/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Thu, 23 May 2013 15:03:10 +0000 en-us http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=077 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=077 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 Missouri State Parks will open 16 designated swimming beaches on Friday, May 24 for the 2013 recreational season, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The beach at Lake Wappapello State Park located in Williamsville will remain closed at this time due to flooding. The public beach at Harry S Truman State Park will not open this weekend following results of water samples taken Monday that indicated bacteria levels higher than those recommended for waters used for swimming. Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beach will open. However, the campground beach at Truman State Park will open as scheduled. Visitors to Truman State Park may stop by the office or fee booth to obtain a pass free of charge to swim at the campground beach. The department collects water samples from all designated beaches in the state park system weekly during the recreational season to determine suitability for swimming. Beaches will be closed for high bacteria when a single E. coli sample exceeds 235 cfu/100ml or when the geometric mean – a 30-day rolling average – exceeds 126 cfu/100 ml. 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. The department will post the information about the beach status on the website at dnr.mo.gov as well as mostateparks.com. Visitors to Missouri State Parks are able to sign up to receive free electronic notices about the status of state park beaches while visiting the department’s beach status website. 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 87 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=076 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=076 Mon, 20 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Camden County Public Water Supply District No.1 a $95,418 small borrower loan to make necessary drinking water improvements. The water district will use the funds to replace existing water meters with new radio-read meters, install lock valves, upgrade software and install a meter reading system. The interest rate on the loan is approximately 1.22 percent, which is substantially below current market conditions. The project is estimated to cost $95,418 and is expected to be completed by July 2013. This small borrower loan will be financed by repayments of loans made from Water Pollution Control bonds. 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 at 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=075 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=075 Mon, 20 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The city of Poplar Bluff, a Certified Local Government, will receive a $10,605 grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced today. The city will use the grant to update its design guidelines and provide preservation training. 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 is administered in Missouri 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 SHPO and the NPS in the nation’s historic preservation program. Missouri currently has 53 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 website at dnr.mo.gov/shpo/certifie.htm or contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 573-522-2473. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=074 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=074 Mon, 20 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded St. Joseph a $14.66 million low-interest loan for their combined sewer overflow long term control plan. Funding for the project, which comes from the Missouri Clean Water State Revolving Fund, will help pay for approximately 5,300 feet of pipe that will separate Whitehead Creek base flows and stormwater flows from the existing Whitehead Creek combined sewer. An additional $485,000 is being provided through a federal grant. The project is estimated to cost $15 million and is expected to be completed in July 2016. The Missouri Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides significant funding to assist communities with their wastewater 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 wastewater improvements. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the funds and 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 Financial Assistance Center at 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=073 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=073 Sat, 18 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 On Monday, May 20, Republic Services will begin increased construction activities on six reinforced concrete pipes, or RCPs, at the Bridgeton Sanitary Landfill. During this time the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will increase air sampling. Each day air quality data will be submitted to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for analysis of any public health concern. Air sampling data will continue to be posted on the Department of Natural Resources' website at www.dnr.mo.gov/Bridgeton. The daily health analyses will be posted on the Department of Health and Senior Services' website at www.health.mo.gov/Bridgeton. This daily air quality monitoring data will include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and gamma radiation collected through the AreaRae multi-sensor system as well as the data collected through a hand-held hydrogen-sulfide detector, benzene detector and an odor detector. Air quality will be continuously monitored during construction activities so that timely action may be taken in the event conditions pose a risk to public health. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=072 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=072 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 Visitors will be able to join a park naturalist on May 25 for a two-mile hike to the fire tower on Mudlick Mountain at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hike will begin at 9 a.m. It is free and open to the public. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy spring with this with a relaxing hike to the fire tower. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, the tower sits at the top of Mudlick Mountain, at 1,313 feet elevation. The hike is moderate and steep in some places so hikers should wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Participants should meet in front of the park’s Visitor Center. Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information on the event or to register, call the park at 573-856-4411. 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=071 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=071 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site was recently accepted into the National Park Services’ “National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.” Sites selected for inclusion in the Network to Freedom make a significant contribution to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history. Battle of Island Mound, the newest historic site in Missouri State Parks, was dedicated on October 28, 2012, on the 150th anniversary of the actual battle. The Battle of Island Mound marked the first time that African-American troops were engaged in Civil War combat. Battle of Island Mound State Historic site encompasses Fort Africa, where the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry were camped in 1862 before a pitched battle with pro-Confederate forces near a low hill named Island Mound. The site features a kiosk with three large interpretive panels and additional interpretive panels located along Courage Trail explain how the battle occurred and the significance of its outcome. The bravery of these men is reflected in a monument to them that concludes “…Here their bravery and determination helped our nation better understand the founding fathers’ words “all men are created equal.” The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is located in Bates County, Missouri about 7 miles west of Butler, Missouri. For 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=070 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=070 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The public is invited to enjoy the entertaining sounds of bluegrass music on May 25 at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the program will be held at 7 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. Whitewater is an upbeat bluegrass band that plays old traditional and new bluegrass music. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature great music, fun company and a little comedy just for grins. Seating is limited so lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged. Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information on the event or to register, call the park at 573-856-4411. 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=069 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=069 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house held in conjunction with a Kids to Parks program at Ha Ha Tonka State Park on Saturday, May 18. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held at the park visitor center from 1 to 3 p.m. The Kids to Parks program will include activities to encourage children to pursue recreational opportunities in state parks and gain a better understanding of the outdoor environment. At the informational meeting, park staff will be available to answer questions about recent accomplishments, discuss the success of the State Park Youth Corps at Ha Ha Tonka, and ask for input regarding programs and facilities at the park. There will be an opportunity to fill out comment cards and discuss concerns and suggestions. The informational meeting is 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. 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. 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=068 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=068 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, May 18 at Crowder State Park near Trenton. The informational meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at Shelter House #3. This annual meeting will be held during the park’s National Kids to Parks Day special event. Activities taking place during the event include a 5K and 8K Family Fun Trail Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m., a community picnic and games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and guided nature hikes to the Thompson River starting at 1 p.m. The informational meeting will include discussion on recent accomplishments at the park and future plans. Visitors are invited to share comments on Crowder State Park’s services and operations. Based partially on previous comments and input from the public, Missouri State Parks has constructed a new campground lagoon. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton off Highway 6. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 660-359-6473. For 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=067 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=067 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 In celebration of National Kids to Parks Day, a park naturalist will be leading a guided Bison Hike at Prairie State Park on Saturday, May 18. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will begin at 10 a.m. and be followed by family-friendly activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a trip back in time and see one of the most magnificent mammals on its native prairie habitat. A park naturalist will discuss bison biology, Native American uses, herd dynamics and prairies. Participants are encouraged to come prepared for the weather and bring water, insect repellent and sturdy shoes. At 1 p.m., the park will have crafts and games for kids. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-843- 6711. For 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=066 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=066 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to play and explore like the children of a bygone era during Historical Children’s Festival Old Tyme Picnic at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event is in recognition of National Kids to Parks Day and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include old time favorites such as three-legged sack races, egg on a spoon relays, milk bottle, ring and bean bag toss, and needle in the haystack. The event will also feature contests, including watermelon seed-spitting contests, horseshoe throwing and pie baking. Visitors should call the site to register for the pie baking contest. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 South Main Street in St. Charles. For more information on the event, contact the site at 636-940-3322. 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=065 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=065 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site, near Ash Grove, will host a special event on Saturday, May 18 celebrating the role of food in the 19th century Ozarks. “From Garden to Table: Food in the Frontier Ozarks” will feature demonstrations of historic methods for growing and preparing food. The event, sponsored by Missouri State Parks, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public. This special event will feature cooking demonstrations and programs that highlight the unique cuisine of the Ozarks. Visitors will also learn more about the historic site’s heritage vegetable garden. 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. The historic site is located 1.5 miles north of Ash Grove on State Highway V. For more information about the event, call the site at 417-751- 3266. 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=064 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=064 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 Gov. Jay Nixon has proclaimed May 18 as National Kids to Parks Day in the state and encouraged Missourians of all ages to get outside and enjoy our state and local parks. This national event is sponsored by the National Park Trust and endorsed by Missouri State Parks. “Whether visiting a local municipal park or one of our state parks and historic sites, the opportunities for enjoying nature are nearly endless,” said Gov. Nixon. “Participating in activities at our parks, from hiking to fishing, create meaningful family memories that contribute to a life- long appreciation of the outdoors.” Gov. Nixon created the Children in Nature Challenge to encourage activities that introduce children to nature year round. Communities and families can participate in the challenge and learn more at childreninnature.mo.gov. Missouri is home to award-winning state and local parks that provide an opportunity for children to engage in active lifestyles, while experiencing all that nature has to offer. More than 30 events are sponsored by Missouri State Parks on May 18 to encourage families to take an outdoor adventure at a state park or historic site. “Research shows that children today are spending more time indoors than in previous generations,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Connecting a child with the outdoors provides both physical and psychological benefits, and I would encourage families to take this opportunity to see all our parks and historic sites have to offer.” For more information on the National Kids to Parks Day, visit kidstoparks.org. For more information on events planned on May 18 at Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, go to mostateparks.com/page/60264/national-kids-parks- day. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=063 http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/data.asp?param=063 Fri, 03 May 2013 00:04:33 +0000 The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host an event May 18 in the Lincoln County town of Troy aimed at helping Missouri residents rid their homes and farms of unwanted pesticides and related chemicals. The event, part of the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program, will allow Missouri households and farmers to safely and legally dispose of pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, de-wormers, fly tags and fertilizers containing herbicides or pesticides. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Missouri Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility, 111 Francis Drive. It is open to all residents of Missouri. Future event details will be announced as they become available. More information on the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program is available online http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/pesticide/. The program is funded through a hazardous waste enforcement settlement that resulted in more than $1 million being set aside for the effort. The Department of Natural Resources has hired an independent contractor to conduct the collection events under the supervision of the department.