STATEWIDE STRATEGY
A Plan to Protect Our Rivers
Riparian buffers, vegetated areas bordering rivers, streams, and lakes, are critically important in protecting the water from the impacts of urban, industrial, and agricultural land use. They play a key role in increasing water quality, stabilizing the streambanks, and enhancing aquatic and wildlife habitat. They also help to moderate water temperature and slow down runoff to allow soil and nutrient pollutants to settle before they reach the stream. Recently, The Nature Conservancy was awarded a grant of over $200,000 from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for riparian buffer restoration and protection along Shoal Creek in southwest Missouri. “Over the next three years, this grant will help landowners implement streambank stabilization efforts by replanting grasses and trees along the creek, and also by fencing off and providing alternative watering systems for cattle,” said Drew Holt, TNC’s western Ozarks water coordinator. But beyond the reach of Shoal Creek, this grant will act as a pilot project for TNC. “We will utilize a number of tools, including conservation easements, as we develop a statewide riparian buffer protection strategy,” said Drew. The goals of the strategy are to protect stream corridor systems with natural cover and floodplain connectivity; and, to increase resources for public and private landowners for conservation practices. Larry O’Reilly knows firsthand the benefits of establishing and protecting riparian buffers. In 2012, he was the first landowner to take advantage of a similar program for his property in Stone County, which utilized DNR grant funding for pollution reduction through the James River Basin Partnership. “I’ve always enjoyed rivers and floating,” said Larry. “My decision to protect my land will ensure that future generations of river enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an unspoiled view of a healthy riparian corridor along this reach of the river.” His 3.5-mile stretch along the meandering James River includes a conservation easement protecting the buffer that ranges from 100-300 feet wide and will stay with the property forever—even if it is sold.
“Protecting the assets of the property was important to me,” said Larry. “The riparian buffer will help reduce erosion and maintain the natural beauty of the area. By protecting the real assets, it enhances the value.” Larry said it gives landowners, like him, peace of mind knowing that their land will be protected for the value of its nature, during their lifetime and beyond. “I’m hopeful that other landowners with river property will consider doing what they can to protect the river, wildlife and the water quality,” he said. “It’s very important that we protect our resources—if not just for us, then for future generations.”
4 MISSOURI: ACTION AND IMPACT
THIS PAGE TOP On the banks of the James River on Larry O’Reilly’s property. © Larry O’Reilly BOTTOM Monarch butterflies stop for a rest on some Swamp Milkweed. © Larry O’Reilly
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