Nature-Based Solutions Nature-based solutions are where humans meet the natural world to the benefit of both. Our goal is to make strategies that use or mimic natural systems commonplace, especially as disastrous flooding and droughts become more frequent and intense. We work with communities, landowners, local governments and agencies at all levels on projects that demonstrate the power of nature — replacing or working with traditional approaches and inspiring change in infrastructure and culture.
ON THE GROUND Beyond Riprap
We’ve put new focus on stream restoration during the past five years, using nature-based approaches as a solution to one of the biggest threats to our waterways. Soil erosion along Missouri’s streams and rivers destroys fish habitats, overtaxes water treatment facilities and costs property owners huge chunks of land. TNC has partnered on multiple major bioengineered restorations throughout the state. That includes LaBarque Creek, a tributary to the Meramec River and home to more than 40 species of fish. Crews rebuilt a rapidly deteriorating bank with trees, root wads, natural fibers and live plantings. Similarly, TNC restored 1,650 feet of streambank along Elk River in McDonald County, where a landowner was losing 8,000 tons of soil annually to erosion. In St. Louis County, TNC is working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks to stabilize Kiefer Creek in Castlewood State Park — a popular hiking destination and a perfect showcase for nature-based solutions in action.
WHAT’S TO COME Removing Roadblocks The dozens of fish species that inhabit Shoal Creek headwaters will once again be able to swim freely through the crucial Ozarks stream after TNC and its partners replace three low-water crossings with free-span bridges. The crossings act as roadblocks to the fish, cutting them off from habitat, food and their spawning grounds. And they’re not much better for humans. Rising waters can easily top the crossings, making them dangerous for drivers and isolating communities during floods. The new bridges were made possible through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and collaboration between TNC, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Barry County Commission. A model for future projects, the bridges will let water and wildlife flow freely underneath while creating a safer path above for people.
LEARN MORE about our Nature-Based Solutions strategy at nature.org/mosolutions
THIS PAGE LEFT Kiefer Creek restoration © Kristy Stoyer/TNC TOP Fish-friendly crossing © U.S. Fish and Wildlife
4 MISSOURI: STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS
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