OUTDOOR CORNER: STREAM TEAMS GO TO BAT FOR CLEAN WATER

Missouri has 56,000 miles of streams, ranging from muddy to clear, polluted to clean and grossly altered to almost untouched.

Historically, streams were wet highways, carrying both people and produce. Streams have also been used as a sewer with far too many having gone from rich in scenery and aquatic life to poor in both.

In 1989, the Conservation Commission, concerned about the declining condition of Missouri streams, approved the Streams for the Future program. This program stresses direct involvement of all Missourians in a broad-based action plan for stream stewardship. One of the primary goals of this program is to increase citizen awareness of the value of streams and the importance of good stream management.

Interested individual or organizations can form a "Stream Team." Stream teams are urged to adopt a section of river or stream, which will allow members to become intimately aware of stream problems. The team can then conduct a stream habitat survey to determine what problems exist and then undertake improvement projects. Projects might include litter pickup, tree planting, or creating fish and wildlife habitat.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri, the largest citizen conservation group in the state, is the overall stream team coordinator, with the Department of Conservation and Department of Natural Resources providing technical and other assistance. Stream team membership is free to any interested citizen, family, or organization. Currently, there are over 930 stream teams statewide.

Another part of Streams for the Future is the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program. The objectives for this program are to establish an extensive water quality monitoring network, to inform and educate citizens about the aquatic resources and to create groups who will be advocates for improved water quality. This program is for anyone who is concerned about the condition of Missouri streams and is willing to commit time and energy for training and monitoring.

By attending a one-day entry level workshop, individuals will learn proper water sampling techniques and receive the necessary sampling equipment to begin monitoring. On Sept. 13, an entry level workshop will be held at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Center. Attendance is limited to 30 people and is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. To register for the workshop or to get more information about stream teams, contact Robin Tillitt at the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Paul Cieslewicz is a fisheries management biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.