/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:46:27 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/montauk-state-park-celebrates-old-mill-days-may-10-11 256476 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:45:32 +0000 Montauk State Park celebrates Old Mill Days May 10-11 Karen Kremer Thu, 04/25/2024 - 15:45 Release Date Thursday, April 25, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 26, 2024 – Join Montauk State Park team members from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 for Old Mill Days 2024. The day will be spent celebrating early 20th century life in the Ozarks, when the old mill was in its prime.The mill will be open all day with free tours upon request. Guests are invited to see how people lived when the mill was in its prime. Both days will feature historical skills demonstrations, living history performances, live music, crafts, games and food. There will also be an arts and crafts fair with local vendors offering up some of the finest homemade goods and services available. All activities, except for the tours, will take place in the day-use area by the mill.  Guests are encouraged to stop by, learn a new skill, immerse themselves in local history and support small businesses. Don’t miss this fun, educational and free event!Montauk State Park is located at 345 State Road 6670 in Salem. For more information about the event, call 573-548-2201.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-201-million-financial-assistance-higginsville 256461 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:00:29 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $20.1 million in financial assistance to Higginsville Karen Kremer Thu, 04/25/2024 - 15:00 Release Date Thursday, April 25, 2024 City will construct a new wastewater treatment systemJEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 26, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $20.1 million in financial assistance to the city of Higginsville for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. The project is estimated to total $20.9 million and is expected to be completed by November 2025.The new wastewater treatment facility will increase the city’s current wastewater treatment capacity and provide additional capacity for accepting wastewater from the other city-owned treatment facilities. This regionalized treatment strategy will be the focus of the project’s next phase.Project funding consists of a $16.6 million loan, a $3.5 million grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The department’s funding is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers $3.5 million in principal and nearly $8.2 million in interest over the loan’s 29-year term.“Thriving communities make a thriving state, and every community must have effective water infrastructure to remain strong and vibrant,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “This funding helps communities like Higginsville improve outdated wastewater systems to better serve Missourians every day.”“Grants and low-interest loans through the State Revolving Fund help Missouri communities fund treatment system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Projects like this help protect public health and the environment, which improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances wastewater treatment facility improvement, sewer collection system rehabilitation and combined sewer overflow corrections. It also provides financing for treatment facility security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from expert assistance provided by a department project manager.The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-recognizes-kansas-city-student-winning-2024-earth-day-slogan-contest 256321 at https://dnr.mo.gov Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:10:59 +0000 Department of Natural Resources recognizes Kansas City student for winning 2024 Earth Day slogan contest Karen Kremer Fri, 04/19/2024 - 14:10 Release Date Friday, April 19, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 19, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the winner of its 2024 Earth Day slogan contest. Ella Garr, a fifth-grade student from Académie Lafayette in Kansas City, won first place for her entry, "Protect the Earth, for what it’s worth." Ella was among more than 150 Missouri fifth graders from 13 schools who entered the annual slogan contest.Ella received a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City and a Missouri rock and mineral set donated by Missouri Geological Survey. Ella received her prizes and a copy of Governor Mike Parson’s Earth Day proclamation during a special presentation on the Earth Day stage.Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Earth Day celebration featured nearly 30 booths, interactive environmental displays, crafts and entertainment. This year marked the 54th anniversary of the annual worldwide Earth Day commemoration and the 30th year the department has used the day to help Missourians, especially children, learn about the environment and how to care for it. For more information about the Earth Day celebration, go to dnr.mo.gov/earth-day.   Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/celebrate-truman-day-harry-s-truman-birthplace-state-historic-site-may-4 256316 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:41:52 +0000 Celebrate Truman Day at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site on May 4 Karen Kremer Thu, 04/18/2024 - 19:41 Release Date Friday, April 19, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 19, 2024 – Join team members from Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site and representatives from the Barton County Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate Truman Day 2024! Truman Day is an annual event that celebrates the birth of Harry S Truman, the only Missourian to be elected president.Celebrate not only the 140th anniversary of Truman’s birth, but also the 65th anniversary of the historic site’s establishment. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 on the historic site grounds and will feature a Truman impersonator, live music, WWI and WWII reenactors, 1880s demonstrations, vendors, kids games a baby show and a dog show. The day is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site is located at 1009 Truman in Lamar. For more information, call 417-682-2279.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/public-invited-attend-meeting-lower-missouri-jefferson-city-spin-study-april-25 256211 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:24:24 +0000 Public invited to attend meeting for Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study April 25 Karen Kremer Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:24 Release Date Thursday, April 18, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 18, 2024 – Officials will hold a public meeting for the Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study April 25, 2024, in Jefferson City.The meeting, which will be held by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will provide an overview of the study, a status update and an open discussion. This is an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide input regarding the Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study.The study is designed to identify causes and impacts of recurring flooding along the Capital View Levee and the unconstructed, but authorized, Missouri River Levee System L-142 project near Jefferson City, in Callaway County. The study area includes the north or left bank of the Missouri River at the Jefferson, City-vicinity mile marker 142.Meeting information is below:April 25, 2024 - Doors open at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive in Jefferson City.For more information about the Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study, visit nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Programs-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/Jefferson-City-MO-L142/ and dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/initiatives/lower-missouri-river-flood-resiliency. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/public-invited-attend-meetings-lower-missouri-river-system-plan 256201 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:19:08 +0000 Public invited to attend meetings for Lower Missouri River system plan Karen Kremer Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:19 Release Date Thursday, April 18, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 18, 2024 – Officials will hold a series of public meetings in April for the Lower Missouri Flood Risk and Resiliency Study, also known as the system plan, throughout the region.The meetings, which will be held by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will provide an overview of the study, a status update, input on reach measures, flow and stage frequency analysis update and an open discussion. This is an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide input regarding the Lower Missouri Flood Risk and Resiliency Study.The study is designed to work with basin states, Tribes, stakeholders, other agencies and the public to create a vision for a more resilient future for the Lower Missouri River with a focus on flood risk management. The system plan will evaluate reach and system specific alternatives and provide recommendations of future spin-offs and proposed implementation approaches.Meeting information is below:April 24, 2024: Reach 10 - Hermann to the mouth - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (levee district meeting); 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (public meeting) - City Council Chambers, 405 Jefferson Street in Washington.April 25, 2024: Reach 9 - Boonville to Hermann - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (levee district meeting); Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive in Jefferson City.April 30, 2024: Reach 8 - Lexington to Boonville - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (levee district meeting); 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (public meeting) - Martin Community Center, 1985 S. Odell Avenue in Marshall.For more information about the Lower Missouri River Flood Risk and Resiliency Study, visit nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Programs-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/ and dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/initiatives/lower-missouri-river-flood-resiliency. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/katy-trail-state-park-celebrates-founders-day-april-27 256166 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:08:59 +0000 Katy Trail State Park celebrates Founder’s Day April 27 Karen Kremer Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:08 Release Date Tuesday, April 16, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 16, 2024 – Join Missouri State Parks, Edward Jones and Westminster College Saturday, April 27, to celebrate the Katy Trail’s “Founder’s Day.” The event will commemorate the anniversary of the trail’s opening in 1990 and spotlight the enduring partnership between the trail and financial-services firm Edward Jones.Completion of the 240-mile rail trail was funded largely by a donation from Edward D. “Ted” Jones and his wife, Pat. The Katy Trail’s partnership with Edward Jones has outlived Ted and Pat, but their legacy continues as Missouri State Parks honors the Joneses and this partnership with a series of events April 27.In honor of Founder’s Day, multiple events will be hosted across the Katy Trail. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join the Missouri State Parks team, Edward Jones associates and Westminster College staff and students for tree plantings, trail cleanups and invasive-species removal at each event.If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP with Missouri State Parks through this link.Pleasant HillEdward Jones associates, Missouri State Parks teams and volunteers will tackle the removal of invasive honeysuckle, helping to restore native habitats along the trail.9 a.m. – Check in at the Pleasant Hill Trailhead.9:30 a.m. – Remarks.10 a.m. – noon – Honeysuckle hack and invasive plant removal.BoonvilleEdward Jones associates, Missouri State Parks teams and volunteers will clean up and maintain the trail through Boonville.9 a.m. – Check in at the Boonville Visitors Center/Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum.9:30 a.m. – Remarks.10 a.m. – noon – Trail cleanup.TebbettsIn coordination with Westminster College.9 a.m. – Check in at the Tebbetts Trailhead.9:30 a.m. – Remarks.10 a.m. – noon – Tree planting.AugustaEdward Jones associates, Missouri State Parks teams and volunteers will tackle the removal of invasive honeysuckle, helping to restore native habitats along the trail.9 a.m. – Check in at the Augusta Trailhead.9:30 am – Remarks.10 a.m. – noon – Honeysuckle hack and invasive plant removal.In addition to these events, Edward Jones, in coordination with the Arbor Day Foundation, will be hosting a tree planting at St. Charles Parks and Recreation’s DuSable Park.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/keep-baker-beautiful-day-planned-april-20 256136 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:31:08 +0000 “Keep Baker beautiful” day planned April 20 Karen Kremer Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:31 Release Date Monday, April 15, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 15, 2024 – One of Missouri’s most beautiful state parks, Sam A. Baker State Park, needs help getting ready for the upcoming visitation season. Join park team members between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, for the park’s annual Keep Baker Beautiful Day.This event commemorates Earth Day and is also a fun way to connect with the great outdoors. All ages are invited to participate, with assignments ranging from mulching and gardening to litter patrol. A crew leader from the park will lead each group through their assigned project. All service projects are matched to volunteers’ ages and abilities. A free picnic lunch will be provided.Participants should bring a pair of work gloves and drinking water, wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. In the event of severe weather, the workday will be canceled. However, a little rain has not stop past participants. Registration is required for the event and can be completed by calling 573-856-4514.Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. at Picnic Shelter #1, located behind the park store, to receive their assignments and meet other volunteers.This event is free and is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and supported by the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax.Sam A. Baker State Park is located at 5580 State Highway 143 about 4 miles north of Patterson.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/knob-noster-state-park-campground-hosts-ribbon-cutting-newly-renovated-campground-april-19 256131 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:12:06 +0000 Knob Noster State Park campground hosts ribbon cutting for newly renovated campground April 19 Karen Kremer Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:12 Release Date Monday, April 15, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 15, 2024 – Knob Noster State Park will host a ribbon cutting for its newly renovated campground. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 19.The campground had been closed for renovations but is now ready to go for the 2024 camping season. The project involved overhauling the campground’s front half, which included upgrading electrical service to 50-amp connections at sites 1-25 and eight sites were upgraded to include full hook-ups. Hazardous trees were removed, new concrete pads were poured, sewer and water lines were installed, and site amenities were placed for each of the 25 sites. One old vault toilet was removed to make room for the two vault toilets that are now in the front half of the campground. Parking was also expanded at each shower house. Much of the work was completed by the in-house construction crew, saving thousands of dollars.“We are excited about the improvements made here at Knob Noster State Park,” said Missouri State Parks Director David Kelly. “We look forward to our guests using all the great amenities here.”The campground reopened for reservations at 7 a.m. April 1, the first reservation was made at 7:02 a.m. and April 15 was the first night of camping.Knob Noster State Park is located at 817 SE 10 in Knob Noster.For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Contact Information Tisha Holden Division Information Officer Address Missouri State Parks P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Office 573-751-6510 Toll-free 800-334-6946 Email tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-will-host-annual-earth-day-celebration-april-19 256051 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:59:38 +0000 Department of Natural Resources will host annual Earth Day celebration April 19 Karen Kremer Thu, 04/11/2024 - 15:59 Release Date Monday, April 15, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 15, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host its annual Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 19. The 2024 event will be held on the south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.Approximately 1,000 children from schools across Missouri are expected to visit Jefferson City for this year’s Earth Day celebration. The students will have opportunities to engage in a wide variety of games and other fun activities designed to help them learn about and celebrate the natural environment. The public is also welcome to participate in this free event.Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Earth Day celebration will feature nearly 30 booths, interactive environmental displays, crafts and entertainment. Honored during the celebration will be Ella Garr, a fifth-grade student from Académie Lafayette in Kansas City, who won the department’s Earth Day slogan contest with her entry, "Protect the Earth, for what it’s worth." Ella was among more than 150 Missouri fifth graders from 13 schools who entered the annual slogan contest.Ella will receive a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City and a Missouri rock and mineral set donated by Missouri Geological Survey. Ella will receive her prizes and a copy of Gov. Mike Parson’s Earth Day proclamation during a special presentation on the Earth Day stage.To access a schedule and more information about the Earth Day celebration, go to dnr.mo.gov/earth-day.  Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov