JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)  A sharp increase in camping violations on Missouri Department of Conservation areas prompted new regulations requiring campers to obtain permits beginning in March 2027. Under the new regulations, campers will need to purchase a $5 permit covering up to five days and a group of up to 10 people. The fee remains $5 even if campers stay fewer than five days or fewer than 10 people participate. Camping will remain first-come, first-served. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the changes Oct. 23 during a meeting in Cape Girardeau. The regulations are intended to help conservation agents monitor camping areas, address safety concerns and identify people involved in illegal activities. According to MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries, conservation agents issued 13 citations and 14 warnings related to camping in 2018. However the number of  violations saw their first sharp in increase increased sharply in 2019 and have continued to rise, to roughly “700% compared to 2018 numbers.”  Those figures do not include other violations that may occur at camping areas, including littering, driving vehicles off-road, warrant arrests and drug arrests, Jeffries said. MDC manages about 1,000 conservation areas across Missouri, more than 320 of which offer free camping. The new regulations will take effect in March 2027. Until then, campers do not need permits, pay fees or register before staying at those locations. MDC said the current lack of a registration system makes it difficult for conservation agents and staff to identify campers and address problems. The regulations also require each sleeping unit, including tents and campers, to display the permit holder’s full name and address or conservation number on durable material visible from outside. Groups larger than 10 people will need both a camping permit and a special use permit. Individuals will be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six permits per year. Based on public feedback, MDC removed a proposed rule that would have prohibited personal property from being left unattended for more than 24 hours. Permits will be available beginning in March 2027 through MDC’s online system, at permit vendors or by phone. Campers will also be able to display permits through the department’s MO Fishing and MO Hunting apps. MDC said the low-cost permits will help staff better understand how many people use conservation areas, improve monitoring and promote safer camping experiences. The commission also approved a separate change allowing campers to collect dead and downed wood for personal fires. The wood must remain within the conservation area. Under the previous regulations, campers could not collect firewood on MDC areas. The commission initially approved the proposed camping permit changes May 29. MDC held a public comment period in July and August before the final approval. The post 700% increase in violations prompts Missouri Department of Conservation to require camping permits  appeared first on ABC17NEWS. ...read more read less