Although it is still 2011 as I am writing this, by the time you receive it we will have slipped into a new year. As most everyone does, the end of a year is a time of reflection. How did we do this year? Did we make progress? Is the water cleaner and clearer due to our efforts? A lot of the water quality gains are long term and hard to measure in just a year but if we look back at 5 years ago, 10 years, and 20 years, we realize the answer is a resounding YES! We are making progress! It is not a speedy process but we are winning the race and it is a team effort. It is very exciting to be a part of the water quality community in Arkansas and Missouri.

I received a very special Christmas gift this year from my wife, Diane. Instead of the normal clothes or other store bought items, she commissioned two paintings from a local artist. They symbolize my work in water quality and in the environment. One is a hand dipped into the water with water in the palm and the second is a hand holding soil. I am not sure I have ever had a more meaningful and special Christmas present. I would like to share these paintings with you below.

Water

Soil

 A few years ago, Ozarks Water Watch, through the support of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, published a 48 page booklet entitled "Living with Land and Water in the Ozarks". This publication was received enthusiastically by everyone and our supplies were soon depleted. Through the generous support of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park we have now published the 2nd edition. We are making this very informative streamside living guide available free of charge while supplies last in both hard copy and electronic as a .pdf (Click HERE for electronic copy.) 

                      Front cover                                        Page 32

Covered in the 48 pages is detailed information on topics such as "Water Laws and Regulations", "Stream Ecosystems", "Threats to Clean Streams & How You Can Help" and "Contact Information for Environmental Agencies & Organizations". Look over the electronic copy and let us know if you would like a printed one. We will also consider requests for multiple copies to be distributed at meetings, conventions, seminars, etc.

                    Page 18                                              Page 25

As we head into the New Year, 2012 is already shaping up as a very busy time for Ozarks Water Watch. I won't take the time or space to cover all our existing and new grants, projects, seminars and events for 2012 but they will each be covered in this newsletter as the year progresses, so stay tuned. From David and Ronna and the Ozarks Water Watch Board of Directors, we wish you and yours a very, very Happy and Blessed New Year! 

Quote of the Week

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Current News Articles

Manure Management and Water Quality 

(Editor's Note: Interesting information on nutrients from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Agricultural Division)

Using manure to fertilize crops is a cost-effective way to save money on commercial fertilizer, and can be an environmentally responsible means of manure management. However, while manure is a good fertilizer on land, it can have undesirable effects when it enters nearby streams and lakes. Pathogens in manure can make water unsafe to drink or use for recreation. The nitrogen and phosphorus that make manure so productive on farm fields can create an over-fertilized "soup" when they run off into the water, leading to undesirable algae blooms. These effects are not only unpleasant for recreation and aesthetics, but they also deteriorate the underwater habitat necessary for fish and other aquatic organisms to live. 

For more detailed information on nutrients, Click: HERE

Council on Environmental Quality

Commitment to Clean Water

The Obama Administration released a national Clean Water Framework on April 27, 2011, that affirms its comprehensive commitment to protecting the health of America's waters. The framework recognizes the importance of clean water and healthy watersheds to our economy, environment and communities, and emphasizes the importance of partnerships and coordination with states, local communities, stakeholders, and the public to protect public health and water quality, and promote the nation's energy and economic security.

The Obama Administration is designing and deploying innovative policies, programs and initiatives to directly address today's clean water challenges. These approaches include:

• Promoting Innovative Partnerships
• Enhancing Communities and Economies by Restoring Important Water Bodies
• Innovating for More Water-Efficient Communities
• Ensuring Clean Water to Protect Public Health 
• Enhancing Use and Enjoyment of our Waters
• Updating the Nation's Water Policies
• Supporting Science to Solve Water Problems

Read the complete article: HERE.