MDC SEEKS IDEAS ON `STRATEGIC PLANNING'

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking input for its new "five-year strategic plan."

"Missourians are proud of their natural heritage," said MDC director Jerry Presley. "They have consistently supported a conservation that is second to none. We want them to stay involved."

A special open house will be held the MDC's Regional Service Center in Cape Girardeau next weekend.

"We'll have two planning meeting Saturday that will be open to the public," said a spokesman from the regional office. "Representatives from several departments division will be hand to receive input for the new strategic plan."

The Department of Conservation's current strategic plan will expire in June of 1994.

MDC officials are laying groundwork to complete a new five-year plan by then.

"Agency leaders will hold opening meeting throughout March to explain the planning process," said Steve Wilson, of the regional headquarters. "They will explain the planning process and ask the public to help identify needs, priorities and concerns."

Planning meetings will be held at the local center, located in Cape Girardeau County Park (North) March 26 Saturday, a half-mile east of Interstate 55, exit 99, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

"People in Southeast Missouri have never been shy about providing information to the department," said Wilson, Southeast Hunter Skills Specialist. "Several suggestions that were included in the previous strategic plan came from this area."

"Strategic planning is an important tool we use when determining future direction and priorities," said Dan Zekor, MDC's planning coordinator. "Surveys, polls and thousands of personal contacts annually provide us with a lot of information regarding public expectations. However, meetings add a important dimension because they convey feelings as well as data and encourage better understanding among citizens with competing interests."

Anyone who can't attend the meeting may submit comments to Dan Zekor, Planning coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102, or to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Southeast Regional Service Center, 2302 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

Additional details are available by calling the local regional office (314)-290-5730.

"Managing fish, forest and wildlife resources in the future will be a major challenge," said Presley. "Ecosystems still need protection and management and many different user groups want opportunities to enjoy our resources.

"However, Missouri should be optimistic aboaut the future of conservation," added Presley. "Through professional resource management and solid public support, We have been able to protect and restore many species ;and habitats. With a good strategic plan, we can meet future challenges and continue the conservation legacy."