MoRAP was established because of the need for digital data development, analysis, and delivery, and the recognition that a coordinated approach in which funds are pooled saves money. Partners include state and federal agencies and non-government conservation organizations. Improvements in computer hardware and software make digital data easier to develop, analyze, and use; the need to save money, while always a concern, has become an imperative as budgets for many partners shrink. Sharing equipment and staff expertise can reduce the cost of software, hardware, and trained personnel required to take advantage of new technologies.

A hierarchical array of interagency committees and working groups together form the structure, and oversee the function, of MoRAP. Project proposals spring from fluid, project-oriented working groups. These are reviewed by a standing Technical Committee to ensure that they conform to sound data standards, and then presented before the Steering Committee for possible funding. Partners are under no obligation to provide funding for any given proposal. The independence of all partners is affirmed, and the advantages of pooling funds for any given project are openly and carefully considered.

MoRAP staff are all University of Missouri employees. Projects include digital data development such as the National Hydrology Dataset (NHD) and inventories or assessments such as the Aquatic Gap Project and the Opportunity Area Project.

Contact MoRAP at the following address:

MoRAP
4200 New Haven Road
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 876-1834

To reach an individual staff member, visit our staff page.