"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead
Missouri’s natural resources efforts certainly looked differently than it did decades ago. In 1974, Missourians recognized how important it was to protect and preserve our great state, and that’s when the Department of Natural Resources was created. Our work to protect Missouri’s natural resources is not a task that can be completed alone. It takes all of us working together to make a difference and obtain our achievements. With your continued support, we can help make Missouri an even better place to live, work and enjoy the great outdoors. We invite you to explore a few of our many success stories.
Missouri’s natural resources efforts certainly looked differently than it did decades ago. In 1974, Missourians recognized how important it was to protect and preserve our great state, and that’s when the Department of Natural Resources was created. Our work to protect Missouri’s natural resources is not a task that can be completed alone. It takes all of us working together to make a difference and obtain our achievements. With your continued support, we can help make Missouri an even better place to live, work and enjoy the great outdoors. We invite you to explore a few of our many success stories.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: Orrick R-XI School District - Emergency Loan
The Energy Loan Program assisted Orrick R-XI School District with $358,250 in emergency funds for energy efficiency repairs that created an estimated annual savings of $39,691.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: Ozarks Medical Center
The Energy Loan Program assisted Ozarks Medical Center with $2,340,000 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $267,700.
Missouri Energy Loan Program: City of Carl Junction
The Energy Loan Program assisted the City of Carl Junction with $132,000 in Energy Conservation Measures that created an estimated annual savings of $12,042.
South Creek Restoration Project
The project purpose was to improve the water quality and stream health of South Creek by restoring the one-mile channelized segment of the stream. The project goals were accomplished through naturalizing the stream, determining the effectiveness of stream naturalization in reducing pollutant loads and improving stream habitat, and increasing public awareness and appreciation of stormwater impacts and stream health in our urban streams.
Missouri Water Resources Plan - Success Story
Along with other state agencies, groups and individuals the department developed a new state water plan for a long-range, comprehensive statewide program for the use of surface water and groundwater resources of the state, including existing and future need for drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, recreation, environmental protection and related needs. The department completed the work in September 2020.
Bill Zeaman named 2020 Reclamationist of the Year
Bill Zeaman, an environmental supervisor with our Land Reclamation Program, was named the 2020 "Reclamationist of the Year" by the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. Zeaman was selected for his outstanding accomplishments in the practical application and evaluation of reclamation technology and in implementing innovative practices and designs for new reclamation strategies.
Lincoln University George Washington Carver Farm Wetland
A man-made wetland is being enhanced with native grasses and plants on Lincoln University’s George Washington Carver Farm in Jefferson City.
Roadmap to Resilience is a Success
The Roadmap to Resilience Grant has successfully concluded. As a next step, Energy is working to develop an outreach plan and materials with the goal of providing additional value to various small- to medium-sized Missouri communities and other interested stakeholders.
Better Family Life Cultural Center and Museum
This site includes a 1904 historic landmark elementary school building and two adjacent properties in a mixed residential/ commercial neighborhood in St. Louis. The department's Brownfields/ Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) staff provided remediation oversight for asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint. The building was transformed into the Better Family Life Cultural, Educational and Business Center.
Chouteau Crossing (Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 and DYNALABS)
The site is a 6-acre area on Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis’ Lafayette Square and Gate District neighborhood. The site has been developed since 1929, but it was not until 2011 that it was awarded Development of the Year by the city of St. Louis. Chouteau Crossing is now home to two of St. Louis’ highest rated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings: Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 and DYNALABS.