Protect & Preserve Missouri's Parks, Farms, and Historic Places

Protect Our Parks

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is one of Missouri's most treasured places. Every year, thousands of visitors come to hike, camp, fish, learn about Missouri history, and enjoy the outdoors.


But places like Watkins Mill don't maintain themselves.


The trails, campgrounds, historic buildings, educational programs, conservation efforts, and natural landscapes that visitors enjoy today exist because generations of Missourians have invested in their protection and care.


The Parks, Soil & Water Sales Tax

Vote YES on Amendment 1

On August 4, 2026, Missouri voters will decide the future of one of our state's most successful conservation and preservation programs.

Amendment 1 renews the Parks, Soil & Water Sales Tax for another ten years. This is not a new tax. It is the continuation of an existing one-tenth-of-one-percent sales tax that has helped fund Missouri State Parks, Historic Sites, soil conservation, and water protection efforts since 1984.


For the average Missourian, the tax costs approximately $20 per year while helping keep Missouri's parks and historic sites open, accessible, and well-maintained.


The Watkins Mill Association proudly supports a YES vote on Amendment 1 because it helps preserve the places, landscapes, and history that make Missouri special.


Revenue generated through the Parks, Soil & Water Sales Tax is divided equally between two important priorities: Missouri State Parks & Historic Sites and Soil & Water Conservation.

This funding helps maintain Missouri's 93 state parks and historic sites while keeping them free and open to the public. It also supports grants, technical assistance, and cost-share programs that help Missouri farmers and ranchers reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, and preserve productive agricultural land.


Missouri voters have repeatedly renewed this investment because they can see the benefits in communities across our state.

How Amendment 1 Helps
Missouri State Parks

Half of the revenue generated through the tax supports Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.


This funding helps:

  • Maintain trails, campgrounds, and recreational facilities
  • Preserve historic structures and artifacts
  • Support educational programming
  • Improve accessibility and visitor experiences
  • Keep Missouri State Parks free to enter


Approximately 75% of Missouri State Parks' operating budget comes from this funding source.


How Amendment 1 Supports Missouri Farms and Conservation

The other half of the tax supports soil and water conservation efforts throughout Missouri.


These programs help landowners:


  • Reduce soil erosion
  • Improve water quality
  • Protect productive farmland
  • Implement conservation practices
  • Preserve working farms and ranches


Since the tax was first approved, Missouri farmers and landowners have implemented hundreds of thousands of conservation practices that have prevented millions of tons of soil from eroding while improving water quality statewide.


Healthy soil, clean water, and productive farmland benefit
every Missourian.

Take Action

Vote YES on Amendment 1

Election Day: August 4, 2026

You can help protect Missouri's parks, historic sites, farms, and water resources by supporting Amendment 1.

  • Learn about the issue
  • Share information with friends and family
  • Visit Missouri State Parks
  • Vote YES on Amendment 1 on August 4, 2026

Together, we can continue preserving Missouri's natural and historic treasures for generations to come.


Want to learn more?
Visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website for additional information about Amendment 1 and the Parks, Soil & Water Sales Tax.