Building Community Capacity into The Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Dan Downing
Ext. Water Quality Assoc. Prof.
COLUMBIA
Abstract
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) National Park, and it's associated watershed protection efforts provide an opportunity for us to closely examine a project balancing the preservation of natural resources with the needs of the human community. The ONSR is home to several endangered species of plants and animals as well as its’ human inhabitants. Although the ONSR includes both the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers the former is listed as impaired due to fecal coliform levels and is the focus of this presentation. \r\n\r\nOver nearly a decade Missouri Extension has lead a coordinated effort to balance the community needs with resource preservation. This has been done through formation of a watershed committee including farmers, canoe outfitters, timber industry representatives, campground operators, trail ride outfitters, state and federal agencies, environmentalists, and numerous other private and governmental representatives.\r\n\r\nThe committee has identified three primary sources of impairment and undertaken steps to remediate the situation. In addressing the sources of impairment they have kept a keen eye on the socio-economic aspects of the area and their interdependence with the rivers as the economic drivers of the community. Constructive engagement of the public in resource management is always a challenging issue and is easily overlooked. In this case, engaging the public is one of the keys to the success of the project. Positive results are being documented while building community capacity and protecting resources.\r\n\r\nAs the needs of society change, our resource management strategies must evolve and respond, accommodating these new needs while minimizing the impact on the resource. Participant in this session will learn techniques for engaging the public, what worked, what didn’t, and how this process can be replicated in their area.
Authors: Downing, D.
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Downing, D. Ext. Water Quality Assoc. Prof., University of Missouri, Extension, Missouri, 65211