Monthly Meeting Recap: Building Our Streamgage Network

Andrew Schiller presented “Building Our Streamgage Network” on Sept. 6, 2024.

Mr. Schiller is the Streamgage Project Leader at the Missouri Hydrology Information Center (MoHIC), which is a sector of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MO DNR).  After the 2019 flood, Governor Parson convened a working group called the Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group (FRAWG). This group recommended an enhanced flood-monitoring system and Governer Parson allocated $10.4 million in 2023 to create MoHIC. Mr. Schiller said that the funding is available until December 2026. MoHIC’s goals include:  

• Enhanced surface water monitoring 
• Flood prediction and inundation mapping capabilities 
• Expanded soil moisture monitoring and mapping 
• Expanded water supply mapping updating LiDAR 
• Dashboard to visibly display climate, soil moisture, and streamgage data, and flooding and drought products (Essentially a “one stop shop” for all the information) 

Mr. Schiller said that a streamgage is a mechanical or digital device that is installed along river and streams that monitor a variety of stream parameters such as: water level, water velocity, temperature, conductivity, precipitation, and so much more! One of the oldest continual streamgages in the United States is in St. Louis and has been reporting data since 1861. He said that modern streamgages generally consist of measuring equipment, power, and telemetry. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Streamgage Network operates 274 gages in Missouri which are maintained with financial support from other organizations such as MDC, MoDOT, and USACE to name a few. 

Mr. Schiller noted that there are over 110,000 miles of streams around Missouri so the density of streamgages needs to be increased. Additionally, most only update once an hour, so the expanded system aims to provide real-time stream conditions that can alert local populations to a flooding threat. He said that the MoHIC demo site at Joachim Creek has been a large success, and the group plans to continue installation and monitoring in priority areas. To stay up to date on MoHIC visit, you can visit their website. 

Missouri Department of Conservation Update

Kara Tvedt said that MDC entered a property agreement with James River Basin Partnership, and they will be offering education on nuisance species. She said that Watershed and City Utilities are planning to install a boat cleaning station at Fellows Lake which would prevent aquatic hitchhikers. Additionally, three Hydrilla sites are moving from the monitoring to mitigation phase and Fellows Lake is still free from the invasive species. She said that fish sampling season has begun, with focus on smallmouth bass in September and croppie in October. Deer season is also around the corner as archery begins on September 15th. MDC is hosting educational events including camping skills and monarch seminars this month.

Lastly, there are new floating wetlands at Valley Water Mill Park, made of totally recyclable products including aluminum and glass. There are also four at McDaniel Lake and one at Fellows Lake. The man-made wetlands are holding up well, with thriving bird and fish populations enjoying the habitat. 

This meeting took place at the Watershed Center, 2400 East Valley Water Mill Road, Springfield, MO 65803