/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:33:03 +0000 en-us 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 https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/katy-trail-state-park-hosts-mokanehighway-pp-bridge-ribbon-cutting-april-12 255876 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:49:18 +0000 Katy Trail State Park hosts Mokane/Highway PP Bridge ribbon cutting April 12 Karen Kremer Wed, 04/10/2024 - 14:49 Release Date Wednesday, April 10, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 10, 2024 – Join Missouri State Parks for a ribbon-cutting ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, April 12, for the opening of the new Mokane/Highway PP Bridge at Katy Trail State Park. The bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic since around 2016. It is located 1.3 miles west of Mokane at mile marker 126.3. Guests are encouraged to bring their bikes and ride from the Mokane Trailhead to the bridge.From its inception and throughout its history, Katy Trail State Park has provided recreation and ample opportunities to explore natural and cultural resources for up to 500,000 annual visitors. The longest developed rail-trail in the United States hugs steep bluffs, wanders close to the Missouri River, cuts through thick forests and crosses gently rolling prairies and fields.To keep the trail accessible to everyone, Missouri State Parks has been determined to improve surfacing and bridges, and fix washed-out areas. One of the recent big projects has been the opening of this new bridge, which replaces a three-span bridge that measured 84 feet long, 12 feet wide and was set on timber pile bents. Over time, the timber structure pilings began to severely deteriorate, thus requiring an upgrade.The replacement bridge is a 93-foot prefabricated truss bridge that is 12-feet wide with a 20-ton load rating. It has a reinforced concrete deck and concrete abutments on drive steel pilings. The contractor was S&A Equipment and Builders from Fulton.To plan your next adventure or for more information about the trail, visit mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, or to view the Park and Site Status Map, 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/battle-pilot-knob-state-historic-site-hosts-spring-drill-cannon-dedication-april-20 255616 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:26:16 +0000 Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site hosts Spring Drill and cannon dedication April 20 Karen Kremer Thu, 04/04/2024 - 10:26 Release Date Friday, April 5, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 5, 2024 – Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is hosting the annual Spring Drill featuring the Turner Brigade Civil War reenactors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20. This is an annual training event for the brigade and will give visitors the opportunity to interact with and learn from the reenactors.In conjunction with the Spring Drill, there will also be a rededication ceremony commemorating the addition of a new historically correct carriage of the site’s Woodruff gun cannon.The records of the 1864 battle confirm several Woodruff guns present. Recent research found the cannon had been erroneously displayed on a standard field gun carriage. A historically accurate carriage, unique in design and function compared to other cannons of the time, was constructed for the site.During the reenactment, representatives from the park will be available to provide more information about the Woodruff gun cannon and to answer questions about the research and story behind this piece of history.The training drill runs from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch on your own. At 1 p.m., the rededication ceremony begins. All activities are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register.For more information, please contact the museum at 573-546-3454 and speak to Brick or Bryan. The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is located at 118 E. Maple in Pilot Knob.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