Missouri Resources - 2009 Fall

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D irectorsC omment

As crisp autumn leaves fall, most of us begin to turn our thermo-stats up. But for Missourians living onlimited financial resources, this isnt an option. Many choose between heat-

ing their homes and feeding their chil-dren, or perhaps purchasing prescrip-tion medications. Often, these same

families find themselves in draftyhouses that cant fight off the frigid temperatures of winter that are just around the corner.

This issue of Missouri Resourceslooks at the Low-Income Weatheriza-tion Assistance Program, which helpsqualifying homeowners improve theenergy efficiency of their homes. Theresult is significantly lower utility bills

for homeowners and homes that aremore comfortable for their occupants.The work done at these houses not onlyassists families in need but also bene-

fits the entire states economy, and theenergy saved protects the natural re-sources that all Missourians share.

In August, the Departments Ener-gy Center awarded $9,195,704 inweatherization subgrants to commu-nity action agencies across Missourito continue to assist low-income fami-lies, particularly the elderly, the phys-ically disadvantaged and familieswith children. The subgrants are pro-vided by the U.S. Department of Ener-gy and administered by the EnergyCenter. Through the American Recov-ery and Reinvestment Act, the federalgovernments investment in Missourisweatherization program is expected tototal more than $128 million over thenext three years.

Just as the cooler temperaturesmean warmer homes, they also offer

an opportunity to visit our state parksto enjoy the splendor of fall colors. If

youre planning an outing, I encour-age you to visit Roaring River StatePark near Cassville, one of our many

fine parks. The Department recentlycelebrated the opening of a new con-venience store at the state park in Au-gust. The new expanded store offers avariety of merchandise, including

fish ing tackle and equipment, sou-venir items, groceries and other con-

venience items for campers and visi-tors. The new store was built by con-cessionaires Jim and Carmen Rogersin partnership with the Department.The Rogers will operate the store,which will become the property of the

Department at the end of their con-cession contract term.

The store represents a successful public/private partnership and is expected to have a positive impact onthe local economy. The Rogers used many local contractors in the storesconstruction, and hope that its con-venient location and expanded gro-

cery store will also make it a conven-ient option for local residents. Theexpansion also created jobs for eight area workers.

As the season of Thanksgiving ap- proaches, projec ts like these remind me to take a moment to express mygratitude to the caring citizens that make these programs possible. I amgrateful to those who participate inenvironmental initiatives and cleanups, the state park volunteerswho give their time to help us ensure

that our parks are an enjoyable placeto visit, the hard-working communityaction agencies and contractors that make sure every Missourian has awarm place to call home, and count-less others that make this state a bet-ter place to live.

Fall 2009Volume 26 Number 3

State of MissouriGovernor

Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon

Director, Missouri Departmentof Natural Resources

Mark N. Templeton

Deputy Director, Water ResourcesMike Wells

Acting Director, Division of State ParksDan Paige

Director, Division of Geology and Land SurveyJoe Gillman

Acting Director, Division of Field Services Alice Geller

Director, Division of Environmental QualityDan Schuette

Director, Environmental Improvementand Energy Resources Authority

Tom Welch

EditorStuart Westmoreland

Assistant EditorPhilip J. Tremblay

Design DirectorBelinda Hughes

DesignerRuby Wells

PhotographerScott Myers

CirculationLuke Petree

Alisha GibsonJessica Buschjost

Editorial BoardLarry Archer

Hylan BeydlerKerry Cordray Kathy Deters

Sue HolstByron Murray

Kenneth Seeney Stuart Westmoreland

Mission StatementThe mission of the Missouri Department of Natural

Resources is to protect, preserve and enhanceMissouris natural, cultural and energy resources.

MISSOURI RESOURCES

is published three times per year by the MissouriDepartment of Natural Resources to inform readers

about important natural resource issues and how theyare being addressed. Any correspondence should be

directed to the editor at the Department of NaturalResources, Publications, PO Box 176, Jefferson City,

MO 65102-0176, or call 800-361-4827.E-mail address: [email protected] home page: www.dnr.mo.govTo subscribe or unsubscribe online:

www.dnr.mo.gov/magazine/subscription.htm

MISSOURI RESOURCESis available in alternative formats.

As a recipient of federal funds, the Department of Natural Resources cannot discriminate against any-

one on the basis of race, color, national origin,religion, age, sex, or disability.

If anyone believes he or she has been subjected todiscrimination for any of these reasons, he or she mayfile a complaint with either the Department of Natural

Resources or the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S.Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 20240.

Missouri Resources is printed with soy ink onrecycled paper at RR Donnelley, Liberty, Missouri.

Periodicals postage paid at Liberty, Mo. Post Office.

printed on recycled paperMark N. TempletonMissouri Department of Natural Resources
mailto:[email protected]://www.dnr.mo.gov/http://www.dnr.mo.gov/magazine/subscription.htmhttp://www.dnr.mo.gov/magazine/subscription.htmhttp://www.dnr.mo.gov/mailto:[email protected]


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table of contentsM i s s o u r i D e p a r t m e n t o f N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s

D N R p

h o t o s

b y S c o

t t M y e r s

Above right: Diving off cliffs into lakes and streams may be considered fun but it is often dangerous and can be illegal. Above: This panoramic photo of a thunderstorm approaching Columbia is a combination of 14 separate photos.COVER: The shut-ins at Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, near Lesterville, are once again ready for visitors.Cover photo by Scott Myers

page 2Encounters with Natureby Sue HolstMissouri state parks offer a window to the natural world. Theopportunities are myriad and diverse, so its important to know your capabilities and limitations. Plan ahead and come prepared!

page 6 Warm HomecomingMissouris WeatherizationProgram Invests in Real Lifeby Kerry Cordray New federal eligibility changes have made access to home weath-erization assistance a possibility for thousands of Missourians. After the improvements, utility savings average 30-35 percent.

page 9Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park

A New Beginningby Sue HolstNearly four years after the breach of Taum Sauk Reservoir, JohnsonsShut-Ins State Park is back on its feet. Although much of the devastationwas impossible to erase, a trip to JSI allows visitors to interpret the event,the healing process and, of course, the incredible shut-ins.

page 12Managing Radionuclidesby Susan Bloomer Radionuclides are naturally occurring radioactive elements that show up in some underground water sources. Stricter EPA drinking water standards require lower levels of radionuclides in Missouris 2,800 public drinking water supplies.

14 News BriefsE-Notes , Letters, Stream Team Notebook,

Time Exposures, Resource Honor Roll

20 Resources to ExploreLong Branch State Park

23 Career ConnectionCharles DuCharme: A Watershed of Challenges

25 One Last WordCooperative Effort a Flying Success


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2 Missouri Resources

in Missouri State Parksby Sue Holst

photographs by Scott Myers


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(Above) Wearing an ap-proved personal flotation

device is always recom-mended with water activi-ties. Marybeth Bronsman,OFallon, makes sure the

life jacket fits properly.(Right) Bicycle helmets are

encouraged for everyone,even young riders on Katy

Trail State Park. AlmaHopkins, Columbia, with

children, Thomas and Mer-riam, check their equip-

ment near Klondike.

in very quickly if you become coldand wet.

Always carrywater to ensureyou stay properlyhydrated. Also,carry food foradded energy.

Wear the proper footwear for the trail.Hiking boots are more appropriate forrugged and rocky trails and may help youavoid foot or ankle injuries.

Carrying some form of communication,such as a cell phone, may be helpful butplease note that there may not be cover-age in all areas of the park.

Bicycling Make sure you are familiar with your bi-

cycle. Once you are stranded on a trail, itis not a good time to realize you do notknow how to fix simple problems withyour bicycle.

Know your own physical capabilities.Sometimes, bicyclists believe they cango farther than they are capable of goingsafely. We always recommend that theywork up to long trips. The result is usual-ly more positive, said Dawn Fredrick-son, assistant district supervisor for theNorthern Parks District, which includes

225-mile-long Katy Trail State Park.Many bicyclists believe the Katy Trailis easy to ride because it is level and theycan misjudge their own capabilities, es-pecially when it comes to distance,Fredrickson said.

Always carry food and water, especiallyin the summer, to ensure that you do notbecome dehydrated.

Always wear a helmet, even if the trail issmooth and flat.

Swimming Six state parks have swimming pools that

are open to the public and have life-guards available anytime they are open.Many other state parks have designatedswimming areas at lakes that offer swim-ming beaches. Conditions in these areasare monitored but there are no lifeguardson duty. Signs are posted at these areasto let visitors know there are no life-guards available. There are also other



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non-designated areas in state parkswhere visitors access rivers or lakes attheir own risk.

Anytime you enter the water, the followingtips will help ensure a safe experience.

Be aware of the lake or rivers condi-tions. Rivers and lakes are dynamic andhave natural conditions that cannot becontrolled like those in a swimmingpool. There may be swift currents, shift-

ing stream bottoms or debris in the wateryou cannot see. Know your own physical capabilities. If

you are not a good swimmer, do not tryto swim across the lake or exceed yourphysical limitations.

Always wear an approved personal flota-tion device.

Never swim alone. Make sure someoneis with you or knows where you are.

Do not leave small children unsupervisednear the water.

Do not drink alcohol and swim.

Other Encounters

with Nature

Wild animals such as skunks and rac-coons are not pets and should be enjoyedfrom a distance. If encouraged, they maybecome unwelcome guests in your camp-site. To guard against such unwelcome visi-tors, do not feed any wildlife. Put all trashin receptacles and keep all food locked in

your car, camper or stur-dy container.

Ticks can cling toyour clothing when youwalk through any typeof vegetation. The likeli-hood of becoming sickis slim; however, severalillnesses are linked tobacteria that can be transmitted by a tick.Precautions you can take against ticks in-

clude wearing light-colored clothing so theycan be seen easily, wearing long pantstucked into boots or socks, and applying in-sect repellent to your shoes, socks, cuffsand pant legs. Remove ticks correctly assoon as you find them.

Poison ivy is a ropelike vine or standingplant that contains an oil that can be very ir-ritating to the skin. Recognized by itsleaves of three, poison ivy is green in thesummer and red in the fall. Limit exposureto the plant and wear long sleeves and pants.

The Department wants your experiencein state parks to be a positive one. Thesesimple suggestions can help ensure that it isa safe and enjoyable one for you and yourfamily. Many state parks also offer other in-formation about encountering nature. Formore information about Missouri stateparks and historic sites, visit the Web at[www.mostateparks.com].

Sue Holst is the information officer for the Departments Division of State Parks.

(Above) Sturdy footwearhelps hiker Jeff Niblack,

Kirkwood, travel therugged terrain in MissouriState Parks.(Above left) Many parksoffer lifeguard-supervisedswimming pools. Here theWashburn Church of Christholds a pool party at Roar-ing River State Park.

Fall 2009 5
http://www.mostateparks.com/http://www.mostateparks.com/


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Terri Warren and her two children live in a little

yellow frame house in Fayette, Mo. The Warrensbegan renting the home in 2006. As cooler fallweather set in during their first year there, it became evi-dent to Warren that heating the place would be a challenge.I knew that an older house can be drafty and hard to keepwarm, Warren said. But I knew how to make do. A sin-gle mom, Warren works the night shift in a local health carefacility. Dealing with the natural gas bills was a monthlybudget obstacle. When a really cold spell came along, theyclosed off the heating vents to her sons bedroom and sleptin the same room.

After she had tolerated the situation for three winters,she saw a flyer in a local office about an assistance pro-gram that could make her house more comfortable and theutility bills easier to pay. She visited the Howard Countyoffice of Central Missouri Community Action to apply forthe Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program thefirst step in a process that would bring the Warren family awarmer and safer house, lower utility bills and a more man-ageable family budget.

History Of SuccessMany Missourians know the Low-Income Weatheriza-

tion Assistance Program by the simpler name of Weath-

erization. That nickname is commonly misunderstood.

People hear about weatherizing a home, and they usual-ly think of temporary fixes, like putting plastic sheetsover windows, says Darin Preis, CMCA executive direc-tor. The program is much more. It helps each assistedhousehold achieve lasting cost savings by installing sub-stantial energy-saving measures.

Administered by the Missouri Department of NaturalResources Energy Center and implemented by 18 agen-cies throughout the state, the program provides services toincome-eligible clients, as well as training and guidancein voluntary ways to keep ene rgy costs down. The pro-gram was founded at the federal level in 1976. More than155,000 Missouri homes have been weatherized sinceMissouris program began in 1978.

The agencies provide weatherization services to Mis-souri residents with incomes at or below 200 percent of thefederal poverty levels especially the elderly, those physi-cally disadvantaged and families with children. Morehouseholds became eligible with changes under the Ameri-can Recovery and Reinvestment Act, says Preis. For ex-ample, in 2008 a family of four needed an annual income of $31,800 or less to qualify for assistance. Under the newguidelines, a family of four making as much as $44,100 cannow be eligible.


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HomecomingMissouris Weatherization Program Invests in Real Lifeby Kerry Cordrayphotographs by Scott Myers


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Primary funding for Missouri s weather-ization efforts comes from the U.S. Depart-ment of Energy. The funds are provided tolocal agencies by the Departments EnergyCenter according to federal guidelines.Through agreements made with the EnergyCenter in rate adjustment cases and otherregulatory matters, some Missouri utilitycompanies provide additional funding to

weatherize more homes in their serviceareas. These utilities include AmerenUE,Aquila, Atmos Energy, Empire DistrictElectric Company, Kansas City Power &Light Company, Laclede Gas Company andMissouri Gas Energy.

Investment

In Recovery

Under the Recovery Act, the federal in-vestment in Missouris weatherization pro-gram for the next three years will be sub-stantially greater than annual funding in thepast. During fiscal years 2007 through2009, Missouris annual funding was about$6 million per year. Funding under the Re-covery Act over the next three years willtotal more than $128 million.

Local agencies will be hiring and train-ing workforces and buying vehicles, equip-ment and materials, said Department Di-rector Mark Templeton. Indirectly,weatherization funds are used and reused,stimulating the state s businesses and

economy, and creating jobs. Nationwide,weatherization reduces energy demand bythe equivalent of 18 million barrels of oileach year. But the most critical benefit isdirect more homes will be weatherizedand hundreds more low-income Missouri-ans helped to afford their utilities for yearsto come.

Home Improvement

After CMCA found the Warren house-hold financially eligible, an agency crewwas sent to perform a thorough energyaudit. Weatherization home audits arebased on the newest principles of what en-ergy efficiency experts call building sci-ence. Testing of the home is technologi-cally sophisticated, using computerizeddiagnostic equipment including a blowerdoor, pressure gauges and infrared camerasto help the agency determine the most cost-effective energy-saving measures to use ineach home. Most clients are really sur-

(Opposite page) Terri War-ren and her son Roby havea smaller stack of energybills since their home wasweatherized by Central Mis-souri Community Action ofHoward County.(Above and left) At anotherhome, Toby Martin, with theCMCA crew, runs a blowerdoor to check energy effi-ciency and leaks.

Fall 2009 7


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prised at how much technology is beingused, said Judy Miller, an auditor/inspec-tor with CMCA.

After the agency evaluated results of theWarrens audit, it developed work plans andpurchased materials, and in a few weeks awork crew from CMCA came back to thehome. The crew sealed cracks that had al-lowed air to leak through the foundation,exterior walls and around windows anddoors. Cellulose insulation was blown intothe attic and walls, and additional fiberglass

insulation was added to floors. This homehad almost no insulation, said CMCAsMiller. One closet also had no ceiling, soone had to be built. It was like an open win-dow into to the attic, letting all the heatedair escape from the room. The crew alsoinstalled weather stripping and sweeps to alldoors, and insulated the hot water heaterwith a fiberglass wrap. Ductwork was

sealed and hot water pipes were wrappedwith foam insulation.Workers also added a combination carbon

monoxide and smoke detector to a hallwayat the Warrens home. In addition to energysavings, ensuring the health and safety of residents is an important consideration in allweatherization projects. Other energy-effi-cient improvements made to client homesmay include repair and replacement of duct-work, and cleaning, repair or even completereplacement of inefficient or unsafe furnacesand heating systems. Another benefit of in-creased funding under the Recovery Act willbe an increased budget for the measures thatmay be installed in each home.

Affordable

Comfort

While the coming winter months willprovide the real proof of how much TerriWarrens utility bills will be reduced,CMCA already knows that her savings dur-ing the heating season will be substantial.We retested air infiltration with the blowerdoor after the work was done, and saw thatwe achieved about a 40 percent reduction,said CMCAs chief auditor/inspector DavidGregory. After a project is complete, utili-ty savings for the resident usually averagesabout 30 to 35 percent. Weatherization re-lieves low-income residents of the burdenof high energy costs and helps many of them catch up on overdue bills. But War-ren and her children feel an immediate andunmistakable improvement to the comfortof their home.

Last summer and all the summers be-fore, if we wanted to stay cool we had theair going constantly, Warren said. Id saythe efficiency might be three times betterthan before. Im almost looking forward towinter, she laughed.

Kerry Cordray is a division information officer wi th the Departments Office of Com-munications.

(Top) CMCA employee

Ralph Walker checks anattic for proper insulation.

(Above) Walker and Martininstall a ceiling in a room

that opened directlyto the attic.



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(Above) The shut-ins are thefeature attraction at John-sons Shut-Ins State Park.(Left) The Street family,Affton, discovers morewading opportunities in thereconstructed East Fork ofthe Black River.

hen visitors come to JohnsonsShut-Ins State Park today, they willexperience some features that have

been there for thousands of years, and somenew features that have been created or de-veloped within the last three years.

In December 2005, the AmerenUE TaumSauk Reservoir on nearby Proffit Mountainbreached, sending more than 1.3 billiongallons of water down the mountain andinto the main use area of the park. Thewater, carrying tons of trees, debris andboulders, scoured the mountainside andswept through the valley of the East Forkof the Black River in the park. In its wake,it destroyed or extensively damaged facili-ties in the park, including the campgroundand the superintendents residence. It alsoaltered the landscape of the valley anddamaged a sensitive natural communityknown as a fen.

After more than three years of environ-mental recovery, restoration and redevelop-ment, the Missouri Department of NaturalResources officially opened the main day-use area of the park on a permanent basis inthe summer of 2009.

I saw the park soon after the breach hap-pened, and I was devastated to see all thedamage, said Dan Paige, acting director of the Departments Division of State Parks. Iknow a lot of us were wondering if it wouldever be the same. What the park visitors seetoday is not the same, but we believe it stillprovides the quality experience that statepark visitors have come to expect.

As visitors arrive at the park, the mostobvious new facility is the Black RiverCenter. The new center is designed to givevisitors an overview of the park and its fea-tures along with information on the St.Francois Mountains and the surroundingarea. Through interpretive exhibits, thecenter explains the natural, geologic andcultural history of the park, what happened

by Sue Holstphotographs by Scott Myers

W

Fall 2009 9

A New Beginning Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park


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in 2005 and what the park offers today. Thecenter also includes staff offices, a meetingroom and a small retail space featuringpark merchandise.

One attraction that has remained essen-tially unchanged is the parks namesake fea-ture the shut-ins. Although some boulders,sand and debris were washed into the shut-ins during the breach, this hard volcanicoutcropping still provides a great place forswimming and splashing. Visitors can nowaccess it from a new boardwalk, which alsoprovides outstanding views of the shut-insand the valley.

The breach altered the East Fork of theBlack River, so the river was restored to ad-dress the environmental impacts of thebreach and now flows like a natural mean-dering Ozark stream. This will help reducethe amount of sediment in the river. Anadded benefit of the restored river is the

public now has easy access to the river forswimming, wading and fishing.

A great place to enjoy the river and relaxis at the parks two picnic areas on thenorth and south ends of the day-use area.The picnic areas feature covered picnicshelters and single picnic pads for amplespace to spread out a lunch with friends andfamily. A larger enclosed shelter is avail-

able for larger groups.

or those who forgot to bring a lunchor essentials, the park store has re-

freshments such as hot dogs, hamburgersand ice cream, as well as souvenirs, watershoes and other items.

The park features several trails for differ-ent experiences. The Black River Trail isthe main pedestrian trail that winds throughthe valley of the park. Interpretive signs ex-plain some of the features along the trail,such as the fen, a specialized wetland that iscontinuing to recover. Interpretive signagealso is posted along the boulder field, whichcontains boulders that were carried by thewater coming down Proffit Mountain. Inter-pretive pavilions have been built in the fenand boulder field areas.

A large scour channel was created as thewater rushed down Proffit Mountain. TheScour Trail provides access to the scourchannel and includes interpretation that ex-plains the significance of the geology re-

(Top and opposi te page)The waters of the East Fork

of the Black River tumblethrough the rocky shut-ins

at Johnsons Shut-InsState Park.

(Inset) Daryl and Lori Roth,Perryville, relax and enjoy a

valley view from the over-look benches.


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started taking shape. For the study, theyselected two water systems with radionuclidecompliance problems the City of Farming-ton, located in the St. Francois Mountains re-gion of southeast Missouri, and Boone CountyPublic Water System District No. 9, located incentral Missouri.

Both systems faced major costs to removeradionuclides, as well as waste disposal issues.

Also, several other radionuclide violating sys-tems are located in these areas. The Depart-ment hoped the information gained from thesetwo systems might be applicable to other sys-tems in their respective areas.

Officials from Farmington and BoonePWSD No. 9 were enthusiastic about thestudy. After all, they and their customers had adirect financial stake in the outcome. Their co-operation was crucial because it was necessaryto take the wells off-line for several weeks.Timing was critical so as not to cause a serviceinterruption for customers. Roger Ballew,manager of Boone No. 9 said, We were happyto participate because we saw this as potential-ly having a big payoff for us.

Field work began in the summer of 2007,first in Farmington and later in Boone County.After the pumps were pulled from the wells,the geologists took a host of measurementsusing sensitive logging equipment. They thenused packers inflatable, balloon-like devicesinserted into the well to seal off one part of the well from another. This allowed discreetsamples to be taken from different levels up

and down the well. These samples were ana-lyzed for radionuclides and other chemicals.The data were then compared with known in-formation about the geologic formations inter-sected by the wells.

A t Farmington, the geologists succeeded inlocating the zones that were producingradionuclides. Unfortunately, those samezones generated the most water. Sealing off those zones would render the wells almostuseless. At Boone No. 9, however, the ra-dionuclide-producing zones were not the onlywater-producing horizons. The zones were atthe bottom of the well, which meant that sim-ply plugging the bottom of the well would po-tentially solve the problem. This informationwas provided to Ballew, who hired a contrac-tor to put a plug in the bottom of the well.

To date, all water samples taken fromBoone No. 9s well show it to be in compli-ance with the radionuclide standards. As a re-sult, the system has canceled the equipmentthey were planning to purchase to remove the

radionuclides, saving approximately$1 million and avoiding all theheadaches associated with disposingof the waste.

Department staff are working tosee if the results can be used at otherwater systems in the vicinity of BooneNo. 9. The Department also is com-paring the results of the money-saving

study with radionuclide-violating sys-tems in southwest Missouri.

T he results of Missouris radionu-clides study were detailed at theannual meeting of the National Associ-ation of State Drinking Water Admin-istrators. Subsequently, representativesfrom several states have made in-quiries regarding our program in orderto help them address this nationwidedrinking water protection problem.

The new, lowered standards for ra-dionuclides have made it difficult forsome smaller communities to remainin compliance. Fortunately, many of the water systems that have had ra-dionuclide violations in the past arecoming into compliance through a va-riety of means, including installingnew equipment, drilling new wells orblending their water sources. Some have optedout of the business by hooking into larger, re-gional water suppliers.

Several water districts and well drillers in

Boone County and other parts of Missourihave used information from Boone No. 9 andFarmington to monitor new well constructionand well rehabilitation.

Hopefully, these new strategies will proveuseful in other districts. Remediating, rather thancapping productive water sources, best servesthe interest of water districts and their customers.The Public Drinking Water Branch has providedadvice and testing services for those drillers andsystems that have requested assistance.

If you have questions about radionuclidesin your water supply, call the Department tollfree at 800-361-4827 and ask for the PublicDrinking Water Branch. The DepartmentsDrinking Water Watch Web site,[www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/dww/index.html]contains up-to-date information on sampling,compliance history and other information forevery public water system in the state.

Susan Bloomer is a public information spe-cialist with the Departments Water ProtectionProgram, Public Drinking Water Branch.

Fall 2009 13

The water tower at Boone Coun-ty Public Water System DistrictNo. 9 serves the northern part ofthe county.

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News BriefsHelp Find AbandonedUnderground Tanks

On downtown cor-ners across Mis-souri, buildingsstand vacant be-cause often, aban-doned undergroundpetroleum storage

tanks reside beside and below them.Before these properties may becomeuseful again, they need to be as-sessed to determine the propercleanup action.

The Department of Natural Re-sources will receive more than $3 mil-lion through the American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act to address these

problem properties. The Departmentwill assess and clean up these aban-doned underground petroleum storagetank sites, allowing the land to againbecome an economically viable andfunctional part of local communities.

The Department is asking Missouricommunities to help identify aban-doned underground petroleum stor-age tanks sites where there is not aclearly identifiable responsible party,often a former owner or operator.When selecting sites to benefit fromthe Recovery Act funds, the Depart-ment also will take into considerationthe planned or potential future use forthese sites. Where there is potential forreuse and redevelopment, includingthe creation of jobs, those will be givena higher priority than sites where thereis not a redevelopment plan.

Abandoned underground storagetanks pose environmental threats andeconomic development barriers forthe redevelopment and reuse of prop-

erties. Because of real or perceivedcontamination at these sites, develop-ers, banks and other lending institu-tions are hesitant or unwilling to in-vest in the property.

Assessing and cleaning up thesites will not only provide economicstimulus to the consultants and sub-contractors doing the physical tankwork, but will have farther reachingand positive economic impacts.

To inform the Department of anysites that may need tank closure, as-sessment or cleanup activities, con-tact the Departments Tanks section at800-361-4827 or 573-751-6822. Youalso can report a tank via e-mail at

[[email protected]].

New Marina Storeat Long Branch SP

Visitors to LongBranch State Parknear Macon willhave a new facilityto enhance theirboating experience a new marina store. Thestore, which opened in June, is locat-ed adjacent to the boat ramp andbeach in the Bloomington area of thepark on Long Branch Lake.

The store is a one-story 1,150-square-foot building that carries anassortment of convenience itemsalong with fishing, camping and mari-na supplies and live bait. Snacks, icecream and quick lunch items are avail-able as well as soft drinks and a coffeebar. A deck with views of the lake i savailable for lounging or eating. Thenew store complements the existing16-slip boat dock and fuel dock, andis operated by park staff.

The improvement is made possibleby the departments one-tenth-of-one-percent sales tax and with the cooper-ation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers. In addition to the store andboat docks, Long Branch State Parkoffers boat ramps with access to thelake, a sand swimming beach, camp-ground, picnic areas and a scenic trailaround the lake.

Earth Science Week:Understanding Climate

Climate is one of themost visible earth sci-ence topics in thenews. Climate affectsus today just as it hasfor millions of years.This is one of many rea-sons the Department of

Natural Resources is partnering withthe American Geological Institute andothers to encourage stewardship of the Earth.

Understanding Climate was se-lected as the national and internation-

al theme of Earth Science Week2009, October 11-17. For 10 years,the Departments Geology and LandSurvey division has been the lead inmarking the celebration. Division staff will work with teachers to encouragescience literacy to benefit Missouri-ans and encourage educators tohighlight the earth sciences as a ca-reer choice for students as well asdemonstrate the benefits earth sci-ences bring to the community.

To learn more about Earth ScienceWeek and ways to become involved,including local events and classroomactivities, please visit[www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/].

Mercury Roundup NetsNearly 800 Devices

Department of Natural Re-sources col-lection sitesthroughout the state gathered nearly800 mercury-containing instrumentsand 226 pounds of elemental mercuryduring the Departments mercuryroundup effort.

Exposure to mercury can cause se-rious health problems, so the removalof mercury-containing instrumentsfrom homes decreases the likelihoodof accidental mercury exposure.

The month-long roundup, held incooperation with more than 90 localfire departments and county health of-

fices, collected 509 thermometers, 34medical devices, 252 switches.

The collected items were broughtto Jefferson City, where they weresorted and prepared to be picked upby a stat e contractor. The mercurywill either be recycled or disposed of in accordance with hazardous materi-als regulations.

Short-term exposure to high levelsof mercury vapors may cause lung

mailto:[email protected]://www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/http://www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/mailto:[email protected]


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the project. The committee, with assis-tance from technical advisors, will usewatershed modeling and water qualitytrend data to modify project activitieson an annual basis.

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency Region 7, through the Depart-ment of Natural Resources, has pro-vided funding for these projects underSection 319 of the Clean Water Act.These grants will be administered bythe Departments Water ProtectionProgram. The Department is commit-ted to working closely with communi-ties and businesses to assist withfunding efforts that improve waterquality in Missouri.

Rocky Lunch forMissouri Travelers

Tasty treats are ondisplay at the Rolla

Visitor Center, I-44Exit 184 and the

St. James VisitorCenter, off I-44 at

Exit 195. However,if you stop by, you will soon realizeyou are in for an experience you willnot forget.

The food, known as theGeoburger Special, was preparedby the Department of Natural Re-sources Division of Geology andLand Survey. The fare is made entire-ly of rocks and minerals. The char-broiled hamburger on display is actu-ally coal. The toasted bun is chert.The piping hot French fries are lime-stone. The cool, refreshing-lookingvanilla-caramel ice cream is chert;the ice is a mix of halite and calcite.

You also can feast your eyes on

grapes made of ore. The cheesewedge and fresh bread are sand-stone. The apple slice is barite andthe stemmed glass is filled with icemade of halite and calcite.

There is more to whet the appetiteat the Departments Ed Clark Museumof Missouri Geology at the DGLS of-fices at 111 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla.

A menagerie of native rocks and min-erals, along with geologic maps, a

mastodon tusk, and a short-facedbear make their home in the museum.

Established in 2005, the museum isnamed for Ed Clark, the 13th state ge-ologist who served from 1944-1955.The site is visited annually by hun-

dreds of young people, members of the academic community, researchersand citizens from across the world.The museum was funded entirelythrough donations to serve as an edu-cational facility.

Fall 2009 17

Stream Team Notebook

News Briefs

Bob Coffing hasbrought Stream Team2991 a long way since itwas formed in 2006.What started as one manwith a passion for pro-tecting the 8,400-acreLabarque Creek water-shed has now grown to a170 member team half

of them Coffing recruitedby himself.

Coffing moved to theLabarque Creek area in1978 and began explor-ing the area by hikingthrough it with his son.

At the time, he still traveled ex tensively with his career and had litt le time to takeon a new project. When he retired, he saw an advertisement for a tour guide atShaw Nature Reserve. While conducting tours, Coffing became very interested inwater quality issues and was inspired to start the Friends of Labarque Creek Wa-tershed Association.

In 2006, Coffin g formed Stream Team 2991 and took all the Volunteer WaterQuality Monitoring Workshops, becoming a Level II monitor within the first year.He then recruited his friend and neighbor, Claire Meyners, who also became in-volved with the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring program. Now, Coffing andMeyners have identified nine monitoring sites that they believe are critical to thehealth of the watershed. Coffing also has arranged Walk and Talk sessions with-in the Labarque Creek area so interested citizens can join an expert as they walkalong the creek and learn about topics that affect the watershed. So far, he hasarranged programs on geolo gy, stream ecology, and botany, to name a few.

When asked about their favorite aspect of theStream Team Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring pro-gram, Meyners said, I love to get outdoors in the streamand do something that I know has a purpose. Coffingadded that he loves to see the enthusiasm new recruitshave when they become involved with the program. Nomatter how you look at it, this dynamic duo is makinga difference in the Labarque Creek watershed.

Claire Meyners, left, and Bob Coffing prepare todo biological sampling on Labarque Creek. Shehas the rack and he holds the net standardequipment for stream monitors.

Loving Labarque Creek Stream Team 2991

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T he Ozark Trail, a 350-mile long trail traversing southeast Mis-souri from St. Louis to near Arkansas, has a 30-year history of

trail advocates championing its development. Most of these advo-cates have been members of state and federal agencies managingland through which the trail runs. One of its staunchest champions,however, was a man with no government affiliation. John Roth,founder of the Ozark Trail Association, was simply a hiker whowanted to better the trail and dreamed of the day when it wouldrival the Appalachian Trail in popularity.

A frequent trai l user, Roth often disapproved of the condit ions of the Ozark Trail. After one hike in particular, Roth contacted the U.S.Forest Service to complain of downed trees and overgrown weeds.Invited by the Forest Service to assist in trail improvements, Rothshowed up the following day, embarking on his 13-year career asone of the trails most committed volunteers.

Wanting to see the Ozark Trail completed, Roth pursued theidea of establishing the Ozark Trail Association (OTA), a not-for-profit volunteer organization that would assist with the develop-ment, maintenance and promotion of the Ozark Trail. Roth present-ed his idea to the Ozark Trail Council, an entity composed of publicland agencies and trail user groups and responsible for establishingguidelines for managing the trail. The council agreed with his con-cept of a volunteer organization dedicated solely to the Ozark Trail.

An en trepreneur who had already founded a successful comput-er consulting firm, Roth was no stranger to the occasionally frus-trating process of establishing an organization from scratch, butwas persistent in his efforts. From a grassroots organization of only27 members when it was established in 2002, in 2008 the OTA sawmore than 500 of its volunteers participate in 150 work events and

U niversity of Missouri student Ben Datema was in the mood fora little friendly competition. With the latest in technology andgood, old-fashioned ingenuity, Datema leveraged that competitivespirit into a hands-on lesson on energy conservation for students inseveral residence halls at MU.

Through his work on sustainability issues at the university,Datema learned of a program called Building Dashboard that en-ables building residents to monitor their energy usage online.Datema pitched the idea to the MU Information Technology Com-mittee. The committee was so impressed by Datemas proposalthat they awarded the student a grant from the Interdisciplinary In-novations Fund to purchase and install the program in MUs Hatch,Schurz and College Avenue residence halls. Datema demonstratedto members of the committee that this was a great way to meettheir needs for a project that crossed disciplines, made innovativeuse of technology and affected students.

My general approach is to try to see what the mutually benefi-cial aspects of any project are, Datema said, to make sure that allparties benefit and get what they need.

In addition to securing the grant, Datema serves as project coor-dinator. He credits much of this projects success to Residential Life,which has helped with many aspects of the project, particularly mar-keting it to students. Frankie D. Minor, director of Residential Life,said they were eager to support a project that encouraged energyefficiency. Schurz measured a 3.4 percent energy reduction duringthe competition, College Avenue measured a 3 percent reductionand Hatch measured a 1.1 percent reduction. The university i s con-sidering expanding the program to other residence halls as well.

Were excited about the pos-sibilities this will offer and hopethat students embrace it, and usethe information to form good, life-long sustainable practices,Minor said. We also give most of the credit for making this happento Ben. A lot of people had tocome together to make it work,but he was the inspiration and thedriving force.

Datema first found inspirationduring his days at Kickapoo HighSchool in Springfield, where biol-ogy teacher Justine Lines taughthim about the impact he could have on environmental issues bytaking positive action.

Datema shared this inspiration with others by helping to foundthe Kickapoo High School Environmental Club. Datema will beworking as an undergraduate assistant in the Mizzou SustainabilityOffice thats being formed with funding from a newly passed $1 perstudent/per semester sustainability fee. Datema plans to graduatein 2010 with a degree in biology, a minor in business and an envi-ronmental studies certificate.

I hope that students become more interested in energy conser-vation and more educated about how they can save energy ineveryday life, Datema said. We want to empower students tomake a difference with everyday behavior change.

Ben Datema Empowering Ingenuity

Ben Datema

donate more than 15,000hours in trail maintenanceand construction work.The OTA eventually be-came the chair of theOzark Trail Council.

Many of the OTA workevents occurred at John-sons Shut-Ins State Parkwhere the Taum Sauk Sec-tion of the Ozark Trail is lo-cated. John Roth and theOTA have been indispen-sable in our efforts toclean up and rebuild thissection of trail, said DanPaige, acting director forthe Missouri Departmentof Natural Resources Divi-sion of State Parks.

Tragedy occurred in July 2009 when Roth was killed in an acci-dent at his farm near Steelville. Roths death has robbed the OzarkTrail of one of its most devoted supporters.

Johns passion, energy, persistence and commitment to th etrail will be sorely missed, said Kelley Brent, the Division of StateParks trail coordinator.

Despite his death, the Ozark Trail Association, Roths most en-during legacy, will continue to work toward fulfilling Roths dream of completing the Ozark Trail to the Arkansas border.

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John Roth Ozark Trail Champion

John Roth O T A f i l e p h o t o

R esourceH onor R oll

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Picture bountiful water recreation ina beautiful, rural setting. Subtractthe usual crowded tourist compo-

nent, and you have Long Branch StatePark. The gently rolling hills and farm-

land in northern Missouri provide ascenic backdrop and enhance the

peaceful and expansive view of LongBranch Lake, which borders the park.

Miles of shoreline are dotted with quietcoves. The parks three areas all include

lake access and offer a glimpse of the naturalfeatures that lured settlers to the area.

Before the lake was developed, early set-tlers were attracted by the streams andrivers that carved through the woodlands inthe area. The woodlands were populatedwith hollow trees, which provided homes tohoneybees. A trail through the woods be-came known as the Bee Trace. To retrievethe honey, settlers began chopping the trees,destroying the tree and its colony of bees.Today, bee trees are scarce but portions of the Bee Trace area are preserved in the park.

Other remnants of the areas originalplants and animals are also preserved in thepark. Woodlands of post oak, black oak andshagbark can be found along the flat ridgetops, while the slopes and creek bottomssupport white oak, bur oak, sycamore andsilver maple. Where these forests blend intothe prairie areas, native prairie plants flour-ish. More than half of northern Missouriwas once covered with native prairie.

Today, a trail winds through a 160-acrearea being restored with colorful nativeprairie grasses and plants such as littlebluestem, big bluestem, Indian grass, wildindigo and sensitive brier. Wildlife that callthis forest-prairie region home includewhite-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhitequail, red-tailed hawk, raccoon, red fox andmore. Bald eagles are often seen on LongBranch Lake throughout the winter months.

The most popular feature of the park,however, wasnt here when the early settlersarrived. Long Branch Lake was created in1979 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-


(Above) Long Branch Lake,in north-central Missouri,

has three boat launch areas.

Resources to Explore

by Jennifer Sieg


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swimming beach. Splash in the water ortake in a game of sand volleyball. A changehouse is available for your convenience.Bring along a picnic lunch and spend theday next to the lake. Picnic tables scatteredunder trees and along the lake offer a quietsetting for lunch and a scenic view

You can also plan your next family re-union or get-together with friends at thepark. Two picnic shelters are available torent or can be used free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis if not reserved.

Both shelters are equipped with electricity,picnic tables and an outdoor grill. Water andrestroom facilities are nearby. Near one of the shelters is a playground, as well as a

Fall 2009 21

neers built a dam on the Little CharitonRiver to control flooding and create recre-ation opportunities. Just as the streams andrivers attracted the early settlers, the lakenow draws people to the area. With its ex-cellent reputation for bass fishing, anglerscome to cast their lines in one of the manysmall, peaceful coves. It is also possible toreel in catfish, walleye and crappie. With 24miles of shoreline, it is easy to find a se-cluded spot on land to sit and fish. The parkboasts a partially covered, accessible fish-

ing dock.

Boating and swimming are also popularactivities on the lake. Launch your boatfor a day of fun on the waterfrom one of three paved boatramps in the park. There areno launch fees or horsepow-er restrictions for boats onthe lake. New in 2009 is theLong Branch Marina Store,which carries an assortmentof convenience items alongwith fishing, camping, mari-na supplies and boat fuel.Snacks, ice cream and quicklunch items are available, aswell as soft drinks and a cof-fee bar. A deck with views of the lake can be used forlounging or eating.

If you would rather stayashore and play in the water,head to the parks sand

(Top) A family takes to thewater on Long Branch Lake.(Below) Long Branch StatePark provides shady campsites for recreational vehi-

cle owners seeking elec-tric hookups and more se-cluded, walk-in sites fortent campers.

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1.5-mile trail that leads to thelake, where benches await,providing a great spot to sitand watch the day go by.

T urn your visit into amulti-day vacation with astay in the wooded camp-ground. Bordering the prairie

grasses and the lake are 83campsites, with 64 offering50-amp electrical hookups forthose preferring some of theluxuries of home. If youwould rather tent camp nes-tled in the woods, you cancarry your camping gear intoone of nine walk-in campsitesnear the lake and be secluded from the restof the world. Four campsites are accessibleto people with disabilities. Hot showers,modern restrooms, a dump station, ice, aplayground and firewood are available. Tomake your camping reservations, call tollfree at 877-422-6766 or go online at[www.mostateparks.com]. S ome sites areavailable on a first-come, first-served basis.

The park also features a special-use areaavailable for use by organized youthgroups. This area offers space to set up tentsand includes picnic tables, water, fire ringsand a vault toilet. To reserve this area foryour group, contact the park office.

If you enjoy water recreation and spend-

ing time outdoors but dont like the atmos-

phere of crowded tourist areas, LongBranch State Park may just be the perfectvacation destination for you and your fami-ly or friends.

Long Branch State Park is convenientlylocated just two miles west of the U.S. 63and U.S. 36 junction near Macon in MaconCounty. For more information, contactLong Branch State Park at 660-773-5229 orthe Department of Natural Resources tollfree at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for theDeaf) or visit the Web at[www.mostateparks.com/longbranch.htm].

Jennifer Sieg is an information specialist with the Department of Natural Resources

Division of State Parks.


(Right) Brad Yotty andAmanda McDonald, Macon,

walk their dog on a trailnear Long Branch Lake.

(Below) The new park storeoffers a panoramic view of

the lake as well as suppliesfor outdoor adventures.
http://www.mostateparks.com/http://www.mostateparks.com/longbranch.htmhttp://www.mostateparks.com/longbranch.htmhttp://www.mostateparks.com/


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C harlie DuCharme studies water.Sounds simple, right? As a hydrolo-gist for the Missouri Department of NaturalResources Water Resources Center,DuCharmes job is so complex and interest-ing, its hard to describe quickly.

A hydrologist is a scientist that studiesthe movement, distribution and circulationof water, on and below the surface of theearth and in the atmosphere. The Depart-ment employs 11 hydrologists, all in theWater Resources Center, an office that helpscommunities and public agencies by provid-ing technical assistance through water re-source monitoring and planning.

After earning a forestry degree andworking as a forester in Colorado,

DuCharme became more interested in theeffects of water on his work.

As I learned about the importance of water in forests, I became fascinated withthe universal importance of water resourcesin everything we do, and also how every-thing we do affects the resource,DuCharme said. The availability andmovement of water affects everything, fromdetermining whether a plant species maygrow in a wetland to whether a surfacewater body or underground aquifer will pro-vide enough for a whole region to drink.

His interests led him to earn another de-gree from Colorado State University, thistime a Bachelor of Science in watershedscience, and to work in 1989 as an environ-

Charles DuCharme uses asonar device to measurewater velocity and estimatethe amount of water flowingin a central Missouri stream.

Fall 2009 23

Career ConnectionCharlie DuCharme

by Kerry Cordrayphotographs by Scott Myers A Watershedof Challenge


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mental specialist in the de-partments Water ProtectionProgram. Later that year,DuCharme was among thefirst to be hired when the new

job classification for hydrolo-gists was developed by DNR.

Data and study byDuCharme and others in the

Water Resources Center oftensupports work throughoutother parts of the Depart-ment. One recent example isDuCharmes work on theTaum Sauk Water Manage-ment Team, a group of ex-perts working to restore theEast Fork of the Black Riveras close as possible to its nat-ural condition before the2005 catastrophic breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir.Another example wasDuCharmes study to esti-mate how high and howoften the Mississippi Riverwould flood Edward Tedand Pat Jones-ConfluencePoint State Park.

Park designers and man-agers needed to understand

and try to predict floodwater levels and thetiming and duration of those levels so wet-lands could be managed for ce rtain animalsand plants that depend on fluctuating riverlevels, DuCharme said.

Hydrologic data becomes especially im-portant when an areas water resourcespresent a challenge because of either flood-ing or drought. DuCharme maintains andproduces a monthly map of Missouri rain-fall data using records from a USDA raingauge network. DuCharmes study alsohelps the Water Resources Center decidewhere to locate additional instruments forMissouris growing network of streamgauges, providing real-time stream-flow

data and adding to the body of historicalknowledge on Missouri streams.

General qualifications for an entry-levelposition as a hydrologist require graduationfrom a college or university with a bache-lors degree in hydrology, engineering, geol-ogy, water resources or closely related areas,with at least six semester hours in hydrolo-gy, hydrogeology or closely related subjects.

For more information, call the Depart-ment at 800-361-4827 and ask for theHuman Resources Program.

Kerry Cordray is a division information officer wi th the Department of Natural Re-sources Office of Communications.


DuCharme examines thegeographic distribution

of stream gauges in Mis-souri while considering

potential locations fornew monitoring sites.

The availability and movement of water affects every

from determining whether a plant species may grow in a weto whether a surface water body or underground acqu

will provide enough to drink. Charlie DuCharme, DNR hydrologist


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the burn from the air. The USFSroutinely uses helicopters to igniteprescribed burns on its land butthis was the first time a helicopterhad been used on a burn in a Mis-souri state park. Chemical-filledping pong balls are dropped fromthe helicopter and a chemical reac-tion makes them ignite at calculat-ed times.

Mass ignition allows large tractsof land to be ignited quickly, helpswith smoke dispersal and keeps

personnel out of the area during aburn, increasing safety.Planning began months in ad-

vance of the actual prescribedburn, which involved more than1,300 acres. In addition to theUSFS, the Missouri Department of Conservation assisted DNR withthe burn.

When any prescribed burn isperformed, many conditions, in-

cluding weather, must be ideal.These conditions all occurred inApril 2009, so DNR scheduled aprescribed fire. On the day of theburn, more than 50 staff trained infire management from all threeagencies assisted. Once safetychecks were made and small testfires conducted, the helicopterbegan dropping the spheres to ig-nite the interior. In a very shorttime, the helicopters ignitionswere completed and the crews on

the ground completed the workaround the interior.Because of experience, planning

and cooperation among all threeagencies, the prescribed fire wascompleted effectively and safely.

Tim Turpin is a natural resourcesteward with the Departments Divi-sion of State Parks. Sue Holst is in-

formation officer for the div ision.

One Last Word

Fall 2009 25

Cooperative Efforta Flying Success Aerial Approach Aids Controlled Burn

by Tim Turpin and Sue Holst

Several agencies implemented the first helicopter-assisted prescribed burn in a Missouri state park. M D C p h o t o

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Ahelicopter and the coopera-tion of three resource agen-

cies resulted in the success of thelargest and most complex pre-scribed fire in Missouri state parkhistory at Trail of Tears State Parkin April 2009.

Prescribed fires have been usedby Missouri Department of NaturalResources staff for many years asan effective method of ecologicalmanagement and restoration instate parks. This is routinely per-

formed with staff on the ground,igniting and controlling the fires.In the rugged terrain of Trail of

Tears State Park in southeast Mis-souri, wind and ice storms had cre-ated heavy woody debris in the in-terior of the park, making itdifficult to establish fire lines for asafe and effective burn. The solu-tion was to request assistance fromthe U.S. Forest Service to ignite


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Nonprofit Org.US POSTAGE PAID

MO Dept. ofNatural

Resources

Missouri Resources - 2009 Fall

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