JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 10, 2021 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks received a $400,000 grant for restoration and improvements to the Little Sac River. The funding is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.
The project will focus on reducing bacteria in the Upper Little Sac River basin while also helping to decrease soil erosion and lower nutrient levels in the watershed. This will be accomplished by using practices proven to be effective in reducing pollution from stormwater runoff.
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will provide a contribution of $266,667 over the life of the project, bringing the total cost of the project to $666,667. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Water quality improvement efforts will include stream restoration, riparian corridor enhancement, bioretention, volunteer tree plantings and septic tank maintenance. Project partners will assist with implementation and performance monitoring of the selected practices.
“A healthy environment requires a balance of clean air, land and water, and our mission is to protect those elements,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a huge job, so working closely with groups like the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks is key to achieving our mission objectives. This project is a great example of how strong partnerships work to protect Missouri’s environment and keep our state healthy and beautiful for future generations.”
The Department of Natural Resources will administer the funds and is committed to working with communities and businesses to assist with efforts to improve water quality in Missouri. For more information, visit the department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program at dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/soil-water-conservation.