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Watershed Committee of the Ozarks:
Changing of the Guard
by David Casaletto
Ozarks Water Watch Executive Director
My water quality career started in August of 2000 with the then two year old watershed organization, Table Rock Lake Water Quality in Kimberling City, Missouri. The James River Basin Partnership in Springfield, Mo may have been a year or two older and my current employer, Ozarks Water Watch was still two years away from formation. But in 2000, the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) was already eleven years old and their first and only executive director at the time was Loring Bullard. Last month, after almost 23 years with WCO, Loring retired. Loring accomplished many things for water and the environment during those years, but in my opinion, his legacy will be the completion of the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill Park, a facility that will provide superlative water education for "kids" of all ages for many years to come!
 
Loring Bullard and the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill Park
Last week the Board of Directors of the WCO named Mike Kromrey as the organization's new Executive Director. Mike has been with the WCO for the past six years, having formerly served as the Education/Outreach Coordinator. I have enjoyed working with Mike and I would like to use this newsletter to let us all get a little better acquainted with Mike.
I don't think the trout shares Mike's enthusiasm!
Mike attended Missouri State University, (MSU) graduating with a B.S. degree in Biology in 2003 and a M.S. in Biology (focusing on aquatic ecosystems) in 2006. With only a little detour in 2003 - 2004 working for a Lawn Service, his activities and employment during his school years focused on water and the environment. He worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Gypsy Moth Monitor, a River Rafting guide, a trip leader at MSU for Outdoor Adventures, a field biologist with the James River Basin Partnership, canoeing and Biology instructor at MSU, a MSU research assistant sampling fish and macroinvertebrates in Jordan and Galloway Creeks in Springfield, back with the Missouri Department of Conservation as a science aide and fisheries assistant and finally joining the WCO as a part-time Project Assistant, going full-time after his graduation. While this list is long, I think it is important to note what an impressive list of qualifications Mike brings to his new position.
Mike "in action" with the Stream Table
I had the chance last Friday to observe Mike in action as he presented at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference. His subject was on the history of the urban stream, Jordon Creek. It was a fantastic presentation and I was so impressed, I have asked Mike to give this presentation at the 4-State Watershed Academy to be held this August in Joplin, MO. (Be watching this newsletter for more information and registration links for the academy.)
I asked Mike if he would share a little of his thoughts on his career, his recreation and family (including pictures):
"The mission of the Watershed Committee--to preserve and improve the water supplies of Springfield and Greene County through education and effective management of the region's watersheds--is an important niche in the larger picture of ecological health. Ultimately, the sustainability and economic prosperity of our communities is dependant on clean air, clean soils, and clean water. With regard to these resources, it is my goal to be a good steward. I want to hand this place over to my son's generation cleaner than I found it. The director of the Watershed Committee has the unique opportunity to build partnerships, pool resources, and educate people to achieve these goals--an opportunity for which I am deeply grateful."
"My recreational pursuits are probably too many to name in this newsletter, but if I ever had to choose just one, it would be fly fishing. I have spent my life to date plying Ozarks Waters every chance I get, and always come home from a trip with a refreshed dedication to protect our invaluable water resources. (I'm realizing most of my pictures involve fish or fishing.)"
Mike's favorite, fly fishing (Photo courtesy of Aaron Scott)
Family: "My wife, Mary, works for the Y in Springfield and our son, Eli, is five. We live in Springfield and love to share time outdoors. Eli is showing promise as a fisherman although currently he aspires to be a ninja."
Mike's son, Eli in action (crayfish catching)
You can reach Mike at mike@watershedcommittee.org or 417-866-1127. And Loring, take comfort, I think your organization is in good hands and somehow I feel a lot more optimistic about the future of our natural resources in the hands of Mike and the others of his generation. I know you are all joining me in welcoming Mike as he starts down this new path!
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