§ 577.073 RSMo – Damaging State Park Property in Missouri

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 22, 2025

577.073. Damaging state park property — penalties

Damaging or messing with anything in a state park is a crime

If someone litters, harms plants or water, or damages historic or natural features in a Missouri state park, they can face misdemeanor charges—especially if they’ve done it before or put others at risk.

1. A person commits this offense if they do any of the following in a state park:

(1) Leave trash like paper, cans, bottles, or other garbage;
(2) Contaminate a spring, pool, or stream in any way;
(3) Damage or mess with flowers, trees, or plants—unless done by park staff;
(4) Harm or remove anything with archaeological or historical value—unless done by park staff.

2. Damaging state park property is a class C misdemeanor, unless:

(1) The damage creates a real risk of hurting someone or causing property damage; or
(2) The person has done it before—then it becomes a class A misdemeanor.

View the full statute here