and landowner workshops.
Residents can contact their local MDC office with questions on specific events or programs.

Closures done to help protect public amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.