SW Missouri Stream Team Association

The 2nd Stream Team Association meeting was held, Tuesday, Nov. 17th at Wildcat Glades Audubon & Conservation Center in Joplin. There were 20+ Stream Team enthusiasts in attendance, representing 9 different Stream Teams (including #48, 2011, 2945, 3117, 3128, 3308, 3364, 3714, and 3917). There were also representatives from Missouri's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Conservation, including SW Missouri Stream Team Coordinator, Andrew Branson, his assistant, Carl Romeburg, and SW Missouri Stream Team Ambassador Dee Ogle. The group discussed organizational matters, goals, meeting frequency, structure and representation. There are already 14 Missouri Stream Team Associations that have been set up across the state.

Fall Bloom

This flower stood out among all of the dead foliage along the Highway U embankment. There were two specimens, Lespedeza procumbens Michx.

Water Chemistry Survey #8

The La Russell Stream Team 2945 completed our 8th Volunteer Water Quality Chemistry Survey, Saturday, November 14, 2009. It was a beatiful day. The water level was 2.78' and the water clarity was the best since March 2009. Here are the results.
Air temperature - 24.5C
Water temperature - 14.5C
pH - 8.7
Alkalinity - 360
Dissolved O2 (12+1=13)
127.5% dissolved Oxygen
Nitrate - 4
Turbidity - <10
[La Russell Stream Team #2945 member is calculating dissolved Oxygen level, using titration method.]

SW Missouri Stream Team Association, Meeting #2

A follow-up meeting has been announced for the proposed Southwest Missouri Regional Stream Team Association, for Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO. The first planning meeting was held September 23, 2009. Agenda items for the 2nd meeting will be: (1) What will be the name of the association? (2) When and where will it meet? (3) Who will organize the meetings and keep the association on track? and (4) How will the association function to be beneficial to the members? For more information, call 417-782-6287.

Flooding affects Wild Plums

Several of the wild plums seedlings, planted 3 years ago, were damaged in the two October 2009 floods. Of the six seedlings planted north of the river, four are leaning significantly. La Russell Stream Team #2945 is consulting state forester to develop plan for up righting the trees. The wild plum species was selected for their root system in preventing erosion. Watch for updates on the repair process.

Another High Water Event (Oct. 29-30, 2009)

The La Russell Access point expereinced another high water event on Friday, October 30, 2009. The water gage indicated a 3.27' increase, from 3.38' at 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 29 to 6.65' at 6:45 pm on Friday, October 30. Reports in the area indicated rainfall amounts from 1.7" up to 3" inches. [click on graph for close-up view]

Update on seedlings, after flooding

This photograph, taken from the County Road U Spring River bridge (north side of river), indicates that the six, 3-year old wild plums are bent over, leaning downriver. [click on photographs for close-up view]



This photograph, taken from the County Road U Spring River bridge (south side of river), indicates that the 3-year old blackberries are bent over, leaning downriver. Some of the blackberry canes are broken and will need to be pruned. The 3-year old wild plums and newly planted witch hazel seedlings are OK.




Two of the new witch hazel seedlings were broken off in the flood. La Russell Stream Team #2945 members suspect that they were broken off by large floating debris. We are not sure what the growth pattern (or survivability) will be for injured seedling(s).





This is photo of the plantings along the south side of the access road embankment. You can see the 3-year old aromatic sumac plants, and new witch hazel seedlings covered with mud and soot from the flood water.

Recent Dumping Upstream

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members inspected the site of a former dump, upstream in Lawrence County. To our disappointment there was evidence of recent dumping, including tires, boxes and home remodeling debris. An inventory was taken for clean-up planning and prosecution.




We found multiple cardboard and wooden fruit/vegetable boxes that had been dumped.






Stream Team members identified multiple black trash bags as well as discarded home remodeling debris. This included wooden storm door with glass insert.

If you observe suspicious activity at, or along Spring River, write down the description (and license plate) of vehicle(s)and suspect(s), then please call 911 or the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department 417-466-2131. You can stop vandalism by being alert and reporting suspicious activity.

Flood Damage at Access Point

Excessive precipitation Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9 caused record flooding at the La Russell Access Point. The USGS water gage (at La Russell) indicated the river went from 2.18' @ 10:45am Oct. 8, to 14.62', cresting @ 12:00pm (noon) October 9. Newspaper reports in the area described precipitation amounts, ranging from 3 inches to 10.5 inches. [click on graph for close-up view]

To put this high water event in perspective, the USGS calculated the water (discharge) flow rate (a La Russell Access Point) on October 8, 2009, 10:45am was 249 cubic feet per second. 24 hours later, the flow rate was 13,500+ cubic feet per second.


Damage at the site includes major erosion. The parking and road gravel was all washed in a southwest direction from the bridge. Erosion pattern was identical to site damage during the March 18-20, 2008 flood.

Body Contact is NOT Recommended 10/01/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 10/01/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommends a maximum of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. as the limit for "recreational" swimming and whole body contact, annually between April 1 and October 31.

The 10/01/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 240.0.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

1st Regional Stream Team Summit

Ten Missouri Stream Teams, representing four southwest Missouri counties (Barton, Jasper, Newton and McDonald) showed up, Thursday, September 24, 2009, for the 1st regional Stream Team summit (Team #48, 2889, 2917, 2945, 3308, 3492, 3573, 3714, 3811, and 3860). The staff and members of Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center and Stream Team #3714 hosted the event. There were 35+ Stream Team enthusiasts there, including representatives from Missouri's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Conservation. Missouri Stream Team Coordinator, Andrew Branson, talked about Stream Team Associations and the Missouri Watershed Coalition.

High Water Event (September 20-22, 2009)

La Russell Access Point experienced a high water event Sunday (September 20, 2009) due to unusually large amount of precipitation in the area. The Monet Times reported today, "Cleanup continues in Monett, where emergency management say at least 70 businesses and 15 trailer homes had some damage after heavy rain fell over the weekend. David Compton, emergency management director for Barry and Lawrence counties, said between 8 and 9 inches of rain fell in Monett, with areas northeast of the town reporting up to a foot of rain."

A second high water event occurred Monday, Sept 21. The Springfield News Leader (09/22/09) reported, "Reports of flash flooding around the county followed a deluge Monday night that dropped as much as 4 inches or more of rain on some parts of the Ozarks. In Springfield, the National Weather Service reported more than 2 inches of rainfall by about 9 p.m., with the heaviest downpour recorded from 5-6 p.m., when heavy storm clouds descended on the city amid a flurry of thunderstorm and flash flooding watches and warnings. Flash flood warnings, the more severe alert signifying ongoing or imminent threats, were in effect in Greene County and several neighboring counties through the early morning. NWS meteorologist Steve Lindenberg said reports of flooding were widespread Monday night." [double click on graph for close-up view]

The USGS reported that Spring River (at La Russell) went from a depth of 1.50' at 7:15 am to 7.54' at 8:15 pm (Sunday, September 20, 2009). That is an increase of 6'in 13 hours (or 5.5" increase per hour). The water depth decreased on Monday to a low of 2.61' at 4:30 pm, before rising to 5.96' at 5:30 am (Tuesday, Sept 22, 2009).

Body Contact NOT Reccomended 09/17/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 09/17/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommends a maximum of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. as the limit for "recreational" swimming and whole body contact, annually between April 1 and October 31.

The 09/17/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 248.1.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

29th La Russell-Bowers Mill Reunion

There were over 80+ current and former residents of La Russell and Bowers Mill at the 29th Annual Reunion Picnic this afternoon. One of our Stream Team Members received his 10-Year Stream Team certificate, originally with the Bowers Mill Stream Team #1216. Congratulations Bill!


La Russell Stream Team #2945 members demonstrated water chemistry techniques for measuring turbidity, pH, conductivity and temperature. Historical water chemistry and E. coli test results for 2009 were available. The turbidity tube was the most popular demonstration. Stream Team members also helped recruit new members.

This year we used the Your Watershed Matters poster, along with a map of the Grand Lake O' The Cherokee Watershed to demonstrate the importance of good watershed practices. We had five new La Russell Stream Team #2945 members join during the Reunion. We distributed Missouri Department of Conservation brochures on Missouri Fur bearers, Common Missouri Spiders, Common Roadside Wildflowers, Why Watershed Conservation and Understanding Streams.

4-Wheelers and Vandalism

Recent vandalism at the site has been erosion, caused by 4-wheelers spinning their tires in the parking area. The soil and gravel that is dislodged is washed directly into the river. The material contributes to sediment in the water, eliminating habitat for macro-invertebrates and increasing turbidity.

Defoliation Aromatic Sumac

Today, La Russell Stream Team members observed two 3-year old Aromatic Sumac seedlings with unusual defoliation. There was no evidence of insects on either plant. Notice the defoliation on the newest growth (tall shoot). [Double click for close up of both plants]






All of the leaves have been defoliated from this plant. You can see new growth at the botton of the plant. We did not observe any defoliation on any other of the Aromatic Sumac seedlings. These two plants are 6' apart.

Water Chemistry Survey #7

The La Russell Stream Team 2945 completed our 7th Volunteer Water Quality Chemistry Survey, Monday, September 7 (Labor Day Holiday). Here are the results.
Air temperature - 18C
Water temperature - 18.5C
pH - 8.7
Alkalinity - 410
Dissolved O2 (9+1=10)
90% dissolved oxygen
Nitrate - 4
Turbidity -20

Body Contact is NOT Recommended 08/26/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 08/26/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommends a maximum of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. as the limit for "recreational" swimming and whole body contact, annually between April 1 and October 31.

The 08/26/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 298.7.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

La Russell-Bower's Mill Picnic, Sun. Sept 13th

The La Russell Stream Team No. 2945 has been invited to participate in the 29th annual La Russell-Bower's Mill Picnic, on Sunday, September 13th, beginning at 1:00 pm. We will be demonstrating Water Quality Monitoring Techniques, as well as providing 2009 historical information on bacteria and water chemistry data. Wear your Stream Team t-shirts and help out at our display.

SW Missouri Stream Team Summit

La Russell Stream Team #2945 has been invited to participate in the 1st SW Missouri Stream Team Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Joplin. It will be held at Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, 201 W. Riveira Drive, Joplin, MO. 64804 (417-782-6287). It starts at 6:00 pm with a BBQ and the Missouri 20th Anniversary Stream Team video, follwed by open discussion regarding what the regional Stream Teams are doing, winding up at 8:00pm. If interested, we can car pool to Joplin. We need to RSVP.

High Water Event? (August 20, 2009)

We experienced a high water event last Thursday. Nothing, compared to the flooding that we endured last year, however. Reports in the area indicated precipitation in the 4-5" range. The river was at 1.54' on Wednesday at 1:54 pm and went to a high of 3.34' on Thursday at 2:30pm. Just for comparison purposes, here a link to last year's flooding.

Colorful discovery

This blue tailed skink was located under one of the watering cans. It quickly moved into the adjacent grass.

Water Chemistry Survey #6

The La Russell Stream Team 2945 completed our 6th Volunteer Water Quality Chemistry Survey, Sunday, July 26. Here are the results.
Air temperature - 30C
Water temperature - 24C
pH - 8.7
Alkalinity - 390
Dissolved O2 (11+1=12)
130% dissolved oxygen
Nitrate - 4
Turbidity -17.5

Vandalism or Embarrassment?

Here are a couple of recent pictures of the bridge supports. Obviously vandalism, we wondered if someone was embarrassed that their name was spray painted and they tried to cover it up with mud. Why do guests to the La Russell Access Point feel that they need to vandalize the site? It is ugly and certainly not respective of others.

Body Contact is NOT Recommended 07/23/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 07/23/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommends a maximum of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. as the limit for "recreational" swimming and whole body contact, annually between April 1 and October 31.

The 07/29/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 325.5.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Vandalism June 2009

PLEASE call the Jasper County Sheriff's Department at 417-359-9100 to report suspicious or unlawful activity, curfew violations and vandalism. The Missouri Department of Conservation also has a HotLine to report illegal activity, 1-800-392-1111 which is manned 24 hours a day. You may remain anonymous, and you may ask to be considered for a reward if you wish. When you call, you will be asked simple questions, the answers to which will be vital to the investigation. Here are a few things to remember when you witness a suspected violation.
* Nature of suspected illegal activity
* Date and time of violation
* The suspect’s identity, if possible
* Description of the suspects and vehicles

Recent vandalism at the La Russell Access Point includes off road vehicular activity. As you can easily see the truck tires cut into the grass, leaving ruts, which now are contributing to erosion. The 1" rain received this week has already begun washing the gravel off the roadway and into the turf. You can see that the vehicle drove north through the grass.



Some vandals (in the last 120 hours) took it upon themselves to create a camping shelter, by cutting the trees, native plants and flowers along the parking area, next to the river. The cut foliage damages the natural riparian corridor and now exposes the area to erosion. [click on photographs to get close-up view of damage]

Body Contact is NOT Recommended 07/01/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 07/01/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.

The 07/01/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 1203.3.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Water Chemistry Survey #5

Stream Team members completed Water Chemistry Survey #5. Today the air temperature was 32 C, water temperature was 23.5 C, Dissolved Oxygen was 9, indicating a 95% Oxygen saturation, the pH reading was 9.0, Nitrate was 4, conductivity was 400, and turbidity was 25.

Spring Flowers on site

We have a new flowering plant on the site this year, Melilotus Albus Desr, also known as White Sweet Clover, White Melilot or Bokhara Clover. It is in the Fabaceae Family. Plants in the genus Melilotus contain coumarins. This species grows to 2 meters tall.

E. coli test Results - Spring River 2009 (Jasper County, MO)

The following are the results of weekly water quality testing by Jasper County Health Department at the La Russell Access point (referred to as Site SR1). Specifically, these are the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recommends a maximum of 126 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. as the limit for "recreational" swimming and whole body contact, annually between April 1 and October 31. The samples above the 235 threshold, are in bold.

10/07/2009, 218.7
10/01/2009, 240.0
09/23/2009, 2419.6
09/17/2009, 248.1
09/03/2009, 167.4
08/26/2009, 298.7
08/19/2009, 135.4
08/12/2009, 2419.6
08/05/2009, 72.7
07/29/2009, 88.2
07/23/2009, 325.5
07/15/2009, 222.4
07/09/2009, 73.8
07/01/2009, 1203.3
06/24/2009, 83.9
06/18/2009, 2419.6
06/11/2009, 686.7
06/02/2009, 67.6
05/28/2009, 980.4

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Body Contact is NOT Recommended 5/28/2009

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 05/28/2009 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.

The 05/28/2009 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 980.4.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

More Spring-like precipitation

We have had a couple of good spring showers this week, which affected the water height. On May 23, the river gage went from 2.52' to 3.20'. On May 25 the water gauge was 2.53' before the precipitation, and went to a high of 2.95' on May 26, 2009.

Update on seedlings and blooming specimens

Here are pictures of blooming 2-year old specimens (planted April 15, 2007) as well as an update on the new witch hazel seedlings (planted March 21, 2009) . Enjoy.

This is the first year the false indigo plants have bloomed. The color is a deep purple and crimson red. This is a Amorpha fruticosa L. desert false indigo. Here is the missouriplants.com website which includes some dramatic photos of the false indigo bloom. [click on photograph for close-up]





Approximately half of the blackberry plants were in full bloom this week.










The witch hazel seedlings are all doing great. Today was the first day that they have needed watering since planting them on March 21, 2009. Here is a link to more information about the witch hazel tree, Hamamelis virginiana.

Spring Rain

We have been fortunate, so far, that the spring rain has been intermittent and has not caused flooding at the Spring River La Russell Access Point. Below are the river water depth readings during and after the April 19, May 1, 14 and 16th precipitation events.

The water depth increased from 2.6' on April 19, 2009 at 12:00 midnight to 3.52' on April 20, 2009, 2:15am. [Double click on graphs for larger view]





The water depth increased from 2.45' on April 30, 2009, 8:00pm to 4.13' on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 1:45am.




The water depth reached highs of 3.94' on May 14 and 4.67' on May 16th.

Welcome to La Russell Access Point

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members worked to re-attach the Welcome to La Russell Access Point sign today, to the two new posts recently erected on the site. The posts and sign had been vandalized last fall.

What does vandalism look like?

An inspection on the LaRussell Access Point today, revealed several recent incidents of vandalism.
Highway U has recently been sprayed with an oil/asphalt mixture. It appears to me that the contractor pulled onto the Missouri Department of Conservation La Russell Accesss site, and cleaned their equipment. The photograph reveals multiple areas of asphalt contamination.

The liquid oil/asphalt mixture ran off the gravel road and down the embankment. The liquid oil/asphalt mixture ran right over one of our newly planted witch hazel seedlings. The hardened oil/asphalt mix was about 1" thick around the base of the seedling.





This is evidence of 4-wheelers spinning their tires, throwing gravel in the parking area. This activity causes erosion and contamination of the river.





The LaRussell Access point is not an ashtray or a dumpster. Littering is certainly a type of vandalism.

2nd high water event (April 13, 2009)

We experienced our 2nd high water event this spring on Monday, April 13th. Reports of 1.75" to 2" of rain in the area over Easter, resulted in the river rising from 2.13' @ 7:15am on Easter Sunday to 3.79' @ 9:15am on Monday, April 13. [click on graph for close-up view]

Wild Plum Blooms

Five of the nine wild plum seedlings were blooming today. [click on photograph for close-up view]





We checked the status of the seedlings (again today):
Blackberries - (small) green leaves
Wild Plums - (small) green leaves, 5 with flower buds
Aromatic Sumac - seed pods
False Indigo - nothing
River Willow - nothing
Roughleaf Dogwod - (small) green leaves.

25 Witch Hazel seedings planted

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members planted 25 Witch Hazel seedlings this morning, along the south side of the entrance embankment and just south of the river. 48" cane poles were used for flagging, as well as 2-gallon cans for watering. A tree spade was used to create the hole, and back filled with 40 lbs. topsoil from Lowes. A second hold was dug to put the cane pole, then that hole was backfield with a sand-gravel mixture. [double click on photo to get close-up]

We checked the status of the seedling planted 2 years ago:
Blackberries - swollen buds
Wild Plums - (small) green leaves, 4 with flower buds
Aromatic Sumac - yellow blooms
False Indigo - nothing
River Willow - nothing
Roughleaf Dogwod - (small) green leaves.

Water Chemistry Survey #4

We completed Water Chemistry Survey #4. Today the air temperature was 15.5 C, water temperature was 11.5 C, Dissolved O2 was 13, indicating a 95% O2 saturation, the pH reading was 8.8, Nitrate was 4, conductivity was 390, and turbidity was 10.


We planted 10 cuttings from an adjacent river willow, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservaton forester, in an attempt to stabilize the bank at the actual Access Point. [click on photographs for close-up view]We checked all seedlings that were planted April 15, 2007. Only the aromatic sumac was in bloom.

Water Quality Training for Stream Team Members

The Missouri Stream Team group has announced the 2009 schedule for "Introductory Level Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring" workshop. This is an excellent opportunity for La Russell Stream Team members to learn more about streams, watersheds and their sensitivity to environmental factors. Here is the information for the Springfield and Mt. Vernon workshop locations.

Springfield:
Springfield Nature Center
4600 S. Chrisman
Register by: Wednesday, April 1
Workshop date: Friday, April 17, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mt. Vernon:
MU Southwest Center Agricultural Experiment Station
14548 Highway H
Register by: Wednesday, April 1
Workshop date: Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

There is no charge to attend, but you have to be registered in advance in order to participate. The Introduction to Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring is the entry level of monitoring. This 8-hour workshop includes training for watershed mapping, site selection, stream discharge, and biological monitoring (for stream macroinvertebrates). The primary emphasis is education about watersheds and biological monitoring. Although most of the workshop is conducted in a classroom, a midday field trip to a nearby stream provides a hands-on demonstration of how to conduct a visual survey and how to collect and identify macroinvertebrates. After the completion of this workshop you will be provided the equipment necessary to conduct the biological monitoring.

Click here to register online.
Click here to print off a registration form.

Planting Project for Stream Team # 2945

La Russell Stream Team #2945 has committed to plant more seedlings on the La Russell Access point this spring. In collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation's District Forrester, we will be planting 25 Witch Hazel trees in the most high erodible areas. The Witch Hazel was selected for it erosion control, food and cover for wildlife. Witch Hazel is a large shrub occurring in and along dry, rocky stream beds in southern and east central Missouri. We are expecting them late winter-early spring. Two years ago Stream Team #2945 was successful in planting 75 seedlings on the site. We could use help planting the new Witch Hazel seedlings.

1st high water event of 2009

Due to excessive precipitation on Wednesday-Thursday, February 11-12, 2009, the river experienced its first high water event of 2009. The water rose from 1.70' to a crest of 3.70' at 7:30 am., Thursday, February 12. [Last year (2008) we had already had four significant high water events by this point: 9.1' on January 9, 4.98' on February 6, 4.05'on February 11, 7.73' on February 17, and then followed by 6.92' on March 3.]

Water Chemistry Survey #3

Stream Team #2945 conducted it's 3rd Water Chemistry Survey (today, beginning at 10:00 am, partly clouded), and results were: air temperature 17 C; water temperature 9 C; Dissolved Oxygen 14 mg/L, and 120% saturation; pH 9.4; Nitrate 4.0 mg/L; Conductivity 380; and turbidity <10. If you are interested in participating in the next water quality survey, just let us know.

Water Chemistry Survey #2 and Discharge (Flow) data

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed their 1st Stream Discharge calibrations and 2nd Water Chemistry Survey. The Stream Discharge (flow) was completed after measuring the width of the river (62') and taking water depth measurements every 2 feet (average 1.19') and conducting 'velocity' measurements at 10 different locations across the river (average float time 6.40 seconds). We calculated Stream Discharge of 103.9 cubic feet per second. The USGS #07185700 equipment recorded the flow rate of 109 cu ft/second.

The Water Chemistry Survey results were: air temperature 11 C; water temperature 8 C; Dissolved Oxygen 16 mg/L, and 135% saturation; pH 8.6; Nitrate 4.0 mg/L; Conductivity 420; and turbidity 10. If you are interested in participating in the next water quality survey, just let us know.

Water Chemistry Survey #1

La Russell Stream Team #2945 conducted its first Water Chemistry Water Quality Monitoring today. Previously, we used a macroinvertebrates survey to evaluate water quality. Today we measured water temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Dissolved Oxygen saturation, Conductivity, Nitrate and turbidity.
Temperature affects the amount of dissolved gas in the water, the rate of photosynthesis, the rate of plant growth, the metabolic rate of organisms and the sensitivity of organisms. Today, the water temperature was 15 C.


pH was measured at 8.5. This is slightly 'basic'. It is outside the 'optimal range' for most life of pH 6.5 - 8.2.





Dissolved Oxygen is essential for maintenance of health waterways. Waters with consistently high dissolved oxygen are considered healthy and stable aquatic systems capable of supporting many types of aquatic life. Factors like temperature, water flow, dissolved or suspended solids and aquatic plants affect dissolved Oxygen levels. Today, the dissolved Oxygen was 11 mg/L, and when adjusted for temperature indicated 109% Dissolved Oxygen Saturation.


Conductivity is the measurement of water's ability to conduct electricity. Conductivity is determined by the amount of solids that are dissolved in water. Seven common substances make up the dissolved solids in streams: Bicarbonate, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Chloride, Sodium and Potassium. The conductivity was measured at 410 today.

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient required for all living plants and animals for building proteins. in aquatic ecosystems, nitrogen is present in different forms. The usable forms of Nitrogen for aquatic plant growth are ammonia NH3 and nitrate NO3. The Nitrate level today was 4.


Turbidity measures the clarity of water. Low turbidity water is clear while high turbidity is cloudy and murky. Impacts from high turbidity include: sediment can block out light needed by aquatic vegetation, suspended particles can increase water temperature, sediment can bury fish eggs and benthic inverterbatates, and sediment can fill in interstitial spaces eliminating habitat. Today's turbidity level was 10.
This data was submitted to the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (Missouri Stream Team Organization) for evaluation. We will begin monitoring the water chemistry monthly, and study the changes in readings. If interested, you are welcome to join us next time.

Body Contact NOT Reccomended 10/17/2008

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 10/17/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.
The sampling results for Spring River at the La Russell Access Point today, indicate 313.0 colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. This is above the EPA recommended limit of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water.

NOTE: This is the last scheduled water quality test until spring 2009.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

10/09/2008 E. coli Sampling below 235 Limit

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 10/09/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.
The sampling results for Spring River at the La Russell Access Point today, indicate 95.9 colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. This is below the EPA recommended limit of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water.


For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Body Contact NOT Recommended 09/18/2008

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 09/18/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access point. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.

The 09/18/2008 test indicated 920.8 E. coli colonies per 100 ml., so swimming and body contact is NOT recommended.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Excessive Rain due to Hurricane Ike

The remnants from Hurricane Ike came through the region Saturday evening, Sept 13, 2008. Rain amounts in La Russell were 3". The photograph was taken at 4:15 pm, Sunday, Sept 14, 2008, the water gage indicated 5.31'. Notice at this level, the water is over the north bank, and approaching the south bank.

There were other rainfall amounts reported in the region, ranging from 4"-6". The USGS water depth gauge went from 1.97' at 12:00am on Sept 14 to a high point of 6.95' on Sept 15 at 6:30am.

Stream Team Exhibit @ La Russell/Bowers Mill Reunion

La Russell Stream Team #2945 was invited to set up an exhibit at the 28th annual La Russell/Bowers Mill Reunion, on Sunday, September 14, 2008, beginning at 1:00 pm. The press release said that the "La Russell Stream Team #2945 will display photos, news letters, critters, and research graphics from its year of activities; Stream Team t-shirts will be available for new members."
It was a great opportunity to share information with 50+ La Russell residents about water quality monitoring, high water events, bacteria test results and vandalism at the La Russell Access Point. There were 13 La Russell Stream Team #2945 members in attendance. We recruited 5 new members during the event. Oh, and did I mention that the food was delicious.

NOTE: The La Russell/Bowers Mill Reunion picnic was written up in the Missouri Stream Team March-April 2009 Newsletter, called Channels, [page 3, The Riffle Review, under Stream Team #2945].

More Colorful Sites

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have. [Click on photograph for close up. Click on scientific name to learn more about the species.]

Elephantopus carolinianus -late august











Prunus americana rosaceae Wild plum, mid-late August










Tradescantia virginiana -observed early August








Prunella vulgaris observed mid-August











Lobelia cardinalis observed mid-August

09/11/2008 E. coli Sampling below 235

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 09/11/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.
The sampling results for Spring River at the La Russell Access Point today, indicate 96.0 colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. This is below the EPA recommended limit of 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Body Contact is NOT Recommended, 7/2/2008

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 07/02/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access point. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. [Click on photograph to read Notice]



The 07/02/2008 test indicated 365.4 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.,so swimming and body contact is NOT recommended.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Body Contact is NOT Recommended, 6/25/2008

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 06/25/2008 water quality testing at the La Russell Access point. Specifically, this is the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.

The 06/25/2008 test indicated 1299.7 E. coli colonies per 100 ml.,so swimming and body contact is NOT recommended.

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

What 5.6' Water Gage Looks Like

These pictures are taken at a USGS Water Gage height of 5.6'. Notice that the river is at the bank height (south side) and over the bank (north side) and flowing north-west direction. The actual La Russell Access Point is not visible.



You can see that the north side of the river in not assessable at 5.6'. There is erosion of the base rock evident around the bridge pier supports north of the river, due to flooding

New Vandalism (6/20/2008)

The La Russell Access Point was vandalized last night by one or more 4-wheel drive trucks. This time they drove off of the Highway U Road bridge embankment, and down the west side of the elevated roadbed. Damage was done to the embankment by the trucks' axle. [Click on photograph for close-up view]

One of the 4-wheel drive trucks left their tire print in the mud. Hopefully this photograph will help in the identification and prosecution of those responsible. Please don't vandalize the site!

Access Point Repairs Completed

La Russell Stream Team #2945 wants to thank the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDOC) Maintenance Team for coordinating repairs to the La Russell Access Point, following the March 19, 2008 flood. The parking area and driveway sustained substantial damage in the flood, resulting the the temporary closure of the La Russell Access Point. [View of driveway looking south from parking area]

The corrugated metal drainage culvert was damaged in the flood. MDOC completely removed the damaged culvert and replaced it with a modified French Drain, under the Access Point parking area. [View of La Russell Access Point parking area, looking north]

MDOC was successful in excavating (and recovering) the gravel that was washed off of the parking area and road way. The new parking area and driveway have already withstood their first and second first high water events (12.62' on June 13 and 8.27' in June 20, 2008). [View of area that is being drained by modified French Drain system]

Does Flooding Change Profile of Access Point?

Once again Spring River saw record high water levels, due to extraordinary precipitation in the area. The USGS water gage at La Russell increased from 3.57" on June 13, 2008 @ 6:15am to 12.62' on June 14th @ 2:30am. Rain fall amounts were reported between 3-4" of rain in the area on Friday, June 13th. This represented the 11th high water event this year on Spring River. [Click on graph for closeup view]

The flooding not only damages and destabilizes the riverbank and infrastructure, but prevents visitors and guests at the site from enjoying its natural beauty. The repetitive flooding leaves trash and debris on, and adjacent to the site. It creates erosion at the parking and actual access site. Do we need to rethink the basic infrastructure and design of the site to anticipate high water events continuing in the future.

Vandalism...again?

Due to flooding on March 18-19-20, 2008 the La Russell Access Point was temporarily closed, until repairs could be made. This was the Missouri Department of Conservation blockade, thrown in the ditch.



Both sign posts at the entrance to the Access Point have been vandalized. The posted signs have been stolen, and now, it appears someone has tried to break the wooden post off.







This is part of the damage resulting from the March 18-19-20, 2008 flood on Spring river. [Click on photograph for close-up of damage to the corrugated pipe]

E. coli test Results - Spring River 2008

The following are the results of weekly water quality testing by Jasper County Health Department at the La Russell Access point (referred to as Site SR1). Specifically, these are the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The samples above the 235 threshold, are in bold.

10/17/2008, 313.0
10/09/2008, 95.9
10/01/2008, 104.3
09/24/2008, 118.7
09/18/2008, 920.8
09/11/2008, 96.0
08/27/2008, 59.1
08/20/2008, 66.3
08/13/2008, 74.8
08/07/2008, 76.8
07/29/2008, 104.3
07/23/2008, 52
07/16/2008, 67.7
07/09/2008, 70.8
07/02/2008, 365.4
06/25/2008, 1299.7
06/19/2008, 344.8
06/11/2008, 791.5
06/04/2008, 1119.9
05/28/2008, 501.2
05/21/2008, 83.6
05/13/2008, 435.2

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Flooding....Again.

The USGS water depth gage rose from 3.49' at 3:15am on Saturday, June 28th to 7.45' @ 5:15pm, on Sunday, June 29, 2008. This was the 14th high water event this year.




Due to heavy localized rain, the USGS River gage went from 3.87' at 11:15 pm on Thursday, June 19 to a high water level of 8.27' at 9:30 pm on Friday, June 20, 2008. Another line of thunderstorms moved through Monday, June 23, raising the water gage from 4.19' at 2:00am, to a high point of 5.51' at 12:15 pm. These spikes in the water depth were high water events #12 and #13, respectively.


Due to extraordinary rainfall in the area, the USGS rain gage at the La Russell Access Point on Spring River, rose for 3.57' at 6:16am on Friday, June 13, 2008 to 12.62' on Saturday, June 14th. Record Rainfall Across the Ozarks on Friday the 13th...



The USGS Spring River gage on Monday, June 9, 2008, indicated a high water event of 5.82' at 6:45pm. This followed a water gage increase to 4.45' on Saturday, June 7, 2008.




The June 1, 2008 (Sunday) early morning downpour created the 10th high water event of the year. The USGS water gage indicated a baseline of 2.77' rising to 6.91' by 1:45pm.




The USGS water gage graph indicates the water depth went from 3.13' on (Wednesday) May 7 to 8.33' on (Thursday) May 8 at 5:00am.





The USGS water gage graph indicates the depth went from 4.0' at 3:15am (on Thursday, April 24th) to a high of 7.31' at 9:45am, an average increase of 0.66' per hour.




Once again, the La Russell Access point was flooded, due to excessive rain fall in the area. The water gage indicated an increase from 4.37' at midnight on April 9 to a high of 12.71' at 9:15 PM on April 10.


There have been 15 "high water' events in 2008. They were:
9.10' on January 9, 2008
4.98' on February 6
4.05' on February 11
7.73' on February 17
6.92' on March 3
13.68' on March 19,
12.71' on April 9,
7.31' on April 24,
8.33' on May 8,
6.91' on June 1,
12.62' on June 13-14,
8.27' on June 20,
5.51' on June 23,
7.45' on June 29, and
6.95' on September 15, 2008.

The water gage was installed on the La Russell Access site on May 1, 2007.
The following are (recorded) "high water" events in 2007:
6.30' on May 11, 2007
7.72' on June 2
11.11' on June 10
11.25' on July 1
12.8' on August 20
5.29' on September 7, and
11.37' on September 8, 2007.

43 Volunteers Clean-Up Dump

A BIG thank you goes out to our sponsors and forty-three volunteers for todays successful clean-up of the illegal dump on Spring River. Volunteers began arriving at 7:30 am and didn't leave until after 3:30 pm. We even had a film crew join us from Southwest Baptist University, making a short film on environmenal issues. Everything worked smoothly and we picked up more than 5 tons of liter. Some said that the illegal dump had existed for more than 30 years. Canoers floating Spring River in the future will remember its beauty, not the ugly dump.

Eight members of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, Missouri State University (Springfield) showed up ready to volunteer. They spent most of the day on the embankment filling green Stream Team liter bags. Several took turns pulling the bags up the 100'embankment.

The bucket truck with a boom-winch was a key to our success. The equipment was used to raise the heavy metal appliances (including hot water tanks, washing machines, chest freezers, multiple stoves, car parts), bales of wire and fencing, and tractor tires. We utilized a crew of six to attach debris with chains on the embankment, and then maneuver it onto the access road. We are grateful to Robinson Excavating & Construction for donating their equipment and services to the project.

Picking up debris on the 63 foot dropoff, 39° degree embankment was challenging, dangerous and exhaustive. This picture illustrates the challenge of maneuvering, securing suitable footing and extra effort to even stand up.


Several volunteers commented on how much they appreciated the ambulance being on site, all day. All volunteers were required to listen to a Safety Lecture before starting work. We feel that this contributed to the success of the event. We really appreciate McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital and Carthage Ambulance providing this service.

We had two Stream Team members assigned to "Water Rescue". They were successful in recovering boat loads of debris. As it turned out they had a 50-50 mix of trash and recyclable metal. We divided all of the debris collected into three categories: recyclable metal (including appliances), tires, and trash.





In addition to a beautiful day with sunshine and upper 60° temperatures, the volunteers were able to enjoy grilled hamburgers, along with chips and brownies for lunch.



This is one of several piles of metal (and appliances) that were segregated out for recycling. Apparently metal prices are high enough that all of the metal from last week disappeared within a couple of days. We were not able to negotiate a percentage of the income from selling the scrap metal, but felt good that it wasn't going into the dumpster.

We are grateful to Jim Doty Trash Service-Aurora, for donating the dumpsters for our clean-up project. I don't think that anyone counted the green Stream Team liter bags that went in, but we went through more than 100 bags today. They weighed 1.87 tons.





This scrap dealer had two trailers filled and couldn't take any more, since they had to wait to sell the scrap metal, on Monday next week, before unloading. We estimated that each trailer had 2-tons of metal on it.


This is the reason for the clean-up. Several volunteers commented that this was the most beautiful view on Spring River. We are grateful to all of the sponsors and volunteers that made this project a success. Thank you from LaRussell Stream Team #2945.

Group's Effort Merit Public Attention, The Joplin Globe, Monday, April 21, 2008, by Jo Ellis.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Volunteers

The clean-up of the illegal dump on Spring River was a total success due to our project sponsors and volunteers. La Russell Stream Team #2945 wants to thank our sponsors for their generous donation of goods and services.

They include:
JIM DOTY TRASH SERVICE, Aurora, MO.
ROBINSON EXCAVATING & CONSTRUCTION, La Russell, MO.
PINEWOOD NURSERY, La Russell, MO.
CARTHAGE AMBULANCE SERVICE, Carthage, MO.
EVERTS FARMS, La Russell, MO.
CARTHAGE WATER & ELECTRIC PLANT, Carthage, MO.
MISSOURI STREAM TEAM, Jefferson City, MO.

We were also blessed with enthusiastic, strong and committed volunteers. Together we were able to accomplish much more than we could have done by ourselves. La Russell Stream Team #2945 wants to thank our volunteers for their time and support.

They include:
ALPHA GAMMA RHO FRATERNITY, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.
JASPER COUNTY WATER WATCHERS STREAM TEAM #3320, Webb City, MO.
CHERT GLADES MASTER NATURALIST CHAPTER, Joplin, MO.
McNAMARA NEW HOPE BOY'S HOME, La Russell, MO.

Voices: Uncovering the Beauty, The Joplin Globe, Thursday, April 17, 2008

Preliminary Liter Pick Up Saturday, March 29th

Stream Team #2945 Members gathered today to do preliminary liter pick-up and site preparation for next weeks clean-up of an illegal Dump on Spring River. Twelve members helped, including two new members who joined today.

Using the large Missouri Stream Team liter bags, we filled the dumpster, including sofas, mattresses, and washing machine drums (1.13 tons of trash collected). We separated out tires and recyclable metal. The liter bags work great, except in the thorny undergrowth. The liter filled bags were pulled up the steep embankment using a 100' 3/8" rope with 3/8" spring-link carabiner (rated 260 lbs).


We retrieved 64 tires from the riverbank using a 100' rope and carabiner. There are still a couple of (tractor size) tires that require the winch truck to remove next week. We are utilizing the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Non-Profit Group Scrap Tire Cleanup Disposal Cost Reimbursement program.

Flooding March 18-19-20, 2008

Spring River at La Russell went from 3.12' at 12:00 midnight on Monday, March 17 to 13.50' at midnight on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. That is an average water gauge rise of 5.16" per hour. The River crested (Highway U in Jasper County) at 2:30am on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 13.68'. The graph shows the dramatic rise. [Click on the USGS graph to enlarge. Notice that USGS measured the gage height on March 20]

The Springfield News Leader called it Just as High as '93 Floods. Thursday, March 20, 2008. The sudden and ceaseless rain that began Monday left at least five people dead and drove hundreds of others out of their homes. Parts of southern Missouri received as much as 12 inches of rain, state officials said, and subsequent flooding sparked dozens of rescues, breached levees and closed hundreds of roads and a railroad line. With damage assessments barely under way, comparisons already were being made to the record floods that struck Missouri in 1993. "As far as severity, the levels we're seeing are just as high as the '93 floods," said Ryan Nicholls, director of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management. [Click on photographs for close-up damage assessment. Notice that metal corrugated culvert was unearthed, and is now bent. The parking lot gravel was washed away, leaving exposed base rock]

Missouri State Emergency Management Situation Reports, Winter Flooding Event (by county).

April 5th Clean-up of Illegal Dump on Spring River

La Russell Stream Team #2945 has set, Saturday, April 5, 2008 (8:30am until 2:30pm)as the date for the clean-up of the illegal dump on Spring River. The dump is located along Spring River on Lawrence County Farm Road 2087(north side of river), just east of the Jasper County-Lawrence County line, Latitude-37° 9'13.13"N, Longitude-94° 3'20.41"W, at a site in the SE quarter of Section 12, T 28N R29W, Lawrence County, MO. The debris is spread along a 250 yard long tract, located approximately 750 yards upstream from the La Russell Access Point #6812 on Spring River.

Due to scheduling conflicts, some volunteers will also be working on Saturday, March 29, 2008 (8:00am until 12:00 noon), doing preliminary liter pick-up and site preparation. Volunteers are welcome both dates. The site is on a steep embankment along Spring River. Long shirts, long pants and work boots are recommended. Large equipment will be on site (April 5 only) to remove heavy items.

Directions: From Carthage, go east on US Highway 96, approximately 13.5 miles (east from Kellogg Lake) to Highway U. The Jasper County-Lawrence County Line Road is also called Highway U. From the intersection of US Highway 96 and Highway U, go south 2.5 miles on Highway U. Turn left (east) onto Lawrence County Avenue and Farm Road 2087 where Highway U begins to curve to the right (or west). The dump site is 0.2 miles after turning. [Click on map to enlarge Google Earth screen]

Site Improvements

We are so appreciative of the attention that the La Russell Access Point gets from Missouri Department of Conservation (MDOC). This week dirt was brought in to fill in the tire ruts from last year, as well as new gravel was spread over the drive and parking area. We hope to get some needed improvements done to the actual Spring River Access Point, i.e. regrading of the slope down to the river. The Stream Team also asked MDOC to consider putting a picnic table on site for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Spring River.

Both photographs are looking north from the entrance ramp toward the river. [click on photographs for close-up view].

Is Winter the New Rainy Season?

Again, and again, Spring River is experiencing unusually high water levels. Isn't this just a little early in the year for flash flooding on Spring River? The water gage graph indicates 4.98' on February 5-6, and 4.05' on February 11. The second graph indicates 7.73' at 11:00pm on Feb 17. The third graph indicates 6.92'at 11:15pm on March 3. [Click on graphs to enlarge view]

Winter Photographs

Photograph, looking downstream from under the bridge. Water gage indicated 3.26'.






Photgraph looking upstream from south riverbank, 100 yards downstream from La Russell Access Point. Water level is 1.5' deeper than normal for this time of year, due to excessive rain (and flooding) 4 days ago.

January 8-9, 2008 flood

Typically, precipitation in January comes in the form of snow, maybe ice, but not typically, a flood. The Springfield News Leader, described it as, An intense line of tornado-filled storms that covered a 150-mile swath of southwest Missouri delivered its last blow early today (1-8-2008) when a storm hit east-central Springfield, damaging several buildings. The damage likely was caused by a combination of a squall line and tornadoes, Springfield National Weather Service meteorologist-in-charge Bill Davis said. Davis said several teams will be out assessing damage along a storm line that stretched from McDonald County to Maries County. It's likely tornadoes that hit several areas will be in the F-2 to F-3 range, he said. Forecasters issued 96 storm warnings from Monday night to early today, he said. Although forecasters began studying the possibility of violent weather last Friday and had warned of possible tornadoes Monday morning, the intensity of the series of storms that arrived Monday night was surprising, he said.
The USGS water gage on Spring River at LaRussell indicated 1.84' at 12:00am on Monday, January 7; 8.48' at 12:00am on Tuesday, January 8; and cresting at 9.10' at 3:00am.

2007 Accomplishments

We have come a long, long way in organizing Stream Team #2945 and getting projects completed. Thank you for your help in making all of this happen! Accomplishments in 2007 have included:

• Adopted La Russell Assess Point No 6812 on Spring River
• Held two quarterly meetings in 2007
• Planted 75 seedlings
• Completed a water quality survey
• Completed a visual data survey
• Grew Stream Team #2945 to twenty-six registered members
• Set up this website
• Published two quarterly newsletters
• Met with the SW Missouri Regional Stream Team Americorps Advisor
• Met with the Missouri State Stream Team Coordinator (from Jefferson City)
• Met with three regional Department of Conservation officials (from Springfield and Neosho)
• Met with two Department of Conservation Agents
• Met with three Jasper County Sheriff Deputies
• Met with a Missouri Department of Transportation official (Jefferson City).
• Helped facilitate new signage identifying the La Russell Access Point to visitors
• Helped facilitate a commitment from the State to improve the actual access point in spring 2008.
• Helped disseminate weekly bacteria results (Jasper County Health Department) on the website
• Helped promote the site's USGS water gage information on the website

To accomplish our 2008 goals we need every ones help. Would you like to join the La Russell Stream Team #2945 and help with our next project?

2008 Stream Team Project

Illegal Dumping is a problem in rural Missouri. It is vandalism. It affects all of us. At the October 2007 Stream Team quarterly meeting, the clean up of the "old old" dump was proposed as a 2008 Team project. Two team members have volunteered to coordinate the event. Preliminary work is being done in terms of notifying adjacent landowners and coordinating with Lawrence County officials.

This site is in the SE quarter of Section 12, T 28N R29W, Lawrence County, MO. The debris is spread over a 100 yard long tract, approximately 750 yards upstream from the La Russell Access point No.#6812. As you can see in the pictures, the debris includes everything from refrigerators to ovens, sofas and horse troughs.

We feel that it would be more efficient to wench the debris up the cliff, than trying to push it down. The Lawrence County Commissioners recommended that we coordinate the Stream Team project with the county wide 'spring' clean up. They also offered to assist with signage to prevent future vandalism on the site. This will definitely be a "team" project as well as a "neighborhood" project. Some of the debris is heavy, and we'll need help maneuvering it. Would you like to help us?

Another Streatgic Partnership

La Russell Stream Team Members met with a Missouri Department of Transportation representative from Jefferson City at Spring River, for the purpose of identifying areas for natural flower habitat, adoption of the right-of-way at the Access Point, and vandalism issues. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the right-of-way. We discussed the seedlings planted on the north side of Spring River for erosion control. Following the meeting today, our project has been referred to the Missouri Department of Transportation District Office in Joplin.

Fall Stream Team Meeting

La Russell Steam Team #2945 members gathered to celebrate 2007 successes and begin planning for 2008 projects today. Special Guests included the Southwest Regional AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant and two Jasper County Missouri Department of Conservation Agents.

We discussed opportunities to introduce local elementary, intermediate and high school students to the Stream Team program. The Biology teacher at Sarcoxie High School has expressed an interest in integrating water quality testing into next years' biology curriculum. Another suggestion was inviting the Sarcoxie High School Student Council to designate the La Russell Access Point as their 2008 community service project.

The schedule for liter pickup along with prioritization of 2008 Team Projects was completed. The AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant complimented the Team for their accomplishments and encouraged them to get an early start on the 2008 macro invertebrate survey. The Conservation Agents took the opportunity to meet all the team members and gave us instructions for reporting vandalism and violations.

Projects for 2008 include: establishing a designated native (wild flowers) area, cleaning up graffiti, cleaning up the 'old old' dump area, constructing a bacteria level advisory sign (for swimmers), and setting up a booth at the 2008 La Russell community picnic.

Signage, will it help stop vandalism?

It is too bad that signs are necessary, they detract from the natural beauty of the site. However, due to the vandalism that has occured, the Jasper County Sheriff Department has suggested posting the regulations, so that apprehension and prosecution will be more successful.
1. Area closed 10:00 pm to 4:00 am.
2. Vehicles on graveled areas only.
3. All ATV vehicles are prohibited.
4. Please remove your litter.
5. Regulations prohibit camping overnight and open fires.

Welcome to La Russell Access Point

Members of Stream Team #2945 and Missouri Department of Conservation Staff are excited about the new signage on the site. We hope that the new signs will make it easier for visitors to locate the access point. There is a new bulletin board adjacent to the access point that the Stream Team will use for posting bacteria levels.

Strategic Partnerships

The success of any organization is based on the strength, commitment and enthusiasm of its members (partners). Stream Team #2945 members met with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff today for the purpose of evaluating and measuring progress on the Access Site and planning for the future. MDC staff from Jefferson City, Springfield and Neosho attended. It was an opportunity to open new lines of communication, share ideas, and celebrate in our success. Topics of interest to everyone, included improvements to the access point, eliminating vandalism, and encouraging more involvement from citizens of all ages. We are so lucky to have a MDC Access Point on Spring River that is so accessible and so beautiful.

We identified projects that Stream Team #2945 can work on. MDC also identified projects that they would do. Working together, we can accomplish a lot more than any one of us can by ourselves. Please take time to visit La Russell Access Point on Spring River. While you are there, please help us eliminate vandalism, by reporting it.

Call the Jasper County Sheriff's Department at 417-359-9100 to report suspicious or unlawful activity, curfew violations and vandalism. The Missouri Department of Conservation also has a HotLine to report illegal activity, 1-800-392-1111 which is manned 24 hours a day. You may remain anonymous, and you may ask to be considered for a reward if you wish. When you call, you will be asked simple questions, the answers to which will be vital to the investigation. Here are a few things to remember when you witness a suspected violation.
* Nature of suspected illegal activity
* Date and time of violation
* The suspect’s identity, if possible
* Description of the suspects and vehicles

Is This Vandalism?

We found this at the "Access Point" this morning. Is this vandalism? Dumping your aquarium fish and gravel in the river is just that, dumping. It is also how invasive, non-native aquatic species are introduced. Who knows what was dumped...turtles, snakes, lizards, aggressive or diseased fish? Chances are that they do not have natural predators in Spring River.
Spring River is not a landfill or dump. Please do not dump your trash in the river. It is vandalism. Here is a link to an excellent article in the Missouri Conservationist magazine about dumping, Don't Dump That Bait. The article warns against bait bucket and acquarium dumping. Missouri prohibits importing, exporting or liberating fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals or any other form of wildlife unless specifically authorized by the Wildlife Code.

Pitch In

Stream Team #2945 members have handed out countless litter bags to canoers and visitors at the LaRussell Access Point this summer. The largest category of litter (that we find on the ground) is from beer cans. Without a trash container, the Stream Team members tie liter bags to metal posts in hopes of discouraging liter on the ground. Thank you to those who Pitch In. If everyone does their part, we can make a difference.

Update on Seedlings

Here are photographs taken September 23 of the five varieties of seedlings, planted April 15, 2007.

Wild Plum, 60" height. Best growth on north side of river, approximately 3' above water level.









False Indigo, 50" height. All seedlings in rocky/sandy river bed, only 12" above (normal) water level.









Roughleaf Dogwood, 24" height. Disappointed in growth, possibly due to wet/humid conditions all summer.









Aromatic Summac, 30" height. Best growth in rocks vs. soil.










Blackberry, 24" height x 24" across. The seedlings are all exhibiting more horizontal growth pattern than expected.

What do Hellgrammites, Mayfly Nymphs and Leeches Have in Common?

Question: What do Hellgrammites, Mayfly Nymphs and Leeches have in common?
Answer: We collected them today in the seine.

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members conducted their first Water Quality Survey (also known as Macro invertebrate survey) on the site today. The protocol for Biological Monitoring was followed.

We also found Caddisfly Larvae, Hellgrammites, Mayfly Nymphs, Stonefly Nymphs, Clams, Crayfish, Aquatic Worms and Leeches. The survey indicated a Water Quality Rating of 18. A score in the range of 18-23 is considered 'good'.

The USGS water gauge indicated 2.76' today. The sampling may have been affected by the 6-8" of rain received 14-16 days ago. The river is not back to the pre-September 6 depth of 2.08'.

Flooding, Sept. 6-9, 2007

Excessive rain Thursday morning (September 6), along with rain Friday evening-Saturday morning (September 7-8) resulted in flooding in Spring River. These pictures were taken at 2:15pm, Saturday, September 8, 2007, with water guage indicating 11.06' (and rising). Rain totals have been reported between 6-8" in the area.

USGS Water Guage at LaRussell indicated an increase in river depth from 2.08' (at 3:15am Thursday, Sept 6) to 5.29' (at 3:30pm on Thursday) and an increase from 2.78' (on Saturday, Sept 8 at 3:15am to 11.37' (at 4:00pm on Saturday).


Blackberry and Wild plum seedlings under water, south side of river, east side of bridge. [click on photographs for enlarged view]






Looking south from north side of river, east side of bridge.







Looking north, from driveway ramp, west side of bridge, south of river.







Looking down at seedlings, east side of bridge, south side of river.







Aromatic Summac seedlings, south side of drive embankment







Looking north from Gum Road, east side of bridge, south of river.

More Colorful Sites

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have.

You may want to visit the Missouri Flora webpage for additional information about these plants. (click on photographs for close up)





Gaura biennis, blooming late August-early September


Lespedeza virginica blooming late August-early September








Lespedeza stipulacea, blooming late August-early September










Polygonum cespitosum Blume, blooming late September







Aster pilosus Willd., blooming late September








Helianthus hirsutus Raf, blooming late September








Oxalis dillenii Jacq., blooming early October.








Sumac [Family: Anacardiaceae, Genus: Rhus] reddish drupes, called Sumac blobs







Milkweed [Family: Asclepiadaceae] (click on photograph to enlarge) Notice the milkweed beetles, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus.

Under Water...Again

The Joplin Globe, Tuesday, August 21, 2007, reported 11.95" of rain in Miller, 3.9" in Carthage, and 2.78" at the Joplin Airport. Larry Dooley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Springfield said that the precipitation was a result of Tropical Storm Erin. The Spring River at La Russell started climbing at midnight(Monday August 20) and reached its highest level at 3:35pm Monday afternoon, 12.8' deep. The new equipment that measures flow stopped recording when the water depth hit 1910 cubic feet per second(cfs). The USGS said that it had not been calibrated for water that deep.
12:00am (midnight)Monday morning: 197 cfs at 2.08' river gauge height
3:00am: 203 cfs at 2.12'
6:00am: 821 cfs at 3.88'
9:00am: over 1910 cfs at 7.31'
12:00 pm (noon): over 1910 cfs at 8.67'
3:00pm: over 1910 cfs at 12.44 '
(click on graphs to enlarge)

USGS Water Discharge Data now available

The USGS is now monitoring, recording and displaying the water discharge rates on Spring River at the La Russell Access Point. The data is available either graphically or in a table. The data is expressed in terms of cubic feet of water per second. The latest data indicates 237 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). This project is being implemented collaboratively between the United States Geological Society and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. (click on chart for larger image)

More Colorful Sites

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have.

You may want to visit the Missouri Flora webpage for additional information about these plants. (click on photographs for close up)





Silphium perfoliatum, blooming late July




Solidago altissima, Goldenrod, blooming late July











Rudbeckia triloba, blooming late July











Hibiscus lasiocarpos, blooming late July











Convolvulus sepium, blooming late July











Cirsium vulgare, Thistle, blooming late July











Desmodium nudiflorum,blooming early August











Solanum carolinense, blooming early August











Verbesina alternifolia, blooming mid-August.

REPORT VANDALISM 417-359-9100

Deputy Birch, with Jasper County Sheriff's Office, helped the Stream Team identify things that we can do to STOP VANDALISM. Some of the suggestions were:
1. Reporting license plates of people vandalizing
2. Trash cans
3. Curfew
4. Call Sheriff's Department 417-359-9100
5. More boulders or cabling to limit off-road activities
6. Set Good examples
7. Distribute Stream Team liter bags
8. Talking about it
9. Classroom presentations
10. Stream Team Watch Program
11. Signage: WE REPORT VANDALISM - Stream Team #2945
12. Cameras

Stream Team Meeting July 24 @ 7:30pm

Stream Team #2945 met Tuesday, July 24 @ 7:30 pm. to discuss issues at the La Russell Access Point, as well as make plans for the future. Topics covered included E.coli bacteria testing, the new USGS water gauge equipment, vandalism, improvements that would enhance the site, as well as Stream Team projects in the future. Special guests included the Mayor of La Russell and a Deputy with Jasper County Sheriff's Office. We had 17 members attend and added 3 new Stream Team members.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) test results by Jasper County Health Department

The following are the results of weekly water quality testing by Jasper County Health Department at the La Russell Access point (referred to as Site SR1). Specifically, these are the number of Escherichia coli colonies per 100 milliliters of river water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had determined that swimming and body contact is NOT recommended when the sample exceeds 235 E. coli colonies per 100 ml. The samples above the 235 threshold, are in bold.

10/19/2007, 77.6
09/25/2007, 83.9
09/19/2007, 131.4
09/11/2007, 387.3
09/05/2007, 325.5
08/29/2007, 158.5
08/21/2007, 2,419.6+
08/14/2007, 75.9
08/07/2007, 64.3
07/31/2007, 82.3
07/24/2007, 101.4
07/17/2007, 172.3
07/10/2007, 1,986.3
07/02/2007, 1,046.2
06/26/2007, 816.4
06/19/2007, 290.9
06/13/2007, 870.4
06/05/2007, 517.2
05/30/2007, 107.1
05/24/2007, 114.5

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
moehra@lpha.dhss.mo.gov (e-mail)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Vandalism - Why do people do it?

Vandalism, it is happening again. Today we discovered that pickup trucks had run over seedlings along the south side of the ramp, and 4-wheelers had been running along the stream bank, disrupting the river bank. In addition, we found seven watering cans that had been stomped with a shoe or boot. (Click on photographs for close up of damage)

There was evidence that pick-up trucks were 'mudding' again. They showed complete disregard for the new seedlings planted on the side of the drive. Seven (7) watering cans had either been run over or stomped on with a shoe or boot. Three (3) seedlings had been run-over by the pickup tires.

More Rain, More Flooding

More rain, more flooding on Saturday June 30 and Sunday, July 1. On June 30 at 2:30 pm, the river water guage indicated 3.68'. By 6:45 pm on July 1, the water guage level was 11.25'. That is a 7.57' increase in only 28 hours. Once again, all of the newly planted seedlings were under water.

Update on Seedings

Friday morning, June 22, 2007, we had a chance to survey the site, following the June 10-11 flood. The water gage level was 3.13'. We spent the morning cleaning debris from the seedlings and the stakes, adjacent to them. Curiously, we lost only two (2) watering cans. The 6" spike in the bottom of the can, either holds them in place, or gets caught up in nearby brush, and prevents the can from washing downstream. We did spend quite a bit of time cleaning 2"-3" of mud out of each can. Based on their location, some of the seedlings were underwater for eleven days, some for 2 days and others only 24 hours. We straightened several of the seedlings, and tied them to stakes. There was only one (1) seedling underwater for 11 days that looked like it didn't make it, but we're optimistic.

More Colorful Sites

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have.

You may want to visit the Missouri Flora webpage for additional information about these plants. (click on photographs for close up)

Campsis radicans Family Bignoniaceae, blooming late June.





Rudbeckia hirta, blooming late June.











Daucus carota, (Queen Anne's Lace, wild carrot), blooming late June.


Echinacea paradoxa Yellow Coneflower, blooming early July










Vernonia altissima blooming early July.












Verbena stricta, blooming early July











Erigeron annuus, blooming mid-July











Commelina erecta, blooming mid July











Ipomoea pandurata, blooming mid-July

Jasper County Health Department Stream Sample Results for LaRussell Access Point

The Joplin Globe, Friday, June 22, 2007, published the results of new water quality testing as determined by the Jasper County Health Department, May 24 through June 19, on twenty (20) sites thoughout Jasper County. The rivers and creeks being monitored are all part of the greater Spring River watershed. Those being monitored include: Turkey Creek, Center Creek, Spring River, North Fork Spring River, and Dry Fork. Tony Moehr, Jasper County Health Department Director, has assigned source identifiers for the 20 test sites.

The LaRussell Access Point on Spring River has been designated as Testing Site SR1. The Jasper County Health Department tested Site SR1 on May 24, May 30, June 5, June 13, and June 19, 2007. The test results (expressed in number of E.coli colonies per 100 milliter of river water sampled) were 114.5, 107.1, 517.2, 870.4 and 590.9, respectively. To put these in perspective, the US Environmental Protection Agency discourages body contact when E.coli bacteria colonies exceed 235 colonies per 100 ml. So of the five (5) samples, the bacteria was above recommended levels roughly 60% of the time.

What Even Higher Water Looks Like

Jasper County and the surrounding area received more rain this morning (Monday, June 11, 2007). The Joplin Globe reported Carthage received 7.2" of rain, Joplin Airport received 7.44" of rain, and Waco received 12.98" of rain. Here are pictures of LaRussell Access Point under water. The photographs were taken at 6:30pm this evening, with the USGS water guage indicating 10.34' deep. The river continued to rise until 8:45pm, with a gage depth of 11.11'. The USGS Water guage chart shows that at 7:00pm Sunday, June 10, the water depth was 2.79', rising 8.32 ', to 11.11', in less than 26 hours.

Looking north (across Spring River) from access ramp. (Click on photographs for close up views).






Looking south, east side of bridge.







Looking south, west side of bridge.











Evidence of flagged stakes, under water, south of Spring River, east of bridge.







Seedlings along southern exposure on access drive ramp.







NOTE: On Sunday, June 10, 2007, at 12:00 noon, the USGS water guage indicated 2.83'. At this level, all of the seedlings were above water by 6". For planning purposes, a 3.3' USGS water guage reading means that the lowest tier of seedlings (the False Indigo seedlings, along the north river bank) are now wet.

More High Water and Problems with Rough Leaf Dogwoods

Between Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2007, we received a lot of rain. Wally Kennedy, The Joplin Globe reported (Sunday, June 3, 2007) that rainfall amounts varied from a high of 5.15" at Lamar, to 3.98" at Joplin, 3.2" at Monett, 3.15" at Waco, 2.9" at Carthage, 2.88" at Miller, and 2.61" at Dadeville, MO. You can tell by the USGS chart that on Friday, June 1 at 6:30 pm, the water gauge was at 2.11' and that increased by 5.61' to 7.72' by 5:15 pm on June 2. You can monitor the water height at La Russell access point by clicking on the USGS link.


Not entirely unrelated, roughly 50% of the Rough Leaf Dogwoods seedlings are exhibiting signs of spotted and wilted leaves. I suspect that the problem is Spot Anthracnose. We first observed the spots on May 15, only 30 days after planting the seedlings.

Today (June 3), we observed that 30 of the new seedlings were either still underwater, or had been, the last 36 hours due to the high water level. I guess this underscores their importance for stream bank stabilization. We'll probably have to replace some flag stakes and water cans once the water recedes. Hopefully the seedlings will still be there. The water level was 4.85' while we were on the site today.

More Colorful Sites at LaRussell Access Point

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have.

You may want to visit the Missouri Flora webpage for additional information about these plants. (click on photographs for close up)

Polygonum densiflorum blooming early June

Achillea millefolium blooms early June











Dianthus armeria, blooms early June











Asclepias syriaca (milkweed), blooming mid-June.











Asclepias tuberosa, blooming mid-June.

What High Water Looks Like

Here is a copy of the graph, generated by the new USGS/MDNR monitoring equipment. The spike started Thursday, May 10 and went through Friday, May 11. At 7:30pm Thursday the water level was 2.36', peaking at 12:45 am Friday morning 6.30'. The seedlings along the north river bank all showed signs of stress. There were no watering cans still in place, but all were not lost. Most were hung up in the brush and debris, partially filled with mud. [click on graph to enlarge]

Access Site No. 6812 Goes High-Technology

USGS 07185700 Spring River at LaRussell, MO New equipment was installed May 1, 2007, which now provides real-time information at the site. There is historical data available for this site, for the period 1957-1981. The new equipment (station) is a cooperative project between USGS and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Colorful sites at LaRussell Access Point

This is a collection of flowers, wildlife and other things that have been observed on the La Russell Access site (along Spring River). I hope that you enjoy them as much as the Stream Team members have.

You may want to visit the Missouri Flora webpage for additional information about these plants. (click on photographs for close up)

Phlox divaricata Wild Blue Phlox, bloomig mid April


Barbarea vulgaris Yellow Rocket, blooming mid April










Chrysanthemum leucanthemum blooming early May










Valerianella radiata blooming early May.











Tradescantia virginiana blooming mid May.











Medicago lupulina blooming mid May.











Mirabilis nyctaginea blooming mid May.











Anthemis arvensis blooming mid May











Ruellia pedunculata, blooming late May











Trifolium pratense, blooming late May











Coronilla varia, blooming late May











Erigeron annuus, blooms late may

Vandalism by 4-wheelers & pickups

Recent activity by 4-wheelers and pickup truck(s) have caused extensive damage to the LaRussell Access site. Off road damage of erosion and native turf destruction has been taking place for the last 6 months. Recent destruction, called off road "mudding", followed rains on March 20 and April 13, 2007. If you know the individual(s) responsible, please contact Jasper County Sheriff's Office, 417-358-2821, ask for Deputy Roughton, Deputy Calvin or Deputy Terry.


(Click on photographs for close-up of damage)

Seedlings Planted

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDOC) seedlings arrived and they were planted April 15. Preparation work included marking the sites with metal flags, clearing the site of debris and adjacent growth, digging holes with a tree spade, preparing water cans, obtaining spikes (to hold the cans), bamboo poles and flag material. 1/2 of the wild plums were planted south of the river, east of the bridge, the other 1/2 were planted north of the river. The blackberries were planted south of the river, east of the bridge. The False Indigo was planted along the stream bank on the north side of the river, east of the bridge. The Aromatic Sumac was planted along the south bank of the entryway. The Rough leaf Dogwoods were planted in various spots around the tract, under canopy of the existing trees. Here are photographs (click for enlargement) of the seedlings planted. [Top to bottom: Aromatic Sumac along south bank of entryway; Wild plum and False Indigo along riverbank, north side of river; Wild plum and blackberries south of river, east of bridge]

Update: April 22 (1 week after planting)
Wild plums - no buds/leafs
Blackberries - leaf exposed
Rough Leaf Dogwood - leaf exposed
Aromatic Sumac - leaf exposed
False Indigo - leaf buds evident

Update: April 28 (2 weeks after planting)
Wild plums - leaf exposed
Blackberries - leaf exposed
Rough Leaf Dogwood - leaf exposed
Aromatic Sumac - leaf exposed
False Indigo - leaf exposed

Recent Photographs

Here are pictures from our recent work day. We picked up 6 bags of debris, including aluminum cans, broken glass, paper trash and empty oil cans. This enthusiastic volunteer, originally with Stream Team No. 2416, joined us for the day. We are picking up trash once a month. If you would like to join us or learn more about stream teams, just let me know or visit the Missouri Stream Team website.

We also measured the area east and west of the bridge for our landscaping plan. The area suitable for landscaping on the east side of the bridge measures 210' x 75', while the area on the west side is 132' x 50'. This view is from the west side of bridge, looking northeast.

Due to recent rains, the water level was higher than any previous visit. This view is looking east, 250' downstream from the access point.

Proposed Plantings

Stream Team No. 2945 is designing a landscaping plan for the Spring River-LaRussell access site. We have submitted an order, through the Missouri Department of Conservation, for seventy-five seedlings to be delivered next April. The package we selected includes 15-Blackberry canes, 15-Aromatic Sumac seedlings, 15-False Indigo seedlings, 15-Roughleaf Dogwood seedlings, and 15-Wild Plums. Our next project will be to complete a rough survey of the site, to use for designing our landscape plan. Leave a comment if you have questions (or suggestions) about our seedling selections and/or would like to help next spring.

Visual Stream Survey Data Sheet

The purpose of the visual survey is to determine if there are any obvious water polution problems on the stream and to charaterize the riparian environment through which the stream flows. The following is a synopsis of our visual survey.
1. Floodplain Land Use: 40%-pasture/hayfields; 45%-row crops; 15%-woods.
2. Riparian Cover: 50%-trees; 30%-grasses or weeds; 10%-bare ground; 10% parking lot/streets.
3. Streambank Conditions: 40%-trees; 35%-grasses or weeds; 25%-pavement/riprap.
4. Bed Composition of Riffle: 35%-sand; 15%-gravel; 50%-cobble (2-10").
5. Percent Embeddedness of Riffle: 41%
6. Signs of Human Use: beer cans & bottles, campfire, 4-wheeler tracks, graffiti (spray paint), and tire ruts in grass.
7. Algae: 5% of stream bottom covered in algae. 100% of algae is 'close-growing' vs. filamentous.
8. Water Color: clear to very slightly yellow
9. Water Odor: none
10. Comments: need trash container; need barrier(s) to prevent further erosion from 4-wheeler activity; need to discuss desirability of other plantings.

The survey was done on November 4, 2006 @ 12:30pm. The data from this visual survey will be used a baseline for future surveys.

What Stream Teams Do

Missouri Stream Teams are all about promoting citizen awareness and involvement in river and stream conservation. Some of the activities that Stream Team No. 2945 will be doing at the LaRussell Access Point include: completing visual stream survey data sheets, biological monitoring, and picking up litter on the access and along the riverbank.

The Visual Stream Survey is used to determine if there are any obvious pollution problems on the river and to characterize the riparian environment through which the river flows, like (1) floodplain land use, (2) riparian cover, (3) riverbank cover, (4) bed composition of riffle, (5) percent embeddedness of cobble structure, (6) signs of human use, (7) algae, (8) water color, and (9) water odor.

The Biological Monitoring includes completing a Macro invertebrate data sheet. We'll be looking for specific Macro invertebrates that are (1) sensitive, (2) somewhat sensitive or (3) tolerant of water quality. They include: Caddis Fly Larvae, Hellgrammites, Mayfly Nymphs, Gilled Snails, Riffle Beetles, Stonefly Nymphs, Water Penny Larvae, other Beetle Larvae, Clams/Mussels, Crane Fly Larvae, Crayfish, Dragonfly Nymphs, Damselfly Nymphs, Scuds, Sow bugs, Fish fly Larvae, Alderfly Larvae, Water snipe Fly, Aquatic Worms, Black Fly Larvae, Leeches, Midge Larvae, Pouch Snails, and other Snails.

If this sounds like fun or you are interested in learning more about Missouri Stream Teams, you are welcome to join us.

Come and Join Us

The LaRussell access is located approximately 1 mile north of LaRussell, on Highway U, Jasper County, Missouri.
Highway U is also the Jasper County-Lawrence County line road, located approximately 13 miles east of Carthage on US Highway 96. The LaRussell access point on Spring River is approximately 2.5 miles south of Hiway 96 on Highway U. The access is on the south end of the Spring River bridge, and west side of Highway U. The site is also accessable from Interstate 44, Exit 29, by taking Highway U north (approximately 8.5 miles).

Photographs at the LaRussell access point site

Here are photographs of the LaRussell access point, looking upstream (above) and downstream (below).

Adopt-An-Access

Missouri Stream Team No. 2945 has recently completed Adoption of the LaRussell access to the Spring River in Jasper County, Missouri. The LaRussell (MO) access point is referenced by the Missouri Department of Conservation as Access No. 6812. We hope that this is the beginning on a long term relationship and that together, we will all gain an appreciation for the relationship between the environment, the water quality and the opportunity to enjoy it. We hope that this blog will serve as both a chronology of this Stream Team project and an inspiration to others. There are other Missouri access points available for adoption as well as opportunies to join us as we care for, learn about, and enjoy the LaRussell access point, together.