PARKS EXPANSION

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources wants to spend $2.2 million on expanding four state parks, its director said Wednesday.

"These properties will help achieve the parks mission of preserving significant natural and cultural features and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for Missourians and others visiting the parks," Director Tracy Mehan said.

Mehan proposes these park acquisitions:

- Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Southeast Missouri, 1,500 acres to connect with 3,200 acres purchased last year and to connect with 1,300 acres obtained through a donated 25-year lease from Union Electric Co. The cost: $485,000.

- Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve County, adding 1,400 acres to the existing 3,271 acres. The cost: $650,000.

- Crowder State Park near Trenton in northwest Missouri, 985 acres of forest. The cost: $475,000.

- Prairie State Park in southwest Missouri, 1,100 acres of prairie. The cost: $675,000.