Shoal Creek Watershed

A group met Tuesday, January 10, 2005 to begin preliminary plans to form a Shoal Creek Watershed. Representatives from the Environmental Task Force of Jasper and Newton Counties; the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Missouri Southern State University; and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) met at Joplin City Hall, approving a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue formation of a Shoal Creek Watershed Group. Specifically, the watershed will be designated 'downstream' on Shoal Creek from the Highway 60 bridge in Newton County. Tom Simpson, Director of the REDC, said that initially the project involves identifying stakeholders. They will include property owners along Shoal Creek, farmers, educators, recreational users, developers, public water suppliers, environmentalists, cities, counties and local health departments. The REDC will be facilitating a forum in April or May to begin educating area residents about the watershed. The Joplin Globe, Wednesday, January 11, 2006 http://www.joplinglobe.com/archives/story.php?story_id=120068