August Meeting 2024 Recap
Meeting Highlights:
New Sustainability Programs at the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute at Missouri State University
Doug Neidigh, Sustainability Unit Manager at the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resource Institute (OEWRI) presented at our August 2024 Meeting. 
He discussed pollution prevention and its correlation to cost savings and energy reduction. He said OEWRI helps companies audit their waste and energy use to identify methods for waste reduction and resource conservation. OEWRI has eight internships, where students assist with projects, and Missouri State University (MSU) covers 50% of the cost of interns.
OEWRI partners with
- the Missouri Association of Manufacturers
- Missouri State University
- Missouri S&T
- Mizzou Engineering
- Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
They work together to offer sustainable program assistance that addresses environmental, social, and economic factors. These efforts include Sustainability 101 workshops, GAP Analysis based on the United Nations goals for sustainability, Greenhouse Gas inventories, and a certification program. Mr. Neidigh said that their efforts have expanded to include local breweries by creating the Missouri Green Brewery Certification program. In this program, they engage the Sustainable Best Practices Network for Manufacturers of 25+ companies. This program is in the test phase but should be live in the next couple of months.
Another major emphasis for the group is the Ozark Clean Fuels Coalition (OCFC). The mission of OCFC is to support regional economic, environmental, and energy security by advancing affordable, clean transportation fuel-saving technology and practices through regional practices. They focus on developing regional and statewide strategic plans that support fuel conservation, alternative fuels, and idle reduction to align with the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities and Communities (CCC) designation. Mr. Neidigh said that our area is currently designated as an apprentice to the program but will apply for full CCC certification by January of 2025. He said that there are many benefits to joining the OCFC, and if anyone is interested, they should contact him at [email protected].
Natural Resource Conservation Service Update
Paula Welter said that NRCS is a non-regulatory agency that helps landowners get cost-shares to improve their land. They help with grazing improvements such as the Little Sac Grazing Demonstration near Fellows Lake and other best management practices focused on wildlife and forestry. She said they are working with Watershed on another year of the RCPP to help landowners implement best practices, and Adam Coulter has been working on exploring urban agriculture practices for our area.
Regional Updates
Saki Urushidani with the City of Springfield said their first large–scale infrastructure program is almost complete at the Fairgrounds and to stay tuned for ribbon–cutting details. Randall Willoughby with Missouri Department of Natural Resources said they have a position opening. Brent Stock with James River Basin Partnership said the Sunset Soiree is on September 14th and there are still sponsorship opportunities and tickets available. Christy with Watershed Natives said that Fall plant sales will begin late August. Loring Bullard said there is an exhibit in Special Collections on the 3rd floor of the Missouri State Library, showing the history of Watershed and James River Basin Partnership. He said it is the 40th Anniversary of Watershed and Ozarks Land Trust and OLT is having a celebration on October 19th which will also celebrate Sarah Parker Pauly’s accomplishments and retirement. He also said the Dark Sky Festival begins October 21st. Missouri Master Naturalists announced that a new class just opened, and the group is looking for volunteer opportunities. Mary Kromrey with OWN Engineering said that September 17th is Ozark Greenways annual party, and there are 20 tickets left. Brooke Widmar with JRBP said Cecilia Kayser has completed her Ameri-Corps service and is going to work at a small environmental firm in Fort Collins, Colorado.