Environmental groups in Central Missouri have been utilizing technology to further their mission and make a positive impact on the environment. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a prime example of this, as they are dedicated to monitoring and improving ocean conditions, while also providing environmental information to the public. Jason Sumners, Chief of Science at the Missouri Department of Conservation, recently spoke to a group of colleagues from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), the States Environmental Council (ECOS), and the EPA about this topic. Missouri State University in West Plains offers courses that lead to obtaining an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies at Shannon Hall in Mountain Grove. The university is also looking into expanding its telecommunication-based education, as well as evaluating the appropriateness and viability of opening new educational centers and campuses.
William Paley, President of the Presidential Commission, founded Resources for the Future in 1952, an organization that is devoted to independent environmental research. The Missouri Department of Conservation has highlighted some success stories on their website, such as their ongoing collaboration with the Missouri section of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This collaboration has helped contribute to the recovery of the endangered pale Missouri River sturgeon. The Missouri State University campus in Springfield offers baccalaureate, master's, education specialist, and professional doctorates, as well as a cooperative doctorate on educational leadership with the University of Missouri-Columbia. The first national celebration of Earth Day took place on April 22nd, 1970. This event saw an estimated 20 million people from all over the country take to the streets to protest against environmental pollution.
In response to this event, legislation was changed and a new enforcement agency was created. However, no significant progress could be detected on most environmental fronts. In order to take advantage of the renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic, Missouri officials formed an inter-agency coordination team to encourage collaboration between the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Health and Aging Services, and Conservation. This team was able to remove administrative barriers and keep people, animals, and the environment healthy. In 1996, Missouri State University and Springfield signed an agreement that directed future expansion away from neighborhoods such as Phelps Grove and towards downtown Springfield. This agreement also included plans for Missouri State University to become an active partner in developing and revitalizing downtown Springfield.
