Missouri Department of Conservation Forestry Regional Supervisor Tom A. Draper has confirmed that he will meet with the Ozarks Property Rights Congress tonight (Thursday) in Mountain Grove.
Draper plans to talk to the group about MDC`s land ownership policies. His acceptance of an invitation to speak to the group came about as the result of PRC’s interest in a boundary line dispute between MDC and neighboring landowners in eastern Douglas County.
Draper’s meeting with the landowners adds to the list of governmental agency representatives and elected officials who have presented their side of an issue and listened to the concerns of the property rights group.
“These meetings with those we may not agree with prove to be beneficial to both sides,” said PRC president Russell Wood. “We learn from them and they usually gain insight into our views.
“Our guest speakers are guaranteed they will be treated in a respectful civil manner. We tell them up front that we may not agree with them or maybe not even believe everything they say, but we will be civil and listen and expect them to listen to us.”
Draper said he would include a question and answer session after his talk at the 7 p.m. gathering at the Hayloft Restaurant. He said he expected questions about the Douglas county boundary issue would come up.
Also, added to the meeting agenda is an anticipated presentation by the farmer who has been charged by the state’s attorney general for selling raw milk in violation of state rules.