Wappapello lake wins national award for efficiency

WAPPAPELO, Mo. -- Out of about 450 lakes throughout the country, Wappapello Lake was recently selected by the chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the natural resources management project of the year.

The operation's manager of the lake, Gary G. Stilts, and a team from the natural resources program were nationally recognized at the annual senior leaders conference that was held in Pittsburgh earlier this month.

The award is given out for exceptional achievement in management efficiency and effectiveness, public involvement and safety, partnerships and environmental compliance.

"Not bad for a little place in Southeast Missouri," said Stilts, upon his return. "This award is not just for Lake Wappapello, but it's for all of our partners, volunteers and customers that work for us."

Lt. Gen. R.L. Van Antwerp of the U.S. Army summarized why Wappapello Lake was chosen in an award letter last month: "You are commended for your high level of dedication to providing quality recreational opportunities, development of partnerships, leadership in natural resource management, outstanding service to the public and diligent efforts in promoting public safety and protection of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resources."

Despite budget cuts last year, a five-year periodic dam safety inspection was due and preventive repairs had to be made to the service gates. In-house and district labor and expertise was used to save about $300,000 in pulling, repairing, painting and reinstalling the gate.

Through partnerships and cost share agreements, more than $80,000 was saved. Salvage timber sales necessary due to the U.S. 67 expansion efforts kicked in another $253,000.

Aside from the inspection, Corps officials had to manage floodwaters, the purpose of the lake before recreation.

Rosie Lemons, natural resources specialist, said the Wappapello Lake team shares the same passion for the environment, and that is what keeps the project successful.

"Southeast Missouri is a great place to live and we're blessed with lots of natural resources," Lemons said. "Our job is to preserve these natural resources and pass them down to the next generation in the same condition."

"Our generation gets wrapped up in consuming," she continued. "Once resources are consumed, there is no more."