STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO FUNDS SPRINGFIELD MUSEUM

JEFFERSON CITY--The Missouri Conservation Commission approved a request in December to help fund the American National Fish and Wildlife Living Museum and Aquarium in Springfield.

"We've never before been presented with the opportunity to reach as many people with our conservation materials and message," said Commission Chairman Ron Stites. "Projected attendance for the first year alone is expected to be more than 1.2 million people. This will be a world-class facility that shows Missouri truly leads the world in support of conservation."

The American National Fish and Wildlife Living Museum and Aquarium Foundation was established as a not-for-profit group to build and operate the museum. The museum is expected to cost an estimated $40 million and open its doors by January, 2001.

"The quality and scope of the project assure us that both the state and the nation will benefit from this museum," said Conservation Department Director Jerry Conley. "The Foundation directors are nationally known in conservation and academic fields. We have the opportunity to educate millions of visitors about early conservation efforts in Missouri and the importance of caring for fish, forests and wildlife into the next millennium."

The Commission, at its regular monthly meeting Dec. 18 in Jefferson City, directed Missouri Department of Conservation staff to negotiate a financial agreement with the museum foundation. One of the guidelines will specify that the agreement must maximize return on the investment of Commission funds.

The museum foundation board of directors has pledged to provide 12.5 percent of the museum's net operating revenues to Missouri conservation projects as directed by the Conservation Commission. The financial commitment of Commission funds is $2.5 million, with payments of $500,000 per year for five years to begin when the museum opens in 2001, with an option to extend payments for an additional 10-years for a total potential contribution of $7.5 million.

"This financial arrangement represents an excellent investment for our agency and for the state," said Conley. "The Conservation Department will play a highly visible role in planning and designing the educational component of the museum. When it draws visitors from around the world, more people than ever before will be exposed to the leadership role Missourians have played in support of conservation."