DNR Extends Period for Water Comments

After overwhelming public response concerning recommendations for stream recreational use designations, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is extending a public comment period.

At issue is the classification of streams across Missouri as being suitable for “whole body contact recreation,” or swimming. In 2005, the Missouri Clean Water Commission amended state standards to designate nearly all streams as suitable for swimming, and DNR subsequently conducted analysis on a specific group of waters.

A DNR Internal Review Committee evaluated the results and made recommendations for streams. More than 20 Boone County streams have been analyzed since 2005. In 2007, the DNR committee recommended that streams, including the Sugar Branch and Hominy Creek, be classified for whole body contact, and that a tributary to Perche Creek be taken off the list.

A complete list of analysis results and recommendations for Boone County are available online at dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/wqstandards/uaa/ uaa_boone.htm.

DNR will accept written public input until Aug. 31. To submit a comment, fill out the survey at the link above, or mail the UAA Coordinator, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.

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