http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/index.html The latest news from Mo Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=017 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:18:27 GMT EDUCATION JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 9, 2012 -- Missouri fifth-grade teachers are urged to submit student entries in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ 2012 Earth Day slogan and video contests. Students should base their entries on the theme “Get Out and Play in Your Missouri State Parks.” The students submitting the winning slogan and video will be honored at the 18th Annual Department of Natural Resources' Earth Day celebration, which will be held April 20 at the Capitol in Jefferson City. A slogan contest entry form, rules and details are available on the Department of Natural Resources' website: dnr.mo.gov/earthday/slogancontest.htm. Video contest information is also available online: dnr.mo.gov/earthday/videocontest.htm. Deadline for both contests is Feb. 29. The winners will be announced in March. The slogan contest winner will receive a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City. In case of a duplicate slogan contest entry, the winner will be determined by the date the entry was received. Video entries will be featured on the department’s website and displayed at the Earth Day event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prize for the video contest winner will be announced prior to the event. Students, teachers and the public are invited to attend the event, which will include displays and activities from the Department of Natural Resources as well as a number of other state and federal agencies. The day’s events will also include a number of stage shows and contests. For more information about participating in the Earth Day Slogan Contest, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=016 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:04:39 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 9, 2012 – Learn about the Native American people of the Cody Complex in Missouri at a presentation Sunday, Feb. 26 at Van Meter State Park near Miami. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the presentation will be at 2 p.m. at Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center and is free and open to the public. Tom Hartline, president of the Sedalia-West Central Chapter of the Missouri Archaeological Society, has researched, written about and compiled a collection of authentic examples of the six different types of Cody Complex artifacts from Missouri. The Cody Complex people existed 10,500 to 8,000 years ago and represent a late Paleo-Indian era. By identifying some of the points and knives associated with the Cody Complex, archaeologists know they were present along and south of the Missouri River in Central Missouri. From October through March, Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Monday through Friday. Van Meter state Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122. For more information about the presentation, call the park at 660-886-7537. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=015 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:54:31 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 9, 2012 – To commemorate Black History Month, Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site in Florida will offer a special exhibit and movie throughout the month of February. The exhibit will be available at the site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the movie will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 11, 18 and 25. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the exhibit and movie are free and open to the public. The traveling exhibit, “Inherently Unequal; Segregated Education in Central Missouri,” outlines the obstacles of segregation in school systems that offered separate but not equal facilities and educational opportunities. The exhibit was developed by the Missouri State Museum in cooperation with William Woods University. The Disney movie, “Ruby Bridges,” tells the true story of a six-year-old girl who was the first African-American student to integrate her local New Orleans elementary school. The movie follows her journey as she is subjected to racism for the first time and her heroic struggle for a better education. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is located at 37352 Shrine Road within Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville. For more information on the exhibit and movie, contact the site at 573-565-3449. For information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=014 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:08:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 8, 2012 – "The Earth Moves Under Our Feet," an event in recognition of Earthquake Awareness Month, will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg. The free event, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon, is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey and Missouri State Parks. The park's visitor center will feature displays relating to earthquakes for visitors to explore. At 10:30 a.m., Edie Starbuck, a department geologist, will present a program on earthquake basics, history, earthquake preparedness and the effects earthquakes have had, and will have, on the land and human population. This program will include an introduction to the State Emergency Management Agency programs related to earthquakes. After the program, a video about earthquakes in the Midwest will be shown. There will be time for questions and answers. For more information about earthquakes in Missouri, visit the department's Geology and Land Survey Division's website at dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/geores/GeoHazhp.htm. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about the event, contact the park at 573-245-6576. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit >mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=013 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:01:24 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 6, 2012 -- The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places during its quarterly meeting on February 17. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 9 a.m. in the LaCharrette conference room of the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive in Jefferson City. Nominations for six properties are scheduled to be considered for listing in the National Register. Properties on the agenda include historic residential districts, commercial buildings, a former courthouse and a cemetery. Approximately 260 historic buildings, sites and structures are represented in the nominations. The nominated properties under consideration are listed below: • Sudder Motor Truck Company Building, 3942 Laclede Ave., St. Louis. • Yeatman Square Historic District, parts of Glasgow, Leffingwell, Madison, Magazine and N. Market streets, St. Louis. • Twenty-Twenty Grand Building (preferred), 2008-2020 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Jackson County (Railroad Related Historic Commercial and Industrial Resources in Kansas City, MO). • Squier Park Historic District, Roughly bounded by Armour Blvd., The Paseo, 39th St. and Troost Ave., Kansas City, Jackson County. • Mount Memorial Cemetery, 500 Block of East Mississippi Street, Liberty, Clay County. • Old McDonald County Courthouse, 400 N. Main St., Pineville, McDonald County. In addition to nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, the council will receive status reports on programs provided by the State Historic Preservation Office and discuss business related to its own function and duties. The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is a 12-member group of historians, architects, archaeologists and citizens with an interest in historic preservation. The council is appointed by the governor and works with the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the National Register of Historic Places program for Missouri. The council meets quarterly to review Missouri property nominations to the National Register, the nation's honor roll of historic properties. Approved nominations are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C., for final approval. For more information about the February meeting or the council, call the State Historic Preservation Office at 573-751-7858. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar atwww.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=012 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:56:01 GMT EDUCATION ROLLA, Mo., FEB. 3, 2012 – Many Missourians experience small earthquakes weekly, especially in southeast Missouri. To mark earthquake awareness month in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the State Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri Seismic Safety Commission and others are partnering during the month of February to provide critical information to Missourians about earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky and southern Illinois, is the nation's most active seismic zone east of the Rocky Mountains. The zone cuts across the Mississippi River in three places and the Ohio River in two places. More than 200 small earthquakes occur in the zone each year. In the winter of 1811-1812, the New Madrid Seismic Zone produced a series of earthquakes estimated at magnitude 7.0 or greater. One of the largest earthquakes in history was centered in the town of New Madrid on Feb. 7, 1812. Nearly 200 years of population growth in the region, which includes metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Memphis, means that a repeat of the 1812 earthquake could cause considerably more damage. Geological evidence indicates large earthquakes, like those that occurred 200 years ago are rare. However, more frequent, moderate size earthquakes can be damaging. Geologists with the department are actively conducting hazards mapping projects to better understand impacts from seismic events such as ground collapse, soils liquefaction, landslides and flooding. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake that occurred in northern Honshu, Japan reached a devastating 9.0 magnitude. “Earthquakes can occur without warning,” said Joe Gillman, state geologist and director of the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey. “While many earthquakes do not cause loss of life, they are a natural hazard that no one can predict and there are things we can do to be better prepared in the event a damaging earthquake occurs in Missouri." During Earthquake Awareness Month, the department will participate in the 2nd Annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake exercise as well as a number of public activities by providing scientific data about the New Madrid Seismic Zone, mapping for risk assessment, potential earthquake risk for citizens, as well as providing geologic information about the basics of earthquakes. Missourians are encouraged to attend and participate in any of the following public events. • Saturday, Feb. 4 – St. Louis: Earthquake Awareness Day at St. Louis Science Center will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the science behind earthquakes with local professional groups and businesses through hands-on activities that teach how to prepare homes, families and businesses for an earthquake. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge. • Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Across the Central U.S.: The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut! will take place at 10:15 a.m. CST. More than two million people across nine states will participate in this important earthquake exercise. During the ShakeOut, people across the central U.S. will "Drop, Cover and Hold On" for 60 seconds. Learn more and register today: dnr.mo.gov/shakeout/. • Saturday, Feb. 18 – Leasburg: Onondaga Cave State Park will host Edie Starbuck, a geologist from the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey at 10:30 a.m. Starbuck will present a program about earthquake basics, history, earthquake preparedness, and the effects earthquakes have had, and will have, on the land and human population. This program will include an introduction to the State Emergency Management Agency programs related to earthquakes. After the program, the video about earthquakes in the Midwest will be shown. There will be time for questions and answers. The park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of U.S. Interstate 44 on State Highway H. The event is free and open to the public. • Saturday, Feb. 18 – Columbia: “It’s Your Fault,” a conference commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Great New Madrid Earthquakes, will be held from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in Chambers Auditorium at the student center of the University of Missouri-Columbia. The conference speakers will explore what Missouri was like in 1811, what occurred during the earthquakes, what makes New Madrid earthquakes unique, various theories about whether earthquakes of that magnitude will happen again, and, if they do, whether Missouri is ready. A reader's theatre of actual eyewitness accounts from those living in or traveling through the New Madrid area around the time of the 1811-1812 quakes will also be presented. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge. • Monday, Feb. 20 – Piedmont: Get Your Home Ready for Earthquakes seminar will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AARP building on Rt. 34. Experts from the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency invite the public to this free seminar on the basic principles of earthquake preparedness, and ways you can reduce your risk from earthquakes. • Saturday, Feb. 25 – Malden: Earthquake Preparedness public program will be presented from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bootheel Youth Museum, 700A N. Douglas St. This awareness event aims to teach citizens about earthquake risks and how to prepare for them. The event will feature displays and information about earthquake history, safety and preparedness. All are welcome, and there’s no charge. Visit the department's website for more information about these and other events: dnr.mo.gov/geology/eqaware.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=011 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:47:18 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 2, 2012 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued a construction permit for a solid waste transfer station in Scott County. The department issued the permit to RFJ Real Estate Holding LLC to construct the I-55 Disposal and Recycling Transfer Station in Scott County. The site is to be located at 3200 Industrial Fuels Drive, east of Interstate 55 and County Road 302, in Scott City. The transfer station will be used to transfer solid waste from collection vehicles to transport vehicles. The department reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure solid waste processing facilities are properly designed and constructed. Other technical factors that protect Missouri’s environment are also examined. Prior to acceptance of waste at the facility an operating permit must be issued. Questions and comments regarding the proposed transfer station or the department's role in regulating solid waste processing facilities may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0176. Information regarding permitted facilities is available at http://dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/facilities/permittedfacilities.htm. For more information contact the Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=010 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:23 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 1, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including four in the St. Louis area. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in the St. Louis area is included below. Where phone numbers are provided, please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed. • St. Charles Fire Department, 400 North Drive, 636-949-3572. Call before delivery. • Franklin County Fire Department/Emergency Management Agency, 200 E. 14th St., Washington, 636-390-1020. Call for hours. • Jefferson County Health Department, 405 Main St., Hillsboro, 636-789-3372, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. • Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Emergency Response Section, 97 N. Outer Road, Eureka, 636-938-7808 or 636-938-7809. Call before delivery. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=009 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:33 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 1, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including nine in southeast Missouri. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in southeast Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed. Unless otherwise noted, the mercury drop-off sites are open Monday through Friday: • Cape Girardeau Health Department, 1121 Linden St., 573-335-7846, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Dent County Health Department, 601 S. MacArthur, Salem, 573-729-3106, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • West Plains Fire Department, 302 Jackie D. Garrett Drive, 417-256-2424, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Perry County Health Department, 406 N. Spring St., Perryville, 573-547-6564, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • St. Francois County Health Department, 1025 W. Main, Park Hills, 573-431-1947, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Southeast Regional Office, 2155 N. Westwood, Poplar Bluff, 573-840-9750, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Scott County Health Department, 102 Grove Estates Court, Sikeston, 573-471-4044, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Dunklin County Health Department, 410 Teaco Road, Kennett, 573-888-9008, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Texas County Health Department, 950 N. Highway 63, Houston, 417-967-4131, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday. • Ste. Genevieve County Health Department, 115 Basier Drive, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-7411, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=008 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:24:04 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 1, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including nine in northeast and north-central Missouri. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has a large quantity of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in northeast and north-central Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed. Unless otherwise noted, the mercury drop-off sites are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday: • Mexico Department of Public Safety, 300 N. Coal, 573-581-2100, Saturday and Sunday. • Moberly Fire Department, 310 N. Clark St., 660-269-8705. • Macon Fire Department, 201 Jackson St, 660-385-6436. • Carrollton Fire Department, 710 Harvest Hills Drive, 660-542-2178. • Hannibal Fire Department, 205 S. Fourth St., 573-221-0657. • Trenton Fire Department, 310 N. Clark St., 660-269-8705. • Chillicothe Fire Department, 700 Second St., 660-646-2139. • Kirksville Fire Department, 401 N. Franklin St., 660-665-3734. • Marshall Fire Department, 471 W. Arrow St., 660-886-3312. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the mdepartment's website: www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=007 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:43:37 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 1, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including three in central Missouri. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in central Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed. Mercury drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday: • Osage County Emergency Management Office, 205 East Main, Linn. • Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 2710 W. Main St., Jefferson City. • Phelps County Health Department, 200 N. Main St., Rolla. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: www.>dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=006 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:38:11 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 2, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including 12 in southwest Missouri. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in southwest Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed. Unless otherwise noted, the mercury drop-off sites are open Monday through Friday: • Christian County Health Department, 301 E. Brick, Ozark, 417-581-7285. Call for hours. • Lawrence County Health Department, 105 W. North St., Mt. Vernon, 417-466-2201, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Jasper County Health Department, 105 Lincoln, Carthage, 417-358-0481, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) • Newton County Health Department, 812 W. Harmony, Neosho, 417-451-3743, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) • Stone County Health Department – North Office, 109 E. Fourth St., Galena, 417-357-8200. Call for hours. • Stone County Health Department – South Office, 16914 State Highway 13, Branson West, 417-272-0050. Call for hours. • Taney County Health Department – East Office, 15479 U.S. Highway 160, Forsyth, 417-546-4725. Call for hours. • Taney County Health Department – West Office, 320 Rinehart Road, Branson, 417-334-4544 ext 247. Call for hours. • Webster County Health Department, 233 E. Washington, Marshfield, 417-859-2532, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Department of Natural Resources’ Southwest Regional Office, 2040 W. Woodland, Springfield, 417-891-4300, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Polk County Health Department, 1317 W. Broadway, Bolivar, 417-326-7250, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) • Vernon County Health Department, 301 N. Washington, Nevada, 417-667-7418, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=005 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:12:49 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., FEB. 1, 2012 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury, sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including 11 in the Kansas City area and northwest Missouri. The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. Citizens seeking to dispose of items at these sites should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic margarine tub, or plastic beverage bottle. A person who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up. The list of drop-off sites in the Kansas City area and northwest Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal and never leave items if the facility is closed. Unless otherwise noted, the mercury drop-off sites are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday: • Harrisonville Fire Department, 903 S. Commercial, 816-380-8952, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead on weekends. • Belton Fire Department, 16300 N. Mullen Rd., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. • Belton Fire Department, 223 Main St., 816-331-7969, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. • Excelsior Springs Fire Department, 1120 Tracy, 816-630-3000, Daily 9 a.m. to4 p.m. • Clinton County Health Department, 106 Bush St., Plattsburgh, 816-539-2144, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Tri-County Health Department, 302 N Park, Stanberry, 660-783-2707, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department, 904 S. 10th St., 816-271-4635, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Maryville Department of Public Safety, 222 E. 3rd St., 660-560-3209, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Kansas City Household Hazardous Waste Center, 4707 Deramus, 816-784-2082, Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Platte County Health Department, 1201 East St., Parkville, 816-858-2412. • Platte County Health Department, 212 Marshall Road, Platte City, 816-858-2412. This program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf. The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest. For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available at: dnr.mo.gov/env/esp/mercuryroundup-dnr.htm. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website: dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=004 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:07:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jan. 30, 2012 - Your chance to visit the Missouri State Museum after normal tour hours will continue with a special opportunity Wednesday, Feb. 1. The Missouri State Museum's "Museum after Hours" events are held the first Wednesday of each month when the museum galleries in the State Capitol remain open from 5 to 8 p.m. For the Feb. 1 event, the museum’s interpretive staff will offer a program called "Walking through Time," which will feature some of the diverse shoes that are part of the museum collection. From beaded Osage Indian moccasins to women’s high heels manufactured by the Tweedie Shoe Co. in Jefferson City, these shoes are a unique part of Missouri history. This free program will take place in the museum classroom, which is located in the History Hall (east wing). The "after hours" opportunity is for those who have wondered what it would be like to visit the museum at night, or whose schedule does not allow daytime outings. In addition to the special program, the event will allow the public to view some of the regular exhibits like "Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing," an exhibit that commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Evening entry to the museum will be through the carriage entrance on the south side of the building underneath the grand staircase. The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is located on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=003 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:46:56 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., JAN.24, 2012 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have developed a regional restoration plan to restore southwest Missouri’s natural resources injured by hazardous substances. The agencies will hold a series of upcoming public meetings and are seeking comments on the restoration plan. Representatives from the department and Fish and Wildlife Service will explain the Draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment at public meetings in Springfield, Joplin and Neosho. During the meetings, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and formally comment on the restoration plan, available online at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/sfund/nrda.htm. The Springfield Plateau ecoregion includes major portions of Cedar, Dade, Jasper, Newton, Lawrence and Greene counties; portions of Polk, Webster, Christian and Barry counties; and minor portions of St. Clair, Hickory, Barton, McDonald, Stone and Douglas counties. The public meetings will be held: • Jan. 25 in Joplin at MSU’s Billingsley Student Center, 3950 E. Newman Rd. • Jan. 26 in Neosho at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, 520 Park Street. • Jan. 30 in Springfield at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. The meetings will start at 6 and end at 8:30 p.m. Written comments on the restoration plan must be postmarked no later than Feb. 24. Comments and questions or requests for copies of the plan can be directed to: Frances Klahr John Weber, Natural Resources Damages Coordinator Restoration Coordinator Missouri Department of Natural Resources U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 176 101 Park DeVille Dr., Suite A Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 Columbia, MO 65203 573-522-1347 573-234-2132 (x177) Frances.klahr@dnr.mo.gov John_S_Weber@fws.gov Copies of the restoration plan are be available for on-site review at the Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main Street, Joplin; Neosho Public Library, 201 W. Spring Street, Neosho; Springfield Public Library, 4653 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite A, Columbia; and Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1730 E. Elm St., Jefferson City. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are charged, primarily through federal Superfund law, with assessing injuries to and restoring natural resources that have been injured by environmental hazards such as oil discharges and hazardous substances releases. This process is referred to as Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration. Citizens have the right to use and enjoy natural resources and states have the duty and responsibility to protect these resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=002 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:59 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., JAN. 24, 2012 – Time is running out for qualified Joplin area residents to take advantage of ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates. The rebate program will close Feb. 1. Since Nov. 2011, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been offering $250 ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates for clothes washers and refrigerators to Joplin area residents affected by the May 2011 tornado. Consumers qualify for a rebate through the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program when they meet all of the following conditions: • Reside in the Joplin area and are 18 years of age or older. • Purchase an appliance that is ENERGY STAR® rated and qualified. • Purchase proof of disaster assistance eligibility from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). • Own the property where the appliances will be installed. • Purchase no more than one appliance per category per address, up to a total rebate of $500. • Purchases must be made from one of the following participating retailers: • Green-Yates Appliance, 808 E. 15th St., Joplin. •Home Depot, 3110 E. 20th St in Joplin. •Lowes, 2600 S. Range Line Rd. in Joplin. • Metro Appliances, 5571 N. Main St. in Joplin. •Sears, 101 N. Range Line Rd. in Joplin. The Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program is part of a larger $300 million federal program aimed at energy conservation, energy efficiency and economic recovery funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. More than 35,000 Missourians have received rebates for ENERGY STAR® appliances through this program. For more information about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program, please call 800-361-4827 or 573-526-5308. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=001 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:46:51 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., JAN. 6, 2012 – Missouri State Parks will hold three public meetings to seek input regarding the redevelopment of Big Lake State Park in Holt County. The meetings will be held Jan. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mound City RII Middle School in Mound City; Jan. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship room 1323 in Maryville; and Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Remington Nature Center of St Joseph, 1502 MacArthur Drive, in St Joseph. Representatives from the Missouri State Parks will present options under consideration for the park’s redevelopment as a result of the damaging Missouri River flooding. Staff will discuss proposed plan options, answer questions and receive comments. The public is invited to share comments and ideas regarding the park plans. Information from the meeting will be used in formulating proposals and long-range development objectives. Following the meetings, the plans will be available for review for two weeks at mostateparks.com. An online survey will allow public input on plan alternatives. The public may also comment on the plan by emailing the Department of Natural Resources at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. The public meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the department to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=400 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:41:14 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo, DEC. 30, 2011- The Missouri State Museum is providing online viewing of Civil War battle flags through Missouri Digital Heritage. This important history can be seen first-hand at the Missouri State Capitol or by visiting the online gallery. The Missouri State Museum has overseen the conservation of 45 battle flags. From now through June 2015, as part of the “Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing” exhibit, the museum is displaying seven flags in its History Hall on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol. The seven flags on display will change every six months to allow the public to view as many as possible over the course of the exhibit. The Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative, co-sponsored by the Missouri State Archives and the Missouri State Library, provides the Civil War battle flags for the first time to an online audience. This gives the opportunity for all Missourians to have an additional resource for viewing their state’s history. The online gallery can be found at sos.mo.gov/archives/mdh_splash/default.asp?coll=cwflag. “Preserving history is an important way for Missourians to connect with our past,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Making the Civil War battle flags available online significantly increases citizen access to our history.” Following the end of the Civil War, Missouri Adjutant General Samuel P. Simpson collected Union and Confederate battle flags for safekeeping. Damage made some of the flags unrecognizable. An Adjutant General report around 1917-1920 reported the flags were in very bad shape. The flags were turned over to the new Missouri State Museum by the Adjutant General’s office in the 1920s. A Works Progress Administration project in the 1930s attempted to conserve many of the battle flags. But today with advanced technology we have learned the flags were sometimes damaged further by this conservation effort. In 1983 the St. Louis Civil War Roundtable was disappointed by the condition of the battle flags. Due to the group effort, an organization to finance flag conservation was formed and in 1984 a legislative appropriation was secured to begin conserving flags. The conservation effort continues through the present day with funding from the parks and soils sales tax administered through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. For more information about the Missouri State Museum, visit the website at mostateparks.com. The Missouri State Museum is located on the First Floor, Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. For more information regarding this project, call the museum directly at 573-751-2854 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=399 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:10:10 GMT GOVERNMENT ROLLA, Mo., DEC. 30, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. The public meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1730 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City. At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land. For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300, or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=398 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:08:06 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY ROLLA, Mo., DEC. 30, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources today released the most recent list of well drilling industry contractors who no longer carry permits to perform work in Missouri. The 51 contractors on the list previously held a permit with the department to operate in Missouri as a contractor for water well, pump, heat pump or monitoring well installations. There are many possible reasons why the individuals listed may not hold a permit. Those may include retirement, change in occupation or job duties, failure to apply for a renewal or enforcement actions taken against contractors who violated the Water Well Driller's Act. The department is encouraging those who had a well drilled by someone included in the list to contact the department for further information. The Well Driller's Act became effective in 1986. It establishes minimum well construction standards and requires contractors to be permitted by the state. The law was created to protect Missouri groundwater from contamination resulting from improperly constructed wells. Improperly constructed wells may act as conduits for surface contaminants to enter drinking water supplies. Contaminated groundwater exposes Missourians of all ages to serious health risks that can result from water borne diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis and giardiasis. Contractors must hold a non-restricted pump installation permit with the department to install or remove pumps (old or new wells). Additionally, a contractor must hold a non-restricted well and/or pump permit to perform all plumbing that impacts the distribution of water from its source (well) through the pressure system to the point of entry inside or outside the structure being served. This includes, but is not limited to, pressure tanks, water treatment equipment and pressure switches. Those contractors who no longer carry permits to work in Missouri include: Name – City, State (Missouri County) Anderson, Todd – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis). Andrews, Robert – West Des Moines, IA. Baker, Jeff – Prairie Du Rocher, IL. Bey, Dennis – Perryville, MO (Perry). Bodine, Jack – Mexico, MO (Audrain). Bolin, Walter – Highlandville, MO (Christian). Boyd, Daniel – Wheaton, MO (Barry). Brockmeier, Donald – Cedar Hill, MO (Jefferson). Castillo, Michael – Vernon Hills, IL. Chipman, Josh – Manila, AR. Colvin, David – Excelsior Springs, AR. Crawford, Travis – Puxico, MO (Stoddard). Dobkins, Lawrence – Steelville, MO (Crawford). Fleeman, Danny – Manila, AR. Fisher, Christopher – Rolla, MO (Phelps). George, Scott – Fenton, MO (St. Louis). Goodin, Arthur – Poplar Bluff, MO (Butler). Griffin, David – Lawrence, KS. Haudrich, Jeff – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis). Hauser, Richard – Southwest City, MO (McDonald). Hazen, Gary – Kansas City, MO (Jackson). Hornbuckle, Clinton – Fulton, MO (Callaway). Horrell, Andrew – St. Charles, MO (St. Charles). Hughes, Harold – Patterson, MO (Wayne). Hunsaker, Mark – Dexter, MO (Stoddard). Jurgensmeyer, John – Jefferson City, MO (Cole). Kesel, Sylvester – St. Robert, MO (Pulaski). Klockow, Daniel – Norwalk, IA. Knelle, Keith – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis). Koch, Thomas – Madison, WI. Kraemer, Grant – Fenton, MO (St. Louis). Lamme, John R. – Maryville, MO (Nodaway). Lansing, Clay – Fenton, MO (St. Louis). Logan, Kevin – Washington, MO. (Franklin). Matzenbacher, Adam – Wixom, MN McCarty, Olan – Buffalo, MO (Dallas). McGrath, Matthew – Eureka, MO (St. Louis). Medlock, Stanley – Bunker, MO (Reynolds). Miles, Douglas – Marble Hill, MO (Bollinger). Owens, Glen – Joplin, MO (Jasper). Patton, James – Camdenton, MO (Camden). Patton, Jimmy– Camdenton, MO (Camden). Rizer, Matthew – Linn Creek, MO (Camden). Rodgers, David – Knob Noster, MO (Johnson). Shiblee, Ellis – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis). Smith, David – Rolla, MO (Phelps). Stephens, Brian – St. Louis, MO (St. Louis). Weber, Martin – Warrensville, IL. Willis, Dean – Joplin, MO (Jasper). Wineland, Timothy – Des Moines, IA. Woods, Luther – Camden, MO (Ray). Anyone with questions regarding this list please contact the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey at 573-368-2143 or 800-361- 4827. Learn more about well drilling at our website dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/wellhd/. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=397 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:11:16 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 30, 2011 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Neosho a $9.4 million low-interest loan to improve its drinking water system. The city will use the loan to replace aging drinking water distribution lines, provide a backup power supply for the pump stations, upgrade the treatment plant to meet current and future standards, and add chemical feed systems to all wells. The project is estimated to cost $9.4 million and is expected to be completed in January 2013. Funding for the loan comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which provides significant funding to assist communities with their drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency and environmentally innovative projects. This funding will help the city protect residents and the environment by making necessary drinking water improvements. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the loan funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects as well as provide a financial savings. For more information contact the department’s Water Protection Program, Financial Assistance Center, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1192 or visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=396 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:24:42 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 28, 2011 – Learn more about the birds you see outside your windows at a winter bird workshop Jan. 7 at Van Meter State Park near Miami. The workshop is sponsored by Missouri State Parks in cooperation with the Missouri River Bird Observatory and will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center. The workshop is free and open to the public. Dana Ripper and Ethan Duke of Missouri River Bird Observatory in Marshall will discuss the winter birds you often see at your feeders and how to identify them by their visual and vocal characteristics. They will demonstrate bird-banding by catching some birds that visit the bird feeders at the park’s cultural center. As a take-home project, you will have the opportunity to craft a “fun”ctional bird feeder by reusing a plastic drink bottle. On your way to Van Meter State Park, stop by the Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center. From October to March, the center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Monday through Friday. Van Meter State Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122. For more information about the event, contact the park at 660-886-7537. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=395 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:17:22 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 28, 2011 – Discover a new side to the Missouri State Museum in 2012 with “Museum after Hours” events on the first Wednesday of each month. Your first opportunity will be Wednesday, Jan. 4 when the Missouri State Museum galleries in the State Capitol will remain open until 8 p.m. These events are free of charge to the public and sponsored by Missouri State Parks. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to visit the museum at night, or your schedule does not allow daytime outings, join state museum staff for a special program to view the exhibits from 5 to 8 p.m. You will find both old favorites and new, including “Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing,” an exhibit that commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The Jan. 4 event will also feature a special interpretive program at 7 p.m. on the life of Ella Ewing, the “Missouri Giantess.” Born in a small town in northeast Missouri, Ella Ewing toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus as an adult because of her extreme height. She is reported to have been more than 8 feet tall and was perhaps the tallest woman in the world during her lifetime! The Missouri State Museum has artifacts in its collections related to Ewing, including some of her shoes, which can be viewed at this presentation. This program will take place in the museum classroom, which is located in the History Hall (east wing). Evening entry to the museum for all after-hour events will be through the carriage entrance on the south side of the building underneath the grand staircase. The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is located on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=394 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:16:04 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Dec. 22, 2011 – The public is invited to attend an open house at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster on Thursday, Dec. 29. The open house will be held from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the park's Visitor Center. Representatives from the park will be on hand to discuss the reopening of the McAdoo Equestrian Trail. Details of the meeting will include information about the recent award of an $86,985 Recreational Trails Project Grant to the park for trail renovations. Also, information will be available about the State Park Youth Corps involvement with the park during 2010 and the Corps’ activity in 2011. Representatives from the facility will also provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. The meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input and knowledge on services provided in Missouri state parks and historic sites. Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster, one mile south of Highway 50 on Highway 23. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 660-563-2463 or by calling Missouri State Parks toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=393 Fri, 9 Dec 2011 15:58:04 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 9, 2011 – Celebrate the beginning of 2012 by participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes in one of nine Missouri state parks. The free guided hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy and rejuvenating hike Jan. 1. “We’re excited to host First Day Hikes in Missouri state parks as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. Hikes offer great ways to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Nine Missouri state parks will offer Jan. 1 guided hikes ranging from one-half mile to three miles. A list of state parks with guided hikes follows. • Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood. Meet at 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Day Memorial Trailhead; hike will be one mile; • Crowder State Park near Trenton. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Redbud Trailhead; hike will be two miles; Call 660-359-6473 or email crowder.state.park@dnr.mo.gov. to register. • Graham Cave State Park near Montgomery City. Meet at 12 noon at the park office; hike will be one-half mile on the Indian Glade Trail. • Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Pittsburg area campground entrance near trail kiosk; hike will be 2.75 miles on the Indian Point Trail. • Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park’s nature center; hike will be 1.5 miles on the Drover’s Trail. • Roaring River State Park near Cassville. Meet at 12 noon at the Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead; hike will be 1.5 miles; • Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia. Meet at 12:45 a.m. at the Devil’s Icebox parking area; hike will be three miles (with an option for a longer hike) in the Gans Creek Wild Area. • Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson. Meet at 1 p.m. at the park’s visitor center; hike will be approximately two miles along the park’s southern boundary. Please register in advance by calling 573-290-5268 and leaving a message. • Washington State Park near De Soto. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Thunderbird Lodge; hike will be 1.5 miles on the 1000 Steps Trail. “I hope you’ll take this opportunity to start the new year with a new tradition for your friends and family and take a hike in a Missouri state park. If you are not able to attend one of our guided hikes, you can still take advantage of the numerous trails throughout our state park system,” Bryan said. First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. While many states offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes. “What better way to kick off the new year than with a hike in a state park?” said Ruth Coleman, president of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.” “Studies have shown that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s executive director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.” America’s State Parks and Missouri State Parks are committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources. For more information on the First Day Hikes as well as all Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. For information on the First Day Hikes initiative across the nation, visit americasstateparks.org. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=392 Fri, 2 Dec 2011 14:16:04 GMT WATER JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 2, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has identified 23 drinking water systems in Missouri that have chronically failed to complete drinking water testing required by the department to ensure a safe water supply. The systems listed have at least three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period, with the most recent violations occurring in the third quarter of 2011. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe, routine testing by a facility is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply. The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri complies with all monitoring requirements and meets all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule. This current list of 23 systems represents less than one percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri. Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water. If a water sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the total coliform-positive samples listed on our website tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. When fecal coliform or E. coli is confirmed, the department requires a public water system to immediately notify its customers to boil their drinking water, or in the case of a non-community system, to provide an alternative source, such as bottled water, in addition to notifying the affected public. To view more details on the violators listed, visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/index.html. County -- Public Drinking Water System • Barry -- Jenkins Kwik Stop. • Benton -- Hidden Valley Mobile Home Park, Last Chance Restaurant and Lounge, Sun Valley Subdivision, TT Campground. • Camden -- Nantucket Bay. • Dallas -- Fraternal Order of Eagles 4010. • Greene -- Expressway Stop. • Hickory -- Shadow Lake Golf Course. • Jefferson -- Walker Hill Mobile Home Park. • Maries -- Moreland’s Catfish Patch and Steak House. • Miller -- Camp Bagnell Campground. • Montgomery -- Danville Sinclair. • Morgan Mallard Bay. • Pettis -- Budget Host Super 7 Motel. • Polk -- Valley View Acres. • St. Louis -- Whispering Oaks Health Care. • Stone -- Cedar Haven Resort, Cross Roads Store. • Taney -- East Fork Subdivision, GDM Investment Project, Savannah Place Third Addition. • Webster -- Eagle Stop. These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels. For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=391 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:34:47 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 2, 2011—The city of St. Charles will receive a $19,160 grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. The city, which is a Certified Local Government, will use the grant to conduct Phase Three of the Historic Architectural Survey of the St. Charles Mid-Town and Commons Neighborhoods. The survey will identify potential National Register Historic Districts as well as properties individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, and in Missouri, is administered through the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office. Under changes made to the act in 1980, each state is required to earmark a minimum of 10 percent of its Historic Preservation Fund monies for exclusive use by Certified Local Governments. Certified Local Governments are communities that have established, under their local government, a historic preservation program that meets certain standards set by the state and the National Park Service. Local governments that maintain Certified Local Government status are considered to be partners with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in the nation’s historic preservation program. Missouri currently has 51 local governments that have attained Certified Local Government status. The grants are awarded based on a competitive scoring process and the direct relation of the projects to the identification, evaluation, or protection of historical, architectural or archaeological resources. Grant-funded projects must pertain to the accomplishment of the State Historic Preservation Officer’s responsibilities as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, must be carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation" and must meet requirements of the National Register Programs Guideline (NPS-49). For more information about the Certified Local Government program, visit the department's State Historic Preservation Office website at dnr.mo.gov/shop/certifie.htm or contact Jo Ann Radetic at 573-522-2473 or e-mail jo.ann.radetic@dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=390 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:39:34 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 1, 2011 – An 1860s Victorian Christmas awaits visitors Dec. 9-10 during candlelight tours of the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid. Regular tours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with candlelight tours from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The house, aglow with oil lamps and candles, will be decorated with fresh greenery, Christmas trees and 1860s-style ornaments. Site staff will wear Victorian-era fashions as they lead the tours through the house. Refreshments will be served. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located on Dawson Road in New Madrid. For more information, contact the site at 573-748-5340 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=389 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:45:52 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 30, 2011 -- If you want to take your "best friend" along on your best vacation, Missouri State Parks will provide both you and your dog a place to stay the night. Beginning in January 2012, Missouri State Parks will make lodging units available to people who want to travel and vacation with their dogs. With the new Cabins for Canines program, specific lodging units will be available for use by dog owners. The program includes units such as outpost cabins, camper cabins, yurts, single-unit cabins, fourplexes and duplexes. "Missouri State Parks wants everyone to know they are welcome to visit our outstanding state park system. Our new Cabins for Canines program is reaching out to those who love state parks but also love to bring their pets with them," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Previously pets were not allowed in any state park building, including lodging units. With the new program, 30 percent of lodging units will be made available for owners with dogs, following certain guidelines. "A portion of our lodging units will be available to dog owners and a portion will remain canine-free, giving us a balance to accommodate everyone who wants to come to a state park," Bryan said. Implementation of Cabins for Canines program will begin Jan. 1, 2012, for state-operated facilities including outpost cabins, camper cabins and yurts. Implementation of the program in lodging facilities operated by private concessionaires will be phased in during 2012 based on availability and fully implemented in 2013. For more information on parks offering lodging facilities for dog owners, visit mostateparks.com. The number of dogs allowed per cabin is limited to two, regardless of size. For visitors bringing canines as overnight guests, there will be a minimum fee of $15 per dog, per night collected at check-in time. The per-dog, per-night fee may vary depending on the type of unit chosen. An additional fee may be assessed when extra cleaning is required. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs inside and outside the unit. Dogs should be attended at all times while inside the unit and at all locations in the park. When guests must leave the dog unattended, they must be placed in a crate or kennel. A crate or kennel will be provided for each unit free of charge as a courtesy to guests. With the new program, dogs are allowed only in the designated lodging units and may not be taken in any other park building. This program applies to canines that are not considered service animals assisting guests with disabilities. For more information about Missouri state parks and facilities available in the Cabins for Canines program, call Missouri State Parks toll-free number at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=388 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:01:37 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Nov. 29, 2011 – Eleven trail projects in Missouri will receive approximately $1.3 million funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program. The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program for trail-related land acquisition, development or restoration. In Missouri, Recreational Trails Program funds are administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. "Missourians are blessed with abundant parks and recreation areas. It is important to support these natural resources and preserve them for years to come," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "These trails provide opportunities for families and children to enjoy time together, as well as connecting them with their community." The grant recipients were chosen from 31 applications and were selected based on recommendations from the Missouri Trails Advisory Board, which represents diverse trail interest groups. The grants were awarded based on the results of a competitive scoring process and the application’s suitability under funding provisions included in Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). At least a 20 percent match is required by the applicant. A funding requirement targets 30 percent of the funding for motorized trails, 30 percent for non-motorized trails and 40 percent for diversified trail use. "These trails provide Missourians access to explore the many natural resources our state offers, as well as providing important fitness opportunities. We are proud to support this program, local communities and healthy lifestyles," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Following is a list of Recreational Trails Program grant recipients, along with a list of non-motorized and motorized RTP trail projects and their grant amounts. 2011 RTP Non-Motorized Trail Projects: • Missouri State Parks, Statewide - develop, renovate and maintain trails and various trail amenities in Missouri State Parks facilities - $348,821. • Grace Hill Settlement House, St. Louis County - renovate Riverfront Trail - $67,241. • City of Columbia Parks and Recreation, Boone County - educational accessible sign system - $20,000. • City of Warrensburg Parks and Recreation, Johnson County - construct a primitive trail at Lions Lake - $100,000. • Ozark Trail Association, Shannon County - construct backcountry hiking trail in Roger Pryor Backcountry - $73,575. • City of Kansas City Public Works Department, Jackson County - construct Riverfront Heritage Trail Beardsley Road Connector - $100,000. • City of Belton, Cass County - Cleveland Avenue Regional Lake Development trail construction - $95,149. • City of Greenville, Wayne County - construct a trail connecting the city to Wappapello Lake - $71,913. • State of Missouri/Office of Administration, Cole County - construct trail to connect to the Missouri State Penitentiary Trail - $100,000. 2011 RTP Motorized Trail Projects: • Midwest Trail Riders Association, Iron County - purchase equipment to maintain existing motorized trails - $14,500. • Missouri State Parks, Statewide - develop new trails, renovate and maintain existing motorized trails - $400,000. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=387 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:40:21 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 29, 2011 -- Visitors to the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site in Ste. Genevieve on Dec. 11 will be able to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of a traditional French Christmas of the early 1800s. Le Réveillon, the 28th annual Christmas open house at the Felix Vallé House will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend this free event. Guests at the open house looking for a Christmas tree will see a crèche in its place in the parlor of the French household. This miniature representation of the manger scene is surrounded by santons, or "little saints," which are small figurines representing the peasants of the French countryside. The history of the crèche as part of the Christmas celebration dates back to Rome in the seventh century. From 2 to 5 p.m., strains of 18th century French carols will be heard throughout the home courtesy of Rick Thum and his hammered dulcimer. Thum will perform favorite historical music and traditional holiday tunes from the period. Traditionally after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, many French families gathered in their homes for réveillon. This feast will be recreated in the dining room of the Felix Vallé home and will feature the typical foods served in the early 19th century. As part of the réveillon, 13 different desserts will be highlighted. Samples of the bûche de Noël, a sweet rendition of the yule log, will be served to guests. Natural decorations in the Vallé home will reflect decorations that would have been used in the early 1800s. Scents of native pine and fruit will fill the rooms, which will be lit by candles in the late afternoon and evening. Costumed guides will be available to explain the holiday customs of the early French settlers. Felix Valle House State Historic Site is located at Second and Merchant streets in Ste. Genevieve and the event is sponsored by Missouri State Parks. For more information, call the site at 573-883-7102 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll-free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=386 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:26:56 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, Mo, NOV. 29, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering a series of workshops on building energy codes and standards that could help Missouri municipalities save billions in energy costs. The department’s Division of Energy will focus its workshops on the residential and commercial building standards developed for the International Energy Conservation Code. The department has selected a team of building experts to host these workshops beginning in December. The workshops will be held: • Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at the St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley Campus Training Center, Room 105/107, 3400 Pershall Road in St. Louis. • Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at the Executive Conference Center, Renaissance I room, 910 W. Battlefield St. in Springfield . In addition to the workshops in St. Louis and Springfield, the department will hold corresponding webinars on Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. For more information on the workshops and webinars, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 573-526-5017 or email energy@dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=385 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:56 GMT LAND SURVEY ROLLA, Mo., NOV. 28, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8. The public meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Ha Ha Tonka conference room, 1730 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City. At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land. For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300 or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=384 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:12:49 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo, NOV. 28, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $635,000 in grants to the Joplin School District and Joplin Parks and Recreation Department for 11 playground projects necessary because of damage caused by the May 22 tornado that hit the city. Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Nixon announced the department’s Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants were available for public schools, parks, non- profit day care centers, other not-for-profit organizations and some local governmental organizations to submit applications for the grant funding. The scrap tire grant funding announced today by the department will help rebuild playgrounds in the Joplin area following the tornado earlier this spring. Also included, was funding for a project, highlighted by the Governor back in August, that built a playground to serve children and families living in temporary FEMA housing in Joplin. "Children are especially vulnerable after a disaster of this scale," Gov. Nixon said. "Schools and playgrounds help return a child’s sense of security and normalcy by providing a stable, familiar environment." The Joplin School District will receive $517,720 of the funds being awarded. Many of the elementary school projects listed below include multiple play areas to meet each school’s individual needs based on their number of students and to allow for age appropriate play areas for those students: School/Grant Amount • Cecil Floyd -- $77,680. • Duenweg -- $45,000. • Eastmorland -- $69,080. • Emerson -- $20,580. • Irving -- $64,940. • Kelsey Norman -- $61,880. • McKinley -- $95,140. • Royal Heights -- $83,420. Joplin’s Parks and Recreation Department had three parks within the most heavily damaged storm area. The Parks and Recreation Department is receiving $117,080 of the grant funds for the following playground surfacing material projects: Park/Amount • Cunningham -- $48,000. • Garvin -- $31,200. • Parr Hill -- $37,880. The grants announced today are in addition to $22,288 awarded in September for a playground project being built on land between the Hope Haven Mobile Home Park and the Jeff Taylor Memorial Mobile Home Park for children and families displaced by the tornado and currently living in FEMA housing. The Department of Natural Resources is able to provide these grants through the state’s 50-cent-per-tire fee collected on new tires sold at retail in Missouri. These fees are also used to finance cleanup of illegal scrap tire dumps, inspections and enforcement activities. The department has awarded more than $2 million to 319 organizations since the surfacing material grants became available in 1994. For more information on the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants, please contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or visit the website at http://dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirefinassistance.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=385 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:17:24 GMT GOVERNMENT ROLLA, Mo., NOV. 28, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8. The public meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Ha Ha Tonka conference room, 1730 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City. At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land. For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300 or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=382 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:23:51 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 23, 2011 -- Celebrate a traditional German Christmas and provide your input on Deutschheim State Historic Site in Hermann during December. Weihnachtsfest, the traditional 19th century German Christmas, will be held Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11 at the site's Pommer Gentner House. The celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and is free and open to the public to attend. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, the site will have an open house to seek input from the public. During the Weihnachtsfest, the Pommer Gentner House will be decorated with Christmas trees featuring authentic German ornaments. Visitors will learn how the many Christmas customs of the German immigrants became traditions celebrated throughout Missouri today. Samples of German Christmas cookies will be available and the gift shop will feature traditional German gifts such as springerle molds, recipe books and imported "pop-up" cards. During the open house, staff will discuss recent accomplishments at the historic site and talk about future plans. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the operation of the site. The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. The Pommer Gentner House at Deutschheim State Historic Site is located at 110 Market St. For more information on the site or the event, call the site directly at 573-486-2200 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=383 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:49:58 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 23, 2011-- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources today referred the case against a Morgan County man to the Missouri Attorney General's Office alleging the illegal disposal of business wastes. Fowler improperly disposed of pallet refurbishing business wastes on his property and neighboring properties. Missouri's Solid Waste Management Law exists to protect public and environmental health and the department is responsible for enforcing the law and regulations. The department’s enforcement actions help protect human health and the environment by requiring facilities to maintain compliance. The department’s main goal in any enforcement action is to work with a facility to successfully achieve compliance with the standards and then ensure the facility has the tools to remain in compliance. As part of that process, penalties may be used as an incentive to ensure future compliance and to remove the economic benefit of continued noncompliance. The department strives to work with owners and operators to fix problems before an issue is referred. In situations where the responsible party is unwilling to cooperate to bring the facility into compliance and be protective of human health and the environment, the department will refer the case to the Attorney General’s Office for legal action. For more information, contact the department’s Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401 or call toll-free at 1-800-361- 4827. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=382 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:28:58 GMT STATE PARKS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 23, 2011 -- Celebrate a traditional German Christmas and provide your input on Deutschheim State Historic Site in Hermann during December. Weihnachtsfest, the traditional 19th century German Christmas, will be held Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11 at the site's Pommer Gentner House. The celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and is free and open to the public to attend. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, the site will have an open house to seek input from the public. During the Weihnachtsfest, the Pommer Gentner House will be decorated with Christmas trees featuring authentic German ornaments. Visitors will learn how the many Christmas customs of the German immigrants became traditions celebrated throughout Missouri today. Samples of German Christmas cookies will be available and the gift shop will feature traditional German gifts such as springerle molds, recipe books and imported "pop-up" cards. During the open house, staff will discuss recent accomplishments at the historic site and talk about future plans. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the operation of the site. The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. The Pommer Gentner House at Deutschheim State Historic Site is located at 110 Market St. For more information on the site or the event, call the site directly at 573-486-2200 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=381 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:28:58 GMT WATER SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Nov. 17, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources today announced Our Missouri Waters, a new watershed-based approach that will change the way the department conducts water resource management. Speaking at the Tri-State Water Resource Coalition annual conference in Springfield, department director Sara Parker Pauley announced the initiative that will take a coordinated, holistic approach to watershed management across the state. "Our Missouri Waters initiative will modernize and streamline the way the department conducts watershed planning to better target our resources and provide a greater environmental benefit to the state of Missouri," said Director Pauley. "This will help the department maintain consistency and provides a framework to measure results and provide accountability." Stakeholders, partnering agencies and the public will play a critical role throughout the initiative. The department has established a Watershed Advisory Committee that will provide their expertise and insight to the department as it works to develop, implement and evaluate this new approach. Working with these partners, the department will work to improve watershed planning, identify issues within watersheds and utilize tools that are best suited to address those watershed-specific issues. "I applaud the department for taking this step to break down silos, which will lead to a more efficient, integrated and effective approach to preserving and protecting our precious water resources," Gov. Jay Nixon said. Citizen participation and cooperation is also crucial for successful watershed management. "Local citizen participation is key to the success of Our Missouri Waters initiative. When citizens better understand the issues within their watershed, they become more invested in the future of their community and together we can develop the most effective solution to benefit the state’s water resources for generations to come." added Director Pauley. The department selected three pilot watersheds to be included in the department’s first phase of the Our Missouri Waters initiative. The department evaluated all watersheds throughout the state and selected Spring River watershed, Big River watershed and the Lower Grand River watershed due to their diversity and opportunities. When selecting the three pilot watersheds, the department examined issues such as water quality, water quantity, high-quality waters for preservation and local stakeholder interest. The department will begin implementing the pilot projects in early 2012 and will continue the planning process into 2013. These pilots will allow the department to analyze how well this watershed-based approach works and to make adjustments before implementing a statewide effort expected to be launched in 2013. For more information, visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/omwi.htm or contact the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=380 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:28:58 GMT STATE PARKS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 15, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site in Ste. Genevieve. The informational meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the Shaw House. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting, including projects completed by the State Parks Youth Corps at the site. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site services and operations. Visitors will be given the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the facilities. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. The Shaw House, part of Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, is located on the corner of Second and Merchant streets in Ste. Genevieve's historic district. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site directly at 573-883-7102 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=379 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:10:00 GMT HISTORIC PRESERVATION JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Nov. 14, 2011 -- The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places during its quarterly meeting Nov. 18 in Jefferson City. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 9 a.m. in the La Charrette conference room of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City. Fifteen nominations are scheduled to be considered for listing in the National Register. Properties on the agenda include historic residences, commercial buildings and historic districts. Approximately 3,000 historic buildings and structures are represented in the nominations. The nominated properties under consideration are listed below: • Bancroft School - 4300 Tracy, Kansas City in Jackson County. • Lowe and Campbell Sporting Goods - 1509-13 Baltimore, Kansas City in Jackson County. • Old Town Historic District (Boundary Increase IV) - roughly bounded by E. 2nd St., Locust St., E. Missouri Ave. and Walnut St., Kansas City in Jackson County. • Morningside Acres Historic Ranch District - Approx. 600 Block E. of Independence Avenue between SE 3rd Terrace and SE 5th St., Lee’s Summit in Jackson County. • Historic and Architectural Resources of The Ville - St. Louis [IC], (amended submission), Multiple Property Documentation Form. • Cote Brilliante Avenue in The Ville Historic District - 4200 W. Block of Cote Brilliante Avenue and 1700 Block of Annie Malone Drive, St. Louis [IC] (Historic and Architectural Resources of The Ville, St. Louis, amended submission). • Marshall School Neighborhood in The Ville Historic District - Parts of the 4300 blocks of Aldine and Cote Brilliante Avenues and the 1500 and 1700 blocks of Billups Avenue, St. Louis [IC] (Historic and Architectural Resources of The Ville, St. Louis, amended submission). • St. Ferdinand Avenue in The Ville Historic District - 4200 W. Block of St. Ferdinand Avenue (South Side), St. Louis [IC] (Historic and Architectural Resources of The Ville, St. Louis, amended submission). • Shaw’s Garden Historic District - bounded roughly by DeTonty Ave., Tower Grove Ave., Shaw Ave., Alfred Ave., Magnolia Ave., Kingshighway and Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis [IC]. • Mountain Grove City Hall - 301 E. 1st St., Mountain Grove in Wright County. • George Dimmitt Memorial Hospital - 102 S. Bolivar Rd., Humansville in Polk County. • Penrose Park Historic District - bounded by Interstate 70 (north); Newstead Ave. (east), Natural Bridge Ave. (south), and Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis [IC]. • Hickory Grove Cemetery - Hickory Grove Cemetery Road, Wright City vicinity in Warren County. • Farmers and Merchants Bank - 201-207 S. Main, Monroe City in Monroe County. • One-Teacher Public Schools of Missouri - c. 1774 to c. 1973, Multiple Property Documentation Form, State of Missouri. In addition to nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, the council will receive status reports on programs provided by the State Historic Preservation Office, discuss business related to its own function and duties, and elect officers for 2012. The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is a 12-member group of historians, architects, archaeologists and citizens with an interest in historic preservation. The council is appointed by the governor and works with the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the National Register of Historic Places program for Missouri. The council meets quarterly to review Missouri property nominations to the National Register, the nation's honor roll of historic properties. Approved nominations are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C., for final approval. For more information about the Nov. 18 meeting or the council, call the State Historic Preservation Office at 573-751-7858 or the department toll free at 800-334-6946. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=378 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:08:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 14, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Nov. 18, at Long Branch State Park near Macon. The informational meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Long Branch Marina Store. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Long Branch State Park services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Long Branch State Park is located two miles west of the U.S. Highway 63 and 36 junction in Macon County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 660-773-5229 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=377 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:27:19 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 14, 2011 – Deer hunters will have a rare opportunity to harvest a whitetail deer in five Missouri state parks during managed deer hunts to alleviate deer overpopulations on two weekends in November and December. During the hunts, the parks will be closed to everyone except the deer hunters. By law, state parks are established as wildlife refuges and hunting is not permitted except under special circumstances. However, these special hunts are being used as a resource management tool because the deer population is too large for the environment of the park and resources in the park are being damaged. Special hunts will be conducted at the following parks on the following weekends: • Nov. 19-20 - Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg, including the campground and state park marina (the Hermitage area of the park will remain open). • Dec. 10-11 - Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton. • Dec. 10-11 - Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster. • Dec. 10-11 - Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia. • Dec. 10-11 - Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site near Lawson. The hunts will be conducted following guidelines established by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which regulates hunting of wildlife in the state. Hunters who will be participating submitted special applications this summer for the Department of Conservation's special managed hunts, which are held annually. Hunters were selected through a random computer drawing. Only those hunters who already have a special permit will be allowed to participate in the hunts. "These hunts benefit the parks because they help us manage the deer herd; they benefit the hunters because they provide a unique opportunity to provide protein for a family table, or for another family through the Share the Harvest program," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Missouri State Parks administers state parks and historic sites throughout Missouri. All other state parks and historic sites, other than the five listed, will not be affected by the hunts. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=376 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:10:00 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 14, 2011 - The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will meet November 17 in Jefferson City to discuss reclamation activities, mining enforcement and mining permitting, including a hearing request concerning a new site permit expansion application in Osage County. Among the issues to be discussed by the commission will be a hearing request concerning the new site permit expansion application for 178 acres by Barrett Materials, Inc. in Osage County. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Nightingale Creek Conference Room, Lewis and Clark State Office Building, located at 1101 Riverside Drive. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. For more information or a complete meeting agenda contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041 or visit dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp/commission/lrc.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=375 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:20:39 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 10, 2011 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates to Joplin area residents affected by the May 2011 tornado through the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program. More than half of the energy used in homes is for appliances. Replacing old appliances with those that are ENERGY STAR® labeled can help families save on their utility bills. "The department is pleased to partner with local Joplin retailers to offer the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program to Joplin residents affected by the tornado this summer," said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. "These rebates will not only provide financial support to purchase the new appliances, it will also keep money in the homeowners pocket for years to come by purchasing energy efficiency appliances." Rebates of $250 will be available for both ENERGY STAR® clothes washers and refrigerators and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Nov. 12, 2011, through Feb. 17, 2012, or until all rebates have been issued. Consumers qualify for a rebate when they meet all of the following conditions: · Reside in Joplin and are 18 years of age or older. · Purchase an appliance that is ENERGY STAR® rated and qualified. · Provide proof of disaster assistance eligibility from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). · Own the property where the appliances will be installed. · Purchase no more than one appliance per category per address up to a total rebate of $500. · Purchases must be made from one of the following participating retailers: · Best Buy, 3117 Turkey Creek in Joplin. · Home Depot, 3110 E. 20th St in Joplin. · Lowes, 2600 S. Range Line Rd. in Joplin. · Metro Appliances, 5571 N. Main St. in Joplin. · Sears, 101 N. Range Line Rd. in Joplin. The Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program is part of a larger $300 million federal program aimed at energy conservation, energy efficiency and economic recovery funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. More than 35,000 Missourians have received rebates for ENERGY STAR® appliances through this program. For more information about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program, please call 800-361-4827 or 573-526-5308. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=374 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:09:44 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 7, 2011 – A Civil War Activity Day and unveiling of new Civil War artifacts will occur Nov. 12 at the Missouri State Museum in the Capitol in Jefferson City. A variety of activities, including historical re-enactors and interpretive programs, will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities are free and open to the public and will be held in the rotunda on the first floor of the Capitol and the south lawn of the Capitol grounds. On the south lawn of the Capitol grounds, the Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors will perform a re-enactment of an infantry drill at 2 and 3 p.m. The group will have ongoing programs on “Touching History,” the life of the Civil War soldier, the school of the soldier, and other topics where visitors can learn to drill, “touch” history and discover what life was like during the time of the Civil War. Museum staff will present an interpretive program on Civil War artillery, "Ready, Aim, Fire," at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. They will also have programs on fashion of the 1860s and other topics. Visitors will also get the first view of new artifacts that will be unveiled in the "Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing" exhibit in the museum's History Hall. The new artifacts on display will include Civil War battle flags. This exhibit will be on display through June 2015 and will feature different artifacts every six months. The exhibit, which focuses on the stories of individual Missourians during the Civil War, commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The Capitol is open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Missouri State Museum is part of the Missouri state park system. For more information, contact the museum office at 573-751-2854 (or State.Museum@dnr.mo.gov) or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=373 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:08:45 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., NOV. 7, 2011 -- A special presentation on Nov. 12 at Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson will mark November as American Indian Heritage Month. The presentation will be held in the park's visitor center beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. Duane King, Ph.D., will present a program on Cherokee removal routes within a 50-mile radius of the park. King is the executive director of the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa as well as vice president for museum affairs at the University of Tulsa. He previously held administrative positions are five other museums including the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. He has authored more than 100 publications, including his dissertation on "A Grammar and Dictionary of the Cherokee Language." His latest publication is the "The Cherokee Trail of Tears." Trail of Tears State Park is located at 429 Moccasin Springs Road on Highway 177 in Cape Girardeau County. For more information, call the park at 573-290-5268 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=372 Wed, 2 Nov 2011 15:43:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 2, 2011 -- Observe Native American Heritage Month with a special program on American Indian involvement in the Civil War Nov. 12 at Van Meter State Historic Site near Miami. The free program will be given at 2 p.m. in Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center and the public is invited. Steve Cottrell, author of "Civil War in the Indian Territory," will discuss American Indian involvement in Missouri Civil War battles and skirmishes. The program will include a documentary on the Battle of Newtonia in southwest Missouri. At this battle in 1862, Missouri American Indians served on both the Union and Confederate sides. Steve Cottrell is a descendant of a Sixth Kansas Cavalry member who served in the Indian Territory during the Civil War. He has participated in several battle re-enactments, including the Academy Award-winning motion picture "Glory." Cottrell is also the author of "Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory," "Civil War in Tennessee," and "Haunted Ozark Battlefields." From May through September, Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Monday and Tuesday. Van Meter State Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122. For more information, contact the park at 660-886-7537 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-349-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=371 Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:43:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Thursday, Nov. 10 at Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills. The meeting, which will also cover issues about St. Joe State Park, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the site's museum. Recent accomplishments at the park and site will be highlighted during this open house. The agenda will include an update on the remedial action work plan under way at St. Joe State Park. Visitors are invited to share comments on the services and operations of St. Joe State Park and Missouri Mines State Historic Site. These informational meeting are part of ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services and facilities offered in state parks and historic sites. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located on Highway 32 in Park Hills. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site directly at 573-431-6226 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=370 Tue, 1 Nov 2011 14:43:10 GMT GEOLOGY ROLLA, Mo., NOV. 1, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10. The public meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri Conservation Employees’ Credit Union, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land. For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300, or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=369 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:43:10 GMT ENERGY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 21, 2011 --- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy announced today that it will hold a series of meetings to elicit discussion on complex energy issues, trends, opportunities and challenges for the State of Missouri. The goal of the meetings, being called the Energy Stakeholder Process, is to work with a diverse group of energy stakeholders such as utilities, energy consumers, state and local agencies, public policy groups, energy and environmental organizations and others identified by the department to identify and prioritize key implementable recommendations for where the Division of Energy should focus its efforts and expend its resources. The results of the stakeholder process will be used to develop an action plan for the division and provide direction for the division’s strategic planning and resource allocation decisions. Participants in the Energy Stakeholder Process will work together with the division’s project facilitator, The Cadmus Group, to build consensus on what critical energy issues face Missouri today and in the near future. A small ‘core group’ approach has been chosen to provide an in-depth review and analysis of these complex energy issues and how the Division of Energy might promote the best energy choices for the citizens of this state. We are planning to hold three one-day meetings and one large public stakeholder meeting: • Oct. 25 – Core Stakeholder Dialogue – Energy Efficiency, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Division of Geology and Land Survey Annex, Rolla. • Oct. 27 – Core Stakeholder Dialogue – Traditional Energy Sources, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., RCGA, St. Louis. • Nov. 10 – Core Stakeholder Dialogue – Renewable and Emerging Energy Sources, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Discovery Center, Kansas City • Nov. 14 – Public Meeting – Summary and Commentary, 1:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m., Reynolds Alumni Center – University of Missouri, Columbia. All meetings will be open to the public, though the dialogue in the first three of these meetings will be limited to invited participants. There will be ample opportunity for the public to make comments and raise questions at the public meeting on Nov. 14, 2011. The energy stakeholder process will consummate Feb. 2012. For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 573-526-5308 or email dalena.hardy@dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=368 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:43:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 21, 2011 -- Campfire cooking can be one of the joys of being outdoors and you can learn this skill at a special program Nov. 5 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. The free program will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. in the campground amphitheater and the public is invited to attend. Campfire cooking doesn’t have to mean just hotdogs on sticks and s'mores. Learn the skill of Dutch oven cooking to make stews and other treats. For food preparation purposes, this program will require advance registration. Contact the park's visitor center at 636-458-3813 to reserve your spot. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. For more information, call the park or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=367 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:43:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 18, 2011 - The Missouri State Museum invites you to see the museum from a new perspective with a behind-the-scenes tour into the collections and operations of the facility. The tour will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the new Riversides Collection Facility at 117 N. Riverside Drive. The "It's Your History" tour, which is free and requires no reservation, will last approximately one hour. Have you ever wondered where the artifacts are stored? Are you curious what a curator actually does? These are just some of the questions that will be answered on the tour. During the tour, you will have the chance to see what it takes to store, preserve and conserve artifacts. The tour is part of the Missouri State Museum’s ongoing effort to make the museum more accessible to everyone. The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is located on the first floor of the Capitol building at 201 West Capitol Ave. The museum galleries are open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, contact the Missouri State Museum office at 573-751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800- 334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=366 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:17:39 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 17, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. The open house will be held from noon to 3 p.m. just east of the park office. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the open house. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. Recent accomplishments include painting two picnic shelters and the interior of shelter restrooms. Staff also continued the ongoing project of removal of an exotic species (bush honeysuckle) from the park. The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Castlewood State Park is located off of Highway 141, west on Big Bend Road to Ries Road and then left on Ries Road. The park entrance is at the intersection of Kiefer Creek and Ries roads. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Castlewood State Park directly at 636-227-4433 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=365 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:19:12 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 17, 2011 – If you enjoy decorating your campsite, join the annual tradition at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg and be recognized at the campsite decorating contest Oct. 29. Campers are invited to decorate their campsite and participate in a costume contest for all ages. A trick-or-treat event is traditionally organized by campers in the afternoon. In the evening, campers are invited to sit around a campfire making s'mores and listening to spooky stories. Everyone is invited to bring their own stories, including ones suitable for young children. Winners of the campsite decorating contest will be announced at the storytelling. Campsites are still available for the weekend of this event, but are expected to go quickly so reservations are recommended. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles south of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about these events, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379- 2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=364 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:16:59 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 14, 2011 – Get in the spirit of Halloween by attending the annual Halloween storytelling event at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site near Burfordville. Storyteller Marilyn Kinsella will weave her stories from personal experience as well as perform folk and historical tales and literary stories. The storytelling will be held around a bonfire and visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Apple cider and popcorn will be provided. Kinsella began her storytelling career in 1981 while teaching in the St. Louis metro area. She has been a full-time freelance professional storyteller since 2002 and can often be found performing in the St. Louis and southern Illinois areas. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is the site of a Civil War-era mill where visitors can learn how corn and wheat were ground into meal and flour by water power, just as it was done long ago. Burfordville Covered Bridge, the oldest of the four remaining covered bridges in the state, was built in 1858 and stretches 140 feet across the White River, which powers the mill. To get to the historic site at 113 Bollinger Mill Road, take Highway 34 to Highway HH in Cape Girardeau County. For more information on the event, contact the site at 573-243-4591 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334- 6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=363 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:03:24 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 13, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Mastodon State Historic Site in Imperial. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mastodon State Historic Site's museum auditorium. The meeting will also address Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site in Goldman and Gov. Daniel Dunklin's Grave State Historic Site in Herculaneum. Staff from the historic sites will present information about the sites' operations, resource management and recreational developments. The agenda will include a summary of the activities during 2011 and future plans for the three sites. Items that will be discussed include the accomplishments of the State Parks Youth Corps, the grant for the preservation of Sandy Creek Covered Bridge, and the establishment of the Friends of Mastodon State Historic Site. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J Becker Drive in Imperial. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site at 636-464-2976 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=362 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:59:59 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Oct. 12, 2011 – To help Missourians experience the great outdoors, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering two different Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants for fiscal year 2012. Whether you are interested in a leisurely stroll, a power walk or an aerobic run, or letting the children enjoy time on the playground, the scrap tire grants may be just the boost needed to improve your area of the state. The department is offering a new Non-playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant this year. This grant will help promote the use of recycled scrap tires for running tracks, walking trails, equine stalls/riding areas or other similar surfacing projects not including playgrounds. Non-playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant recipients requesting mats or pour-in-place surface material will be eligible for a grant award up to $100,000 while those requesting loose surface material will be eligible for a grant award up to $50,000. Mailed applications for Non-playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants must be postmarked by Nov. 14, 2011. Hand-delivered applications must arrive at the department by 5 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2011. The department is also continuing its popular Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant this year. This grant will help promote the use of recycled scrap tires for playground cover or surfacing material. Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant recipients requesting mats or pour-in-place surface material will be eligible for a grant award up to $20,000 while those requesting loose surface material will be eligible for a grant award up to $10,000. Mailed applications for Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants must be postmarked by Jan. 20, 2011. Hand-delivered applications must arrive at the department by 5 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2011. Approximately $400,000 is available to fund these scrap tire material grants. Public schools, private schools, parks, non-profit day care centers, other non-profit organizations and governmental organizations other than state agencies, are eligible to submit applications. The department has awarded more than $2 million in Scrap Tire Material Grants to 334 organizations since the grants were first made available in 1994. Preference will be given to applicants planning to use mats or pour-in-place materials. All grant recipients will be required to purchase scrap tire material from manufacturers who use at least 40 percent Missouri generated scrap tires in their material. The source of funds for this grant program is the 50-cent-per-tire fee collected on the sale of new tires in Missouri. The fee also finances cleanup of scrap tire dumps, permitting, inspections and enforcement activities. The 50-cent fee was extended by the legislature during the 2009 session and is set to expire in 2015. Applications and instructions are available on the department’s Website at dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirefinassistance.htm. For more information contact the department's Scrap Tire Unit at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3909. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=361 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:03:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 12, 2011 -- Come to Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills on Saturday, Oct. 22 for an autumn evening of family fun and education. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks and The Doe Run Co., the event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free to the public. The entire family will enjoy games and activities relating to mining, mineral resources and recreational safety. Admission to the site’s museum will be free and refreshments will be offered. Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves and interprets the important buildings and structural elements of the former St. Joe Mineral Corp.’s largest mine-mill complex. The site’s museum features restored underground mining equipment, a large display of mineral specimens, exhibits on mining history and a short video on lead mining and the milling process. The site is located on the south side of Highway 32 at the Flat River Drive overpass in Park Hills. For more information, contact Missouri Mines State Historic Site at 573 431-6226 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=360 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:43:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 12, 2011 -- Take a peek at the past Oct. 22 with an afternoon of fun, historic crafts, skills and games at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. Join staff from the park and the Rockwood School District for this free event from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park's historic riding stables. After an afternoon of fun and game, take a walking tour to meet ghosts from the area’s past and learn what daily life was like before this land was a park. Enjoy the opportunity to learn more about what is offered in the park and view the historic riding stables. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. For more information call the park directly at 636-458-3813 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=359 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:41:51 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 12, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 22 at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. The open house will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center, with a special Route 66 presentation at 1 p.m. Both events are open to the public, and refreshments will be served. During the open house, representatives from the park will be on hand to review recent activities and projects and discuss any future projects. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations and future plans for development. In conjunction with the open house, visitors are invited to attend a presentation by Connie and Riva Echols titled “The Wagon Wheel Motel Restoration and its Historic Features.” The presentation will include a brief history of the motel, located in Cuba, its owners, the motel's stone mason and his architecture, and before and after pictures of the restoration. Connie Echols is the owner and restorer of the Historic Wagon Wheel Motel, the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, and Connie’s Shoppe. Riva Echols is the historic author of The Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66. Connie and Riva are sisters and longtime Cuba residents. A book signing will follow the presentation. The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Route 66 State Park is located two miles east of Eureka off Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-938-7198 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=358 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:39:32 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 12, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 22, to discuss issues related to Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve. The open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the park’s amphitheater and the public is invited to attend. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the open house. Visitors are invited to share comments on Hawn State Park’s services and operations. Staff from the park will be on hand to provide information about the park and to answer questions. These informational meetings are part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services and facilities offered in state parks and historic sites. Hawn State Park is located off Highway 144, 20 miles west of Ste. Genevieve in Ste. Genevieve County. The amphitheater is located in the campground. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-883-3603 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379- 2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=357 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:10:12 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 12, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Friday, Oct. 21, at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon. The informational meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the nature center classroom and is open to the public. Staff from the park will present information about the park's operations, resource management and recreational developments. The agenda will include a summary of the activities during 2011 and future plans for the park. Visitors will be invited to share comments on the park’s goals, objectives and new initiatives. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Bennett Spring State Park is located 12 miles west of Lebanon on Hwy 64. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park office at 417-532-4338 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=356 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:01:05 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 11, 2011—University City will receive a $20,000 grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. The city, which is a Certified Local Government, will use the grant to plan and produce the Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference to be held in the fall of 2012. The conference will focus on a variety of current preservation issues and efforts and will feature a keynote speaker, three tracks of educational sessions, exhibits, tours and networking receptions. Tours and reception venues will highlight the unique cultural and historic treasures of the University City area. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Missouri, is administered through the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office. Under changes made to the act in 1980, each state is required to earmark a minimum of 10 percent of its Historic Preservation Fund monies for exclusive use by Certified Local Governments. CLGs are communities that have established, under their local government, a historic preservation program that meets certain standards set by the state and the National Park Service. Local governments that maintain CLG status are considered to be partners with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in the nation’s historic preservation program. Missouri currently has 51 local governments that have attained CLG status. CLG grants are awarded based on a competitive scoring process and the direct relation of the projects to the identification, evaluation, or protection of historical, architectural or archaeological resources. Grant-funded projects must pertain to the accomplishment of the State Historic Preservation Officer’s responsibilities as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, must be carried out in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation” and must meet requirements of the National Register Programs Guideline (NPS-49). For more information about the CLG program, visit the department's State Historic Preservation Office website at dnr.mo.gov/shpo/certifie.htm or contact Jo Ann Radetic at 573-522-2473 or e-mail jo.ann.radetic@dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=355 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:47:32 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 11, 2011 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Cass County Public Water Supply District No. 10 more than $1 million in grant and loan funding to make improvements to its drinking water storage and distribution system. The department awarded the district a $333,684 grant and a $702,000 low-interest loan to add a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and make improvements to the distribution system. The funding will likely cover the entire cost of the project, which is expected to be completed in September 2012. Funding for the grant and loan comes from the Missouri Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund provides significant funding to assist communities with their drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects. This funding will help the district protect residents and the environment by making necessary drinking water improvements. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant and loan funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects as well as provide a financial savings. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=354 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:36:04 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 11, 2011 -- The music and environmental message of WildHeart will be heard Saturday, Oct. 22 at Graham Cave State Park near Danville. WildHeart will perform at 4 p.m. in front of the cave. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort. WildHeart is composed of Jan and George Syrigos, both Emmy award-winning educators and entertainers who bring a strong science message to young audiences as they explore wildlife, habitats and natural history. Their performance combines original music with motion and media to deliver a conservation message about the natural world. The free performance is made possible thanks to a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and a donation from Brad’s Kwik Store in Montgomery City. Earlier this year, a Missouri Arts Council grant partially funded performances by WildHeart in seven state parks. WildHeart is an approved Missouri Tour Performer for the Missouri Arts Council and the grant provides the performance at a 60 percent reduced rate from the original price. The remaining 40 percent matching funds needed for the local performance in Graham Cave State Park were provided by a donation from Brad’s Kwik Store in Montgomery City. This will allow Graham Cave State Park to provide the performance free of charge to the public. The park offers several picnic areas, hiking trails, a campground, interpretive information and the cave itself. Come early and enjoy some outdoor fun before the performance. For more information about the show, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf. For information on state parks and historic sites, visit >mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=353 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:34:40 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 11, 2011 -- Learn about the history of herbalism in the Ozarks on Oct. 20 at Dillard Mill State Historic Site in Dillard. Local herbalist Colleen Smith will present the program at 4:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Smith will discuss the history of herbalism in the Ozarks and whole health healing. She will provide information on the top five herbs in Ozarks and how to grow and prepare different herbs. Participants will have the opportunity to make ginseng energy balls. The two-hour program is free and is limited to 25 people. Participants are encouraged to register at least two weeks in advance by calling Dillard Mill State Historic Site at 573-244-3120. Dillard Mill State Historic Site is located five miles west of Viburnum and one mile south of Dillard off Highway 49 in Crawford County. For more information, call the site at 573-244-3120 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-376-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic site, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=352 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:23:32 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT 11, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Thursday, Oct. 20 to discuss issues related to Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the site's visitor center. Representatives from the site will be on hand to provide information about the historic site and answer questions. The main topic will be preparation for and the success of the recent re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington plus discussion of improvements of such events. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is located on Delaware Street in Lexington. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site directly at 660-259-4654 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=351 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:37:09 GMT EDUCATION JEFFERSON CITY Mo., OCT. 11, 2011 – Gov. Jay Nixon declares Oct. 9 through Oct. 15 as Earth Science Week to bring awareness about how earth sciences play a fundamental role in the health, safety and welfare of all Missourians. “Our Ever-Changing Earth” was selected by the American Geological Institute as the theme of Earth Science Week 2011 to encourage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. AGI has organized this national and international event since 1998 and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey and other sponsors participate as a service to the public and the geoscience community. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, the National Park Service and other geoscience groups. During Earth Science Week, the department will participate in National Fossil Day on Wednesday, Oct. 12 through special exhibits that will be on display at the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology. Visitors to the museum will receive a small Crinoid stem fossil to add to their personal collections. Stop by and learn about the Crinoid, which is the official state fossil, collecting Missouri fossils and see an impressive assortment of rocks, minerals, fossils and other items relating to geology. The museum is located in the Buehler Building, 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. The museum is open to the public for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free. Additional information may be found on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/geology. Several contests are under way during Earth Science Week and are open to U.S. residents of any age. Contests include photography, essay and visual arts. Entries are being taken from across the nation and the prizes are wonderful. October 14 is the deadline for entering most of the contests. Visit the Earth Science Week website for more information: www.earthsciweek.org. An Earth Science Week 2011-12 Activity Calendar extends the celebration to the entire year and is available for downloading from the website. Photo Link: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/images/rolladnr.jpg Caption: Visitors to the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology on National Fossil Day will receive a small Crinoid stem fossil to add to their personal collections. National Fossil Day is Wednesday, Oct. 12. The museum is located in the Buehler Building, 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=350 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:15:27 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas about area state parks and historic sites to a meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in St. Charles. In addition to First Missouri State Capitol, the meeting will discuss Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park in West Alton and the eastern portion of Katy Trail State Park. During the meeting, staff will discuss current operations and future plans for the parks and site. The public is encouraged to ask questions and provide input. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Missouri Day celebration and visitors to the meeting are encouraged to attend this event as well. This year, the event will feature famous Missourians and what they contributed to the state and nation. Missouri Day is observed every year on the third Wednesday of October to honor the state and celebrate the achievements of all Missourians. The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 S. Main Street in historic St. Charles. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 816-640-5443 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=349 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:52:23 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011-- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site in Laclede. The meeting, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the historic site's visitor center, will also address Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site. Representatives from the site will provide information on future plans for the facilities and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facilities. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home is located at 1100 Pershing Drive in Laclede. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 660-963-2525 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=348 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:35:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011 – Experience the dramatic scenery of fall colors along Missouri River bluffs during the Fall Colors Tram Tours Oct. 18 and 19 on Katy Trail State Park. The two-hour round-trip tours will take visitors between Rocheport and McBaine in the comfort of a tram coach. The nine-mile section of Katy Trail between Rocheport and McBaine is known for its fall colors along the bluffs and its striking views of the Missouri River. As riders enjoy the scenery from the open tram cars, interpretive guides will explain the natural history and cultural features along the trail. The tours are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 12 and under. Tours will be offered at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. both days and begin at the trailhead in Rocheport. The event, which commemorates Missouri Day, is co-sponsored by Missouri State Parks and Boone Electric Cooperative. "We held our first tram tours last year and people really loved them because it gives them a new way to experience the trail. They are especially popular with those who are unable to hike or ride the trail," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Each tour time has four trams with each tram providing seating for 16 people. These seats can be reserved in advance by calling the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7422 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for reservations is Monday, Oct. 17. A limited number of standing room only spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so advanced registration is recommended. On March 22, 1915, the 48th General Assembly set aside the third Wednesday in October each year as "Missouri Day." Missouri Day is a time for schools to honor the state and for the people of the state to celebrate the achievements of all Missourians. This year, Missouri Day falls on Oct. 19. For more information about the Fall Colors Tram Tours, contact Katy Trail State Park at 573-449-7422 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=347 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:33:43 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011 -- The public is invited to attend an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 15 to discuss issues related to Confederate Memorial State Historic Site in Higginsville. The meeting will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel. Representatives from the site will be on hand to provide information about the historic site and answer questions. Staff will discuss the recent wind and tree damage and current operations at the facility. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Confederate Memorial State Historic Site is located on 211 West First St. in Higginsville. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site directly at 660-259-4654 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=346 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:19:07 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011 -- Are you interested in preserving your outdoor experiences in photographs? Do the buttons and knobs on your camera confuse you? Come learn the “ins and outs” of nature photography and how to get the best quality pictures out of your camera during the "Fall for Fall Photography" on Oct. 15 and 29 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. The free classes will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and offered on two Saturdays to accommodate as many attendees as possible. Part of this class will be set indoors learning how to take great nature photos, then participants will hit the trail to try out their new skills. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact the visitor center at 636- 458-3813 to make a reservation. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-458-3813 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=345 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:42:30 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 – A traditional dance from the 17th century will live again on Saturday, Oct. 15 when Bollinger Mill State Historic Site near Burfordville hosts a Contra Dance. The event will start at 4 p.m. with demonstrations and explanations of the dance by the Cape Friends of Traditional Music and Dance. The Old Cornlickers will provide the music. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to participate as the dances are generally easy to learn. Contra dance is a blend of English folk dancing and French court dancing that became popular in the 17th century. Later mixed with square dancing, polkas and waltzes, contra dance consists of two lines of paired couples that perform a set of steps that result in switching partners and places in line. Contra dance was popular into the early 19th century, and revived in the 1950s and 1960s. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is the site of a Civil War-era mill where visitors can learn how corn and wheat were ground into meal and flour by water power. Burfordville Covered Bridge, the oldest of the four remaining covered bridges in the state, was built in 1858 and stretches 140 feet across the White River, which provides the water to power the mill. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located at 113 Bollinger Mill Road in Burfordville. To get to the historic site, take Highway 34 to Highway HH in Cape Girardeau County. For more information, contact the site at 573-243-4591 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=344 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 – The final water quality sampling of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ five-year study of the Lake of the Ozarks found no elevated E. coli. Samples taken Monday found no cases of elevated E. coli in any of the 12 coves sampled on the lake’s western end. The geometric mean for the 2011 recreational season at the coves sampled was 3 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water, which was the lowest geometric mean since the study began in 2007. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. All of the study’s year-end results have been significantly below the geometric mean at which a water body is considered unsuitable for swimming and related activities, which is 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. From 2007-2011 the geometric means were 5, 7.6, 8.8, 3.8 and 3.0. Over the course of the study, the department, working with volunteers from the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, collected and processed 1,619 samples from sites beginning at Bagnell Dam in 2007 and proceeding up the lake to Truman Dam this year. Over the five years of the study, 43 samples – or 2.6 percent – were in excess of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single sample maximum recommend E. coli level for swimming beaches, which is 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. The Lake of the Ozarks study was funded by Ameren UE as part of the relicensing agreement for Bagnell Dam. A link to a map of the 2011 sample areas and results is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Sample results from previous years are also available online. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=343 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:30:00 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, located directly behind the showerhouse, and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments and input on St. Francois State Park's services and operations. Agenda items will include a discussion about recent upgrades to the park's camping, hiking and picnic facilities. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on services offered in state parks and historic sites. St. Francois State Park is located on U.S. Highway 67 approximately four miles north of Bonne Terre in St. Francois County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling St. Francois State Park directly at 573-358-2173 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2479 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=342 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:30:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 – Celebrate Missouri Day on Saturday, Oct. 15 by visiting Crowder State Park near Trenton. The event will feature both fun and educational activities as you learn more about your state. All events are free and open to the public. At 10 a.m. programs will begin on famous Missourians such as Thomas Hart Benton and there will be displays highlighting the state symbols of Missouri. The event will include something for all ages including face painting and naturalist-led hikes to see fall color. At 4:30 p.m., storyteller Larry Brown will entertain visitors with stories of Missouri history at Camp Grand River. At 6:30 p.m., he will entertain audiences with ghostly tales at the campground amphitheater. Brown has been storytelling for more almost 25 years and is a co-founder and current co-president of the Mid-Missouri Organization for Storytelling. Campers are invited to decorate their campsite for a campsite decorating contest. Visitors may bring a decorated or carved pumpkin for a best decorated pumpkin contest. This free special event coincides with Trenton’s annual Missouri Day Festival and Band Day. Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton off Highway 6. For more information, call the park directly at 660-359-6473 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=341 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:30:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 --Experience the splendor and fun of fall at the second annual Fall Harvest Festival on Oct. 15 at Washington State Park near De Soto. This event will include a craft fair and an open house for public input followed by a free concert. All events are free and everyone is invited to attend. The event will begin with a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. sponsored by local Missouri artisans, crafters and hobbyists at the Big River day-use shelter. Homemade food and crafts will be available for purchase. Many artisans will demonstrate their crafts as well, providing a glimpse into some very interesting hobbies. A pumpkin painting contest, a free hayride, live folk music and other activities will also be available in the Big River day-use area. The park's annual open house will also occur during this time. Meet with park staff on a one-on-one basis to learn more about what is new and coming in the future at Washington State Park. Suggestions for future projects are encouraged. The Fall Harvest Festival continues with a live music concert by "Wildheart" at the campground amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. This concert is funded by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and has an entertaining message about nature and the environment for people of all ages. Those attending the evening concert are requested to park at the swimming pool parking lot and take advantage of the free shuttle service. Parking in the campground is very limited and is reserved for camp guests only. The shuttle service will be provided throughout the evening. More information is available by contacting the park office at 636-586-5768. Group, tent and electric camping sites are available at the park. Camping reservations may be made through mostateparks.com or the reservation hotline (877-422-6766). Washington State Park is located 10 miles south of De Soto on State Hwy. 21. People requiring services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-586-5768 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=340 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:49:18 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 4, 2011 – Mountain bikers and hikers will have another reason to visit Finger Lakes State Park near Columbia, thanks to a new trail opening at the park. A ribbon- cutting ceremony to open the Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at the trailhead in the park's day-use area. The public is invited to the ceremony and everyone is encouraged to bring their mountain bikes and be among some of the first cyclists to try out the new trail. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by the park's public information meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. in the day-use picnic area. The 2.75-mile loop trail, open to mountain bikers and hikers, is located in the wooded hills along the Kelley Branch stream, an area closed to off-road vehicle traffic. The park is best known for the reclaimed strip mined areas popular with off-road vehicle riders, but this portion of the park is very scenic and rugged. Trail users will experience wooded landscapes, small hills and bottomland areas as well as passing by a small waterfall and the site of an old mining bridge. Wildlife such as deer and beaver are often spotted in the woods and near the stream. "Mountain bikers and hikers will experience a new and different side of Finger Lakes State Park when they use this great new trail in a very scenic area. We are always trying to expand our recreational opportunities and this trail is a good example of the variety our state parks provide," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The trail was built by park staff and members of the State Parks Youth Corps, a summer jobs program initiated by Gov. Jay Nixon. The Osage Region Trail Association, a local mountain bike club, assisted in the layout and construction of the trail. At the public informational meeting, staff will highlight recent accomplishments at the park, including progress on the Recreational Trails Program grants awarded to the park. Input on ideas for future projects and plans for the park will be discussed. Trail volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up to attend a trail work day. The informational effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Finger Lakes State Park is located seven miles north of Columbia off U.S. Highway 63. The 1,128-acre park is well known for its areas open to all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. The park also includes a campground and several lakes for swimming and fishing. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the informational meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-443-5315 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=339 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:51:16 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 4, 2011 -- Experience history as it unfolds at the 27th annual Nathan Boone Homestead Days Festival Oct. 15-16 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. This living history festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the event is free and the public is invited to attend. The Homestead Days Festival, which began in 1984 as the Nathan Boone Rendezvous, will include demonstrations of early agriculture in the Ozarks and 19th century crafts. Historical interpreters will tell stories of Nathan, the youngest son of Daniel Boone, and his family and their settlement in the Missouri Ozarks and the American frontier. Living history camps of mountain men and soldiers will represent Col. Nathan Boone's work as a hunter, soldier, farmer, politician, explorer, surveyor, businessman, spy and scout. Children can enjoy a variety of games and activities and the entire family can enjoy frontier music and food and refreshments provided by onsite vendors. In conjunction with Homestead Days on Saturday, Oct.15, organizations in Ash Grove will offer tours of other historic sites of interest and fun-filled activities that continue the area’s history through the 1930s, celebrating 100 years of Ash Grove history. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on Highway V. The historic site preserves the last home and resting place of Col. Nathan Boone. For more information about this event, contact the historic site at 417-751-3266. For additional information about state parks and historic sites, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=338 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:52:18 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 4, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has identified 26 public drinking water systems in Missouri that have chronically failed to complete drinking water testing required by the state drinking water law to ensure a safe water supply. The department classifies a drinking water system as a chronic violator when a system has three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period. Routine testing by a drinking water system is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply. The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. The vast majority of community and non- community public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. This current list of 26 systems represents less than one percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri. Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water. To view more details on the violators listed, visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/index.html. County -- Public Drinking Water System • Barry -- Camp Barnabas. • Benton -- Hidden Valley Mobile Home Park, Last Chance Restaurant and Lounge, Sun Valley Subdivision, TT Campground. • Camden -- Kelly’s Landing, Quarter Barrel Bar and Grill. • Dallas -- Fraternal Order of Eagles 4010, Ho Humm Campground. • Jasper -- Coachlight RV Park. • Laclede -- Mountain Creek Campground. • Maries -- Moreland’s Catfish Patch and Steak House. • Miller -- Construction Site Bar and Grill. • Morgan -- Creekside RV Park, Gravois Cree Mee, Indian Rock Golf Club and Estates. • Newton -- Believers Faith Fellowship. • Perry -- Bill’s Place. • St. Clair -- Kappaws Kids. • Stone -- Cedar Haven Resort, Sportsman’s One Stop. • Taney -- East Fork Subdivision, GDM Investment Project, Taney County Memorial Post 5168. • Washington -- Fourche Valley Golf Club. • Wright -- Manes Café. These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make onsite inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels. For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=337 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:56:44 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT 30, 2011 – On Oct. 8, visitors will have two opportunities to explore the wonders of nature at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg. During the day, they can enjoy Nature's Canvas and Recycled Art in the Park, and in the evening they can take a historical tour of Onondaga Cave. Nature’s Canvas and Recycled Art in the Park, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is co-sponsored by Onondaga Cave State Park and the Onondaga Friends Association. The free event will feature local artists and groups that use nature as part of their art. Activities include instruction in designing art from material found in nature, from recycled materials and from other found-object art. Children will be encouraged to work with items from the recycle bin, creating their own piece of green art. Any artist, art group or club who might be interested is encouraged to participate. Hands-on experiences and demonstrations with children and visitors are highly encouraged. Artisans will be encouraged to set up in the parking area and work on a piece while visiting with guests about their work. Artists will also be allowed to display work available for sale. Call the park for more information about participating in this event. At 7 p.m. that evening, visitors can take a historical lantern tour of Onondaga Cave. This theatrical tour, co-sponsored by the Onondaga Friends Association, will be enhanced with characters from Onondaga Cave's past as they highlight the history of the cave. The theatrical tour will last approximately two hours. Space for the tour is limited and advance reservations are required. A fee of $22 for adults and $12 for children 11 to 14 will apply. While small children are welcome, this tour is designed for an adult audience. Proceeds will be used by the Onondaga Friends Association to enhance interpretive services at the park. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=336 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:56:25 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 30, 2011 - Enjoy an evening under the stars Saturday, Oct. 8 to celebrate the International Observe the Moon Night at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park at Wildwood. The free event, featuring the St. Louis Astronomical Society, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a virtual tour of Earth’s orbit in the visitor center. At 7 p.m., the celebration will move outside where SLAS members will have telescopes available for viewing the moon, Jupiter and its moons, double stars, clusters and galaxies. Bring your binoculars, lawn chairs, blankets and flashlights. Fun crafts and door prize drawings will occur throughout the evening at the visitor center so everyone can warm up before claiming the door prizes. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. For more information, call the park directly at 636-458-3813 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=335 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 30, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Oct. 8 at Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville and Poplar Bluff. The open house will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Asher Creek Campground and is open to the public. The recent flood events, the parks recovery and future plans for the park will be highlighted during the open house. Visitors are invited to share comments regarding Lake Wappapello State Park’s services and operations. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. This open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Lake Wappapello State Park is located on Highway 172, eight miles east of Highway 67. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Lake Wappapello State Park at 573-297-3232, or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Hearing Impaired). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=334 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:28:33 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 30, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas about Katy Trail State Park to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Katy Trail depot in Hartsburg. The meeting, which is from 9 a.m. to noon, will be held in conjunction with the annual Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival. The informational meeting will address issues related to Katy Trail State Park with an emphasis on the section from Portland to the Missouri River at Boonville. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on facilities and services in state parks and historic sites. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling Jim Gast, park superintendent at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=333 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:28:04 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 30, 2011 – Horseback riders can enjoy even more of Katy Trail State Park, thanks to a partnership with Missouri State Parks, the Henry County Agricultural and Mechanical Society and the city of Clinton. An event to celebrate the extension of the equestrian section of the trail into Clinton will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Clinton trailhead of Katy Trail. In the past, equestrian users were able to ride on the Katy Trail from the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia to the Calhoun trailhead, located approximately 25 miles to the west in Henry County. With the partnership, equestrian users are able to ride nearly 35 miles from the fairgrounds all the way to the trail’s end at Clinton. The Henry County Agricultural and Mechanical Society has agreed to offer horse trailer parking and camping at the Henry County Fairgrounds while the city of Clinton has provided a crosswalk from the fairgrounds across Price Lane to a short trail spur in Wagoner Park. The spur links to the Katy Trail at the Clinton trailhead. "Our goal is to provide a quality recreational experience for all our users. We are pleased that we can offer additional miles for horseback riding and we appreciate the partnership that has made this possible," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. On Oct. 8, horseback riders are encouraged to bring their horses for an informal trail ride after the 10 a.m. event. The Clinton trailhead is located off of Hwy. 52 on the northeast side of the Clinton in Henry County. Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile rail-trail conversion built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. The trail stretches across the state from St. Charles in the east to Clinton in the west and is open to hikers and bicyclists for the entire length. For more information about the event, contact the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=332 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:10:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 30, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Burfordville. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the site will be highlighted during the informal meeting, including the contributions by the State Parks Youth Corps. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments regarding site operations and facilities. These informational meetings are part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services and facilities offered in state parks and historic sites. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located in Burfordville in Cape Girardeau County on Highway HH. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site at 573-243-4591 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=331 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:09:36 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 30, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Table Rock State Park near Branson. The informational meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the park's shelter house. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. An update on the White River Valley Trail as well as repairs to the picnic area and Table Rock Lakeshore trail will be discussed. Visitors are invited to share comments on Table Rock State Park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Table Rock State Park is located six-miles west of the Hollister exit on Taney County 165. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Table Rock State Park at 417-334-4704 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=330 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:34:25 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 30, 2011 – The Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the cleanup of an undetermined amount of wastewater released to a Rolla stream after a blocked sewer main resulted in a sewer overflow. Rolla city officials reported the wastewater release to the department Thursday afternoon. The release occurred from a manhole located north of the intersection of McCutchen Drive and Old St. James Road. An inspector from the department’s satellite office in Rolla found evidence of sewage along a one-half mile section of Burgher Branch, which is a creek that is typically dry except during wet weather. City crews cleared the obstruction in the sewer and stopped the overflow Thursday afternoon. The amount of wastewater released and the length of time the overflow occurred is unknown. Crews have also dammed the creek and are using vacuum trucks to clean up identified pools of wastewater. Areas affected around the manhole have been disinfected with lime. The Department of Natural Resources will use the investigator’s findings plus the city’s incident report to determine what enforcement action will be taken in the case. The department considers discharges of wastewater from sanitary sewer collection systems to be potential threats to public health and the environment. Such discharges have the potential to contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems. Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by mechanical failure, obstructions in sewer lines, infiltration of rainwater and snow melt into aging systems, or undersized systems that cannot compensate for sudden increases in wastewater. To report an environmental emergency, including after-hour sewage overflows, please contact the DNR spill line at 573-634-2436. To report sewage overflows during regular business hours, contact the nearest regional office. A list of regional offices, their contact information and service areas is available online: http://dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=329 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:36:41 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 27, 2011 -- Bring the entire family to enjoy the wonders of fall in the outdoors at the Family Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 8 at Weston Bend State Park near Weston. The festival, from 1 to 5 p.m., will be held on the grounds near the park's open shelter. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include old-time blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking, cider pressing, fall games, pumpkin decorating, nature crafts and activities. At 2 p.m., the World Bird Sanctuary will present a program with live raptors such as hawks and eagles. Weston Bend State Park is located at 16600 Hwy. 45 North near Weston in Platte County. For more information, call the park office at 816-640-5443 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=328 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:37:06 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 27, 2011 – Three miles of McAdoo Equestrian Trail at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster will reopen Oct. 1 to horseback riders and hikers. The new trailhead, located near the entrance to Camp Bobwhite off of Hwy. DD, and 1.5 miles of trail on either side of the trailhead will be open for use. The seven-mile trail had been closed temporarily to allow staff to repair or reroute areas of the trail damaged by erosion, and to relocate the trailhead to an area less prone to flooding and less impacted by traffic from Hwy. DD. Additionally, the trail was closed as a precaution because a portion of the trail was located near private property where unexploded ordnances associated with the former Sedalia Army Airfield Rifle Range were discovered. Repairs to approximately three miles of trail as well as construction of the new trailhead, which includes potable water and expanded horse trailer parking, were funded through an $87,000 grant from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Park staff will continue to make repairs to the remaining four miles. The park has applied for an additional Recreational Trails Program grant to assist with funding for trail materials. Because the original trailhead has been relocated and a section of trail located near the area of unexploded ordnances has been closed, the original trailhead and the six-site equestrian campground off of Hwy. 23 have been closed as well. Repairs to the entire seven-mile trail system are anticipated to be completed by fall 2012. Knob Noster State Park is located on Hwy. 23, just south of Hwy. 50 and north of Whiteman Air Force Base. For more information about McAdoo Trail or the park, contact the Knob Noster State Park office at 660-563-2463 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=327 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:43:12 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT., 26, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Oct. 1 at Robertsville State Park near Robertsville. The meeting will be from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. in Shelter A at the park. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Robertsville State Park's services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Robertsville State Park is located seven miles southwest of Pacific off Hwy 0. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Robertsville State Park at 636-257-3788 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=326 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:42:47 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 26, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, Oct. 1 for Mark Twain State Park and Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site near Stoutsville. The open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mark Twain Birthplace Memorial Shrine museum. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. Refreshments will be provided. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. The Mark Twain Birthplace Memorial Shrine is located off of Highway U near Florida. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 573-565-3440 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=325 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:28:19 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 26, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Cuivre River State Park near Troy. The meeting will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the park’s visitor center. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Cuivre River State Park is located three miles east of Troy on Highway 47. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-528-7247 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=324 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:24:49 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 26, 2011 -- Discover the beauty of fall in the Missouri River hills forest Saturday mornings this October at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. Each week, hikers will experience a different trail with hikes departing from the scheduled trail’s trailhead at 9 a.m. Most hikes will take approximately one and one-half hours, will be two miles or less and are free and open to the public. Schedule: Oct. 1 - Hawthorn Trail Oct. 8 - Virginia Day Trail Oct. 15 - Woodbine Trail Oct. 22 - Paved Bike Trail Oct. 29 - Dogwood Trail The mornings will be spent enjoying nature by viewing numerous birds, mushrooms and wildlife, and discussing the processes that create Missouri’s colorful fall foliage. Bring your binoculars, cameras and sense of adventure for these fun-filled mornings on Babler State Park’s hiking trails. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. For more information, call the park directly at 636-458-3813 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=323 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:16:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 26, 2011 -- The public is invited to an informational meeting Friday, Sept. 30, to discuss issues related to Wakonda State Park near La Grange. The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the park's beach house. Representatives from the park will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the current status of the park. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its services. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services and facilities provided in state parks and historic sites. People requiring special accommodations or services to attend the meeting can call at the park at 573-655-2280 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=322 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:41:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo., Sept. 23, 2011 -- A partnership that pairs up a community college career-training program with the award-winning Missouri State Parks system will rebuild a historic dining lodge at one of the state’s most popular parks, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. Department Director Sara Parker Pauley led a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for the new Camp Pin Oak dining lodge at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. A fire last September destroyed the original historic dining lodge that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Representatives from State Fair Community College and the Missouri Department of Economic Development also attended the ceremony. The dining lodge is being rebuilt through a partnership between State Fair Community College in Sedalia and the department’s Division of State Parks. State Fair Community College (SFCC) is headquartered in Sedalia and has campuses in six other locations in central and western Missouri, including the Lake of the Ozarks. Students enrolled in the construction trades program at SFCC will rebuild the lodge as a yearlong training and education project. “The beauty of Camp Pin Oak, with its stone buildings, rustic architecture and sturdy craftsmanship make it a one-of-a-kind place,” Gov. Nixon said. “When the historic dining lodge burned last year, Camp Pin Oak lost a piece of its past. Today, we’re proud to announce that it won’t have to lose a piece of its future. The new lodge will continue the legacy of Camp Pin Oak as a place for recreation, celebration and learning, for many, many generations to come.” “State Fair Community College looks forward to this opportunity to partner with the state to rebuild Camp Pin Oak's dining lodge,” said Dr. Marsha Drennon, SFCC president. “It's a win-win situation. Our students will learn the construction trade in a hands-on environment and help restore a part of Missouri's rich state park history.” The Civilian Conservation Corps built Camp Pin Oak between 1934 and 1938, and the lodge served as the hub of the group camp activities for generations of youth groups. The dining lodge was considered one of the finest examples of CCC buildings in the state park system because of its rustic architecture and craftsmanship. “It is very fitting that the new lodge be built by students who are gaining new skills and experience, just as many of the CCC workers did when they built the original lodge in the 1930s,” said DNR Director Sara Parker Pauley. Director Pauley said she expects the new lodge to continue to serve future generations of youth groups. The new dining lodge will fit within the historical context of the CCC-era camp, while using modern energy-efficient building materials and amenities to serve the needs of today's group camp users. The new dining lodge will have indoor seating for 135 people, a bigger kitchen with modern appliances, and a new outdoor patio. Construction is expected to take approximately one year to complete. Funding for materials, equipment and training to rebuild the camp will come from a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant authorized by the Department of Economic Development. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=321 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 22, 2011 - Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Director Sara Parker Pauley will be at Lake of the Ozarks State Park on Friday, Sept. 23, to lead the groundbreaking for the rebuild of the historic Camp Pin Oak dining lodge, destroyed by fire last September. Students in the job-training program at State Fair Community College will play a vital role in the rebuilding of the historic structure that burnt down last September. Director Pauley will be joined by representatives from State Fair Community College and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Friday, Sept. 23 WHO: Director Sara Parker Pauley and officials from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; State Fair Community College officials and Missouri Department of Economic Development officials WHAT: Groundbreaking ceremony for rebuilding the Camp Pin Oak dining lodge WHEN: 11 a.m. WHERE: Camp Pin Oak, Lake of the Ozarks State Park * To reach the ceremony at Camp Pin Oak, follow Highway 42 in Miller County to the entrance of Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Take Highway 134 about one mile to Whispering Oaks Road and follow the signs to the outdoor group camp area and Camp Pin Oak. For planning purposes, please email Renee.Bungart@dnr.mo.gov if you intend to cover this event. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=320 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 22, 2011 – The Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the cleanup from the estimated release of 400,000 gallons of wastewater into a Boonville stream. Boonville city officials discovered the release of wastewater from manholes near Lift Station #2, located on Water Street, east of the intersection of Water and Bell streets, Wednesday afternoon. City officials noticed the flow to the wastewater treatment plant was significantly lower than normal. Based on the amount of wastewater received at the treatment plant during that time, officials believe that an estimated 400,000 gallons flowed from the lift station into Rames Branch. The bypass was believed to be caused by an electrical system failure at the lift station. The department dispatched an investigator to the site of the release to determine the extent of the release and gauge any environmental damage. In addition to sampling the water, the investigator discovered a fish kill in Rames Branch approximately 250 yards from the Missouri River. The bypass appeared to affect Rames Branch from the Missouri River back to Morgan Street, south of Water Street. The Missouri Department of Conservation has been called in to document the extent of the fish kill. The Department of Natural Resources will use the investigator’s findings plus the city’s incident report to determine what enforcement action will be taken in the case. City crews have begun a cleanup by placing lime in the ground in the affected areas around manholes that were believed to have overflowed because of the lift station failure. The city posted warning signs and planned to post more as cleanup continued. It was also recommended that the creek be pumped in the affected area to remove the wastewater. The department is sending an investigator to the site this afternoon to follow up on cleanup. The department considers discharges of wastewater from sanitary sewer collection systems to be potential threats to public health and the environment. Such discharges have the potential to contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems. Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by mechanical failure, obstructions in sewer lines, infiltration of rainwater and snow melt into aging systems, or undersized systems that cannot compensate for sudden increases in wastewater. To report an environmental emergency, including after-hour sewage overflows, please contact the DNR spill line at 573-634-2436. To report sewage overflows during regular business hours, contact the nearest regional office. A list of regional offices, their contact information and service areas is available online: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=319 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Sept. 21, 2011 -- Eating breakfast in the great outdoors always makes food taste better and Missouri State Parks is giving campers a great breakfast on Sept. 24. With Bed and Breakfast in Missouri State Parks, those who camp Friday evening Sept. 23 in 11 selected state parks will receive a free breakfast on Saturday morning, Sept. 24. State parks participating in the free breakfast promotion include Crowder State Park near Trenton; Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster; Lake Wappapello State Park north of Poplar Bluff; Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg; Robertsville State Park near Robertsville; Stockton State Park near Stockton; Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville; Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson; Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw; Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville; and Wakonda State Park near La Grange. Breakfasts will vary from park to park but will include such favorites as biscuits and gravy, pancakes and sausages, French toast, Dutch oven egg casseroles, doughnuts, fruit, coffee and juice. Times will vary between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and locations will range from the campground amphitheater to the dining lodge. The breakfasts will be offered free of charge to registered campers. Lodging guests at Stockton, Thousand Hills and Mark Twain state parks also are invited to participate in the breakfasts. More details will be posted in the individual parks and campgrounds or may be found at mostateparks.com. For more information, call the individual parks or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=318 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:15:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 19, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is waiving or extending previous waivers of specific solid waste and air pollution regulations related to the cleanup of communities affected by flooding and severe weather that hit sections of the state this spring and summer. Department of Natural Resources’ Director Sara Parker Pauley issued a waiver Friday outlining the allowed handling of vegetative and appliance waste in 10 Missouri River counties affected by flooding that began June 1. The new waiver affects cleanup in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Cooper, Holt, Lafayette, Platte, Ray and Saline counties. Director Pauley also extended similar waivers previously granted to counties affected by spring flooding across southern Missouri and severe storm damage including damage done by the Joplin and Sedalia tornadoes. All of the waivers granted or extended on Friday will be in effect until Dec. 15. Copies of the waivers, including specific regulations being waived, fact sheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information are available on the department’s natural disaster resources web page: http://dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm. Specific questions concerning storm cleanup should be addressed to the appropriate Department of Natural Resources regional office. Service areas and contact information for each of the department’s five regional offices is available online: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=317 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:10:22 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 16, 2011 -- Celebrate Missouri's cultural history with an Artifact Road Show Sept. 25 and a special exhibit throughout September at Van Meter State Park near Miami. The free event, part of the effort to recognizing September as Missouri Archaeology Month, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center located in the park. Do you have artifacts or other archaeological objects that you want to learn more about or discover their history? Members of the Sedalia-West Central Chapter of the Missouri Archaeological Society will be on hand to help identify your objects. Pieces of collections from Archaeology Society members will be on display. Buying and selling of artifacts is not permitted. Throughout September, visitors will have an opportunity to see the Cody Complex exhibit. The Cody Complex people existed 10,500 to 8,000 years ago. By identifying some of the points and knives the Cody Complex are associated with, historians know they were present along and south of the Missouri River in central Missouri. Tom Hartline, president of the Sedalia-West Central Chapter of the Missouri Archaeological Society, has compiled a collection of authentic examples of the six different types of Cody Complex artifacts from Missouri. From May through September, Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Monday and Tuesday. Van Meter state Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122. For more information, call the park at 660-886-7537 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=316 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:01:41 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 16, 2011 - In celebration of Missouri Archaeology Month, admission to the Mastodon State Historic Site’s museum in Imperial will be free to everyone on Sept. 24-25. In addition, on Saturday, Sept. 24, volunteers from the Missouri Archaeological Society-Three Rivers Chapter and other artisans will demonstrate skills of prehistoric Native Americans to the public. The activities on Saturday will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the museum grounds. Prehistoric Native Americans used stone as well as plant and animal materials to manufacture tools, produce clothing and shelter, and create rock art. During the event, these skills will be demonstration to the public. Visitors are invited to throw spears using an atlatl at a target. Children may paint rocks with Native American designs and crush corn or crack walnuts with grinding stones. Local artifact collections will be displayed and avocational and professional archaeologists will identify artifacts brought in by visitors. Guided tours to the former excavation site will be offered throughout the day Saturday. In addition, the Museum Annex will be open for everyone to enjoy the special exhibit and hands-on activities. Mastodon State Historic Site is located 20 miles south of St. Louis on Interstate 55 in Imperial. The interstate is marked with signs to the historic site. For more information, call the historic site at 636-464-2976 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=315 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:57:03 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 16, 2011 - Take advantage of a colorful fall day and scenic surroundings to get out and play in nature at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood on Sept. 24. Fun activities will be available for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park's River Hills Visitor Center. These activities, which are free and open to the public, will include making nature bandanas and kites, scavenger hikes, orienteering and mini-habitat exploration. After completing the activities at the park, take home a list of other fun-filled nature activities you can do with your family in Missouri’s state parks. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. For more information, call the park at 636-458-3813 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=314 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:35:49 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 15, 2011 – Discover the joys of nature at a Fall Outdoor Discovery Day from noon until 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at Crowder State Park near Trenton. The beach parking lot will be the site for this free special event, which coincides with National Take A Child Outside Week. During the event, participants of all ages can enjoy nature displays, face painting, nature crafts and outdoor recreation demonstrations such as Dutch oven cooking, archery and fishing. The event is also a great place to watch the annual mountain bike endurance race. A special treat will be the concert by the musical group Wildheart at noon and 2 p.m. Jan and George Syrigos, both Emmy award-winning educators and entertainers, will capture young audiences with a strong science message exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history. This concert is made possible by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and from local donations. The Emmy Award Winning educators and entertainers, Jan and George Syrigos make up the musical group WildHeart. This duo captures young audiences with a strong science message exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history. This concert is made possible by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and from local donations. For more information about Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com. The day of outdoor fun and discovery will be a great time to explore Crowder State Park and take your own Children in Nature Challenge. Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton off Highway 6. For more information about the event, call the park directly at 660-359-6473 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=313 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:28:14 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 15, 2011 -- Learn about early farm life in Missouri during the "Down on the Farm" educational program Thursday, Sept. 22 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The program, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, is targeted for students ages 6 to 12, and is ideal for homeschool families. The program is open to the public but advance registration is required. During the “Down on the Farm” program, students will learn more about Nathan Boone’s farm and about other settlers to the early Ozarks. Special activities will give participants a chance to settle and run their own farm, furnish the Boone home and participate in a living history demonstration. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. The historic site includes Boone’s 1837 log house, the Boone family cemetery and the African-American cemetery. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove, on State Highway V. Anyone interested in attending these upcoming programs is asked to register with the historic site at least one week in advance, by calling 417-751-3266. Tour fees will apply for this program. Call the historic site for a schedule of fees. For more information, contact the historic site at 417-751-3266 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=312 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:10:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., SEPT. 15, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Thursday, Sept. 22, at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. The open house will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the park's visitor center and the public is invited. Discussions will be held on current and anticipated construction projects and operational efficiencies. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. The open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services and facilities in Missouri state parks and historic sites. Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-856-4411 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=310 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:11:19 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 9, 2011 -- The role of food in the 19th century Ozarks will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 17 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site. Whether it was sold at market or consumed on the farm, food affected every part of daily life for farmers in southwest Missouri. “Homestead Harvest” will feature demonstrations of historic methods for preparing and storing food. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public. In the morning, the event will feature period cooking demonstrations and programs that highlight the unique cuisine of the Ozarks. In the afternoon, interpreters will demonstrate and discuss how farmers stored fruits and vegetables for the winter. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site, which preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone, was originally part of Boone’s expansive farm. Boone owned more than 700 acres and raised a wide variety of animals and crops. Today, the historic site features a vegetable garden, cornfield and orchard that are representative of early farming in the Ozarks. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of historic Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information about the event, contact the historic site at 417-751-3266 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=309 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:53:30 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT.9, 2011 -- Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its visitor center and September as Archaeology Month with special programs on Saturday, Sept. 17. The ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. in the site's visitor center. During the ceremony, remarks will be provided by Jim Mathewson, who served as state Senator when the visitor center was built, and Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Refreshments will be provided. At 11 a.m. Michael Dickey, Arrow Rock State Historic Site administrator, will present a program on Missouria American Indians. Missouria is translated to "People of the River Mouth" and both the state and the Missouri River were named after them. Dickey, who wrote the book The People of the River's Mouth: In Search of the Missouria Indians, will be available to sign copies of the book after the presentation. The visitor center at Arrow Rock, which opened in September 1991, showcases exhibits and artifacts of the village of Arrow Rock and the region historically known as the Boonslick Country. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock. For more information about the site or the program, call the site directly at 660-837-3330 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=308 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:54:13 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 9, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Sept. 17, to discuss issues related to Wallace State Park near Cameron. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the open shelter house and is open to the public. Discussion will center on the general operations of the park, including the campground reservation system. Park staff will be present to provide information about the park and to answer questions. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. The meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services and facilities in state parks and historic sites. Wallace State Park is located six miles south of Cameron. Take Highway 69 South to Highway 121 in Clinton County; exit 48 off Interstate 35. People requiring special accommodations or services to attend the meeting can call the park at 816-632-3745 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=307 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:01:19 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 8, 2011 – The sampling of 13 coves on the western end of the Lake of the Ozark Tuesday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health. All of the coves sampled Tuesday will be tested for a final time this year in October. The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches. E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains. These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal. For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness. The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam. A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=305 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:38:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 8, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Sept. 16 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Thousand Hills State Park Point Shelter House and is open to the public. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. The open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on facilities and services provided in state parks and historic sites. Thousand Hills State Park is located at the end of Highway 157 near Kirksville. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 660-665-6995 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=304 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:50:26 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM Jefferson City, MO., SEPT. 8, 2011- Join staff of the Missouri State Museum in the state Capitol each Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a continuing series of interactive programs exploring various aspects of Missouri’s cultural and natural history. The “Wednesdays @ 1” programs continue through September and October. Although the main audience is children age 6-12 years, the programs will appeal to all ages. · Sept. 14- Birds of prey Totally different from songbirds, hawks and owls have the tools to be natural hunters. · Sept. 21- Meet a Frontiersman Discover how a “real” frontiersman lived using the resources he found around him. · Sept. 28 - Drums of the Civil War There are many stories about the young drummer boys of the Civil War but the real story is the drum itself. · Oct. 5 - Bear Aware Black bears are a historic part of Missouri’s landscape with healthy populations of bears in some of the state’s wild areas. Should we really fear them? · Oct. 12 - Songs of the Civil War Songs and music were very important to Civil War soldiers. Learn some new songs and how to play some musical instruments of the time. · Oct. 19 - Bats of Missouri Myths and stories surround bats but the truth about these tiny mammals can be even stranger! · Oct. 26- Fossils Find out about fossils and how they can be identified. The Missouri State Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside the Missouri State Capitol at 201 W. Capitol Avenue. Programs will take place in the Education Room of the History Hall on the first floor. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=303 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:51:32 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 8, 2011 -- Exhibits, presentations and free museum admission will highlight the Old Mine Open House Saturday, Sept. 17 , at Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills. The open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Retired Lead Belt miners, millmen and other lead-company workers will be honored guests and be on hand to answer questions and describe what it was like to work in the lead mines many years ago. Included in the open house will be a special collection of old miners’ lamps, some dating back to the late 18th century. Local mining artifacts, photographs and paper items recently acquired by the historic site will also be displayed. Admission to the site and its mining and mineral museum will be free during the open house. The site’s museum contains exhibits on geology and mineral resources, and pieces of restored underground mining equipment. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located in Park Hills on the south side of Highway 32 at the Flat River Drive overpass. For more information, contact the site at 573-431-6226 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=302 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:48:28 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house and information meeting Sept. 11 at Meramec State Park near Sullivan. The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the visitor center and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the open house. Visitors are invited to share comments on Meramec State Park's services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Meramec State Park is located three miles south of Sullivan off Hwy 185 South. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Meramec State Park at 573-468-6072 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=301 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:40:21 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Weston Bend State Park near Weston. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the open shelter. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to ensure public has input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Weston Bend State Park is located off of Highway 45 near Weston. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 816-640-5443 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=300 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:40:48 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- Celebrate Archaeology Month at Archaeology Day Saturday, Sept. 10 at Graham Cave State Park near Dadeville. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Gather at Graham Cave to travel back in time through history. Learn about Missouri fur-bearing mammals and see the pelts on display. Participate in events such as spear throwing and nut grinding. You can watch as a professional flintknapper creates points and arrowheads. Descendents of the Graham family will speak about the history of the park and representatives from the University of Missouri's Museum of Anthropology will bring artifacts uncovered during the 1949-1955 excavations at Graham Cave. Graham Cave, which is a designated National Historic Landmark, was once used as a shelter for inhabitants more than 10,000 years ago. Graham Cave State Park is located two miles west of Danville off Interstate 70 (Exit 170) on Highway TT. For more information, call the park directly at 573-564-3476 or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=299 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:41:27 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Sept. 10 at Stockton State Park near Dadeville. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the Nyblad Amphitheater, which is located in the east loop of the park’s campground. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during this informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operation. This public meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Stockton State Park is located south of Stockton on Highway 215 in Cedar County. Parking for the amphitheater is located at the campground's showerhouse. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-276-4259 or by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=298 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:45:14 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., Aug. 31, 2011 – The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site was closed today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the Department of Natural Resources’ standard for state park beaches. The beach at Watkins Woolen Mill is scheduled to close Sept. 6, which is the end of the recreational season. Therefore, no additional water samples will be collected from the beach and it will remain closed for the season. All other facilities at the park, with the exception of Fox Hunt Picnic Area, are open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water related to flooding on the Missouri River. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=297 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:11:18 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 30, 2011 -- In May, Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County were covered with 12 to 16 feet of water and sand following the intentional breach of the Birds Point Levee along the Mississippi River. On Sept. 2, these important natural and cultural resources in the Missouri state park system will reopen to the public. Two events in September will provide special opportunities to revisit these areas. "Our staff monitored these two facilities throughout the summer to determine the impact of the breach. We are pleased to be able to reopen these areas to the public while we continue to make repairs to our facilities," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. At Big Oak Tree State Park, the areas open for visitor use include the main picnic area and the boardwalk, which takes visitors into the heart of the vast swamp forest. Other portions of the park remain closed while assessment continues on the impact from the flooding. All of Towosahgy State Historic Site will reopen to the public. Visitors will have a chance to celebrate the reopening of Big Oak Tree State Park during its annual Living History Day event Sept. 10. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's main day-use area. The event will feature demonstrations of old-time skills such as spinning, trapping, flintknapping and making canvas floor cloths. "Bluegrass Revival" and the "Shoestring Band" will provide music throughout the day and barbecue and funnel cakes will be available for purchase. The Southeast Explorer, a mobile teaching and learning center from Southeast Missouri State University, will be available with exhibits about the history of southeast Missouri. The center features activities for grades three through six so the event will provide something for the entire family and all age groups. On Sept. 24, the rural location of Towosahgy State Historic Site will provide the perfect setting for an evening event showcasing the night sky. The site preserves the remains of a once-fortified Indian village of the Mississippian Culture between 1000 A.D. and 1400 A.D. Join staff on top of the temple mound to view the blanket of stars from the same vantage point as Native Americans did more than 1,000 years ago. The event will include Native American stories of the night and tales of the constellations. This free event will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. "Visitors at these two sites will notice some changes and areas that will need improvements. We can continue to make these improvements while our visitors take advantage of the great fall weather to revisit two outstanding resources in southeast Missouri," Bryan said Big Oak Tree State Park is located 15 miles south of East Prairie on Highway 102. Towosahgy State Historic Site is located approximately 15 miles southeast of East Prairie on County Road 502. To reach the site, take State Highway 77 south toward Dorena and turn west on County Road 502. For more information on these events, call Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573-748-5340. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=296 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:43:56 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 30, 2011 -- Step back into the 19th century at the Folk Festival Monday, Sept. 5, at Boone's Lick State Historic Site near Boonesboro. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks and the Boonslick Area Tourism Council, the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. A variety of historic crafters will give demonstrations of 19th century crafts associated with the life and times of settlers in the Boonslick area. There will be musicians playing music of the period and tours around the salt springs to explain the importance of salt mining in the early area economy. Boone's Lick, the site of an early 19th century salt manufacturing industry, lies in the valley of Salt Creek in southwestern Howard County. At this location, several saline springs seep to the surface. Animals such as deer, elk and bison would gather at the springs and literally "lick" the ground to obtain the salt. In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reported many salt springs in the area now comprised of Howard, Saline and Cooper counties. Nathan and Daniel Morgan Boone, sons of famed frontiersman Daniel Boone, began manufacturing salt here in 1805. In pioneer times, salt was indispensable for preserving meat and tanning animal hides. The region around this salt lick was ideal for settlement and by 1810, it had acquired the name of "Boonslick Country" a designation that remained popular up through the Civil War years. In addition to sources of much needed salt, there was an abundance of timber with wild game, fertile river bottoms for farming and the Missouri River serving as a water highway for commerce. For many years, the "Boonslick Country" was a primary destination of settlers moving west. Boone's Lick State Historic Site is located on Highway 187 near Boonesboro in Howard County. For more information about the Folk Festival, contact Boonslick Area Tourism Council event coordinator Connie Shay at 660-248-2011, Arrow Rock State Historic Site at 660-837-3330 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=295 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:15:49 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 29, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Trail of Tears State park near Jackson. The informational meeting will be begin at 3 p.m. at the visitor center and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park's services and operations. Recent improvements at the park include repairs to the road leading into the Mississippi River campground and renovations to Lake Boutin’s beach that made it possible to reopen. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Trail of Tears State is located is located 10 miles east of Fruitland, off Highway 61 North on Highway 177. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Trail of Tears State Park directly at 573-290-5268 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=294 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:15:11 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 29, 2011 - As the tallgrass prairie transitions from summer to fall, it is ablaze with color. On Sept. 3, experience this color explosion on a wildflower walk at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. The 1.6-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. at the park's nature center and will last approximately two hours. The park naturalist will lead the hike as you walk among the tall grasses and colorful fall flowers to learn more about the prairie ecosystem. Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants, sturdy shoes and insect repellent are recommended. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. For more details, call Prairie State Park at 417-843-6711 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=293 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:49:47 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 25, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Pershing State Park near Laclede. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater at the campground. Accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Pershing State Park is located 18 miles east of Chillicothe or seven miles west of Brookfield on Highway 36 in Linn County. The park's campground is located approximately one mile south of Highway 36 on Missouri Route 130. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park office at 660-963-2299 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=292 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:34:09 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo, Aug. 25, 2011 - The Missouri State Museum invites you to see the museum from a new perspective, with a behind-the-scenes tour into the collections and operations of the facility. Tours will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and Oct. 20 at the new Riversides Collection Facility at 117 N. Riverside Drive. The series of "It's Your History" tours, which are free and require no reservation, will last approximately one hour. Have you ever wondered where the artifacts are stored? Are you curious what a curator actually does? These are just some of the questions that will be answered on the tour. During these tours, you will have the chance to see what it takes to store, preserve and conserve artifacts. The tours are part of the Missouri State Museum’s ongoing effort to make the museum more accessible to everyone. The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is located on the first floor of the Capitol building at 201 West Capitol Ave. The museum galleries are open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, contact the Missouri State Museum office at 573-751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=291 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:39:28 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 25, 2011 – Have you ever wanted to learn skills that will enhance your outdoor adventures? If you answered yes, then WOW Kansas City is for you. WOW Kansas City will be held in Swope Park Sept. 23-24 and registration is open now. The WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities for people of all ages to learn outdoor recreation skills. The event is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation; Bass Pro Shops; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation; Wonders of Wildlife; the National Park Service and Missouri State University. The event will begin on Friday evening with a camping opportunity, and will continue from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. WOW Kansas City is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. WOW will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, fishing, canoeing, campfire cooking, camping and more. Participants will camp at Swope Park and participate in Saturday classes at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. Transportation to the wildlife area will be provided from Swope Park. Classes are open to anyone age nine or above; however, nine to 12 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to classes. The trained professionals provide hands-on instruction for people who may not be familiar with the outdoors and children who may be experiencing nature for the first time. The workshop is a great opportunity for families to learn activities together and take the "Children in Nature Challenge." The cost to attend is $15 per person or $30 per family, making it an affordable day of family fun. Financial assistance is also available. Advance registration is required and the deadline to register is Sept. 9. Camping on Friday night will be held at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park and will begin at 4 p.m. with tent setup and a hands-on outdoor cooking experience (food is provided). Evening activities will include an owl program and family activities and hikes. Tents will be available to those who do not have one and can be reserved through the registration process. For more information or to request a registration packet, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources by calling toll free 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or sending an email to moparks@dnr.mo.gov. Registration information and forms are also available on the web at mostateparks.com/wow. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=290 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:01:52 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 24, 2011 – The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site reopened today after water samples taken Monday were found to be well within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ water quality standards for state park beaches. With the exception of the beach at Lewis and Clark State Park, which is closed due to flooding, all of Missouri’s state parks beaches are open to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Other facilities at state parks may be unavailable to visitors. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=293 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:49:47 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 25, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Pershing State Park near Laclede. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater at the campground. Accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Pershing State Park is located 18 miles east of Chillicothe or seven miles west of Brookfield on Highway 36 in Linn County. The park’s campground is located approximately one mile south of Highway 36 on Missouri Route 130. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park office at 660-963-2299 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=289 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:08:43 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 24, 2011 -- Hikers and mountain bikers have a new reason to celebrate with the official grand opening of the first designated mountain biking trail system in the Branson area. The White River Valley Trail in Table Rock State Park will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2 at a trailhead near Branson. The White River Valley Trail, a 10.25 mile natural surface trail, is a joint land-use project between Missouri State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The majority of the trail is within Table Rock State Park with the rest of it on USACE land. The ceremony will include representatives from Missouri State Parks, which administers Table Rock State Park, the USACE, local and state officials, and many of the volunteer groups that supported and helped build the trail. The trail was partially financed by two federal Recreational Trails Program grants. Because of the trail's outstanding use of the federal RTP grants, it was recognized in 2011 by the federal Coalition for Recreational Trails with the award in the Multi-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Category. Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will present the award to the park during the ceremony. "This trail will provide a great new recreational resource for mountain bikers and hikers and should bring users here from all over the area," said Bryan. "We are pleased to be a part of a trail that has been recognized nationally and has such amazing local support." The trail, consisting of four loops with different characteristics, will provide a challenging experience for mountain bikers and hikers in a rugged and scenic area of the state. Trail users will experience elevation changes ranging from 710 feet to nearly 1,200 feet above sea levels with natural communities ranging from moist bottomland woodlands to dry dolomite glades on the higher areas. The trail will travel near old homesteads and relics of the Table Rock Dam construction during the 1950s with dramatic views of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Now that the trail has been completed, staff at Table Rock State Park plan to host adventure events and mountain biking races on the trail. The park also includes two other trails, a campground, picnic areas, and a full-service marina with access to Table Rock Lake. The main trailhead for the White River Valley Trail is located on Highway 165 north of the park's main entrance. For more information about Table Rock State Park, call the park directly at 417-334-4704 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=288 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:38:29 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 24, 2011 – The music and environmental message of Wildheart will be heard again in 12 Missouri state parks and historic sites, thanks to a grant from the Missouri Arts Council. Wildheart is composed of Jan and George Syrigos, both Emmy award- winning educators and entertainers who bring a strong science message to young audiences as they explore wildlife, habitats and natural history. Their performance combines original music with motion and media to deliver a conservation message about the natural world. Earlier this year, a Missouri Arts Council grant partially funded performances by Wildheart in seven state parks. "These performances were popular with both kids and adults and we are pleased that we can provide additional performances," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "Wildheart is more than entertainment; they present the same kind of message we promote to kids in Missouri state parks," he said. Wildheart is an approved Missouri Tour Performer for the Missouri Arts Council and the grant will provide the performance at a 60 percent reduced rate from the original price. Individual state parks and historic sites are pursuing local matches to the grants to further reduce the cost to the state park system. This will allow them to provide the performances free of charge to the public. Performances of Wildheart during September and October will be held as follows: · Sept. 3 - Lake Wappapello State Park, Williamsville; 7 p.m. in the amphitheater. · Sept. 24 - Crowder State Park, Trenton; shows at noon and 2 p.m. (in conjunction with Fall Outdoor Discovery Day). · Oct. 1 - Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Middlebrook, 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater. · Oct. 8 - Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Kaiser, 6 p.m. in the shelter at Public Beach #1. · Oct. 15 - Washington State Park, De Soto, 7:30 p.m. in the campground amphitheater (in conjunction with Fall Harvest Festival). · Oct. 22 - Graham Cave State Park, Danville, 4 p.m. in front of Graham Cave. · Oct. 28 - Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, shows at 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. (in conjunction with Ha Ha Haunt). Additional parks and sites that will schedule performances include Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock; Jefferson Landing State Historic Site in Jefferson City; Stockton State Park near Stockton; Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw and Wakonda State Park near La Grange. Bryan added that he would like to thank Wildheart and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, for making the concerts possible. All shows are free of charge to the public and everyone is invited to attend. For more information about these shows, call the individual parks where the concerts will be held or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf. For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=287 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:52:38 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 24, 2011 – Learn more about the Civil War in Missouri on a tour through the Missouri State Museum in the State Capitol at 2 p.m. each Saturday from Sept. 3 through Dec.17. The Civil War was a tumultuous time in the history of Missouri and the country with Missouri seeing more engagements than any other states except Virginia and Tennessee. The people of Missouri found themselves not only on both sides of the fighting, but they were often in the middle of many battles. During the tour, you will learn why Missouri was sought after by both the Union and the Confederate troops, the details of the battles at Wilson's Creek and Westport, the reasons behind General Ewing’s Order Number 11, and what the leaders were thinking during the conflict. Tours will include artwork and artifacts in the Missouri State Museum and Capitol that relate to the Civil War in Missouri. The Missouri State Museum in located in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=286 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:52:36 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 23, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the cleanup of fuel and fertilizer following the Monday afternoon crash of a crop duster in New Madrid County. The department was notified early Monday evening by the Sikeston Fire Department that a crop duster had crashed upon take-off at a small airport located three miles south of Matthews in New Madrid County. As a result of the accident, the plane came to rest in a waterway and began leaking both fuel and fertilizer. First responders to the scene used absorbent booms on the water to prevent the fuel from flowing beyond the accident site. The department dispatched an emergency responder from its regional office in Poplar Bluff to oversee the cleanup of the waterway and to determine the extent of the environmental damage. Upon inspecting the site, the responder was able to determine that the release had resulted in a small fish kill and notified the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the accident. The pilot of the plane reportedly was not injured. The plane is owned by Ag Air of Matthews. The Environmental Emergency Response section is called to the scene of more than 300 emergencies each year, including fires, traffic accidents, leaking storage tanks and other incidents that could have a negative environmental impact. The department’s 24-hour spill line receives more than 1,600 incident reports annually. To report an environmental emergency, including fuel spills, please contact the spill line at 573-634-2436. For more information contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443, or visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=285 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:21:00 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 18, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Director Sara Parker Pauley announced a grant and loan totaling close to $1.4 million to the Public Water Supply District No. 3 of Osage County will help increase drinking water capacity for future customers. The department issued a $693,000 grant and a $693,000 low-interest loan to the district. The funding will benefit the district and its customers both economically and environmentally. "Economic growth can only take place where there is sufficient infrastructure to support it," said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. "The existing infrastructure is reaching its maximum capacity. Through the department’s funding efforts, the district will be able to upgrade its facility and continue to grow and expand for the future." The district will use the grant and loan to add a new well capable of producing 350 gallons per minute, a new 250,000 gallon elevated storage tank, and new water lines to connect the new well and tank. The project is estimated to cost nearly $1.4 million and is expected to be completed in April 2012. Funding for the grant and loan comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund provides significant funding to assist communities with their drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects. This funding will help the district protect its customers and the environment by making necessary drinking water improvements. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant and loan funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects as well as provide a financial savings. For more information contact the department’s Water Protection Program, Financial Assistance Center, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1192 or visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=284 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:42:30 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 17, 2011 – The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site was closed today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the Department of Natural Resources’ standard for state park beaches. The beach will remain closed until sample results indicate the bacteria levels are within the department’s standard for swimming beaches. All other facilities at the park, with the exception of Fox Hunt Picnic Area, are open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water related to flooding on the Missouri River. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=283 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:21:50 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 16, 2011 -- Summer is not over yet and a family camping trip to a Missouri state park is a great way to celebrate the season. On Aug. 26-28, anyone who camps two nights in any of 10 selected state park campgrounds will receive a coupon for a free night of camping on their next visit to any Missouri state park campground. The coupon can be redeemed for a campsite of the same type (basic, electric, electric-water or full-hookup) or may be upgraded for an additional fee. The promotional coupon is good for one year from the date of purchase. State parks participating in the promotion include Stockton State Park near Stockton; Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage; Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw; Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville; Wakonda State Park near La Grange; Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville; Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson; Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville; Robertsville State Park near Robertsville; and Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster. "There's plenty of time to make more camping memories with your family and friends. Camping in a Missouri state park campground is a great value and this special promotion offers an awesome opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors in state parks," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources. Campgrounds at all 10 state parks offer both basic and electric campsites and a few also offer electric-water or full-hookup sites. Sites may be reserved in advance or obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. The campgrounds offer modern showers and other conveniences and all parks offer other activities, such as water recreation, picnic sites and trails. For more information on Missouri state parks, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=281 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:18:49 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 15, 2011 – On Aug.17, Director Sara Parker Pauley of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will visit with the Osage County Public Water Supply District #3 to announce a significant funding award from the department that will help the district make major improvements to its public drinking water system. WHO: Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Director, Sara Parker Pauley WHAT: Osage County Public Water Supply District #3 – Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Grant and Loan Press Conference WHEN: Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. WHERE: Linn State Technical College On the Plaza behind the Information Technology Center (Inclement weather - Room 112 in the Center) 1 Technology Drive in Linn For more information regarding this event, please contact the Department of Natural Resources at 573-751-1010. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=282 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:01:56 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 15, 2011 – The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will meet Aug. 18 in Jefferson City to consider updating Missouri’s underground storage tank regulations and making state hazardous waste rules consistent with corresponding federal rules. Detailed information on these rulemakings, including the comments received during the public comment period, is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/rules-dev-hwp.htm. Also at the meeting, program staff will provide routine updates on the functions of the Hazardous Waste Program. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Elm Street Conference Center, 1730 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City. The meeting will also be streamed live from the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/videos/live.htm. A complete meeting agenda, including supporting documents and additional information about the commission is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/commission/commis.htm. The Hazardous Waste Management Commission was established by state statute and promotes hazardous waste recycling, reuse and reduction; adopts and modifies rules to implement hazardous waste statutes; and establishes regulations for the management of hazardous waste. The commission provides oversight of decisions made by the department and rules on requests for variances from hazardous waste management regulations. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-361-4287 (voice) or 573-751-3176. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=281 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:18:49 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 15, 2011 – On Aug.17, Director Sara Parker Pauley of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will visit with the Osage County Public Water Supply District #3 to announce a significant funding award from the department that will help the district make major improvements to its public drinking water system. WHO: Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Director, Sara Parker Pauley WHAT: Osage County Public Water Supply District #3 – Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Grant and Loan Press Conference WHEN: Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. WHERE: Linn State Technical College On the Plaza behind the Information Technology Center (Inclement weather - Room 112 in the Center) 1 Technology Drive in Linn For more information regarding this event, please contact the Department of Natural Resources at 573-751-1010. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=282 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:01:56 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 15, 2011 – The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will meet Aug. 18 in Jefferson City to consider updating Missouri’s underground storage tank regulations and making state hazardous waste rules consistent with corresponding federal rules. Detailed information on these rulemakings, including the comments received during the public comment period, is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/rules-dev-hwp.htm. Also at the meeting, program staff will provide routine updates on the functions of the Hazardous Waste Program. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Elm Street Conference Center, 1730 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City. The meeting will also be streamed live from the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/videos/live.htm. A complete meeting agenda, including supporting documents and additional information about the commission is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/commission/commis.htm. The Hazardous Waste Management Commission was established by state statute and promotes hazardous waste recycling, reuse and reduction; adopts and modifies rules to implement hazardous waste statutes; and establishes regulations for the management of hazardous waste. The commission provides oversight of decisions made by the department and rules on requests for variances from hazardous waste management regulations. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-361-4287 (voice) or 573-751-3176. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=280 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:06:25 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 10, 2011 – Swimming beaches at Pomme de Terre and St. Joe state parks were closed today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the department’s standard. Hermitage Beach at Pomme de Terre State Park and the beach at St. Joe State Park’s Monsanto Lake were both closed this afternoon and will remain closed until samples tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming. Pittsburg Beach at Pomme de Terre and the beach at St. Joe’s Pim Lake both remain open to visitors. All other facilities at the two parks are also open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria, such as Lewis and Clark State Park, which remains closed due to flooding. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=279 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:35:03 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 8, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. at the site’s picnic area. Representatives from the historic site will discuss accomplishments at the site during the past year and plans for the future. Staff will answer questions and invite the public to share comments on the park and its services. Light refreshments will be provided. The meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on facilities and services provided in state parks and historic sites. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located 1.5 miles north of historic Ash Grove on Highway V. The historic site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site at 417-751-3266 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=278 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:34:16 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 8, 2011 - The public is invited to an informational meeting Aug. 13 to discuss issues related to the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar as well as Battle of Carthage State Historic Site and Osage Village State Historic Site. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at Harry S Truman Birthplace office and the public is invited to attend. Staff will give a brief presentation about progress at the sites and discuss future plans. Visitors are invited to share comments. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites. Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site is located at 1009 Truman in Lamar. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can call the site directly at 417- 682-2279 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=277 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:01:06 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 5, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Aug. 19, at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville. The informational meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Black River Center. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is located 13 miles south of Pilot Knob on Hwy N. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-546-2450 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=276 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:00:32 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 5, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to a meeting Thursday, Aug. 18 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of Columbia. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day use area of the park. The informational meeting will address issues related to the state park as well as Jewell Cemetery and Clark’s Hill/Norton state historic sites. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=275 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:25:39 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 3, 2011 – As the heat continues to have Missourians scrambling for shade, fans and whatever source of respite they can find, Missouri State Parks encourages guests to cool off with a splash at any one of its 19 state park beaches that are open for visitors. All of Missouri’s state parks beaches are open to visitors with the exception of the beach at Lewis and Clark State Park in northwest Missouri, which is closed due to flooding. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water samples taken Monday showed all of the beaches easily met the department’s water quality standards. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com to notify the public when beaches or other facilities at state parks are unavailable. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=274 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:44:05 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 3, 2011 – The sampling of 13 Upper Lake of the Ozark coves Monday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health. All of the coves sampled Monday will be tested again following Labor Day weekend and in October. The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches. E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains. These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal. For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness. The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam. A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=273 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:46:08 GMT EDUCATION ROLLA, MO., AUG. 3, 2011 – Rock and mineral sets are flying off the sales counter at the Missouri Geology Store, located in Rolla. These popular sets have been made available by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources since November 2009. Each set contains 20 of Missouri’s more common rocks and minerals and is accompanied by a 16-page full-color booklet that describes each rock and mineral and their uses. The booklet is also available for downloading dnr.mo.gov/geology/docs/rocksetbooklet.pdf The sets are often purchased and given as gifts. Most recently, the Steelville School District was the recipient of eight Missouri Rock and Mineral Sets. This rock-solid donation was made possible by Butch Tucker, owner of Hutcheson Ford Sales in St. James. Tucker worked with the school system to determine which classes would benefit by having these special sets of rocks and minerals. "I believe when young people become more interested in pursuing the sciences, we all benefit. My hope is that in some small way, that these rock samples spark an interest in young people to pursue careers in the geology and other science fields." said Tucker, whose dealership has been in his family since 1954. Stephanie Billingsley, sixth grade science teacher at Steelville Middle School recently accepted the rock sets containing many of Missouri’s most common rocks and minerals from Mike Tucker, Vice President of Hutcheson Ford. Billingsley said, "We truly appreciate Hutcheson Ford for their generous donation of Missouri rock and mineral sets to our students. They provide our students the opportunity for an up-close and personal experience in analyzing these rocks and minerals. We appreciate Hutcheson Ford and the State Geological Survey for helping make learning more fun and meaningful." This is the second time Tucker has partnered with the division to make rock sets available to schools. Last year, Tucker donated eight sets to the St. James School System. The department's Missouri Geology Store [missourigeologystore.com/] provides shoppers around-the-clock access to many of the Division of Geology and Land Survey's most popular products, including publications about Missouri geology and water resources. The store also offers educational guides to Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites and gift certificates. Whether you are looking for a gift for a rock enthusiast friend, an environmentally-friendly family member, or yourself, you will find something at the Missouri Geology Store. Additionally, the division’s Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology, also located in Rolla at 111 Fairgrounds Road, hosts fossils, rocks, minerals and other items on display. The museum is open to the public for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Admission is free. Additional information may be found online dnr.mo.gov/geology. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=272 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:45:13 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 3, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $238,000 in scrap tire grants to 15 nonprofit organizations around the state to promote the beneficial use of scrap tire materials for use in playgrounds, tracks and other projects. The department is able to provide the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants through the state’s Scrap Tire Fee, a 50-cent-per-tire fee collected on new tires sold in Missouri. The department also uses the fee to finance cleanup of illegal scrap tire dumps, inspections, enforcement and permitting activities. "The department’s scrap tire grants support Gov. Nixon’s initiative to use green innovative technology to improve the environment, help create jobs and stimulate Missouri’s economy," said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. "These grant projects also support the department’s goal to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills and encourage the beneficial uses that are gained from recycling scrap tires." The department awarded the 15 grants for projects in 12 counties throughout Missouri: · Randolph County – Westran R-1 School - $20,000 grant. · Linn County – Walt Disney Elementary - $16,100 grant. · Jefferson County – Dunklin R-V School - $4,100 grant. · Maries County – Maries County R-2 - $20,000 grant. · Cole County – Jefferson City Day Care Center - $20,000 grant. · Butler County – Poplar Bluff R-I School - $19,997.50 grant. · Macon County – Macon County R-I - $7,270.50 grant. · St. Louis County –Richmond Heights - $10,000 grant. · Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, Brennan Woods - $17,000 grant. · Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, High Ridge - $19,900 grant. · Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, Northwest Early Childhood Center - $20,000 grant. · Adair County – Kirksville R-III Primary School - $20,000 grant. · Taney County – Hollister R-V School - $20,000 grant. · Greene County –Willard - $6,563.85 grant. · Clay County –Liberty - $16,950 grant. Nonprofit organizations including schools, day care centers and parks may apply to the department for the grant funds. The department has awarded more than $2 million to 319 organizations since the grants became available in 1994. The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support scrap tire recycling efforts. For more information on the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants, please contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or visit the website at dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirelist.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=271 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:49:43 GMT EDUCATION ROLLA, MO., AUG. 2, 2011 – As you plan road trips this summer, consider ordering your copy of Roadside Geology of Missouri. This full-color 288 page book is packed with information about Missouri’s fascinating geology. The state's geology incorporates glaciated plains, mountains, floodplains, earthquake-formed sand boils, springs, dinosaur fossils, meteorite impact structures, caves, coal, shale, sandstone, limestone, oil, gas and numerous other natural features and resources. Roadside Geology of Missouri will help you learn about the geology of the state. This book is great to take on vacation in Missouri and a great resource while planning your trip. The book is a 6"x9" paperback loaded with maps, photos, cross-sections, sketches and expert descriptions. Written by Charles G. Spencer and published by Mountain Press Publishing Company in 2011, the book sells for $20 (tax and shipping are extra). Spencer consulted geologists with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey about various aspects of Missouri geology. One area of responsibility for staff is to help educate the public about the geology of Missouri. Numerous department photos were also used in the publication. Treat yourself with this new book and the ever popular, Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri, published by the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey and you will be ready for a rocking good summer! Order yours today from the Missouri Geology Store: missourigeologystore.com. The online store provides shoppers around-the-clock access to many of the department’s most popular products, including publications about Missouri geology, water resources, earthquake hazards, and numerous other topics. Gift certificates can also be purchased for books and other items. The store also sells Missouri Rock and Mineral sets and educational guides to Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites. So, when in traveling in Missouri, be sure to stop by the Rolla facility located at 111 Fairgrounds Road. Watch this video to learn more about some of the many great things that are available online and onsite: youtube.com/watch?v=YIc0D7STaoA. When in Rolla, don’t miss the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology, where you will find fossils, rocks, minerals, maps, a mastodon tusk and other items on display. Self-guided tours are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free! Additional information may be found on the division’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=270 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:03:44 GMT GOVERNMENT ROLLA, MO, AUG. 2, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Aug. 11. The public meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri Conservation Employees’ Credit Union, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards. The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land. For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300, or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=269 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:26:57 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 2, 2011 -- When people talk about the best of anything, Katy Trail State Park is often on the list. The latest recognition for Katy Trail is from the readers of the AAA Midwest Travelers magazine. This spring, the publication invited readers to vote for their favorite cities, attractions and getaways. When it came to the best bicycle trail in the Midwest, the favorite was Katy Trail. According to the magazine, "If there were report cards for bicycle trails, the Katy Trail State Park would certainly be earning straight As. In nearly every trail characteristic - including length, scenery, access and history - the park impresses its users, which number approximately 300,000." "I'm honored but not surprised that readers have voted Katy Trail as the best in the Midwest," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "At 240 miles, the trail provides a scenic avenue through the heart of Missouri. The trail has been one of the most popular parks in the Missouri state park system since it was developed more than 20 years ago," Bryan said. Katy Trail is a hiking and bicycling trail that runs from Clinton to Machens. Much of its route follows the Missouri River with spectacular views of the river and landscapes varying from bluffs and thick forests to prairies and open fields. It travels through small communities with many attractions and services for trail users. Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-trail project in the nation and was one of the first inductees into the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. For more information on Katy Trail State Park, visit Katytrailstatepark.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=271 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:49:43 GMT EDUCATION ROLLA, MO., AUG. 2, 2011 – As you plan road trips this summer, consider ordering your copy of Roadside Geology of Missouri. This full-color 288 page book is packed with information about Missouri’s fascinating geology. The state's geology incorporates glaciated plains, mountains, floodplains, earthquake-formed sand boils, springs, dinosaur fossils, meteorite impact structures, caves, coal, shale, sandstone, limestone, oil, gas and numerous other natural features and resources. Roadside Geology of Missouri will help you learn about the geology of the state. This book is great to take on vacation in Missouri and a great resource while planning your trip. The book is a 6"x9" paperback loaded with maps, photos, cross-sections, sketches and expert descriptions. Written by Charles G. Spencer and published by Mountain Press Publishing Company in 2011, the book sells for $20 (tax and shipping are extra). Spencer consulted geologists with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey about various aspects of Missouri geology. One area of responsibility for staff is to help educate the public about the geology of Missouri. Numerous department photos were also used in the publication. Treat yourself with this new book and the ever popular, Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri, published by the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey and you will be ready for a rocking good summer! Order yours today from the Missouri Geology Store: missourigeologystore.com. The online store provides shoppers around-the-clock access to many of the department’s most popular products, including publications about Missouri geology, water resources, earthquake hazards, and numerous other topics. Gift certificates can also be purchased for books and other items. The store also sells Missouri Rock and Mineral sets and educational guides to Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites. So, when in traveling in Missouri, be sure to stop by the Rolla facility located at 111 Fairgrounds Road. Watch this video to learn more about some of the many great things that are available online and onsite: youtube.com/watch?v=YIc0D7STaoA. When in Rolla, don’t miss the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology, where you will find fossils, rocks, minerals, maps, a mastodon tusk and other items on display. Self-guided tours are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free! Additional information may be found on the division’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=268 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:38:44 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 1, 2011 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Barry County Public Water Supply District No. 2 $564,000 in grants and loans to replace the district’s distribution system and storage tank. The department awarded the district a $282,000 grant and a $282,000 low-interest loan for the replacement project, which expected to be complete in November. Funding for the grant and loan comes from Missouri’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund provides significant funding to assist communities with infrastructure needs for water quality, wastewater and drinking water. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects. This funding will help the district protect residents and the environment by making necessary drinking water improvements. The Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program will administer the grant and loan funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects as well as provide a financial savings. For more information contact the department’s Water Protection Program, Financial Assistance Center, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1192 or visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=267 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:51:56 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., JULY 29, 2011 -- The Missouri departments of Natural Resources and Health and Senior Services will collect additional water quality samples and inspect Possum Hollow Cove in the Lake of the Ozarks following E. coli levels in excess of federal guidelines. On May 23, the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance began a 20-week water quality monitoring project to address stormwater-related pollution affecting the Lake of the Ozarks. As part of the project, LOWA conducts weekly water quality sampling from coves located between mile markers 1-19. Sample results are then shared with both state agencies to take necessary action as needed. Results are also posted online at /loz/loz-waterquality-study.htm. Samples collected from Possum Hollow Cove on Monday, July 25, found three of the four samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended maximum level for swimming areas of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Sample results ranged from 99.0 to 866.4 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. These results were received yesterday, July 28. Staff from the Department of Natural Resources’ Southwest Regional Office will collect additional water quality samples and complete an inspection of the area to determine if there are observable discharges into the coves’ watershed that may be contributing to water quality issues. Staff from the Department of Health and Senior Services will accompany the Department of Natural Resources to aid in the visual inspection. In addition, DHSS will distribute informational flyers to area residents. If residents are experiencing problems with their on-site sewage systems they are encouraged to contact the Morgan County Health Department for assistance. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the cove at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake. A total of nine coves are tested weekly as part of this water quality monitoring project. Sample results collected from the remaining eight coves were below federal guidelines. Sample results from LOWA’s water quality monitoring project are available on the Department of Natural Resources’ website at /loz/loz-waterquality-study.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=266 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:24:42 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 29, 2011 – A malfunction in a wastewater pumping station resulted in the release Thursday of an estimated 300,000 gallons of wastewater to a dry stream in Republic, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Republic city officials notified the department Thursday morning that a seal in a pump at the Shuyler Creek Lift Station had failed, resulting in the pump shorting out and tripping the main breaker at the station. Without power to the pumps, the wastewater overflowed to the nearby stream. City staff contained the spill to a 300-foot stretch of the previously dry creek. After bringing the station back into service, crews pumped the wastewater back into the system and began cleaning the area, including flushing the creek with water and pumping that into the wastewater collection system as well. The department dispatched investigators from its Southwest Regional Office in Springfield to the site of the release to determine the extent of the release and gauge any environmental damage. Regional office staff will use the investigator’s findings plus the city’s incident report to determine what enforcement action will be taken in the case. The department considers discharges of wastewater from sanitary sewer collection systems to be potential threats to public health and the environment. Such discharges have the potential to contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems. Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by mechanical failure, obstructions in sewer lines, infiltration of rainwater and snow melt into aging systems, or undersized systems that cannot compensate for sudden increases in wastewater. Communities across Missouri produce millions of gallons of wastewater that must be properly transported and treated before being released to waterways. However, some communities are facing challenges in accomplishing this. In order to protect public health and the environment, the department requires communities to take appropriate action to eliminate their sanitary sewer overflow issues. To do this, communities should develop a system to track information about such incidents, including the date, time, location and size of the overflow, weather data, who notified them, when they notified the department and the measures taken to respond. The community can then use this data to aid in developing a plan to inspect the collection system, and plan and finance system upgrades. To report an environmental emergency, including after-hour sewage overflows, please contact the DNR spill line at 573-634-2436. To report sewage overflows during regular business hours, contact the nearest regional office. A list of regional offices, their contact information and service areas is available online: /regions/regions.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=265 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:14:10 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 29, 2011 -- One hundred and fifty years ago, the turmoil of the Civil War erupted in the small town of Athens in northeast Missouri. On Aug. 5-7, this historic event will be remembered during the battle's 150th anniversary at Battle of Athens State Historic Site in Revere. All events are free and open to the public. The Battle of Athens pitted Union Home Guardsmen against the pro-Southern Missouri State Guard on Aug. 5, 1861. Union Home Guardsmen considered the battle a victory but the once-thriving town of Athens suffered from its own defeat as bitter feelings between neighbors continued for decades followed by a shift from river to railroad transportation. Today, the remaining town of Athens is preserved in Battle of Athens State Historic Site. "The sesquicentennial of this battle marks a time for all of us to reflect on this important time in the history of our state and nation. This re-enactment provides a window into what that time would have been like for the everyday residents of Athens," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The public can experience this historic Civil War battle through activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The battle itself will be re-enacted both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Other activities throughout the weekend include Civil War camps, demonstrations by artisans, period musicians, drill exercises and sutlers selling historically accurate reproductions of clothing and equipment to the re-enactors and public. Medical and civilian scenarios on the battlefield will bring the Civil War period to life for visitors. Tours will be available of the Thome-Benning House, which still exhibits two holes made through the kitchen walls by a cannonball during the battle. Before the battle in 1861, residents of Athens brought the two sides together in an attempt to avoid potential conflict but the effort was unsuccessful. This attempted peace treaty will be re-enacted on Saturday as part of the anniversary event. Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a special symbol of the 1861 battle. The original flag flown by the Missouri State Guard during the battle was captured by the Home Guardsman and taken across the river to Iowa. The State Historical Society of Iowa is allowing the flag to return to its native soil of Missouri for the first time since 1861 and be on display on Saturday for the re-enactment. Following the re-enactment, the flag will be returned to the State Historical Society of Iowa. Battle of Athens State Historic Site, mainly known for its preservation and interpretation of the town of Athens, also includes a campground, a lake for fishing, hiking trails and 1.5 miles of Des Moines River frontage. The site is located 10 miles north of Kahoka on Highway 81 and four miles east on Highway CC in Clark County. For more information on the site and the event, call the site at 660-877-3871 or 800-334-6946, or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=264 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:28:47 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 29, 2011 -- The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places during its quarterly meeting Aug. 12 in Jefferson City. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 9 a.m. in the La Charrette conference room of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City. Eight nominations are scheduled to be considered for listing in the National Register. Properties on the agenda include historic residences, commercial buildings and historic districts. Approximately 530 historic buildings and structures are represented in the nominations. The nominated properties under consideration are listed below: · St. Louis Post-Dispatch Rotogravure Printing Plant, 4340 Duncan Ave., St. Louis. · Reber Place Historic District, roughly bounded by Arsenal St., Kingshighway Blvd., Southwest Ave., and the alley E. of Hereford St., St. Louis. · Lafayette Garage and Repair Co. 2710-2716 Lafayette, St. Louis. · International Shoe Co. Building, 665 Missouri Ave., West Plains, Howell County. · Milo Apartments, 1014-1020 W. 44th St., Kansas City. · Washington County Courthouse, 102 North Missouri St., Potosi, Washington County. · Old Ferguson West Historic District, Roughly bounded by Carson Rd., Harvey Ave., Tiffin Ave. (both sides) and Florissant Rd., Ferguson, St. Louis County. · Pendergast, Thomas J., Headquarters, 1908 Main Street, Kansas City. In addition to nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, the council will receive status reports on programs provided by the State Historic Preservation Office, discuss business related to its own function and duties, and select meeting dates for 2012. The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is a 12-member group of historians, architects, archaeologists and citizens with an interest in historic preservation. The council is appointed by the governor and works with the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the National Register of Historic Places program for Missouri. The council meets quarterly to review Missouri property nominations to the National Register, the nation's honor roll of historic properties. Approved nominations are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C., for final approval. For more information about the Aug. 12 meeting or the council, call the State Historic Preservation Office at 573-751-7858 or the department toll free at 800-334-6946. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=263 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:24:46 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 29, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Aug. 13, at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood. In conjunction with the open house, the park will also host Bug Day, which features fun family activities focused on the world of insects. The open house and Bug Day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the park’s visitor center. These activities are free and open to the public. During the open house, representatives from the park will review recent activities and projects at the facility, including storm damage clean up, installation of campground booth, creation of walkway to Walnut Grove Shelter and the upcoming Alta Shelter restoration. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations services, and future plans for development. Bug Day activities will include an insect talent show at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Other Bug Day activities will include exhibits, games, crafts and an insect zoo. These activities will be fun for all ages. This open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-458-3813 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=262 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:07:55 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 27, 2011 – Visitors to Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s Grand Glaize Beach can once again jump into the water, beat the summer heat and have fun at the lake this weekend following the latest water sample results. "The public is becoming very familiar with our website and the beach status information posted on the web," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "So, it was no surprise that when our park staff arrived to reopen the Grand Glaize beach they were met by 20 swimmers who had already checked the website and were ready to go swimming." The Grand Glaize Beach reopened today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels well below the department’s acceptable levels for state park beaches. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria, such as the beach at Lewis and Clark State Park, which remains closed due to flooding. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=261 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:45:19 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 22, 2011 – Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of $2,103,759 in grants for three different projects aimed to improve water quality in the southwest region. Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Watershed Center at the Valley Water Mill Park in Springfield, Director Pauley announced three Springfield organizations to receive grants to reduce stormwater runoff and improve wastewater treatment systems. The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks received a $1 million grant to improve water quality in the James and Little Sac rivers by reducing pollution from stormwater runoff. The Missouri Sate University’s Project W.E.T. received a $103,759 grant to provide a statewide series of water quality education workshops aimed at addressing stormwater-related pollution. The Upper White River Basin Foundation received a $1 million grant to improve onsite residential wastewater treatment systems in the Table Rock Lake watershed. "Urban stormwater runoff is a considerable source of water pollution, not only in Southwest Missouri, but throughout the state and nation," Pauley said. "The department is honored to be part of these projects and is thrilled of the proactive measures these organizations continue to take to help protect and improve water quality in their communities." These projects foster Governor Nixon's vision of using green innovative technology to improve the environment, help create jobs and stimulate Missouri’s economy. The three organizations that were recently approved to receive the funding include: * Watershed Committee of the Ozarks - grant to develop the Springfield/Greene County Urban Watershed Stewardship Project. The purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into the James River and Little Sac River by targeting four urban subwatersheds to implement best management practices that reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. This project will monitor the performance of the selected practices, estimate pollutant loading changes and determine if the quality of water has improved as a result of the best management practices. The committee will apply the lessons learned from this project to all urban and urbanizing watersheds in the Springfield metropolitan area, which is projected to extend to more than 90 square miles by 2020. The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will provide a match contribution bringing the total cost to $1.68 million. The committee expects to complete the project by April 2015. Partners in this collaborative effort include the city of Springfield; Greene County; Missouri State University; James River Basin Partnership; Missouri Project WET; Ozark Greenways and volunteer citizens. * Missouri State University’s Project W.E.T. - grant for a statewide series of water quality education workshops aimed at addressing stormwater-related pollution provided to 13 Missouri communities. Project W.E.T., or Water Education for Teachers, is a statewide program to ensure a consistent, well-established method of water quality related education. Workshops will be held around the state focusing mostly on the watersheds that drain into impaired waterbodies. Missouri State University will provide a matching contribution bringing the total cost to $172,935. The university expects to complete the project by Dec. 2014. Partners in this collaborative effort include National Project W.E.T.; Missouri Department of Conservation; University of Missouri-Extension Service; Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition; Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Watershed Committee of the Ozark; and many volunteer facilitators. * Upper White River Basin Foundation - grant to create a local revolving loan and grant fund that will provide financial assistance to residents needing to repair or replace failing onsite wastewater treatment systems in the Table Rock Lake watershed. The program assistance is estimated to cost $1.14 million and is expected to be completed in July 2015. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 7 has provided partial funding for the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and the Missouri State University projects under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Funding for the Upper White River Basin Foundation comes from Missouri Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The SRF fund provides significant funding to assist communities with infrastructure needs for wastewater. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer these grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri as well as provide a financial savings. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=260 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:20 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI, JULY 22, 2011 – The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will meet July 28 in Jefferson City to discuss mining permitting and enforcement, and reclamation activities. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Nightingale Creek Conference Room, Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive. The meeting will be broadcast live over the internet through the department’s web page: dnr.mo.gov/video/live.htm. For more information or a complete meeting agenda contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041 or visit dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp/commission/lrc.htm. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=258 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:37:20 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 22, 2011 – Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get an up-close look at the ruby-throated hummingbird on Aug. 6 at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg. Join researcher Lanny Chambers between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. as he captures and studies these fascinating little flying machines. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, these demonstrations will take place at the park's visitor center and are free and open to the public. Researcher Lanny Chambers has been working on a project to track the movement patterns of hummingbirds in Missouri. He safely captures the birds at the park's feeders, weighs them, ages them, identifies the gender of each bird and then tags them. Visitors will learn some general life history information about the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is Missouri’s only summer resident hummer. Cameras are welcome, however, guests will be instructed to keep an adequate distance from the birds and researchers in order to ensure the safety of the birds. Future opportunities for these demonstrations will be available in September. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles south of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about these events, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=257 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:37:55 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 22, 2011 -- Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Kaiser will host an open house to seek public input on Saturday, Aug. 6. The open house will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the shelter house located off Hwy. 134 just past the equestrian riding stables and the public is invited to attend. The agenda will include recent accomplishments, including the State Parks Youth Corps projects and the new equestrian concession, plus future plans for the park. Visitors will be invited to share comments on the park’s goals and objectives. The open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is located in Miller and Camden counties. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-648-2696 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=256 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:41:20 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 22, 2011 -- Explore African-American history in the area at a special tour, "Slavery and Freedom on the Boone Farm," on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The free event begins at 2 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Nathan Boone, a Missouri pioneer and explorer, was also a slaveholder. His farm near Ash Grove was one of the largest slaveholding operations in Greene County. When Boone died in 1856, he owned 11 slaves. Despite an auction that scattered the slaves, several returned to the Ash Grove area after emancipation. The special tour of the site, which will begin at the historic site office, will focus on the farm’s African-American history both during and after slavery. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves Boone’s last home and grave as well as an African-American cemetery that dates back to the farm's slavery period. The cemetery continued to be used by former Boone slaves until sometime after 1880. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information, call the historic site at 417-751-3266 or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=255 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:43:48 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 20, 2011 – The swimming beach at Trail of Tears State Park reopened today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels well below the department’s acceptable levels for state park beaches. Missouri State Parks officials at Lake of the Ozarks State Park closed Grand Glaize Beach, sometimes referred to as Public Beach #2, today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the department’s standard. Visitors to the park can still enjoy the park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, Grand Glaize Beach will reopen. Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water related to flooding on the Missouri River. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=254 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:39:49 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 19, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, July 29, at Prairie State Park near Liberal. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the park's visitor center. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. Immediately following the meeting will be an evening stroll at 8 p.m. where visitors will be led on a sunset hike by park staff. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Prairie State Park is located 17 miles West of Lamar on hwy. 160 to State Road NN. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-843-6711 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=253 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:40:26 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 19, 2011 – A Confederate cavalry saber used by the father of artist Thomas Hart Benton is now on display at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site in Kansas City. This saber and scabbard will be on display for the first time in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (1861-1865). There is no fee to go through the visitor center and see the saber. Guided tours of the home and studio are available for a fee of $4 per adult. The 1840 model “wrist breaker” saber was reputedly carried by Maecenas E. Benton while in service with Company F of the 15th Tennessee cavalry during the Civil War. After the war, Benton became a lawyer and settled in Neosho where his son, Thomas Hart Benton, was born in 1889. Maecenas Benton later was a U.S. district attorney, and eventually served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. A small rooster symbol at the base of the saber’s blade identifies it as being made by the Gebruder Weyersberg firm of Solingen, Germany. Solingen has a long reputation of manufacturing high quality blades, and the city's manufacturers provided many of the swords for the Civil War. Later in the war, the 1860 model saber began to replace the heavier and thicker 1840 "wrist breakers." Thomas Hart Benton is Missouri's most famous 20th century painter. His works include murals at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City and the Truman Library in Independence. Benton worked out of his Kansas City studio, located behind his home, from 1939 until his death in 1975. The home and studio are now preserved in Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site operated by Missouri State Parks. The state historic site, located at 3616 Belleview, is open year-round for tours Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The site is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information, call the site at 816- 931-5722 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=252 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:34:44 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 18, 2011 -- Are you looking for something new and special to add to your next camping adventure? Show-Me WOW Weekends will definitely add a WOW factor to your camping trip to Missouri state parks. Registered campers in seven state parks will have an added bonus during special weekends with programs to learn a new activity or enjoy a familiar one with friends and family. Activities include archery, bank fishing, kayaking, hiking, Dutch oven cooking, geocaching and more. These programs will provide even more ways to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors. Show-Me WOW Weekends will be held Saturday, July 23 at Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park near Dadeville and Wakonda State Park near La Grange; Saturday, July 30 at Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville and Robertsville State Park near Robertsvillle; and Saturday, Aug. 6 at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage and Pittsburg, and Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville. "These programs will add a bonus to your camping experience, whether your idea of a weekend camping trip is a relaxing getaway or an exciting new adventure," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The programs will be offered free of charge to registered campers. Lodging guests at Stockton, Thousand Hills and Mark Twain state parks also are invited to participate in these events. Campers who are interested in participating should sign up at the park from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday or 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. All participating parks offer both basic campsites and those with electrical hookups. All regular camping fees apply to campers during the special weekends. For details on specific programs and times at participating state parks, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800- 334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=251 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:35:40 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., July 18, 2011 -- If you love the Meramec River and want to help clean up its banks, join park staff from Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg on a cleanup event July 30. The cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the public is encouraged to volunteer to assist. Previous flood events have deposited significant debris along the stream bank that extends from the park campground's gravel bar along the Meramec River to the boat launch in the park's day-use area. If time permits, volunteers will also clean up trash along the creek that flows throughout the picnic and shelter area. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided. Reservations for this event are not required but are encouraged by calling 573-245-6576. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=250 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:37:37 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 18, 2011 -- If you are looking for an easy way to access information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, the answer is in the palm of your hand. A new free mobile application for smartphones is designed to provide visitors with convenient access to detailed state park information. The app is currently available for the Apple iPhone and is coming soon for Android smartphones. Innovative features within the app are sure to enhance any visit to a Missouri state park or historic site. "Our amazing state parks are timeless in what they offer and these new mobile applications will make sure today's visitors have the latest technology to easily access information about them," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. The free Lite version of the Pocket Ranger™ Mobile Tour Guide enables you to find a state park by location or activity. Features such as the Trails menu in the individual park pages make it easy for hikers and bikers to view a list of available trails. With a quick glance at each trail’s description, you will even find the app helpful in finding a trail to match your ability. The spectacular scenery at any of Missouri's state parks and historic sites provides you with plenty of opportunities to snap a photo. With the app's social networking feature, you can easily share these photos with family and friends and post a message to have them join in the outdoor fun. Additional features of the app include a direct link to the park's reservation site so you can make arrangements for an overnight stay or extend your vacation. Along with this feature, you will appreciate having access to useful information such as weather alerts, operational times and park events at your fingertips. Additional features are available by upgrading to the Pro version with a portion of these profits going to Missouri State Parks. By purchasing the Pro version, you can have an even more dynamic visit by recording trails and marking waypoints during an outdoor excursion so you can go back to that favorite fishing spot time and time again. With the friend finder feature, experience the comfort of knowing where your family and friends are within the park. Feel even more secure with the alert feature of the app, which notifies select contacts in the event of an emergency. The Pocket Ranger Mobile Tour Guide can be downloaded from the iTunes Store and Android's Market, or directly at StateParkApps.com. Download your Official Guide for Missouri State Parks and Historic sites today. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com or contact the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=249 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:04:02 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 15, 2011 –The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Boone County Regional Sewer District a $438,000 low-interest loan to eliminate two wastewater treatment plants and construct a new collection system. The district will use the proceeds to properly abandon the Arrowhead Lake Estates treatment plant and University Estates lagoon. The district will construct a force main and gravity line to connect both subdivisions to the city of Columbia’s wastewater treatment plant. Funding for the loan comes from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The fund is a joint effort between the department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide cost effective financing for clean water infrastructure improvements. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the loan funds. The department is committed to working closely with public entities to assist with funding efforts that support clean water infrastructure improvement projects, as well as provide a financial savings. For more information, contact the department’s Water Protection Program, Financial Assistance Center, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1192, or visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=248 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:49:37 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 15, 2011 — A prize-winning student exhibit about Dred Scott from a Columbia student will be on display at the Missouri State Museum in the State Capitol July 16 though Aug. 31. The exhibit is one of two exhibits that tied for the Missouri History Prize from the National History Day in Missouri. National History Day in Missouri is a yearlong history education program sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council. The program encourages young people to explore history and teaches them to understand historical issues, ideas, people and events. The Missouri State Museum established the Missouri History Prize, which is awarded annually, to encourage students to research Missouri history for their projects. The theme for History Day 2011 is "Debate and Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences." John Swift from Columbia Catholic School competed in the junior group exhibit category. His exhibit, "Dred Scott: Free Man or Slave," looks at the debate of this well known case. The exhibit will be displayed in the museum’s History Hall in the east wing of the State Capitol Building through the end of August. The museum and the Capitol building are open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). For more information, contact the Missouri State Museum office at 573-751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=247 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:05:17 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 14, 2011 – The Missouri Trails Advisory Board will meet Saturday, July 16, to discuss grants for the federal Recreational Trails Program. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks office, 1659 East Elm St., Jefferson City. The board will review 28 grant applications for the federal Fiscal Year 2011 grant funding. The board will make funding recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources based on the application’s suitability under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and other federal guidelines. The board will also discuss the status of the Recreational Trails Program funding. The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program for trail-related construction, maintenance, restoration and development. In Missouri, Recreational Trails Program funds are administered by the Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. For more information about the program, contact Bonnie Higdon at 573-751-3442 or at bonnie.higdon@dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=246 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:06:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 14, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Sunday, July 24, at Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock. The informational meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the picnic area shelter house. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Discussion items will include the site's conceptual development plan, a long-term planning process that is under way. Other items include the status of the budget and a discussion of the Sappington Negro Cemetery. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Arrow Rock, Sappington Cemetery and Boone’s Lick state historic sites’ services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located on Highway 41, one half mile south of the town. The picnic shelter is at 39700 Overlook Drive. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Arrow Rock State Historic Site at 660-837-3330 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=245 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:02:32 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 13, 2011 – Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park reopened today after water samples taken Monday showed continued bacteria levels well below the department’s acceptable levels for state park beaches. The beach, also known as Public Beach #2, reopened after bacteria levels were found to be significantly below the department’s standard for swimming beaches for the second consecutive week. These results helped to bring down the overall geometric mean for bacteria to within the department’s standard for state park beaches. Missouri State Parks officials closed the beach at Trail of Tears State Park today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the department’s standard. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beaches will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Such as Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=244 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:19:28 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 13, 2011 – Set aside 1 p.m. each Wednesday during July and August to learn more about Missouri's cultural and natural history. The Missouri State Museum is continuing its "Wednesdays @ 1" programs each Wednesday through the middle of November. While many of the programs are aimed primarily for children, they are designed to appeal to all ages. The programs are free of charge. Missouri State Museum staff will present the following programs through July and August: * July 20: Spinning and Fiber * July 27: Loom Weaving * Aug 3: Underground Railroad * Aug 10: Children’s Toys and Games of the Civil War * Aug 17: Border Disorder * Aug 24: Wood Carving by the Firehouse Woodcarvers * Aug 30: Steamboats of the Civil War The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside the Missouri State Capitol at 201 W. Capitol Avenue. Programs will take place on the first floor rotunda of the Capitol with the exception of the Aug. 24 program, which will take place at the Rozier Gallery, Union Hotel, Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, 100 Jefferson Street. For more information about the event, contact the museum at 573-751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=243 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:06:55 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO JULY 13, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, July 23 at Van Meter State Park near Miami. The informational meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center located in Van Meter State Park and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. These include many projects by the State Youth Corps. Refreshments will be served. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Van Meter State Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122 in Saline County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 660-886-7537 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=242 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:54:32 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 12, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources evacuated its environmental services laboratory building earlier today following a chemical release. The department's environmental emergency responders and local emergency responders oversaw the evacuation and cleanup at the department's Environmental Services Program. The chemical release occurred at approximately 9:30 this morning when a vial containing between 250 to 500 milliliters of ethylenediamine broke. The department’s laboratory uses the chemical preservative during the drinking water sample analysis process to extend sample holding times. The laboratory took proper precautions by implementing the department’s Environmental Service Program’s emergency action plan. The department handles numerous chemicals in its laboratory on a daily basis and routinely practices its emergency procedures. The laboratory facility is specifically designed to handle chemical releases that could occur during the testing process. Therefore, the fumes were contained to the immediate room where the incident occurred. The department's emergency responders partnered with Jefferson City Fire Department and Cole County HazMat team to assess and oversee the cleanup. The building was cleared around noon today and employees were allowed to return to the building, no injuries occurred. To report an environmental emergency please contact the spill line at 573-634-2436. For more information contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443, or visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=241 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:14:34 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 11, 2011 -- Two of Missouri's historic covered bridges will receive additional protection and preservation, thanks to a federal grant awarded to Missouri State Parks. The federal grant for $144,788 from the Federal Highway Administration will be used for projects at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site near Goldman in Jefferson County and Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site west of Paris in Monroe County. The grants are through the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program and are intended to assist the states in their efforts to preserve, rehabilitate or restore the nation's historic covered bridges. "Our state park system preserves the best of Missouri's landmarks and these covered bridges are an important part of our history and legacy. It is imperative we preserve them and this grant will assist us with those efforts," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. At Sandy Creek Covered Bridge, the department will use the grant to remove graffiti and apply a sealant that will make it easier to remove future graffiti; install two infrared cameras with motion sensors to record activities at the bridge; and install two heat detectors for fire protection. At Union Covered Bridge, water pressure from the flood in 2008 caused some structural members and pinning elements to become loose. The department will use the grant to hire a structural engineer familiar with covered bridges to inspect and advise officials on a solution. The grant also will be used to realign roof rafters and replace the wooden shingles; remove graffiti and apply a sealant that will make it easier to remove future graffiti; and repair fire detection equipment damaged by flood events. The grants will fund 80 percent of the project with the state supplying the remaining 20 percent. The department anticipates the work to begin in 2012. For more information about Missouri's covered bridges, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800- 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=240 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:53:15 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 11, 2011-- The Missouri State Museum has received the Heritage Advocate Award in recognition of its innovative project to educate the public about the importance of appropriate care of historic collections. The award is sponsored by Heritage Preservation, a national nonprofit organization, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency. The Missouri State Museum, part of the Missouri state park system, is one of two organizations to receive the award. At the State Museum, staff turned the need to find a new storage facility for its collection into an opportunity for improvement. The new space in a converted warehouse is a big improvement in providing a safe environment for the collection. The staff used the need to move the collection to educate decision-makers and stakeholders about conservation and collections care. When the new facility opened, the museum hosted an event at the site and invited donors, and representatives from state, county and city government as well as local businesses. With a focus on collections care activities, staff engaged their guests with custom-made posters, conversation and hands-on features. The event improved awareness and has sparked significant results. The Heritage Advocate Awards are part of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a multi-faceted national initiative of the IMLS. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the institute, visit imls.gov. Heritage Preservation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural, historic and scientific heritage of the United States. By identifying risks, developing innovative programs and providing broad public access to expert advice, Heritage Preservation assists the museums, libraries, archives, organizations and individuals that care for our endangered heritage. To learn more, visit heritagepreservation.org. The Missouri State Museum is located in the State Capitol and is open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the museum office at 573- 751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379- 2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=239 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:40:32 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 11, 2011—The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hear information on the potential impacts of proposed changes to water quality standards at a July 13 meeting. The commission will hold the public meeting at 9 a.m. at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., Jefferson City. The changes to water quality standards, proposed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will update current regulations to ensure state water quality standards are reviewed and revised at least every three years as required by federal law. The department will present information on the regulatory impact report generated for this proposed rulemaking. The report is currently open for public comment. At this meeting, the department will ask the commission to approve a $100,000 loan to the city of Linneus for wastewater treatment improvements. Other items on the agenda include updates on other proposed rulemakings and possible enforcement actions against Vaughn Topsoil Farm in Phelps County and Maher Brothers Inc. in Ralls County. Department staff will also provide routine updates on functions of the Water Protection Program. People requiring special services or who wish to speak at the July 13 commission meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300 or by writing to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Clean Water Commission Secretary, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0176. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. The commission is a seven-member board that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The department provides staff support to the commission. The Clean Water Commission adopts rules and regulations and advises the department on various water quality issues. For more information or a complete meeting agenda, contact Malinda Steenbergen at the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6721 or visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/cwc/index.html. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=238 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:10:15 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 7, 2011 – Swimming beaches at Cuivre River, Finger Lakes and Mark Twain state parks have been reopened after results of water samples taken Tuesday showed bacteria levels had dropped significantly below the department’s acceptable levels for state park beaches. Even though the bacteria levels at Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, also known as Public Beach #2, were minimal, the beach remains closed because the overall geometric mean exceeds the department’s standard for state park beaches. Visitors to the park can still enjoy the park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beaches will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. The beach at Wakonda State Park is temporarily closed due to earlier storm debris. The public will be notified when the beach is reopened. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=237 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:09:37 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 7, 2011 – The sampling of 13 upper Lake of the Ozark coves Tuesday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health. All of the coves sampled Tuesday will be tested monthly through October, including immediately following Labor Day weekend. The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches. E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains. These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal. For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness. The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam. A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=236 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:07:54 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 6, 2011 – Join staff at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg on July 16 for an open house and special lantern-led tour of Onondaga Cave. The open house will begin at 4 p.m. with a short presentation about recent and upcoming park activities. Members of the Onondaga Friends Association will present a short program outlining their role at the park. The public is invited to provide input about the park and its services. Light refreshments will be provided by the association. At 5 p.m., the association will conduct a special two-hour lantern-led cave tour of Onondaga Cave. Characters from Onondaga Cave's past will be highlighted in this historical tour showcasing the cave's history. Space for the tour is limited and advanced reservations are required. A fee of $22 for adults and $12 for children 11- 14 will apply. While small children are welcome, this tour will be geared toward an adult audience. Proceeds will be used by the Onondaga Friends Association to enhance interpretive services at the park. Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information, contact the park at 573-245-6576 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=235 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:41:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 6, 2011 - Learn more about local history and recent archaeological investigations at History and Archaeology Day, Saturday, July 16, at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The event, which will feature presentations by historic site staff and special guest speakers, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free and the public is invited to attend. Frontiersman Nathan Boone moved to Greene County with his family in 1837, when southwest Missouri was still the western edge of European settlement. Presenters at History and Archaeology Day will speak on aspects of Boone’s life and career, as well as the history of the farm and the Boone family’s legacy in Missouri. A special presentation will also highlight recent archaeological work by Missouri State University at the nearby William H. Berry farm. Berry’s wife, Caroline, and her mother began their lives as slaves of the Boone family, and later settled west of Ash Grove. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Nathan Boone. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For a schedule of speakers and times for History and Archaeology Day, please contact the historic site at 417-751-3266. For additional information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=234 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:09:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 6, 2011 -- Become a Missouri State Park Explorer by attending Explorer Camp July 16 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. This year's camp is all about animals in the news: mountain lions, black bears and elk. Those attending the camp will learn about these animals that have been in the news in Missouri the last few years by completing activities on all three of these animals. This four-hour camp, being held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., will meet the requirements needed to earn the Missouri State Park Explorer patch. Those of all ages can earn an Explorer patch by completing projects in any state park or historic site. The program provides a great way to learn about nature and Missouri. For more information or to register, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=233 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:09:41 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 6, 2011 -- Join us for tea time July 16 in the Anderson House at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington. Tea will be served in the dining room from 1 to 3 p.m. The table will be full of sandwiches, scones and desserts that would have been served in Victorian times. Guests can casually sit, sip your tea and enjoy the afternoon. Children and those young at heart are invited to make a rag dolls. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is located at 1101 Delaware St. in Lexington. For more information, call the site at 660-259-4654 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=232 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:36:57 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 5, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy will host the Energize Missouri Industries Energy Efficiency Forum on July 19. The one-day energy efficiency workshop will be held at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia. "The industrial sector is vital to Missouri's economy," said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. "This sector employs and influences thousands of people in Missouri and the opportunities for energy savings are great. The industrial sector is constantly working to increase shareholder value and reduce expenses. We are very pleased to work with the U.S. Department of Energy to hold this forum." The forum will focus on energy efficiency innovations and tools to help Missouri industrial companies save energy and money year-after-year. The forum will feature speakers from Ameren Missouri; Anheuser Busch; Covidien; Murphy Company Mechanical Contractors and Engineers; Nestle Purina; University of Missouri and the U.S. Department of Energy. Industrial facility owners, managers, engineers and anyone interested in improving industrial energy efficiency is invited to attend the forum. Participants will learn the importance of investing in energy efficiency improvements in their facilities; tools necessary to investigate energy efficiency improvements; next steps for implementing an energy efficiency program; and the resources available to support their efforts to identify opportunities and implement solutions. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. at the Stoney Creek Inn, 2601 South Providence Road, Columbia. To register to attend the forum or for more information, visit saveenergynowmidwest.org or contact the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-2254. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=231 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:31:39 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 29, 2011 – Heavy rainfall earlier this week likely contributed to high bacteria levels confirmed at four state park swimming beaches, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Swimming beaches at Cuivre River and Finger Lakes state parks have been closed because the results of water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels above the department’s standard for state park beaches. Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, also known as Public Beach #2, remains closed because of elevated bacteria levels. Visitors to the park can still enjoy the park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are also open and available to visitors. Even though the bacteria levels at Mark Twain State Park were well below the department’s single-sample standard for bacteria, the beach has been closed because the overall geometric mean exceeds the department’s standard for state park beaches. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. All of the parks affected by closings this week were in the path of thunderstorms Sunday and early Monday that dropped considerable rainfall. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beaches will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at http://bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. The beaches at Wakonda and Lake Wappapello state parks are temporarily closed due to earlier storm debris or flooding. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=230 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:29:35 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 30, 2011 -- Members of the State Parks Youth Corps from Roaring River State Park near Cassville have been assisting this week in another type of park: Cunningham Park, a municipal park in Joplin that was heavily damaged by the May 22 tornado. The State Parks Youth Corps, or SPYC, was created in 2010 by Gov. Jay Nixon as a jobs program for youth with the focus on assisting in Missouri state parks. Several hundred young people, ages 17-21, are working through the program in Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites. In the aftermath of the devastating Joplin tornado, the Governor mobilized numerous state resources to help the area recover and rebuild. As a part of Missouri State Parks' effort to assist, SPYC members from Roaring River State Park have been helping at Cunningham Park. Beginning on Monday, June 27, the SPYC helped with cleanup at the city park by raking the area and picking up debris left by the tornado. The debris was put in bags and placed on the curb for eventual pickup. The assistance from SPYC workers at Cunningham Park is one part of an overall effort to assist Joplin area parks. Missouri State Parks is working with Springfield-Greene County Park Board, the Missouri Park and Recreation Association and others to help rebuild municipal parks in Joplin. In addition to helping clean up the parks, the effort will include assisting with planning for rebuilding the parks and anything else necessary for the effort to succeed. "We realize the value of parks and how important it is to have a place to relax and enjoy nature," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "If we can assist the city of Joplin to rebuild one of these islands of nature and solitude, we will provide whatever help we can," Bryan said. Today and Friday, the SPYC members will return to Roaring River State Park to help prepare the park for guests arriving for the Fourth of July weekend. SPYC crews will continue to assist in Joplin area parks in the future. The effort to assist at Cunningham Park is just one part of Missouri State Parks' effort to assist the Joplin area parks. Beginning this weekend, donation boxes will be located in all Missouri state parks and historic sites. All donations collected will be used to help purchase and plant trees in Joplin area parks. Another effort involves Missouri State Parks' participation in the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree program. The program allows people across the nation to vote where they want trees planted. Odwalla has committed $100,000 to the campaign and each vote will be equal to $1 that can be used for trees. This year, Missouri State Parks will donate the trees they receive to help Joplin area parks. To vote to donate trees to the Joplin area parks, go to mostateparks.com website and click on the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree program link and follow the process. If you enter the six-character code printed inside the Missouri state park system's new Welcome Kit, Odwalla will donate an extra dollar per vote. Voting will continue through Aug. 31. "We are committed to helping the Joplin area recover and rebuild from this tornado, and assisting in the cleanup and providing trees are two ways we can help them move forward," Bryan said. For information on Missouri state parks and to vote in the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree program, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=229 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:04:54 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 29, 2011 -- Learn the basics of shotgun and skeet shooting at an event July 9 at Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock. The free program will include two sessions with the morning session from 9 a.m. to noon and the afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. Brian Flowers from the Missouri Department of Conservation will present the program, which will begin with a firearms safety lesson and advance into proper fit of a shotgun, proper stance and shooting techniques. All participants will have the opportunity to practice by shooting a variety of clay birds thrown from a clay bird trailer. There will be youth and adult guns on hand for everyone to try. Eye and ear protection, shells and clay birds will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own shotgun and should bring a lawn chair or something to sit on while the class is being taught. Please call the Arrow Rock State Historic Site in advance to register at 660-837-3330. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 4th and Van Buren streets in Arrow Rock. For more information on state parks and historic sites, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=228 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:05:33 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 29, 2011 – If you are interested in seeing one of the greatest symbols of the vanishing tallgrass prairie, take a guided bison hike July 9 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Join the park naturalist at 10 a.m. for a trip back in time to see bison, one of our most magnificent mammals on its native prairie habitat. The event is free and open to the public. During the one hour hike, you will learn about bison biology, Native American uses of the bison, herd dynamics, prairies and much more. Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. Call the park at 417-843-6711 for more details and to register for the hike. For more information on Missouri state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=227 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:06:12 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 29, 2011 — A prize-winning student exhibit on the Meramec River Dam debate is on display at the Missouri State Museum in the State Capitol through July 15. The exhibit is one of two exhibits that tied for the Missouri History Prize from the National History Day in Missouri. National History Day in Missouri is a yearlong history education program sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council. The program encourages young people to explore history and teaches them to understand historical issues, ideas, people and events. The Missouri State Museum established the Missouri History Prize, which is awarded annually, to encourage students to research Missouri history for their projects. The theme for History Day 2011 is "Debate and Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences." Four students, Kathleen Magee, Amy Marshall, Molly Mitchell and Emma Sonderman, from St. Raphael the Archangel School in St. Louis, competed in the junior group exhibit category. Their exhibit, "Protect or Improve? The Great Debate Over the Meramec Dam," will be displayed in the museum’s History Hall in the east wing of the State Capitol Building through July 15. The museum and the Capitol building are open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). For more information, contact the Missouri State Museum office at 573-751-2854 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=226 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:06:44 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 29, 2011 -- When you visit Missouri state parks and historic sites for the Fourth of July weekend, you can do more than just have fun - you can assist your neighbors in the Joplin area with their recovery and rebuilding effort. Donation boxes will be available in all Missouri state parks and historic sites beginning Saturday, July 2. All donations will be used to help purchase and plant trees in the Joplin area parks. "We believe the Missouri state park system belongs to the people of this state. This is one way we can provide assistance to the people and give back to those who need us," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The donation boxes are one part of a larger effort to assist in replacing the hundreds of trees destroyed by the recent tornado. Missouri State Parks is currently participating in the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree Program, which allows people across the nation to vote where they want trees planted. Odwalla has committed $100,000 to the campaign and each vote will be equal to $1 that can be used for trees. This year, Missouri State Parks will be donating the trees they receive to help Joplin area parks. To vote to donate trees to the Joplin area parks, go to mostate parks.com website and click on the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree program link. It will take you through the process to vote for Missouri state parks. If you enter the six-character code printed inside the Missouri state park system's new Welcome Kit, Odwalla will donate an extra dollar per vote. Voting will continue through Aug. 31, 2011. "As more people vote, the number of trees available to the Joplin area will increase. We encourage you to have your friends vote as well," Bryan said. In addition to helping replace trees, Missouri State Parks is assisting the Joplin area residents by waiving all camping fees in three state parks for those displaced by the tornado in Joplin. Camping fees will be waived at Table Rock State Park near Branson, Stockton State Park near Stockton, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville. The waiver applies to all Missouri residents in the state-declared disaster counties of Jasper and Newton counties. The waiver will apply for 30 days on available campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. People requesting a fee waiver need to provide documentation from a governmental or charitable organization certifying that they have been displaced by storm damage in one of the state-declared counties. "As you celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with your friends and family, take a moment to remember those who need your assistance. You can do so by simply making a donation in a donation box or by voting online for Missouri state parks in the Odwalla Plant-a-Tree program," Bryan said. For more information about state parks and where they are located, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=225 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:03:20 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 28, 2011 -- Author Rose Ann Findlen will be at Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock on July 10 to sign copies of her new book "Missouri Star: The Life and Times of Martha A. "Mattie" (Livingston) Lykins Bingham." The event will begin at 2 p.m. in the site's visitor center auditorium and the public is invited to attend. The book is the first, comprehensive book-length biography of Mattie Lykins Bingham, the wife of painter George Caleb Bingham and a Kansas City pioneer. The book makes available two never-before published portraits, extensive use of rarely viewed excerpts from her scrapbook, and her journal, "Recollections of Old Times in Kansas City," written between 1883-1890. Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located at 4th and Van Buren streets in Arrow Rock. For more information, call the site at 660-837-3330 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=224 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:01:06 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 28, 2011 - Experience the Civil War and the history of the Battle of Carthage at an event July 9 at Battle of Carthage State Historic Site in Carthage. Activities at the site will begin at 10 a.m. and will include inter-active interpretation as you explore the life of a solider during the early years of the war. The event is free and open to the public. The Battle of Carthage, fought on July 5, 1861, was one of the earliest engagements in the Civil War. The battle pitted the Missouri State Guard, a pro-Southern force under the command of Claiborne Fox Jackson, against a Union regiment under the command of Col. Franz Sigel. The historic site includes the Carter Spring area, where Sigel's troops camped on the night of July 4, 1861. The July 9 event is being held in conjunction with City of Carthage's Civil War Commemoration Ceremony, which features events throughout the town. The historic site is located on East Chestnut Road in Carthage. For more information contact the site at 417-682-2279 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=223 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:01:25 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 28, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Wednesday, July 6 at the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the visitor center and museum and the public is invited to attend. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. These include proposed additional improvements to the bicycle and walking trail. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park's services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is located off Interstate 35, seven miles east of Kearney, off Highway 92 on Highway RA. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 816-580-3387 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=222 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:55:10 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 28, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has identified 21 drinking water systems in Missouri that have chronically failed to complete drinking water testing required by the department to ensure a safe water supply. The department classifies a drinking water system as a chronic violator when a system has three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period. Routine testing by a drinking water system is crucial to maintaining a safe water supply. The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. This current list of 21 systems represents less than one percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri. Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the quality of the drinking water. To view more details on the violators listed, visit the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/index.html. County -- Public Drinking Water System * Benton -- Colony Baptist Church, Hidden Valley Mobile Home Park, Sun Valley Subdivision, TT Campground. * Camden -- Kelly’s Landing, Pit Stop Café. * Dallas -- Fraternal Order of Eagles 4010. * Jasper – Flyin’ W Convenience Store. * Laclede -- Gasconade C-4 Elementary School. * Lawrence -- Hungry House Café. * Maries -- Moreland’s Catfish Patch and Steak House. * Miller -- Construction Site Bar and Grill, Old Town Osage, Sunset Mobile Home Park. * Newton -- Believers Faith Fellowship. * Ozark -- Rusty Rail Pub. * Pettis -- Budget Host Super 7 Motel. * Taney -- East Fork Subdivision, GDM Investment Project, Hitch N Post General Store, Taney County Memorial Post 5168. These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make onsite inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels. For more information, contact the Department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=221 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:56:33 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 28, 2011 – The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will meet on June 30 in Cape Girardeau to discuss air quality issues. The commission will vote on adopting a variety of air-quality related items, including a consolidated indirect heating rule, a change to Missouri's plan to meet federal air quality standard, known as the State Implementation Plan, and adopting the state's recommendation for designating which areas of the state are not meeting the federal standard for sulfur dioxide. The commission will also vote on the recession of four area-specific indirect heating rules that will be replaced by the consolidated indirect heating rule being considered for adoption. The consolidated rule keeps particulate matter emission limits for indirect heating units, which mainly include utility and industrial boilers, process heaters and smelters, at the same level as the area-specific rules it is proposed to replace. Program staff will also provide routine updates on the functions of the Air Pollution Control Program. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. and will be held in the Lincoln Meeting Room at Drury Lodge, 104 South Vantage Drive in Cape Girardeau. The Missouri Air Conservation Commission, made up of seven members appointed by the governor, was created by the Missouri General Assembly in 1965. The commission's primary duty is to carry out the Missouri Air Conservation Law. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information or a complete meeting agenda, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 573-751-4817 or visit dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/macc.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=220 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:05:15 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 24, 2011 -- Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the department, announced today that trail users in the city of Doniphan will benefit from a new trail project, thanks to a $97,800 federal Recreational Trails Program grant. The grant will help fund the creation of the Quick Creek Park Trail in Doniphan. The grant will be used to build a one-mile trail around the new ball field that will be part of a system that connects the high school, the Claude C. Greibe Memorial Park, Quick Creek Park, Riverfront Park and the downtown area. "Trails are important to communities and the individuals who use them," said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "The city of Doniphan’s trail project will help provide its residents and visitors with the opportunity to get outdoors and connect with nature while connecting and strengthening the community as a whole." The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program for trail-related land acquisition, development or restoration. In Missouri, Recreational Trails Program funds are administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. The City of Doniphan is among 32 projects that were selected for grants based on recommendations from the Missouri Trails Advisory Board, which represents diverse trail interest groups. The grants were awarded based on the results of a competitive scoring process and the application's suitability under funding provisions included in Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). At least a 20 percent match is required by the applicant. A funding requirement targets 30 percent of the funding for motorized trails, 30 percent for non-motorized trails and 40 percent for diversified trail use. "Many of these trails provide a way to explore scenic parts of Missouri as well as provide opportunities for healthy recreation. We are proud to be a part of this effort," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. For more information about the grant program, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=219 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 24, 2011 – Lewis and Clark State Park near Rushville in Buchanan County has been closed temporarily because of flooding from rising water levels from the Missouri River. Missouri State Park officials closed the park today and will continue to evaluate the situation to determine when the park can reopen. "We have been watching the water levels and monitoring forecasts to determine if and when water will affect Lewis and Clark State Park," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Department of Natural Resources. "Because of rising water levels in Lewis and Clark Lake, we decided to close the park immediately." Although the park had been open for use, staff has been preparing for possible flooding such as removing equipment and other items. Campers have been relocated to Weston Bend State Park and campers with reservations had already been notified that flooding was likely. Because of its location on an oxbow lake near the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark State Park has experienced flooding in the past and has plans in place for how to deal with flooding situations. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the park when it is safe for visitors to return. Although Lewis and Clark State Park is temporarily closed, there are other state parks in northwest Missouri that are open for campers and other visitors. These include Wallace State Park near Cameron, Weston Bend State Park near Weston and Watkins Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson. For information about these state parks, visit mostateparks.com. To check the status of Lewis and Clark State Park or for more information about Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (TDD). http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=218 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:56:24 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 – Following Governor Jay Nixon’s extension of the declaration of emergency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has extended a waiver that gives residents and communities in Missouri additional flexibility in cleaning up from severe weather and tornados in the Joplin and Sedalia areas. The department has waived specific solid waste and air pollution regulations in three Missouri counties that were affected by the outbreak of tornados and severe weather that began May 22 through May 25. The counties include Jasper, Newton and Pettis counties. The extended waiver will continue to allow vegetative waste, such as brush and yard waste, which normally is excluded from permitted sanitary landfills, to be taken to such landfills if the landfill agrees to accept the waste. The waiver applies only to vegetative waste caused or damaged by the storms in May. The extended waiver also allows for the burning of vegetative waste resulting from the storms as long as it is burned on the property where it originated. Community burn sites located within the corporate limits of any municipality must receive a permit from the department. The burning of vegetative waste from the storms must be done at least 200 yards from the nearest occupied structure and be approved by local fire officials. The department is asking community officials to consider the 200-yard buffer as a minimum and to select burn locations carefully, taking local air quality, public health and safety, and other effects on neighborhoods into consideration. The department continues to strongly encourage, but not require, composting of vegetative waste where practical. While the department's extended waiver allows residents to burn vegetative debris if necessary, it does not allow additional items to be burned in order to be protective of human health and air pollution and follow state and federal regulations. Individuals cleaning up debris in the Joplin and Sedalia areas should NOT burn building structural debris, home furnishings, personal items, household hazardous waste, appliances and tires. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are coordinating the debris removal cleanup process in the Joplin area. EPA and its contractors are managing the household hazardous waste, white goods such as appliances, and electronic waste such as computers and televisions. The Corps and its contractors are managing the remaining construction debris and vegetative material such trees and brush. In the Sedalia area, the department encourages residents to recycle appliances damaged in the storm, but in cases where it is impractical to separate the appliances from other storm debris, the department is also allowing these items to be taken to a landfill. Again, the landfill must be willing to accept the appliances. The department encourages cities and counties to coordinate collection of damaged appliances so refrigerants can be legally recovered from air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators before recycling. The department also waived the state requirements requiring the use of Missouri certified supervisors and workers dealing with the removal of asbestos-containing material. The department’s fact sheet regarding the handling of asbestos in an emergency is on the web at dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2121.pdf. The federal regulations governing asbestos removal are still in place. The extended waiver shall be in effect until Sept. 15 unless otherwise amended by subsequent notice. Further information, including the full text of the waiver, is available on the department's natural disaster resources webpage at dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm. Fact sheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information are also available on this webpage. Local officials should call their nearest regional office for additional information or clarification of the waiver. For assistance in Newton and Jasper counties, officials may contact the department's Southwest Regional Office at 417-891-4300. For assistance in Pettis County, officials may contact the department’s Kansas City Regional Office at 816-622-7000. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=217 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:55:09 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 – Following Governor Jay Nixon’s extension of the declaration of emergency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is extending its waiver of specific solid waste and air pollution regulations related to cleanup of communities affected by the May flooding in 19 southern Missouri counties. The extended waiver shall be in effect until Sept. 15 unless otherwise amended by subsequent notice. Like the original waivers, the extension applies to Barry, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, Taney and Wayne counties. The extended waivers will continue to allow vegetative waste, such as brush and yard waste, which normally is excluded from permitted sanitary landfills, to be taken to such landfills if the landfill agrees to accept the waste. The department is encouraging residents to recycle appliances damaged in the storm, but in cases where it is impractical to separate the appliances from other storm debris, the department is also allowing these items to be taken to a landfill. Again, the landfill must be willing to accept the appliances. The department is encouraging cities and counties to coordinate collection of damaged appliances so refrigerants can be legally recovered from air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators before recycling. The department continues to strongly encourage, but not require, composting of vegetative waste where practical. The waiver applies only to yard waste and does not allow disposal of other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills. The waiver also allows for the burning of vegetative waste resulting from the storms as long as it is burned on the property where it originated. Community burn sites located within the corporate limits of any municipality must receive a permit from the department. The burning of vegetative waste from the storms must be done at least 200 yards from the nearest occupied structure and be approved by local fire officials. The department is asking community officials to consider the 200-yard buffer as a minimum and to carefully select burn locations, taking local air quality, public health and safety, and other effects on neighborhoods into consideration. The original waivers and the extension, along with fact sheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information, can be found on the department’s website: dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm. Residents or businesses involved in storm debris cleanup should call the Department of Natural Resource’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-840-9750 or the Southwest Regional Office at 417-891-4300 for additional information or clarification of the waiver. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=216 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:57:51 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., June 23, 2011 -- On Friday, June 24, Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the department, will announce a grant from the Recreational Trails Program for trail projects in the city of Doniphan. Friday, June 24 WHO: Director Sara Parker Pauley and Bill Bryan, Missouri Department of Natural Resources WHAT: Awarding grant for trail projects in the city of Doniphan. WHEN: June 24 at 1 p.m. WHERE: Doniphan City Hall 124 West Jefferson St. Doniphan For planning purposes, please email renee.bungart@dnr.mo.gov if you plan to cover this event. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=215 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:51:19 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 –The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $180,200 to the Jefferson County Stormwater Management Division and the Belews Creek Watershed Partnership to implement the watershed management plan for the Belews Creek watershed in Jefferson County. The Belews Creek watershed management plan implementation project will address goals identified in the watershed management plan, including streambank stabilization, improvement to riparian corridors within the watershed, increased mapping of sinkholes in the watershed, providing information to the public on proper treatment of sinkholes, and increased education on maintenance and repair to onsite waste management systems. A demonstration project to improve an erosion problem behind the Jefferson County Administration Building will also be a part of this grant. The grant will help fund improvements to the watershed as noted above, as well as public meetings, educational materials and personnel expenses. A match of $120,000 will be provided by Jefferson County and the Belews Creek Watershed Partnership, bringing the total cost to $300,333. Project completion is expected by March 2015. Partners in this collaborative effort include the city of Hillsboro, Stream Teams and Volunteer Citizens, Jefferson County Community Services, Department of Conservation, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Jefferson College. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through the Department of Natural Resources, has provided funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The department’s Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri. For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=214 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:35:40 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Doniphan a $10,000 grant to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff at the city’s Quick Creek Park. The Quick Creek Park Environmental Education Project will involve implementing conservation practices focused on reducing pollution from stormwater runoff. The purpose of such an initiative will not only be to preserve and restore the environment, but also to focus upon education by involving school and community groups in the project. The project aims to restore native vegetation such as trees, shrubs and native grasses and wildflowers to the site. It will also demonstrate the effectiveness and ease of managing stormwater runoff using rain gardens, and develop a lawn nutrient management plan based on soil testing for proper fertilization of the athletic fields. The community will be invited to participate in the project. The city intends to involve school groups, construct outdoor learning classrooms and implement educational activities for community events such as Earth Day and Arbor Day. These activities will educate residents, landowners, citizens and businesses about pollutants from stormwater runoff, and promote their involvement in best management practices in the watershed. They will also learn what technical resources are available to assist them in implementing such activities. The city of Doniphan and partners will provide a match contribution of $6,670 during the life of the project bringing the total cost of the project to $16,670. Contributing partners in this collaborative effort include the Doniphan High School, local civic groups, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Stream Team volunteers and the University of Missouri-Extension. Project completion is expected by April 30, 2013. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri as well as provide a financial savings. For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=213 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:36:18 GMT GOVERNMENT JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 –The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $19,175 to the Greenway Network Inc. to develop a watershed management plan for the Watkins Creek sub-watershed in northeastern St. Louis County. Watkins Creek is on the Missouri 2010 list of impaired waters for bacteria and chlorides caused by pollution from stormwater runoff. The watershed includes the communities of Black Jack, Glasgow Village, Spanish Lake and Bellefontaine Neighbors. Watkins Creek is a modified tributary to the Mississippi River emerging some 5.7 miles west of its confluence and located in a suburban area. Due to rapid growth in the Watkins Creek Watershed, the stream is severely degraded and instable. The creek continues to adjust to accommodate the increased stormwater delivered to it. The watershed management plan will help protect and improve water quality in the Watkins Creek sub-watershed by identifying pollutant sources, recommending conservation practices, setting goals and a timeline, and establishing a monitoring program. The Greenway Network will work with local partners to assist and coordinate planning efforts to develop the watershed management plan. The grant will help fund public planning meetings, personnel expenses and watershed assessments activities. The Greenway Network will provide a match contribution of $13,650 over the life of the project bringing the total cost to $32,825. The project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012. Partners in this collaborative effort include The Confluence Project, Missouri American Water Company, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 7 has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri. For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=212 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:59:42 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 22, 2011 – The sampling of 12 Upper Lake of the Ozark coves Monday found none with E. coli levels in excess of the federal standard for public swimming beaches, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. In the final year of a five-year program, the department is sampling water from coves in the Upper Lake of the Ozarks from the Brown Bend area (Mile Marker 61) to the U.S. Highway 65 bridge (Mile Marker 90). The purpose of the program is to develop a five-year baseline that will assist in future studies of the lake’s health. All of the coves sampled Monday will be tested monthly through October, including immediately following the Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. The state water quality standard for swimming and related whole body contact recreation is a geometric mean of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water during the entire recreational season. A geometric mean is a statistical method used to analyze data collected over a period of time. Because the state standard requires data collected over the entire summer before a determination is made, the department reports monthly results as compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s single-sample standard of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water for swimming beaches. E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause gastrointestinal illness. The testing process used in this study does not differentiate between strains. These bacteria and other pathogens can reach lake water from many different sources, both human and animal. For some people, such as children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems, even low levels of these bacteria may cause illness. The sampling program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance and Ameren UE. When completed, the program will have collected sampling data from coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam. A link to a map of the areas being sampled is available on the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/loz.htm. Monitoring results will be posted to the map as they become available. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=211 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:38 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 22, 2011 – Water quality samples taken at various Missouri State Park beaches confirm bacteria levels are significantly lower this week. However, the Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park will remain closed due to a high geometric mean, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Even though the bacteria levels at Grand Glaize Beach, also known as Public Beach #2, were minimal, the beach will remain closed because the overall geometric mean exceeds the department’s standard for state park beaches. The park's Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser, remains open. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are also open and available to visitors. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beach will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at http://bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=210 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:12:42 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 22, 2011 -- The Fourth of July weekend is a good time to celebrate our nation's freedom, enjoy fishing or boating on one of Missouri's many lakes, and go camping with friends and family in a Missouri state park. This year's three-day weekend should provide lots of time for fishing, boating, swimming, relaxing and enjoying nature and Missouri's 85 state parks and historic sites provide lots of opportunities to do them all. "The Fourth of July is all about remembering our past and making new memories with family and friends. Missouri state parks are the perfect place to do both," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Remember the reason for the celebration and you can do so with a visit to one of many state historic sites. You may visit a Civil War site such as Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington or learn about all of our state's history with a tour through the Missouri State Museum exhibits within the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Long weekends and hot summer sun make boating on one of Missouri's lakes the perfect solution. In southwestern Missouri, you can choose from a variety of lakes, including Stockton, Pomme de Terre, Truman, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks. All have state parks located on the lakes for easy access to the water. Bring your own boat or rent whatever you need at one of the full-service marinas. At Stockton State Park, try your hand at sailing with the lake's steady breeze, or fishing in the lake's remarkably clear water. At Table Rock State Park, take a cruise on the Spirit of America catamaran or try your hand at mountain biking on the new award-winning White River Valley Trail. There are plenty of coves at both Pomme de Terre and Truman lakes for a relaxing day of fishing for bass, walleye, catfish and crappie. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, check out the services of the marina and try a mini vacation on a houseboat. The Fourth of July weekend would not be complete without camping under the stars. Forty state parks across the state have campgrounds with facilities to fit everyone's needs, from secluded walk-in sites to campsites with full hookups for today's modern campers. For a campsite with easy access to a lake, try camping at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage, Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park near Stockton, Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Kasier, and Table Rock State Park near Branson. For another type of camping adventure, try camping at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster. Camp in the shady campground with both basic and electric sites and enjoy a family storytelling session around the campfire with s'mores. Before you camp under the stars, learn all about the stars above you at the park's interpretive program on astronomy. There is still time to reserve your campsite for the Fourth of July weekend at many state parks. You can make reservations up to two days in advance by calling toll free at 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week or visit mostateparks.com 24 hours a day. By making your camping reservation now, you can be sure your perfect camping spot is waiting for you for a perfect Fourth of July weekend. For more information on state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=209 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:59:15 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 22, 2011 – Katy Trail State Park, often recognized as an outstanding recreational opportunity, is also being recognized for its role in making communities quality places to live. The Partners for Progress of Greater St. Charles has recognized Missouri State Parks' Katy Trail with its 2011 Quality of Place Progress Award. Partners for Progress, founded in 2001 by the Economic Development Center of St. Charles County, brings together business and civic leaders to influence community progress so that people, businesses and institutions flourish and the St. Charles area becomes nationally known as a livable community. This year, PfP added a Quality of Place category to its annual awards and named Katy Trail State Park as its first winner. Quality of Place awards recognize individuals, businesses or local entities that contribute to making the community an appealing place to work and play. "We've always been proud of the recreational opportunities the trail provides. I would like to thank Partners for Progress in recognizing how much the trail adds to the community and its people," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Katy Trail, the longest developed rail-trail project in the nation, runs approximately 240 miles from Machens in St. Charles County to Clinton and is a member of the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. In St. Charles, the trail is located between the Missouri River and the city's historic district, providing easy access for outdoor recreation and a healthy lifestyle. In 2010, the trail celebrated its 20th anniversary and annually welcomes approximately 300,000 users along its entire route. Katy Trail is part of Missouri's state park system. For more information on the trail, visit katytrailstatepark.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=208 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:00:30 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 22, 2011 -- An American Indian symbol representing the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma will be painted for a permanent exhibit Wednesday, July 6 at Van Meter State Park near Miami. The free program will begin at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Adrian Pushetonqua, an artist and member of the Sac and Fox Nation of the Mississippi in Iowa, will come to the park's Missouri American Indian Cultural Center to paint a symbol on the bison hide. He will be working on the symbol throughout the afternoon so progress can be viewed at different stages Traditionally, American Indians would paint symbols and pictures on a hide to record an important event or tell a story about some aspect of their life. Each tribal council will approve a simple emblem representing its people and appoint an artist to come to Missouri to paint it on the hide. The symbol can either be traditional or contemporary. The nine tribes interpreted at the center include the Otoe-Missouria, Osage, Ioway, Delaware, Illinois-Peoria, Kanza (Kaw), Kickapoo, Shawnee and Sac and Fox. From May through September, Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Monday and Tuesday. Van Meter State Park is located 12 miles northwest of Marshall on Highway 122. For more information, contact the park at 660- 886-7537 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=207 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:19:38 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 21, 2011 – Approximately 300 bicyclists began a 225-mile journey from Clinton to St. Charles on Katy Trail State Park yesterday. Hosting the five-day tour is Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Parks Foundation. The Katy Trail Ride has taken an annual event since 2001, and has achieved national and international acclaim. The ride takes bicyclists along the scenic Missouri River and through the historic towns that developed along the river and the railroad. Along the way, riders can experience rural Missouri and frequent businesses in the communities along the trail. Past rides have generated more than $130,000 annually for Missouri's economy. Camping stops along the ride change from year to year. For the 2011 Katy Trail Ride, overnight locations will be in the towns of Sedalia, Boonville, Jefferson City and Marthasville. For the first time, ride participants will have the opportunity to take the newly opened Pat Jones Pedestrian Bicycle Lane across the Missouri River Bridge into Jefferson City. Riders will cross the bridge on Wednesday, June 22 on their way to Memorial Park in Jefferson City. The bicyclists will end their trip in St. Charles on June 24. Ride participants range in age from seven to 82 and come from 26 states. Friends and families of the riders can follow the ride’s progress online. Photographs and highlights of each day’s ride will be available daily at katytrailstatepark.com. Attached is an itinerary of the event. For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Katy Trail State Park, visit the web at katytrailstatepark.com. Itinerary Sunday, June 19 Riders' met at 7 p.m. at the Benson Center in Clinton Monday, June 20 Departed at 7:30 a.m. from Clinton Arrived at Liberty Park in Sedalia between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Had dinner between 6 - 7 p.m. Riders' meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 Departed at 7:30 a.m. from Sedalia Arrived at Kemper Park in Boonville between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dinner from 6 - 7 p.m. in the community of Boonville Riders' meeting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 Depart at 7:30 a.m. from Boonville Arrive at Memorial Park in Jefferson City between noon and 5 p.m. Dinner from 6 -7 p.m. Riders' meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23 Depart by 7:30 a.m. from Jefferson City Arrive at the Marthasville Community Club between noon and 5 p.m. Dinner from 6 -7 p.m. Riders' meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, June 24 Depart by 7:30 a.m. from Marthasville Arrive at Frontier Park in St. Charles between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDITOR’S NOTE: The media can stop by any of the towns along the way. For more information about the event at each stop, contact David Kelly, Missouri State Parks' coordinator for the tour. Kelly will be traveling with the group and will be available at each stop. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=206 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:46:19 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 20, 2011 - Discover the history of land surveying in Missouri during a special program Saturday, July 2 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The event, titled "Chains and Needles: Surveying Early Missouri," will begin at 2 p.m. and will include a discussion of the work of Nathan Boone and other early surveyors in the state. Admission to the event is free and the public is invited to attend. Surveying in the 1800s was a difficult and challenging job. A good surveyor not only had to have an understanding of geometry, math and physics, but also had to be well versed in plants, minerals and astronomy. Surveyors had to be physically fit, and capable of surviving in the wilderness for long periods of time. Nathan Boone’s natural talents, frontier experience and training from his father and brother eventually led him to be very much in demand as a surveyor in early Missouri. He not only laid out some of the first roadways and counties in the state, but was also tasked with large-scale surveys for William Clark’s Indian Agency and later, the U.S. Army. “Chains and Needles” will discuss not only Boone’s career in surveying, but the work of other surveyors in early Missouri. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information about this event, contact the historic site at 417-751-3266. For additional information about state parks and historic sites, contact the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=205 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:42:58 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 20, 2011 - As summer comes into it glory on the prairie, it is ablaze with color. On July 2, celebrate the nation's birthday by experiencing summer on the tallgrass prairie at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the park's nature center and will be approximately one hour. The park naturalist will lead the hike as you walk among green grasses and colorful flowers to learn more about the amazing prairie ecosystem. Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. For more details, call Prairie State Park at 417-843-6711 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=204 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:15:23 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 17, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting and open house on Monday, June 27, at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid. The informational meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Hunter-Dawson house and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Topics to be covered include State Parks Youth Corps projects, budget status, special events and programs, and the establishment of a friends’ group for the site. New programs being developed and upcoming and proposed projects will also be discussed. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Rd. in New Madrid. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573-748-5340 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at mostateparks.com. For news releases on the Web, visit dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the online calendar at mostateparks.com/events/events.htm. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=203 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:13:39 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 16, 2011 – Releases from the Missouri River major reservoirs are increasing to unprecedented amounts and additional rainfall within the watershed will determine the severity and duration of flooding this summer. In anticipation of the rising floodwaters, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage citizens located within the Missouri River floodplain to take necessary precautions to help minimize health, safety and environmental concerns from flooding. Household hazardous waste, agricultural chemicals, propane and other fuel tanks including used oil containers should be removed or secured to prevent exposure with flood waters. All fuel tanks should be properly marked to help identify them and avoid problems in the event of local flooding. In addition, private water well owners should ensure the well cap is free from cracks and secured to the well casing to prevent it from becoming contaminated during a flood with pollutants that be included in the floodwaters. The department has a natural disaster resource webpage to provide residents of flood-stricken communities’ important information on preparing for and recovering from flooding. The department's disaster website at dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm provides community leaders, emergency responders and individuals with a convenient location to find an extensive list of fact sheets to aid in preparation for and recovery from recent floods. A list of a few of those fact sheets are listed below. Preparation: Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Agricultural Chemicals, Household Hazardous Waste, Propane Tanks and Private Water Wells. How to Construct a Sandbag Emergency Levee. After the flood: Boil Water Notice and Restoring Drinking Water. Disaster Response Guidance for Public Drinking Water and Wastewater. Disaster Response for On-Site Wastewater Systems. Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations. Household Chemicals and Household Hazardous Waste. How to Handle Asbestos-Containing Debris. Water Pollution. What to do with Disaster Debris. If the fact sheets and documents do not address your questions or communities and residents are unable to access the Web, please call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827. If residents experience a loss in water pressure for any period of time they should contact their public water supply directly for further information and consult the local news media for notification when any health advisories have been issued or lifted. If residents need additional information or cannot reach their water supply representative, call the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331 or your nearest regional office. Individuals using private wells that may have been flooded should follow boil order procedures, which are available from their local public health agency. Rising river stages increases the potential for environmental and recreational hazards. Flooded rivers and streams can become contaminated with sewage, animal wastes and other harmful contaminants, which are why it is important to try to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact with floodwaters is unavoidable, shower or bathe with anti-bacterial soap afterwards. In addition, citizens should avoid recreational boating on rivers and streams in flood stage. Rapidly flowing floodwaters can contain unpredictable currents, eddies and can conceal submerged or moving objects. For more information or questions on environmental concerns, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or contact one of the department's regional offices in your area. · Kansas City Regional Office – 816-622-7000 · Northeast Regional Office – 660-385-8000 · Southeast Regional Office – 573-840-9750 · Southwest Regional Office – 417-891-4300 · St. Louis Regional Office – 314-416-2960 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=202 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:14:42 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2011 – The swimming beaches at Mark Twain and Harry S Truman state parks will reopen today, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Lake of the Ozarks State Park's Grand Glaize Beach, also known as Public Beach #2, remains closed following results of water samples taken Monday that indicated bacteria levels higher than those recommended for waters used for swimming. The park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser, remains open. The swimming beach at Lake Wappapello State Park remains closed due to area flooding. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beach will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at http://bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com. Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri's 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=201 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:54:07 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, June 25, at Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton. The event, which will also include demonstrations and activities, will start at 1 p.m. at the park visitor center and is open to the public. The open house will include demonstration and other family fun activities that are part of our state park's statewide effort to participate in the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout and Children in Nature Challenge initiative. Demonstrations include grass weaving, Dutch oven cooking and campfire building. Activities include an orientation program, a chance to look at animal pelts and use animal tracks. Everyone will get to enjoy s'mores around the campfire. During the open house, park staff will highlight recent accomplishments, the success and projects of the State Parks Youth Corps at the park, and future projects. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the park and its services. The open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located five miles southwest of Camdenton off U.S. Highway 54 on Highway D. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-346-2986 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=200 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:36:31 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2011 -- Do you want to try camping for the first time or experience a campout that is truly unique? Join the Great American Backyard Campout June 25 in the shadow of the Missouri State Capitol at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site in Jefferson City. The Great American Backyard Campout is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to connect and experience the outdoors. Experienced and would-be campers can join others from across the nation in a campout throughout Missouri state parks, including at Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. In Missouri, the backyard campout is sponsored by Missouri State Parks and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. "This campout will provide a unique opportunity to experience a night under the stars while surrounded by history: all activities will be between Jefferson Landing State Historic Site and the Lewis and Clark plaza with the Missouri's State Capitol in the background," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. Bryan said it is also a great way to introduce kids to a fun campout experience. "Once you participate in your first campout, I'm sure you will make it a family tradition," he said. The campout is also a good way to help meet the Children in Nature Challenge, a statewide initiative to connect children and families to the joys of being in the great outdoors. Activities on June 25 will begin at 4 p.m. with registration and setting up tents. Evening activities include a campfire dinner, a trip to the Capitol lawn, a downtown scavenger hunt, and two campout traditions – storytelling and s’mores. On the morning of June 26, a light breakfast will be provided before campers depart. Because of limited space, registration in advance is required and must be received by June 22. A limited number of tents are available so please indicate whether you need a tent when you register. All food will be provided. To register, call 573-522-2658 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on other Great American Backyard Campout activities in Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=199 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:34:55 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2011 -- Enjoy a night of old-fashioned fun under the stars with your friends and family June 25 during the Great American Backyard Campout in Missouri state parks. The Great American Backyard Campout is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to reconnect and experience the outdoors. To help you celebrate, almost 20 Missouri state parks are offering special programs and activities to make this night one to remember. "The Great American Backyard Campout is one way we can encourage kids and entire families to get outdoors and experience all the fun you can have in nature. Once you experience a night around the campfire enjoying s'mores, we know you will come back again and again and make it a family tradition," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. Activities will vary from park to park and programs range from camping and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations to music and storytelling. Programs will appeal to all ages, including kids who may be experiencing nature for the first time. All parks will offer a camping tradition -- sitting around a campfire and making and enjoying s'mores. Some programs are offered for the day and other parks offer overnight camping. Registration is required for some programs so call the individual parks or visit mostateparks.com for more details. Following are the parks and historic sites participating in this year's Great American Backyard Campout. · Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock. · Sam A. Baker State Park, Piedmont. · Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood. · Crowder State Park, Trenton. · First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, St. Charles. · Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton. · Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve. · Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, Jefferson City. · Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Middlebrook. · Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. · Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster. · Meramec State Park, Sullivan. · Montauk State Park, Salem. · Pomme de Terre State Park, Hermitage. · Roaring River State Park, Cassville. · Table Rock State Park, Branson. · Harry S Truman State Park, Warsaw. If you are not planning to go to a state park with a special program on June 25, visit any Missouri state park this summer and begin your own campout tradition with family and friends. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=198 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:34:09 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 15, 2011—Missouri State Parks has been recognized as one of the best in the nation as a finalist in the 2011 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management program. "Anyone who uses Missouri state parks and historic sites knows the quality of this system and the service it provides to users. Now, the country is recognizing it as well with the announcement that we are a finalist in this prestigious national program for state park systems," said Governor Jay Nixon. The National Gold Medal Awards program for state parks is held every other year by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Recreation and Park Association and Musco Lighting LLC. The Gold Medal Awards honor communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Other finalists in addition to Missouri are state park systems in Florida, Michigan and North Carolina. The Gold Medal winner will be announced at the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Congress and Exposition in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 1. For information about Missouri State Parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=197 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:35:39 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 14, 2011 – If you are interested in seeing one of the greatest symbols of the vanishing tallgrass prairie, take a guided bison hike June 18 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Join the park naturalist at 10 a.m. for a trip back in time to see bison, one of our most magnificent mammals on its native prairie habitat. The event is free and open to the public. During the one hour hike, you will learn about bison biology, Native American uses of the bison, herd dynamics, prairies and much more. Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. Call the park at 417-843-6711 for more details and to register for the hike. For more information on Missouri state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=196 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:36:30 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 14, 2011 – Kids of all ages are invited to the Children's Festival Saturday, June 18 at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site near Ash Grove. The event will feature a number of activities and games for kids, including live music and a 19th century pickup baseball game. The event, which will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., visitors are encouraged to participate in a game of base, an ancestor of baseball from the 1800s. Springfield Cardinals mascot Louie the Cardinal will be joining in the morning game. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home and grave of Missouri frontiersman Nathan Boone. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information, call the site at 417-751-3266 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=195 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:10:58 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 13, 2011 -- You can help plant a tree in a Missouri state park and in the city of Joplin without lifting a shovel. Missouri State Parks is participating again this year in the Odwalla Plant a Tree Program that allows people across the nation to vote where they want trees planted. Odwalla has committed $100,000 to the campaign and each vote will be equal to $1 that can be used for trees. The number of votes a state receives will determine the number of dollars it earns to purchase and plant trees in state parks. If you enter the six-character code printed inside the Missouri state park system's new Welcome Kit, Odwalla will donate an extra dollar per vote. Voting will continue through Aug. 31, 2011. "This is the second year Missouri State Parks has participated in this program because we know how important trees are to the landscape and the people who enjoy them. This year, we are helping our neighbors in Joplin and will donate as many trees as we can to the city of Joplin and Joplin city parks," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. "It is one thing we all can do to help them rebuild their community. It is as simple as taking a moment to vote," Bryan said. To vote for Missouri state parks and help the city of Joplin, go to mostateparks.com and click on the link to vote and receive more information about the Odwalla Plant a Tree program. For information on Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=194 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:10:35 GMT HOME AND FAMILY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 10, 2011 – On May 24, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources waived specific air pollution and solid waste regulations to give residents and communities in Jasper and Newton counties additional flexibility in cleanup up storm debris. The waiver allows for the open burning of vegetative waste such as brush and yard waste. The department's waiver does allow residents to burn vegetative debris if necessary, however, no additional items are allowed to be burned in order to be protective of human health and air pollution and follow state and federal regulations. Individuals cleaning up debris in the Joplin area should NOT burn building structural debris, home furnishings, personal items, household hazardous waste, appliances and tires. The Missouri National Guard's Task Force Phoenix is coordinating the debris removal cleanup process in the Joplin area. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its contractors are managing the household hazardous waste, white goods such as appliances, and electronic waste such as computers and televisions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors are managing the remaining construction debris and vegetative material such trees and brush. Additional information on debris cleanup efforts can be found at joplinmo.org/, epa.gov/joplin/ or nwk.usace.army.mil http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=193 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:21:08 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 10, 2011 – Enjoy an afternoon of blues music Sunday, June 19 at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Burfordville. Bruce Zimmerman and the Water Street Band will perform at 2 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Please bring lawn chairs for seating. Refreshments will be provided. Bruce Zimmerman is a southeast Missouri native who has been playing music since the age of five. Zimmerman has played music with legendary musicians such as Rufus Thomas and Lee Oscar. Zimmerman has toured 28 states, six countries, and has performed at the Missouri Inaugural Ball in Jefferson City with the Jerry Ford Orchestra. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is the site of a Civil War-era mill where visitors can learn how corn and wheat were ground into meal and flour by water power, just as it was done long ago. Burfordville Covered Bridge, the oldest of the four remaining covered bridges in the state, was built in 1858 and stretches 140 feet across the White River, which powers the mill. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located at 113 Bollinger Mill Road in Burfordville. To get to the historic site, take Highway 25 to Highway Z to Highway OO to Highway HH in Cape Girardeau County. For more information, contact the site at 573-243-4591 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800- 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=192 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:51:05 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 10, 2011 – Have you ever wanted to witness important Missouri history being uncovered at an archaeological excavation? This rare opportunity will be possible June 18 at a Civil War site near Butler in Bates County. The site, owned by Missouri State Parks, is associated with the Battle of Island Mound where black soldiers fought for freedom for the first time in the Civil War. An archaeological excavation is being conducted at the site to answer important research questions about the events that took place at this historic location in 1862. On June 18, the public is invited to visit the site during a public archaeology day from 10 a.m. to noon. The day will include a visit to an archaeological lab followed by a tour of the actual excavation site. Visitors are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at the Bates County Museum, located at 802 Elks Drive in Butler. At the museum, they will tour the archaeological lab where objects found at the site are washed, weighed and measured. After touring the lab, visitors will car pool to the actual excavation site. Archaeologists and staff from Missouri State Parks will give a brief history of the Battle of Island Mound and provide a tour of the site, explaining what they have found during the excavation. In 1862, the site was the setting of the Toothman Farm, which members of the First Kansas Colored Infantry used as their camp that they called Fort Africa. On Oct. 29, 1862, 30 black soldiers from Fort Africa were ambushed by some 130 rebel horsemen near a low hill known as Island Mound close to the Marais-des-Cygnes River. The excavation at the site will help archaeologists answer research questions related to the location of Fort Africa as well as the individuals, events and conditions associated with the conflict. "This is an important site in the history of our state and our nation. We are fortunate to be able to offer the public an opportunity to be part of this event," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. Bryan added he hopes the event will also promote awareness and appreciation for archaeology and archaeological sites and the stories they can reveal. The area is currently under development and is normally closed to the public except for the public day on June 18. The site, which will be part of the Missouri state park system, is anticipated to open in the fall of 2012 during the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The excavation site is in an open field with no amenities so the public is asked to come prepared for weather and other conditions. Although the terrain is mainly flat, accessibility may be a challenge. Reservations for the event are requested. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Bates County Museum at 660-679- 0134. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=191 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:58:06 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 9, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, June 18, at Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations, as well as provide comments as the park begins the conceptual development planning process. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Harry S Truman State Park is located at 28761 State Park Road on Highway UU. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-852-4291 or by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=190 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:57:31 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 9, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, June 17, at Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pittsburg area amphitheater and is open to the public. Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. The Pittsburg area of Pomme de Terre State Park is located just east of Pittsburg. Travel on Hwy. 64 and turn north onto Hwy. 64B. Continue straight to the park then turn left into the campground. The amphitheater is located near the campground entrance on the right. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-852-4291 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=189 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:56:43 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 8, 2011 – The swimming beaches at three Missouri state parks have been temporarily closed due to bacteria levels. Grand Glaize Beach, also known as Public Beach #2, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park and the public beaches at Mark Twain and Harry S Truman state parks have been temporarily closed following results of water samples taken Monday that indicated bacteria levels higher than those recommended for waters used for swimming. Lake of the Ozark State Park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser, remains open. The campground beach at Truman State Park is also open. Visitors to Truman State Park may stop by the office or fee both to obtain a pass free of charge to swim at the campground beach. The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lakes. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beach will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at http://bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatus as well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com. With rising fuel prices, Missourians may feel that a summer vacation will exceed the family budget. Close to home, Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=188 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:49:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 7, 2011 – Big Lake State Park in northwest Missouri is closed in anticipation of possible flooding from rising water levels from the Missouri River. Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Park officials closed the park June 6 and will continue to evaluate the situation to determine when the park can reopen. “We have been working closely with federal, state and local officials and monitoring anticipated river levels to determine if and when water may impact Big Lake State Park,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. “Based on the latest predictions, we decided to close the park and prepare for the approaching water,” Bryan added. Because of its location on an oxbow lake near the Missouri River, Big Lake State Park has experienced flooding in the past and has plans in place for how to deal with flooding situations. In anticipation of the flooding, campers and lodging guests who had reservations were notified that the park is closed and refunds issued. Park staff began removing furniture and other items and shutting off utilities. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the park when it is safe for visitors to return. Although Big Lake State Park is temporarily closed, there are other state parks in northwest Missouri that are open for campers and other visitors. These include Wallace State Park near Cameron, Weston Bend State Park near Weston and Watkins Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson. For information about these state parks, visit mostateparks.com. To check the status of Big Lake State Park or for more information about Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (TDD). To inquire about reservations for the motel and cabins, call 660-442-5432. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=187 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:57:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 7, 2011 – Jefferson City did not escape the impact of the Civil War and an event portraying part of that history will be held June 11 on the south lawn of the State Capitol. The Holmes Brigade re-enactment group will present a program on the occupation of Jefferson City by Gen. Nathanial Lyons and federal troops. The event, hosted by the Missouri State Museum, will begin at 11 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. The re-enactors will march in and plant a Union flag (34 star) at the foot of the steps of the Capitol. They will then talk about the events of June 1861 that occurred in Jefferson City. Pro-confederate Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson's state government fled the city with the official state seal as Union troops advanced from St. Louis. The Union troops occupied the city without a battle. Jackson, Gen. Sterling Price and other confederate sympathizers established a Confederate state government in exile that would remain in existence throughout the war. The events in Jefferson City in June 1861 led to the Battle of Boonville on June 17. The state seal that was taken by the fleeing pro-Confederate government is currently on loan from the Missouri State Archives to the Missouri State Museum and is on display in the museum's exhibit: "Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing." The museum and the Capitol building are open to the public free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Missouri State Museum is part of the Missouri state park system. For more information, contact the museum office at 573-751-2854 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=186 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:50:00 GMT RECREATION AND TOURISM JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 7, 2011 – A new hiking and mountain biking trail in southwest Missouri is receiving national attention with an award from the Coalition for Recreational Trails. The White River Valley Trail in Table Rock State Park near Branson has been recognized with the 2011 Coalition for Recreational Trails award in the Multi-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Category. The Coalition for Recreational Trails is a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations. Each year, the coalition presents achievement awards to projects that make outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds. The White River Valley Trail, a 10.25 miles natural surface trail outside of Branson, is the first designated mountain biking trail system in the area. The trail is a joint land-use project between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with part of the trail within Table Rock State Park and the rest on USACE land. The trail was partially funded with Recreational Trails Program grants in FY 2007 and FY 2010. “Our primary goal for this trail is to provide a new recreational opportunity for people who enjoying hiking and mountain biking, which is a growing sport in this area,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. “The support we received for this trail is amazing and building this trail would not have been possible without assistance from our partners and the community. That’s what makes this award even more special.” In addition to the Corps of Engineers, the trail received support from the Branson and Hollister chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus, local city governments, Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri, students from Hollister school and College of the Ozarks, Boy Scouts working on Eagle Scout projects, and other volunteers. The land around Table Rock dam is under increasing demands for development and this trail will help preserve some of the scenic attractions in the area. The trail will take users through various natural community types, near old homestead ruins and relics of the Table Rock Dam construction during the 1950s. Table Rock State Park plans to host adventure events and mountain biking races on the trail. The trail is expected to be a major draw for visitors, which will help boost the economy of the surrounding area. Table Rock State Park is located at 5272 State Hwy. 165 southwest of Branson. For more information on the trail, call the park at 417-334-4704 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=185 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:38:00 GMT HEALTH AND SAFETY JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 7, 2011-- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has referred the case against a Washington County waste collector to the Missouri Attorney General's Office alleging violations of Missouri’s Solid Waste Management Law. The department referred the case against John McGowan, owner and operator of Jon’s Trash Service, Potosi, to the attorney general alleging he dumped waste from his waste collection business on properties in Potosi and Cadet, in Washington County, violating Missouri’s Solid Waste Management Law. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has worked with McGowan since August 2009 to address environmental concerns generated by actions committed while running his waste hauling business. The department issued a notice of violation to McGowan and met with him on several occasions to explain the Missouri Solid Management Law, and provide guidance on managing waste from his collection route and proper methods of disposal for waste collected from customers. Despite these efforts by the department, McGowan continued to dump, store, bury and burn waste. Missouri's Solid Waste Management Law exists to protect public and environmental health and the department is responsible for enforcing the law. The department’s main goal in any enforcement action is to work with a violator to successfully achieve compliance with the standards and ensure they have the tools to remain in compliance. As part of that process, penalties may be used as an incentive to ensure future compliance and to remove the economic benefit of continued noncompliance. The department strives to work with owners and operators to fix problems before an issue is referred. In situations where the responsible party is unwilling or unable to cooperate to bring the facility or business into compliance and be protective of human health and the environment, the department will refer the case to the Attorney General’s Office for legal action. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=184 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:49:00 GMT BUSINESS JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 7, 2011 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has referred the case against a former Lexington gas station to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to pursue civil penalties for violations of Missouri's Underground Storage Tank Law. The department referred Karima Corporation, doing business as Quick Time, located at 902 S. 13 Highway in Lexington, to the attorney general alleging failure to meet numerous requirements of Missouri’s regulations, including not maintaining upgrade requirements on underground fuel tanks. The facility has not been able to show compliance with corrosion protection requirement upgrades, including being able to verify that two of the underground storage tanks on the property have had their interior lining inspected. Interior linings help prevent petroleum products from escaping, and it is a requirement to periodically inspect and maintain these linings. Older underground storage tank systems that have not been upgraded to current standards are more likely to leak petroleum product into the environment and contaminate soil and groundwater. Underground storage tank owners must periodically inspect their tanks and make repairs as necessary. Reports from these inspections and confirmation of any repairs made must be sent to the department. Due to the serious nature of these violations, the department referred this matter to the attorney general to compel compliance and to seek an appropriate civil penalty for the violations. The Missouri Constitution requires civil penalties to be paid to the school fund of the county in which the violation occurred. Missouri's Underground Storage Tank Law exists to protect public and environmental health and the department is responsible for enforcing the law and regulations. The department's enforcement actions help protect human health and the environment by requiring facilities to maintain compliance. The main goal in any enforcement action is to work with a facility to successfully achieve