Water Quality Program Attracts Many

Water quality is a subject of interest to many, judging by the number of attendees at the March 29 Open House —Let’s Get Acquainted program hosted by the South Grand River Watershed Alliance (SGRWA).

The program, held at the Lions Community Building in Peculiar, Missouri, began with members of the Board of Directors of the SGRWA providing information about the educational purpose of the Alliance, the South Grand River Watershed and actions we can each take to protect and restore its waters.

Representatives from various federal and state agencies as well as local organizations had tables set up with displays and informative brochures about the role each has in protecting water quality.

Attendees learned how they can protect and restore water quality by providing habitat of native plants as well as how landowners can obtain assistance in obtaining native plant seeds and equipment to establish this habitat. Nathan Kerkhoff, representing the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District, Nick Prough, Private Lands Consultant with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Tom Lampe, Andy Carmack and Glen Coleman with Quail Unlimited all contributed important information as well as brochures to aid in this effort.

Larry O’Donnell with the Little Blue River Watershed Coalition had information regarding projects his organization participates in as it works for the protection and restoration of the Little Blue River.

Brochures illustrating and explaining the effect developments have on flood plains and FEMA’s role in this issue were addressed by Connie Wisniewski, the FEMA representative. The waters of the U.S. are regulated by another federal agency, the Army Corps of Engineers. Steven A. Fischer, Kansas City District of the ACOE, provided information about the Corps and their work on water quality issues.

Those interested in learning how to monitor water quality in streams obtained information from Sherry Fischer, Missouri Department of Conservation Streams Teams program. Ruth Wallace, Water Protection Program, Permits and Engineering Sections, Department of Natural Resources had information available on that program.

The SGRWA announced their upcoming October 11 stormwater program which will be presented by Tim Rielly, Missouri Department of Conservation.

Larry O'Donnell, Little Blue River Watershed Coalition,
discusses the importance of using native plants in stormwater
management.