New book, online service dovetail with governor’s initiative

JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon wants Missourians to hike, bike, or paddle 100 miles. The Missouri Department of Conservation wants to make it easy.

Earlier this month, Gov. Nixon launched the “100 Missouri Miles” initiative, challenging Missourians to hike, bike, or paddle 100 miles in Missouri by the end of the year. (See 100missourimiles.com/). The challenge aims to encourage Missourians to enjoy healthful outdoor activities with family and friends. Gov. Nixon rolled out the initiative on the heels of the nonprofit American Trails naming Missouri the No. 1 trail state in the nation.

Dovetailing perfectly with the governor’s initiative is a new book and an online service from the Conservation Department. The book is an updated edition of the Paddler’s Guide to Missouri. The 94-page, 8.5- by 11-inch book features maps and detailed descriptions of nearly 3,000 floatable miles on 58 streams and rivers.

The guide is available for $8 per copy (plus shipping and tax, where applicable) at Conservation Department offices, nature centers, and the Department’s online Nature Shop, mdcnatureshop.com. Buy in July or August and get a 20-percent discount on copies bought at conservation nature centers or regional offices.

If paddling doesn’t “float your boat,” the Conservation Department has an impressive compendium of information about more than 700 miles of foot, bicycle, and equestrian trails at 146 conservation areas and nature centers around the state. Fifty-two trails featured in the book are open to mountain bikers. Horseback riding is permitted on another 45 trails. All this information is available free in a searchable database at www.mdc.mo.gov/node/3392.

These are just two ways the Conservation Department helps Missourians discover nature.

-Jim Low-

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