Missouri Auditor Gives Department of Conservation 'Good' Rating, Recommends Transparency Improvements

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Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has released an audit of the Missouri Department of Conservation, giving the agency an overall 'good' rating while recommending improvements to transparency and internal procedures. The report finds the department is generally well managed and largely following state law, but identifies several areas where policies, oversight, and transparency practices could be strengthened.

Why it matters

As a state agency with a high degree of autonomy over its funding, the Department of Conservation audit provides important accountability and transparency for Missouri taxpayers. The findings highlight the need for the department to enhance public access to its decision-making processes and ensure consistent application of its own policies.

The details

The audit found the Missouri Conservation Commission does not clearly identify its workshops as being open to the public and does not maintain detailed minutes from those sessions. While the workshops are separate from regular open meetings and are generally informational, auditors say more detailed disclosures and access to discussions would improve public transparency. The report also identified inconsistencies in how the department applied its salary policy when promotions created pay inequities, as well as issues with documentation and compliance related to the department's agriculture crop policy, timber sales, and employee benefit plan.

• The audit was released on March 13, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Missouri Department of Conservation will need to review the audit findings and implement the recommended improvements to its transparency practices and internal procedures.