S2687.01T

To repeal section 252.045, RSMo 1994, relating to the department of conservation, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to the same subject.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Section 252.045, RSMo 1994, is repealed and two new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 252.045 and 252.068, to read as follows:

252.045. 1. No motor vehicle shall be operated within the boundary of any land owned, leased or managed by the Missouri conservation commission except upon roads, thoroughfares or areas specifically designated for travel by the commission. Except as otherwise specifically posted by the commission, or established by other governmental authority, the speed limit within any land owned, leased or managed by the Missouri conservation commission shall be forty-five miles per hour.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, swimming, camping, shooting, fires, fireworks, use of firearms, digging, cutting or removal of vegetation, tree stands, horses, pets, cave exploring, entry on areas closed to public use, bicycling [and], the operation and parking of [motor-driven land] all land and water conveyances, trailers, and aircraft are permitted only where, when, and in the manner specifically authorized by the commission on all wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, state forests, natural areas, lakes, fishing accesses and all land and waters owned, leased or managed by the commission. Upon providing reasonable prior notification to the commission, a public utility, rural electric cooperative or railroad may cut or remove vegetation from, and construct and maintain utility services on, easement areas granted by the commission and other areas covered pursuant to the terms of existing agreements. Reasonable prior notification shall take into account weather conditions and work schedules, and shall not be required for the restoration of essential utility services.

3. No person shall discard solid waste, garbage, refuse[,] or other materials on any lands or waters described in this section. No person shall discard solid waste, garbage, refuse[,] or other materials in a solid waste receptacle located on lands described in this section if the discarded materials were generated outside the boundaries of such lands.

252.068. When there is reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed or is in the process of committing a violation of the laws or rules and regulations pertaining to wildlife and forestry resources of the state, any commission or department employee who has been trained and certified as an investigative assistant by the director may:

(1) Detain the person in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time for the purpose of investigating and reporting such a violation to law enforcement officers; and

(2) Contact law enforcement officers and assist with criminal proceedings against such person.