Beverly Maltsberger
University of Missouri Extension
4125 Mitchell Ave.
P.O. Box 7077
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7077
(816) 279-1691, (816) 279-3982 fax

Residents of the City of Maysville, Missouri, depend upon three city reservoirs for their water supply. Watershed planning is an important educational tool that was used to teach citizens how to protect groundwater and surface water resources as well as other resources within the watershed. They have worked together to implement this process over the past three years.

Prior to implementing this process, citizen complaints regarding water quality were very high. Overall quality of the water was seriously questioned and water shortages and use restrictions were common during summer months. City leaders contacted University Outreach and Extension (UOE) for help in dealing with concerns and problems they faced. UOE put together a grassroots committee to serve as a fact-finding/advisory team for city officials. A series of community educational programs were developed based upon identified community concerns.

The advisory team developed priority needs and was successful in securing federal funding to assist with treatment improvements resulting in improved water quality. Their next step was to develop a written Watershed Resources Protection Plan. The plan, developed by professionals, citizens, landowners, and educators encompasses uses of land, water and resources within the watershed; and, identifies best management practices and additional educational needs.

This workshop will take participants through the process experienced by the Maysville community.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 539 kb)