Black River at Lesterville

Project Background

The Black River (HUC-11010007) and Current River (HUC-11010008),  are located in the southeastern Ozarks physiographic region of Missouri.  They are agriculturally based watersheds that are comprised of mainly pasture, livestock and woodland land uses.  These adjacent watersheds are located in the Ozark Highlands section with steep slopes, narrow ridges and small floodplains dominating the landscape.  Due to the karst geologic setting of this watershed, numerous springs, sinkholes, fens and caves are found throughout these watersheds.  Thus a high interaction between groundwater and surface water resources exists creating a challenge for watershed management.

The diversity of these land uses is an integral part to these watersheds.  Both the agriculture, mining, timber and tourism industries are dependent upon one another. With a portion of the Current River being federally designated as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, the tourism industry is highly dependent upon clean water.  Identifying and assessing the watershed resources and concerns of the Current River and Black River watersheds will not only help to protect and sustain the environmental resources of this region, but also the economic and social resources of these sensitive watersheds.

Current River at Owls Bend

Project Objectives

The purpose of the Black/Current River Rapid Watershed Assessment (RWA) will be to quantify and qualify various environmental attributes and concerns in order to guide and assist future collaborative and restoration efforts. 

Future planning and implementation phases will address the major objectives of the RWA by encouraging stakeholder involvement.  Partnership involvement will also address common objectives since most collaborative agencies have similar missions to prioritize conservation opportunities that involve local stakeholders.  Most importantly, the planning and implementation phases will provide an opportunity for agencies to work together with stakeholders for the common goal of having result-oriented restoration projects implemented through various funding options.

Anticipated Results & Benefits

The Black/Current River RWA will benefit natural resources by raising the awareness that land, water and air are all related to one another.  Protecting and conserving these resources in return will help to sustain the socio-economic well being of this region.  Using the Black/Current River RWA for future planning will be dependent upon stakeholder involvement to plan result-oriented activities supported through conservation programs.  Demonstrating that conservation practices have both environmental and socio-economics benefits will be vital in facilitating adoption.  

 Project Sponsors

      ·        USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service – South Missouri Water Quality Project Office

·        Big Springs RC&D

Completed Report 

Rapid Watershed Assessment Reports