07/29/2026
On August 4, Missouri voters will decide the future of the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax—a one-tenth-of-one-percent sales tax that has funded Missouri's state parks, historic sites, and soil and water conservation for more than 40 years.
The effort began in 1983, when a citizens committee formed to build support for dedicated conservation funding. In 1984, Missouri voters approved the constitutional amendment. Since then, it has been renewed every time it has appeared on the ballot:
• 1988 – approved by more than two-thirds of voters
• 1996 – renewed again by two-thirds
• 2006 – approved with 70.8%
• 2016 – approved in all 114 counties with a record 80.1%
Today, the funding supports a state park system with 93 state parks and historic sites covering more than 162,000 acres. The system includes over 1,100 miles of trails, nearly 3,800 campsites, hundreds of cabins and lodging units, and thousands of picnic sites used by millions of visitors each year.
Those visitors also contribute to Missouri's economy. Approximately 20 million people visit Missouri State Parks annually, generating an estimated $1.5 billion in business sales, contributing $882.7 million to the state's GDP, supporting nearly 11,900 jobs, and producing more than $514 million in local labor and payroll income.
The impact doesn't stop there. Visitors also spend money in nearby restaurants, shops, and communities. The Katy Trail alone generated $24.6 million in direct visitor spending in 2025, supporting 261 jobs and contributing $20.2 million to Missouri's GDP.
Whether you visit Missouri's parks often or simply value conserving the state's natural resources, the August 4 vote will determine whether this long-standing funding source continues. Learning what's on the ballot helps every voter make an informed decision.
Sources:
https://mostateparks.com/.../2026-2031-statewide...
https://preservemo.com/history
