Ozarks Rambles: Water quality issues demand regional solutions

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The fragile karst topography of the Ozarks Highlands is certainly not suitable for heavy commercial or residential development pressure, not to mention intensive "factory farming" practices.|ret||ret||tab|

Large algae blooms that have accumulated in a continuous stretch of some 15 miles have been observed on the James River as recently as the summer of 1999. |ret||ret||tab|

It is a sad fact of development and agricultural growth that the main cause of much of this unpleasant algae growth is human/animal wastes, too many septic tanks in shallow or inadequate soils, phosphates in certain detergents, and livestock grazing and watering near once pristine streams.|ret||ret||tab|

Environmentally concerned citizens and area municipal governments have joined forces to form coalitions of volunteers to combat the insidious spread of two particular problems facing the Ozarks: urban crawl (and its cousin rural sprawl); and water quality issues related to recreation, tourism and safe drinking water supplies.|ret||ret||tab|

This writer has been attending meetings over the past few years of two of these deeply committed groups of area volunteers: Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and the James River Basin Partnership.|ret||ret||tab|

Some excellent recent articles on karst topography and water quality improvement success stories can be found in two fine state publications: the Missouri Department of Conservation's Missouri Conservationist with the article "Below Missouri Karst" by William Elliott, in the March 2000 issue as well as the spring 2000 issue of Missouri Resources, a quarterly publication of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, with its article on "Partners in Protection" by Susan Eskens. |ret||ret||tab|

Both of these magazines are mailed free to any adult Missouri resident who requests them.|ret||ret||tab|

In this month's column we will examine the recent history of the James River Basin Partnership and its goals and ongoing projects. |ret||ret||tab|

"Working to protect and improve the water quality in our streams, rivers and lakes," appears on the cover of the JRBP's brochure, and it lists the various rivers and streams that feed into Table Rock Lake: Flat Creek, Finley River, Wilson Creek, Crane Creek, James River and Spring Creek.|ret||ret||tab|

Its mission statement reads: "To educate citizens on the wise use and preservation of our precious water resources." |ret||ret||tab|

The watershed counties that comprise the James River Basin are: Barry, Christian, Douglas, Greene, Lawrence, Stone and Webster.|ret||ret||tab|

The membership roster of this not-for-profit represents a diverse group of concerned citizens representing interests from the watershed as a whole. |ret||ret||tab|

These include members of all levels of government, people from the agriculture and business communities, and private individuals.|ret||ret||tab|

The partnership has found that one of the ideal ways to educate and improve public awareness of water quality issues is through programs such as Clean Water Kids, a water quality education program aimed at children, and, I-888-924-WATER, a toll free water quality resource line.|ret||ret||tab|

Additional ways of achieving the mission of the Partnership include coordinating with the Natural Resources Conservation Service on the James River Watershed Assessment, and collaborating with other citizen, municipal and government groups on joint projects that protect and improve the water quality in the local watershed.|ret||ret||tab|

When these groups speak of point and non-point sources of pollution, the average citizen/homeowner's eyes begin to glaze over, and they may feel that the problems are too complicated and numerous to combat.|ret||ret||tab|

Many solutions to pollution problems start with understanding, in plain language. |ret||ret||tab|

Some pollution sources are: municipal waste and septic systems, fertilizers and pesticides on lawns and farms; sediment/erosion; livestock and poultry manure/litter; and industrial waste.|ret||ret||tab|

One of the best forums for increasing public awareness is through the monthly meetings of the Watershed Committee and the JRBP. |ret||ret||tab|

The Watershed Committee meets on the first Friday of each month at the Fountain Plaza room at Cox Hospital North, under the capable leadership of Jeanette Unsell and Loring Bullard, These meetings are open to the public at no charge.|ret||ret||tab|

The partnership also has a monthly meeting, open to the public, and information on meetings and membership can be obtained by calling: (417) 829-5077. |ret||ret||tab|

The Partnership is guided by a board of directors and is chaired by Greene County Presiding Commissioner David Coonrod, a longtime friend of the environment.|ret||ret||tab|

Originally housed in Nixa's Public Works complex, the Partnership just moved into the historic Holland Building on Park Central Square. The move is a result of a new collaboration with Southwest Missouri State University. Major funding partners for the Partnership include: Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development (RC & D), Inc.; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.|ret||ret||tab|

Some of the other funding partners and contributors include:|ret||ret||tab|

Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; the cities of Springfield, Nixa and Branson, the Missouri Department Of Conservation, Bass Pro Shops, City Utilities of Springfield, Drury University, Hammons Products Company; and the Table Rock/Kimberling City Chamber of Commerce.|ret||ret||tab|

The annual "River Rescue" float trip and clean up was held Saturday, June 10, on the Finley River below Lindenlure down to the Ozark City park, and my next column will discuss the clean up and fund raising efforts, the entertainment by the Garbonzos Bean Band, and the auction. |ret||ret||tab|

The next column will also discuss the pivotal bi-state meetings held last year between Arkansas and Missouri at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Kenny Knauer is a past organizer of the St. Pat's Parade, a participant with the parks, greenways and open spaces committee of Vision 20/20, and a long-time member and volunteer on the steering committee of Founder's Park.)[[In-content Ad]]