FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo.-The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) employs more than 200 agents throughout the Show-Me State who protect its fish, forest, and wildlife resources. Each one shows commitment to that mission, but every year MDC's St. Louis region recognizes one agent who has gone above and beyond their duties and provided exceptional service with the regional Outstanding Conservation Agent of the Year award.

For 2023, the honor was awarded to Conservation Agent Corporal Ben Pursley, who serves in Franklin County. Pursley was recently recognized with the award at an MDC Protection Branch Conference in Columbia.

"Receiving this recognition is a great honor," said Cpl. Pursley. "I'm pleased to serve the people of Franklin County and grateful to be in a position where I can help protect our natural resources."

"Cpl. Pursley manages a variety of calls and situations in his job as a Franklin County conservation agent," said Protection District Supervisor, Lt. Tim Tallent, who nominated Pursley for the award. "Last year he handled everything from assisting local farmers with deer-related crop damage complaints to apprehending serious wildlife violators. He can switch gears quickly to handle any situation."

Cpl. Pursley started fulltime with MDC in the Outreach and Education Branch in 2002, then spent time in MDC's Forestry Branch. He was accepted into the 2006 Conservation Agents Training Class and, upon completion of his training, was assigned to Washington County. Corporal Pursley transferred to Franklin County in 2009, where he currently serves approximately 105,000 residents, patrolling over 922 square miles.

"Cpl. Pursley is one of our most knowledgeable officers in the state when it comes to the State Wildlife Code of Missouri," Lt. Tallent said.

"Agent Pursley is also a skilled boat operator and is a Swift Water Rescue Technician. He has responded to a number of swift water rescue calls during his career," said Lt. Tallent. Cpl. Pursley performed dozens of flood rescues and transports during the 2022 August flash flood events in North St. Louis County.

Cpl. Pursley has brought his skills in education and outreach to bear in his role as conservation agent through his school and community programs, social media contacts, and traditional newspaper and radio broadcast appearances. He routinely organizes community events like a two-day Introduction to Trapping program and several fishing clinics.

"Cpl. Pursley is a field training officer too and serves as an outstanding mentor for our new conservation agents," added Lt. Tallent.

Agent Pursley is also known for his excellent marksmanship. He has been selected to be on the State Pistol Team and has represented MDC at the National Competition.

"I'm fortunate that my job as Franklin County conservation agent offers me so many opportunities to help connect people to the outdoors," said Cpl. Pursley.

"Having healthy outdoor places in nature to enjoy can make a positive difference for people in our communities."