H2Ozarks talks water quality, celebrates 25 years of shoreline cleanup

Get the inside scoop: H2Ozarks to host talks about water quality at local coffee and ice cream shops

H2Ozarks is inviting residents, landowners and local business owners to a series of informal discussions on September 3 and 5 to share their thoughts and concerns about water quality in the Table Rock Lake watershed. This is part of a broader public outreach effort to support the Table Rock Lake Watershed Management Plan, a roadmap for protecting and improving water quality across the region. Attendees can enjoy complimentary items in appreciation of their participation.

“Our goal is to hear from anyone and everyone we can,” said Carin Love, CEO of H2Ozarks. “A watershed management plan should be a community-led project that represents the concerns and priorities of us all. We want to hear from the people who live, work and recreate around Table Rock Lake, because their experiences are critical to developing a plan that we are all on board with.”

The Table Rock Lake Watershed Management Plan is being developed by H2Ozarks in partnership with the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI). This community-based plan will identify impairments to water quality and outline strategies to reduce nonpoint source pollution like stormwater runoff, failing septic systems and streambank erosion. Although this plan is nonregulatory and all practices are voluntary, having a formalized plan opens the door for grants and federal funding to implement the plan's solutions, improving long-term water quality for the region. The plan is funded by a $190,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through the Federal Nonpoint Source Section 319 program.

Upcoming talks:

• Wednesday, Sept 3, 11 a.m-1 p.m.: Ozark Coffee Company 41A Kimberling, C St., Kimberling City. Enjoy a free cup of drip coffee in appreciation of your participation!

• Friday, Sept 5, 12-2 p.m.: The Funky Twig Ice Cream and Coffee, 13272 MO-13, Kimberling City. Enjoy a free half-scoop bowl of ice cream in appreciation of your participation!

To learn more about the plan or the talks, visit https://shorturl.at/Z6FSH or email contact@H2Ozarks.org.

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H2Ozarks celebrates 25 years of shoreline cleanups, September 26-28

H2Ozarks is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Missouri Shoreline Cleanup, a volunteer-led effort to clean up litter from lakes in southwestern Missouri. They invite the community to join them on September 20 at State Park Marina for a kick-off event to celebrate this milestone year, as well as the shoreline cleanup the following weekend, September 26-28.

What began in the year 2000 with just 50 volunteers has grown into a regional tradition that brings together hundreds of residents, students, businesses and community groups to make a positive difference for their lakes, which provide significant economic and recreational benefits.

“This is a major milestone for both our organization and the community,” said Carin Love, President and CEO of H2Ozarks. “Since we were founded, our mission has been to protect water quality through community-led action and local solutions. It’s so moving to see how many people want to be part of the solution!

These cleanup events are always so fun and full of positivity. We can’t wait to celebrate this year, and we welcome everyone to join and make this year’s cleanup our largest yet.”

Over the past 25 years, thousands of volunteers have helped remove litter and debris from the shores of Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Volunteers have collected over 36,000 pounds of trash in the last four years! This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, and H2Ozarks invites the entire community to join in the celebration.

Event details

Kickoff celebration: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, September 20, at State Park Marina, 380 State Park Marina Rd, Branson. Volunteers can enjoy complimentary pizza and beverages, collect their cleanup supplies like gloves and trash bags, and learn about the history and impact of 25 years of shoreline cleanups.

Cleanup Days: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28

Team leaders will guide volunteers at their chosen cleanup site over the weekend. All volunteers will receive a free event t-shirt!

Lake Taneycomo cleanup supplies pickup: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, September 27

Couldn’t get gloves or bags in advance? Walk-up volunteers are welcome on Saturday to pick up supplies and participate in the cleanup. Two locations will offer supplies from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.:

·       Branson Landing - Branson RV Park - 300 Boxcar Willie Dr., Branson

·       Empire Park - State Hwy Y, Forsyth

Sponsorships available! Local businesses are encouraged to get involved via sponsorship opportunities that support volunteer efforts and promote long-term water quality.

To volunteer or sponsor the event, visit: www.h2ozarks.org/missouri-shoreline-cleanup

Or email: cleanup@h2ozarks.org

About H2Ozarks

H2Ozarks is a nonprofit organization protecting water quality in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri. Since 2001, our mission has been to foster community action through education, outreach, research and public policy. Our work empowers long-term water quality improvements through public engagement and science-based strategies.