NATURE CENTER VOTE ON HOLD

Southeast Missourian Missouri's Conservation Commission asked for more details about possible funding and financing agreements concerning a proposed nature center for Cape Girardeau County.

The commission met in Cassville Friday. The project is back on the commission's agenda for its Nov. 6 meeting in St. Joseph. The commission heard a proposal in January from officials from Cape Girardeau County and Southeast Missouri State University to develop a nature center in the county's north park.

The idea got first round approval in January, and Missouri Department of Conservation staff members developed a plan that expanded the idea of a nature center to a Conservation Campus.

In addition to the traditional nature center building, the proposal includes a series of trails and outdoor living history exhibits.

Areas could be developed to teach skills like archery, fishing and crafts.

As part of the concept, Southeast Missouri State University would utilize the facility for college courses, especially those in biology.

"We went there thinking they were going to approve the project," said Southeast provost Charles Kupchella, who attended the meeting in Cassville.

However a large agenda prevented the commission from sparing more than a few minutes for the project, he said.

"They clearly wanted a detailed budget from the staff," Kupchella said.

It was the university's role in the project that the Conservation Commission wanted clarified, especially in terms of funding and support.

Kupchella said the university has provided the conservation department staff with "reams of information." Now it's up to the staff to spell out the operating costs in more detail.

"Some times good things take time," Kupchella said. He said he is optimistic about the November meeting.

Cape Girardeau County has offered to arrange financing for the project, estimated at $4 to 6 million, through a lease-purchase agreement.

The Conservation Department won't have money available for a major construction project for approximately five years and Cape Girardeau Commissioners hope that their offer to arrange financing will speed up the project.

Kathy Love, director of outreach and education with the conservation department, said, "Commissioners were very complimentary of the plans and the concept. They are just interested to see if we can afford it. I was encouraged by their response. It's just a long process."