Body Contact Not Recommended 07/23/2013

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 07/23//2013 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 07/23/2013 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 816.4

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 06/20/2013

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 06/20/2013 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 06/20/2013 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 275.5
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)

2013 E. coli Weekly Test Results for Spring River at La Russell

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.

07/23/2013, 816.4
07/16/2013, 68.9
07/09/2013, 49.7
07/03/2013, 117.8
06/20/2013, 275.5
06/11/2013, 167.4
06/04/2013, 396.8
05/30/2013, 167
05/22/2013, 1299.7

Freshly painted Welcome to La Russell sign

Visitors to the La Russell Access Point on Spring River over the Labor Day holiday were greeted with a newly painted Welcome sign. Thank you to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) crew that touched up the letters and gave the sign a fresh coat of paint. Thanks also to members of the La Russell Stream Team #2945 for your efforts in litter pickup and regular trash removal.

Body Contact is Not Recommended July 31, 2012

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 07/31/2012 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 07/31/2012 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 488.4.

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, May 31, 2012

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 05/31/2012 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 05/31/2012 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 1,119.9.

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)

E. coli Test Results for Spring River at La Russell, 2012

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.

10/02/2012, 63.3
09/26/2012, 143
09/18/2012, 178.5
09/11/2012, 58.1
09/05/2012, 83.9
08/30/2012, 38.3
08/21/2012, 42.8
08/14/2012, 75.4
08/09/2012, sample error/no report
07/31/2012, 488.4
07/26/2012, 141.4
07/18/2012,  91
07/11/2012, 73.3
07/02.2012, 50.4
06/27/2012, 32.8
06/20/2012, 59.4
06/12/2012, 135.4
06/06/2012, 88.2
05/31/2012, 1,119.9
05/22/2012, 38.6


For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

Unpleasant Experience Results from Poor Sportsmanship.

Obviously one or more visitors to the La Russell Access Point decided to clean their fish on site and dispose of the fish carcass on the La Russell Access point. The result is that every guest that came after them, has to deal with the smell and the mess. Not only were some of the fish carcass left on the access point, others were thrown in the water. Is this vandalism? If you know who did this, please call the Missouri Conservation Department or Jasper County Sheriff's Department.

Report Illegal Activities. Call 1-800-392-1111. Operation Game Thief helps you stop poaching, arson, conservation-area vandalism and wildlife harassment.

Jasper County Sheriff's Office - Call in a tip: (417)781-TIPS (8477) or send us a tip: tips@jaspercountysheriff.org



You can see several dead fish carcass in Spring River, next to the La Russell Access point.

Witch Hazel seedlings are blooming

The Witch hazel seedlings, planted 3 years ago(March 2009), have flower buds and some are already opening. La Russell Stream Team members took the first photograph today, Sunday, January 8, 2012. It shows the flower bud and beginning of a bloom. The other two pictures are what we can expect in the near future. Who could imagine that the Witch Hazel would be blooming the first week in January?

La Russell Visual Survey Data

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed their 2nd Visual Survey on the surrounding area. The purpose of the visual survey is to determine if there are obvious water pollution problems on the river and to characterize the riparian environment through which the river flows. The watershed map provides a perspective and guidance on which segment(s) of the river need attention. The survey covers multiple aspects of the quality and environment of Spring River at, and both upstream and down stream from the La Russell Access Point.

Floodplain land use:
40% pasture/hay fields
40% row crops
15% woods
5% residential

Riparian cover:
70% trees
25% grasses/weeds
5% parking lots/streets

Stream bank condition:
90% trees
5% grasses/weeds
5% bare ground

Bed composition of riffle:
60% bedrock
20% boulders (>10")
10% cobble (2-10")
5% gravel
5% sand

Percent embeddedness of cobble substrate:
10.2%

Algae present:
Stream bottom is 95% covered by visible algae.
Of the algae observed, 95% is close growing and 5% is filamentous (strands over 2" long)

Regrettably, some of the Riparian cover (trees along the river) have recently been cut. These included 6 trees that La Russell Stream team members planted 3-4 years ago (including False Indigo, Witch Hazel and Wild Plum). The debris was thrown into the River. This affects not only the aesthetics of the La Russell Access Point, but eliminates the natural Riparian barrier between the gravel parking lot and the river.

Water Chemistry #16

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #16, Sunday, 01/08/2012, 2:30 pm. It was a beautiful, cool winter afternoon, partly sunny. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 13C (55F)
Water Temperature, 10C (50F)
Conductivity 410 (average 3-samples)
Turbidity, 10
Dissolved Oxygen 13
Oxygen Saturation 115.4%
Nitrate, 4.0 (2-samples)
The river depth was 1.74' and the current was 120 cfs, reported by USGS.

31st Annual La Russell - Bowers Mill Reunion

The La Russell Stream Team #2945 was invited to participate in the 31st Annual La Russell Bowers Mill Reunion. The weather was beautiful for the 100+ guests that attended the event. We appreciate the Southwest Ozarks Stream Teams Association (SWOST) sharing their banner for the event. [click on picture for close-up]

This year we demonstrated the benefits of building rain gardens. Thanks to our friends with Missouri Department of Conservation, we provided excellent hand-outs which described techniques for building rain gardens and a guide for selecting native Missouri plants.





A popular exhibit this year was creating awareness by using an (interactive) watershed map and encouraging reunion guests to locate their homes with colorful stick pins.







The litter exhibit created the most conversation...mostly of disgust, embarassment and disappointment.

Water Chemistry #15

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #15, Monday, 09/05//2011, 3:00 pm. It was a beautiful afternoon, no clouds and sunny. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 23C (73.4F)
Water Temperature, 22C (71.6F)
pH, 8.9 (3-samples)
Conductivity 430 (average 4-samples)
Turbidity, 15
Dissolved Oxygen 14
Oxygen Saturation 160%
Nitrate, 4.0 (1-samples)
The river depth was 1.36' and the current was 57 cfs, reported by USGS.

La Russell-Bower's Mill 31st Annual Reunion

The La Russell Stream Team No. 2945 has been invited to participate in the 31st annual La Russell-Bower's Mill Picnic, on Sunday, September 11th, beginning at 1:00 pm. We will be demonstrating the role Rain Gardens play for improving water quality, Watershed Awareness, as well as providing 2011 historical information on bacteria and water chemistry data. Wear your Stream Team t-shirts and help out at our display.

Water Chemistry #14

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #14, Thursday, 06/23/2011, 7:05 pm. It was a beautiful evening, partly cloudy skies (78.8 degrees, 60% relative humidity). Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 26C (78.8F)
Water Temperature, 23C (73.4F)
pH, 8.4 (3-samples)
Conductivity 397 (average 4-samples)
Turbidity, 14
Dissolved Oxygen 11
Oxygen Saturation 117%
Nitrate, 0.25-0.5 (1-samples)
The river depth was 2.08' and the current was 217 cfs, reported by USGS.

E. coli Test Results for Spring River at La Russell, 2011

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.
10/10/2011, 387.3
10/05/2011, 90.6
09/28/2011, 95.9
09/21/2011, 114.5
09/14/2011, 52.1
09/07/2011, 25.9
08/31/2011, 86
08/24/2011, 68.3
08/17/2011, 104.6
08/09/2011, 240
08/04/2011, 86
07/27/2001, 67.7
07/19/2011, 44.8
07/14/2011, 85.7
07/06/2011, 26.9
06/29/2011, 31.8
06/22/2011, 84.2
06/15/2011, 206.4
06/09/2011, 74.4
05/25/2011, 1,986.3

For further information, contact:
Jasper County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
417/358-3111
417/358-0494 (fax)
877-879-9131 (toll free)
8:30 - 4:30 (hours)

High Water (05/22/2011 through 05/29/2011)

This has been a week filled with unusual precipitation and weather. May 22, was the date of the deadly E-5 tornado that affected (nearby) Joplin MO (at approximately 5:30 pm). Readings on the river gage went from 3.08' at 6:30 pm to 3.57' at midnight on 5/22, 4.0' on 5/23, 4.29' on 5/24, 4.71' on 5/25, 4.64' on 5/26, 5.07 on 5/27, 5.09' on 5/28 and 3.76' on 5/29. The area reported precipitation amounts +5" for the 7-day period. [click on graph for larger view]

High Water

Spring River went from 3.09' at 4:45am on Sunday, April 24, to 12.91' at 7:45pm on Monday, April 25, 2011, due to extraordinanry precipitation. Reports in the area indicated 6"+ of rain over a 2-3 period.

Spring Rains

We have experienced some heavy precipitation the last couple of weeks. On March 14, Spring River at LaRussell went from 2.54' depth at 0:00 am (midnight) to 5.34' at 7:30 pm. Precipitation was reported at 2.25" in the area.



On March 26, Spring River went from 2.56' at 6:00 am to 4.47' at 5:15 am on Sunday, March 27. Precipitation was reported at 2.55" in the area.

Vandalism on the site...why?

Members of La Russell Stream Team #2945 recently discovered vandalism along the river bank. Someone has cut down the 15' willow at the access point that provides stream bank stability. This species plays a critical role in the riparian corridor in managing erosion. If you have information about the perpetrator, please call Jasper County Sheriff Department at 911 or 417-358-8177. This vandalism affects all of the guests to the site. It is an ugly reminder of vandalism.

New Signage

The La Russell Stream Team #2945 thanks our partners with the Missouri Department of Conservation for replacing the La Russell Access Point Bulletin Board that was lost in the flood on March 18, 2008. We will use the bulletin board to post water quality information, including bacteria test results.

Water Chemistry Survey #13

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #13, Saturday, 01/29/2011, 2:10pm. It was a unbelievably beautiful winter afternoon, clear skies (77degrees). Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 25C (77F)
Water Temperature, 8.5C (47.3F)
pH, 9.7 (4-samples)
Conductivity 420 (average 4-samples)
Turbidity, <10
Dissolved oxygen 13
Oxygen Saturation 90%
Nitrate, 0.25 (2-samples)

High Water Event, Nov 24-25, 2010

The USGS Water Gauge at LaRussell indicated two peaks, 4.84' at 1:00 am and another, 6.16' at 6:00 pm, on Thursday, November 25, 2010. The water gauge level was 1.46' at 5:50 pm on November 24. This reflects the unusually heavy precipitation, reported 4.5" + in the area.

Water Chemistry Survey #12

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #12, Saturday, 10/09/2010, 4:15pm. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, clear skies. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 26.5C (79.7F)
Water Temperature, 18C (64.4F)
pH, 8.5 (3-samples)
Conductivity 383 (average 6-samples)
Turbidity, <10
Dissolved oxygen 13 (2-samples)
Oxygen Saturation 137%
Nitrate, 0.5 (2-samples)

La Russell-Bower's Mill 30th Annual Picnic, Sept 12

There were over 107+ current and former residents of La Russell and Bowers Mill at the 30th Annual Reunion Picnic this afternoon.

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members demonstrated water chemistry techniques for measuring turbidity, pH, and conductivity. Historical water chemistry and E. coli test results for 2010 were available. The turbidity tube was the most popular demonstration. Stream Team members also helped recruit new members.

This year we used the Macro Invertebrate Survey poster, along with a E. coli and Water Chemistry charts. Stream Team members signed up new members, updated member addresses and even discussed hosting a local science class, at the La Russell Access Point, for a macro invertebrate survey. Another popular exhibit this year was the display of 'Lost & Found' trash from the site. It was trash picked up earlier today at the La Russell Access Point.

Body Contact is NOT Recommeded, September 9, 2010

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 09/09/2010 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 09/09/2010 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 2,419.6+.

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)

posted by ShowmeSpringer @ 11:42 AM

High Water Event Sept. 2 and, 3, 2010

We experienced some heavy precipitation the evening on September 1 and again on September 3. The USGS water gage went from 1.36' on Wednesday, September 1, to a high of 6.07' (9:45am) on Sept 2, and then to a high of 4.42' on Friday Sept. 3 (3:00pm).

La Russell-Bower's Mill 30th Annual Picnic, Sept 12

The La Russell Stream Team No. 2945 has been invited to participate in the 30th annual La Russell-Bower's Mill Picnic, on Sunday, September 12th, beginning at 1:00 pm. We will be demonstrating Water Quality Monitoring Techniques, as well as providing 2010 historical information on bacteria and water chemistry data. Wear your Stream Team t-shirts and help out at our display.

Body Contact is NOT Recommeded, September 1, 2010

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 09/01/2010 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 09/01/2010 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 2,419.6+.

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 Vandalism

This is recent vandalism at the La Russell Access Point. The damage by erosion is already evident. There is ample drive and parking at the site. This off-road activity is disrespectful for all of the other guests that visit the site...and it is prohibited.




Please REPORT Vandalism.
Missouri Department of Transportation-Southwest District Office
417-621-6500
1-888-275-6636 (toll free)


Jasper County Sheriff's Department
417-358-8177
417-781-8477 (TIPS HOT LINE)
or 911

Water Chemistry Survey #11

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemistry Survey #11, Monday, 07/19/2010 @ 6:30pm. It was a beautiful summer evening, partly cloudy. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 33.5C (92F)
Water temperature, 26C (79F)
pH, 8.3
Conductivity 340
Turbidity, 12.5
Dissolved oxygen 10
Oxygen Saturation 120%
Nitrate, 3

We are part of something bigger!

The Southwest Ozarks Stream Team Association (SWOST) is highlighted in an article in the new (July-August 2010) Missouri Stream Team publication, Channels (see page 8). This should have been delivered to your mail box today. Congratulations to SWOST and all of the Southwest Missouri Stream Teams that are participating in this regional initiatives. Our La Russell Stream Team #2945 is already a proud member of the Southwest Ozarks Stream Team Association (SWOST).

Missouri Stream Team Interactive Map

Missouri Stream Team has just posted a new Interactive Map for Stream Team Members and others, to learn about Stream Team activities at their own site, as well as other Missouri Stream Team sites across the State. This is a wonderful resource. La Russell Stream Team #2945 is proud to be included on the Interactive Map. We play an integral role in monitoring and maintaining the La Russell Access Point No. 6812 on Spring River. You can see where Missouri Stream Teams are located, as well as review their water quality monitoring data. Enjoy!

Spring River @ La Russell

This is a picture of Spring River, looking west from the bridge on Jasper County Highway U. You can see the ripples that we use for water quality monitoring and macro-invertebrate sampling. The USGS water gage indicated a 1.84' water depth. This is why the La Russell Stream Team #2945 Members love their job....it's beautiful, isn't it!

Bug and Insect Monitoring on site by MDA

Missouri Department of Agriculture is monitoring bug and insect activity at the La Russell Access Point this summer. This Insect Trap was set up on June 18, 2010, and identified as DA097-039. Please DO NOT touch or disturb the bug trap.

Recent Acvtivity

La Russell Access Point has obviously been the site of multiple attempts to vandalize the property(specifically the Missouri Department of Transportation Right-Of-Way). Notice the gravel erosion along the roadway, as well as the defoliation on the embankment.

Please REPORT Vandalism.
Missouri Department of Transportation-Southwest District Office
417-621-6500
1-888-275-6636 (toll free)

Jasper County Sheriff's Department
417-358-8177
417-781-8477 (TIPS HOT LINE)
or 911

This is also evidence of off-road activity, under the Highway U bridge. Multiple tire tracks were observed and recorded by Stream Team members. Any disturbance of the area results in erosion and increased sediment (cloudiness) of Spring River.

Body Contact is NOT Recommeded, June 9, 2010

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 06/09/2010 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 06/09/2010 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 344.8.

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)

REPORT VANDALISM & ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

Missouri Department of Conservation, OPERATION GAME THEFT 800-392-1111

Unsportsmanlike, vandalism or illegal activity?

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members found evidence of vandalism and unsportsmanlike conduct today, the carcass of 10+ very large catfish, left on the access point. Not only was this inconsiderate of other guests, it also smelled, attracted flies and was unsightly. Obviously the perpetrator(s) didn't respect the effort that goes into keeping the access point clean for all guests.

Notice the other 9+ carcass, thrown in the river. If you know who did this, please call 800-392-1111. We report vandalism.

Water Chemistry Survey #10

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemisty Survey #10, Sunday, 06/06/2010. This was our second Water Chemistry Survey this calendar year. It was a beautiful day, partly cloudy. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 25C (77F)
Water temperature, 20C (68F)
pH, 7.9
Conductivity 370
Turbidity, between 30 and 40 (higher than normal, not good)
Dissolved oxygen 10
Oxygen Saturation 110.25%
Nitrate, between 4 and 6 (higher than normal, not good)

Body Contact NOT Reccomended, June 3, 2010

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 06/03/2010 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 06/03/2010 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 410.6.

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 Vandalism

Here are two examples of vandalism that lead to soil erosion and increases sediment in Spring River. The first is the result of a 4WD pickup truck, driving off of Highway U down the embankment. You can see the effect of disrupting the natural cover on the highly erodible embankment. Multiple milkweeds were run over, just as their buds were ready to bloom. This is food for the Monarch butterflies that will no longer be available.

This vandalism was done over the weekend, motorcycles off the road, under the bridge, disrupting the soil, making it susceptable to erosion and polution in the river. The tire tread patterns (both the truck and motorcycle) have been recorded for Law Enforcment.

High Water Event, May 26

A band of precipitation late Wednesday, May 25, 2010 resulted in a 1.4' rise in water depth at La Russell. The USGS water gauge went from 3.53' @ 10:30pm on 5/25 to a high of 4.93' @ 6:30am on 5/26/2010. The volume of water increased from 697 cubic feet per second to 1510 cfs (a 2.16x increase), for the same time period.

Body Contact is NOT Recommeded, May 26, 2010

The Jasper County Health Department has posted the results of their 05/26/2010 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 05/26/2010 test results (E. coli colonies per 100 ml) indicated a level of 365.4.

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)

2010 E.coli test Results - Spring River @ LaRussell (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.

10/06/2010, 129.6
09/29/2010, 114.5
09/23/2010, 148.3
09/16/2010, 517.2
09/09/2010, 2,419.6+
09/01/2010, 2,419.6+
08/25/2010, 48.7
08/17/2010, 88.4
08/11/2010, 66.3
08/04/2010, 58.1
07/28/2010, 70.0
07/20/2010, 56.9
07/13/2010, 1229
07/07/2010, 71.7
06/30/2010, 90.9
06/22/2010, 72.3
06/15/2010, 148.3
06/09/2010, 344.8
06/03/2010, 410.6
05/26/2010, 365.4

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)

High Water Event, May 20, 2010

La Russell Access experienced another high water event, Thursday, May 20, 2010. The USGS river gauge at La Russell on Spring River, went from 3.73' on 5/19/10 @ 7:00pm, to 8.13' on 5/20 @ 3:00pm. Precipitation in the area Wednesday-Thursday was reported at 3+".

New Vandalism

This is what vandalism looks like. This is also a major cause of erosion, and elevated sediment levels in Spring River. There is no excuse for off-road activity by pick-up trucks at the La Russell Access Point. Vegetation plays a strategic role in a riparian corridor. Without it, soil (and in this case) rock an gravel are washed from the roadbed. The La Russell Stream Team #2945 reports vandalism.

Aromatic Sumac

La Russell Stream Team members were excited to discover that the Aromatic Sumac seedlings had produced berries for the first time this year. They are a crimson color. Other names for Aromatic Sumac include: Rhus aromatica and coriaria, Fragrant Sumac, and Sweet Sumac. Not to be confused with other poisonous varieties. This species is a great wildlife food. Birds, raccoons, opossums, chipmunks and deer eat the fruit, while rabbits eat the bark during hard winters.

Not all seedlings had berries. This species was selected for planting on a highly erodible gravel embankment. Click on photograph for a close-up of the berries. Here are several links that you may find interesting about the Aromatic Sumac species.
Herb of the Month
Wildflower Center
Ozark Naturalist's Journal

High Water Event, May 14, 16, 17, 2010

The week of May 9 through May 16, 2010 was exception in terms of precipitation. There are reports in exess of 8" (total) rain for the week. The LaRussell USGA water gage on Spring River had a high of 6.74" at 8:00 pm on Friday, May 14; 5.87' at 6:45 pm on Sunday May 16; and 6.09' at 4:15 am on Monday, May 17, 2010.

High Water Event

Abnormal precipitation on March 20 and again on March 25, 2010 resulted in moderate flooding. We had 6-8" of wet snow on March 20, followed by 2.5+" of precipitation on 3/25, for a total of 4.6" for the week. The USGS water gage height indicated 5.48' on March 23 at 1:45 am, followed by 7.37' at 8:15 am on March 27, 2010.

Water Chemistry Survey #9

La Russell Stream Team #2945 members completed Water Chemisty Survey #9, Saturday, 02/27/2010. It was our first project for the year 2010, and a beautiful day, too. The water was a clear and blue. There were multuple guests visiting the site, including fishing, canoeing and walking. Here are the results:
Air Temperature, 6.5C, full-sun
Water temperature 9.0C
pH, 8.4
Conductivity 370
Turbidity, <10
Dissolved oxygen 14
Oxygen Saturation 212.2
Nitrate, 4

2010 Water Quality Monitoring Workshop Schedule

The Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Federation of Missouri have published their 2010 Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Workshop Schedule. We are so fortunate to have one of the sessions in Mount Vernon at the University of Missouri SW Agriculture Experiment Station. The Introductory Level workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2010, 8:30am - 5:00pm. You must register at the Missouri Stream Team website. Please call workshop Director, Priscilla Stotts at 573-526-3406, with any questions. You must register by Wednesday, March 17, 2010 to attend.

Precipitation, late January

Here are a couple of images reflecting precipitation the last week in January 2010. The region experienced heavy snow, Thursday evening, Janurary 28, and all day Friday, January 29, 2010. This map indicates calibrated snow accumulation. You can see that the entire Spring River Watershed was in the 3.9" to 9.8" of snow range. [Click on either chart for close-up view]

We had two days of precipitation, January 21 and Janurary 23, 2010. Rain totals for the two days was in the 1.5" range. The USGS watergage went from 2.72 at 10:45am (January 23, 2010) to a high of 3.99' at 7:00pm on Sunday, January 24, 2010.