Connecting for Clean Water: Recap of the EPA Region 7 4-State Annual Conference
The EPA Region 7 4-State Annual Conference recently brought together water warriors from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, offering an exciting platform to discuss and showcase innovative water quality projects across the region. Planned and hosted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Water Protection Program, this event not only provided a space for knowledge sharing but also an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible impact of 319 Clean Water Act projects on our communities.
Exploring Local Water Projects
Day two of the conference took us into the field to visit several of Springfield’s key project sites. One of the highlights was Rancho Moreno, where we saw rotational grazing in action—a standout Best Management Practice (BMP) included in the James River Headwaters Regional Conservation Partnership Project (RCPP). This project, facilitated by Watershed and our incredible partners—including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS-USDA), James River Basin Partnership, Missouri Department of Conservation, City Utilities, Ozark Greenways, and more—showcases how collaboration and conservation go hand in hand.
Touring the Watershed Center: A Hub for Education and Conservation
Next on our journey was a stop at the Watershed Center, the heart of our region’s efforts to connect the community with nature and water conservation. The center’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of the Clean Water Act, as it provides educational opportunities and promotes sustainable practices to protect our valuable water resources. Folks from Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources even got the chance to try their first-ever Paw Paw fruit!Â
Septic Savvy: Onsite Wastewater Training Center
We wrapped up the day with a visit to the Onsite Wastewater Training Center, where the Missouri Smallflows Organization gave an insightful presentation on septic system health. This stop offered a unique glimpse into how we engage landowners, realtors, and installers in improving septic systems—a critical component of keeping our waters clean.
Celebrating Water Warriors
With partners like the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, NRCS, and local organizations working together, we continue to see how collaboration can turn ambitious water quality projects into reality. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to protect and improve water quality in the region, and thank you to all who are part of this important journey!Â
