Department of Conservation docked in audit for elk spending

While the Missouri Department of Conservation ultimately received the second-highest rating out of four possible levels, the state auditor docked the department for spending more than estimated to reintroduce elk in the Show-Me State.

According to the audit released this month by Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich, the Department of Conservation had estimated spending $411,000 to bring 150 elk into Missouri, but as of June 30, 2011, spent $1.2 million. Two years later, excluding salaried personnel costs but including $1.4 million from federal grants and private donations, the department has spent $3.4 million to release 129 elk.

The audit also touched on the department paying raises to some employees that weren't provided to other state workers; as well as two commissioners not reporting their service as board members of two nonprofits while the department had contracts with both of the organizations.