/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Sat, 27 Jul 2024 05:11:50 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-us-army-corps-engineers-provide-update-aug-8-holt-county-flood-risk-management 262781 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:53:35 +0000 MoDNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide update Aug. 8 on Holt County Flood Risk Management Karen Kremer Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:53 Release Date Thursday, July 25, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 25, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are hosting a public meeting to update the citizens of Holt County, Missouri, and Doniphan County, Kansas, about progress on the flood risk management study since April.The meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. It will be held at the Loess Hills Lodge, 406 State Street in Mound City, Missouri. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m. and USACE will begin the presentation at 5 p.m.Following the presentation, an expert panel will be available to answer questions during the open discussion session. The meeting will conclude at 7 p.m., but MoDNR will remain available until 8 p.m. for additional discussion. MoDNR team members will also be available to hear feedback from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, during one-to-one sessions at Hole in the Wall Coffee and Ice Cream, 511 State Street in Mound City.The study area includes the floodplain along roughly 50 Missouri River miles from Nishnabotna to St. Joseph, Missouri. Federal levees in and around the project area include 512-513R-North, Missouri River Levee System 497-L, MRLS 488-L and MRLS 500-R. Non-Federal levee systems include Union Township Holt County Number 10, Holt County Number 9, Canon Drainage District and Kimsey Holley.The purpose of the study is to investigate methods to reduce and manage flood risk within the project area, evaluate measures and recommend a plan to reduce recurring damages and costs, and improve resiliency of the flood risk infrastructure and protected investment for the future.Additional information about the project can be found at: nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Programs-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/Holt-County-MO-Doniphan-County-KS/.The location of this workshop is ADA accessible. Workshop materials are available in accessible formats upon request via email request one week in advance to Julia.A.MacLachlan@usace.army.mil.If you have any questions about this outreach meeting, for USACE please contact the Flood Resiliency Study team at LoMoRiverStudy@usace.army.mil or for the MoDNR representative, please email erin.fanning@dnr.mo.gov. 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-50000-grant-blythedale 262681 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:45:57 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $50,000 grant to Blythedale Karen Kremer Wed, 07/24/2024 - 10:45 Release Date Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Village will evaluate wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 24, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the village of Blythedale, in Harrison County, to evaluate potential improvements to its wastewater system.The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs of evaluating potential wastewater system improvements. Blythedale will use the grant to identify improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in December 2025.“Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support a community’s health and economic vitality,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Through this grant, Blythedale has an opportunity to assess its wastewater treatment system to identify improvements that are needed to meet current needs and allow for future growth and development.”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/onondaga-cave-state-park-reopens-cave-new-lighting-system-july-19 262326 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:02:11 +0000 Onondaga Cave State Park reopens cave with new lighting system July 19 Karen Kremer Wed, 07/17/2024 - 16:02 Release Date Wednesday, July 17, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 17, 2024 – Join the team at Onondaga Cave State Park for the much-awaited reopening of the cave Friday, July 19 at 10 a.m. with a lighting ceremony. The cave had been closed due the installation of a new LED lighting system.This project marks the completion of the first of many revenue bond projects for Missouri State Parks. The cave, discovered in 1886, was first opened for tours in 1904, coinciding with the timing of the World’s Fair in St. Louis. The cave has continued to captivate tourists for 120 years. Drawing more than 20,000 visitors annually, Onondaga Cave is a National Natural Landmark, hosting some of the most rare and majestic speleothems in the world.Incandescent lighting was originally installed in the 1950s and had been upgraded throughout the years, with Missouri State Parks making expensive repairs yearly to keep the old system functioning. Over the years, many of the system’s parts became obsolete, making the lights difficult to shut off, which was harmful to the cave’s natural state.The new upgrade benefits the cave’s ecosystem by reducing invasive algae growth and providing a more suitable home for the cave’s inhabitants, who are accustomed to the dark.Missouri contractors were used to complete the project, with Roger-Schmitt Engineering designing the lighting project and Meyer Electric doing the installation.Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg.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/bennett-spring-state-park-hosts-day-shift-night-shift-garbage-gal-july-20 262321 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:55:45 +0000 Bennett Spring State Park hosts “Day Shift, Night Shift and Garbage Gal” July 20 Karen Kremer Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:55 Release Date Thursday, July 18, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 18, 2024 – Join Bennett Spring State Park team members in welcoming Dickerson Park Zoo representatives to the park Saturday, July 20, at 1 p.m. as they teach guests about diurnal and nocturnal raptors. Participants will also compare and contrast the turkey vulture with other raptors. The 45-minute program will take place at Shelter BBennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-532-4338.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/tisha-holden-selected-july-2024-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 262301 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:39:39 +0000 Tisha Holden selected as July 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Tue, 07/16/2024 - 09:39 Release Date Tuesday, July 16, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 16, 2024 - Tisha Holden, a division information officer with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Communications, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for July 2024. She was selected for her service to the department and her willingness to assist Missouri State Parks beyond the scope of her job duties.As part of her usual duties, Holden serves as the main media contact for Missouri State Parks, a division of the department. She also regularly prepares speaking points for division leadership and coordinates press releases and media relations for all of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. Many park events, such as groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies, include invitations to the media. Holden manages a rigorous travel schedule so she can be at these events to answer questions for the media and public in attendance. She is usually the first to arrive and last to depart events she attends.“I have never witnessed an event where Tisha has not jumped in and performed a ton of extra work,” said Dustin Young, a division risk management inspector who nominated Holden for the award. “At numerous special events, I have seen her jump right in to assist with setup and tear down, work in a kitchen or even serve as a hunting guide during a guided hunting program for veterans.”In addition to her initiative at park events, Holden is also an active CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Aid instructor, helping educate team members on important lifesaving techniques.“Tisha’s desire to help our team be ready to save lives after an already full schedule does not go unnoticed,” said Dustin Webb, director of the park system’s northern region, who also nominated Holden for the award. “She doesn’t have to do these extra things, but wants to so she can make a positive difference and share her knowledge with others.”Holden joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in October 2019 and resides in Montreal. 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/battle-lexington-state-historic-site-kicks-community-fair-free-events-aug-10 262286 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:59:30 +0000 Battle of Lexington State Historic Site kicks off community fair with free events Aug. 10 Karen Kremer Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:59 Release Date Thursday, July 25, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 25, 2024 – The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is helping kick off the Lexington Community Fair with two free events on Aug. 10.Event times and topics are as follows:3-4:30 p.m.: The Big Chill – A Homemade Ice Cream DemonstrationSummer is a great time to enjoy homemade ice cream but was it around in the 1850s and 1860s? YES! Some historic flavor choices would not make today's top 10 list of popular favors, but never fear, we'll stick to popular flavors. Join us at the visitor center to learn how homemade ice cream has changed over the years yet remains the same. Taking a turn on the hand crank will "earn" you a free sample of homemade ice cream. 7:30-9 p.m.: Owl ProwlOwls are one of Missouri's birds of prey that hunt at night. Join us in the visitor center to learn about the owls found in our area and what makes them unique for hunting prey at night. After dusk we will move the program outside for a short night hike to practice our owl calls and find out whooooo might be nearby.The ground is uneven out on the battlefield, so participants are encouraged to wear walking or hiking shoes for the outside portion of our event. Participants may also want to bring a water bottle. Bug spray will be available.These events are free and open to the public and registration is not required.The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is located at 1101 Delaware in Lexington. For more information about these events, contact 660-259-4654.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-awards-50000-grant-delta 262271 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:58:11 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $50,000 grant to Delta Karen Kremer Mon, 07/15/2024 - 10:58 Release Date Tuesday, July 16, 2024 City will evaluate wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 16, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Delta, in Cape Girardeau County, to evaluate the city’s wastewater system.The department’s Clean Water Engineering Report Grant program offers funding to small communities for wastewater engineering costs incurred in preparation of a facility plan report. The city will use the grant to develop a report detailing wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce inflow and infiltration of stormwater into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in December 2025.“This grant allows communities like Delta to assess their wastewater treatment system and identify improvements that will keep them operating effectively,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “This not only helps communities maintain and improve key infrastructure, it provides important economic benefits as well.”Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community. Through the grant, the city has an opportunity to assess their plant and identify improvements for efficiency and effectiveness, capacity, and to satisfy public health and water quality regulations. This will help the community plan for future growth and development and determine what actions are needed to address their wastewater needs.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/missouri-geological-survey-receives-funding-hunt-critical-minerals 262266 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:51:09 +0000 Missouri Geological Survey receives funding to hunt for critical minerals Karen Kremer Mon, 07/15/2024 - 10:51 Release Date Monday, July 15, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 15, 2024 - The United States Geological Survey announced it will provide the Missouri Geological Survey more than $200,000 to search for critical minerals within Missouri. In partnership with The Doe Run Company, the effort will study historic mine waste chat piles of Missouri’s Old Lead Belt District. If traces of cobalt or rare earth elements are found, this discovery may indicate where these critical minerals may exist in the district.“Missouri’s St. Francis Mountains are one of only a few places in the continental United States known to have deposits of cobalt,” said State Geologist and Missouri Geological Survey Director Carey Bridges. “The importance of cobalt for the modern world cannot be overstated as it’s essential for production of lithium-ion batteries. A relatively small investment for this project could lead to this state’s most significant geologic discovery in a generation.”The project will focus on three sites of historic lead mining in the Park Hills area of St. Francois County where operations have ceased: the chat piles associated with the Rivermines, Bonne Terre, and National mines. All three are owned by Doe Run."The chat and tailings piles are remnants from the historical mining and extraction of lead in the area known as the Old Lead Belt,” said Bridges. “Critical minerals, such as cobalt and nickel, were not targeted during previous mining processes and therefore remain in these materials at varying levels. Through sampling and analysis, we can determine the concentrations and potential for recovery of these critical minerals as a domestic source for materials necessary for advanced energy technology and essential goods."The project’s timeline will see sampling begin on-site in September of this year, with the final results released in August 2026. The work will be conducted on the surface of the piles using shovels, buckets and hand augers. No heavy equipment will be involved, and there will be no major ground disturbances. There will also be no impact to traffic as the sites are contained in gated areas or away from roads.Titled “Mine Waste Characterization of Missouri Old Lead Belt Chat Piles – Bonne Terre, National, and Rivermines Sites,” Missouri’s proposal was among 26 submitted by state geological surveys for funding through the USGS, and one of 16 selected. Full funding of $207,464 will be provided for the project’s field work and analysis plus $3,999 for team members to attend a USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, or MRI, workshop. Funding for this project will be provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.For more information on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey, visit dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/geology. 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-62500-grant-parma 262016 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:40:08 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $62,500 grant to Parma Karen Kremer Wed, 07/10/2024 - 16:40 Release Date Friday, July 12, 2024 City will evaluate its wastewater systemJEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 12, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $62,500 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Parma, in New Madrid County, to evaluate its wastewater system.The department’s Clean Water Engineering Report Grant program offers funding to qualified communities for wastewater engineering costs incurred in preparation of a facility plan report. The city will use the grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service and reduce stormwater inflow and infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in December 2025.“Infrastructure such as wastewater systems are crucial to every community,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Through this grant, we can help cities like Parma identify the changes needed to maintain and improve its wastewater system, which in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community. Through the grant, the city has an opportunity to assess its plant and identify improvements for efficiency and effectiveness, capacity, and to satisfy public health and water quality regulations. This will help the community plan for future growth and development and determine what actions are needed to address their wastewater needs.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-awards-15-million-tri-county-water-authority 261736 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:52:08 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $15 million to Tri-County Water Authority Karen Kremer Tue, 07/09/2024 - 16:52 Release Date Thursday, July 11, 2024 Funding will cover significant drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 11, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $15 million in financial assistance to Tri-County Water Authority for improvements to its drinking water storage and supply systems. The authority serves customers in Jackson, Cass and Bates counties. The project is estimated to cost $15 million and should be completed by May 2026.When finished, the upgrades will enable the authority to maintain and operate a system that meets all drinking water quality standards, improves the system’s resiliency and continues to provide reliable water service well into the future.Project funding consists of a $15 million low-interest Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan. This arrangement is estimated to save customers approximately $4.85 million in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“Every community must have safe, abundant drinking water to grow and thrive,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “This funding is available to help communities of all sizes improve outdated drinking water systems that serve our citizens every day.”“Grants and low-interest loans through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund help qualified communities with system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are here to help Missouri communities plan and fund infrastructure improvements that will help improve the quality of life for Missourians.”The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, as well as system interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a 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