The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has elected Jodie H. Adams as President of the national association. The announcement was made during NRPA’s 43rd Annual Congress & Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Jodie is an asset to NRPA,” said Lois Finkelman, NRPA Chair. “She has supported the park and recreation movement and NRPA’s mission on many levels throughout her career. Her expertise and leadership skills will help NRPA…[more]

Greenwire: President-elect Barack Obama’s ambitious energy initiatives emphasize electric-powered vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels — all of which hinge on building a transmission grid capable of delivering renewable power generated in remote places to distant cities.

“One of … the most important infrastructure projects that we need is a whole new electricity grid,” the Illinois Democrat said last month on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show.” “Because if…[more]

Several partners tested how to efficiently harvest MO round wood off Mark Twain National Forest during the summer 2008. One of several similar studies in southeastern US, it was the first on Midwestern/oak hickory hardwood forests.

The purpose of the study was to develop, test, and if successful, promote small scale, cost-effective harvest and transport of biomass off Midwestern hardwood forests.

The study was a collaborative…[more]

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has referred the issue of an unauthorized road in the new Current River State Park in Shannon County to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

“We are asking the Attorney General’s Office for legal clarification on county roads in state parks, and specifically on this situation in Current River State Park. This legal clarification will help us adequately plan and design this new…[more]

The Conservation Commission met Oct. 30 at the Marshall Comfort Inn and Oct. 31 at the Martin Community Center, Marshall, Mo. Commissioners present were:

• William F. “Chip” McGeehan, Marshfield, Chairman

• Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City, Vice-chairman

• Don R. Johnson, Festus, Secretary

• Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Member

The Conservation Commission set its next meeting for Dec. 18…[more]

The Kansas City Missouri Water Services Department announces that preliminary work has begun on a green solutions pilot project as part of the Overflow Control Program. It is believed that the 100-acre pilot project will be the largest installation of green solutions for combined sewer overflow control currently being planned for construction in the United States. The general area of the project is south of 73rd Street between Troost Avenue…[more]

In Arkansas, voters approved a measure that would allow up to $300 million in natural resource bonds to be issued for water projects in the state. The proposal passed 65 percent to 35 percent.

The bonds would allow for grants and low interest loans to be issued through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for the purpose of building sewer and water projects.

In Missouri, Amendment 4…[more]

Bart Smith completed over 37 million steps this morning, plus nearly 100,000 photographs in his 16-year shooting trek of all the National Scenic Trails (NTS). No other person can boast this astounding photo/hiking feat, covering over 16,500 miles and 34 states. To celebrate, Smith flies immediately to Washington, D.C., where he will join the 40th National Trail System Anniversary festivities.

Bart Smith arriving at Yellowstone National Park completing…[more]

Even though the Cretaceous Period ended more than 65 million years ago, clues remain about how the ocean water circulated at that time. Measuring a chemical tracer in samples of ancient fish scales, bones and teeth, University of Missouri and University of Florida researchers have studied circulation in the Late Cretaceous North Atlantic Ocean. The Late Cretaceous was a time with high atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and warm temperatures.…[more]

The Healthy Yards for Clear Streams program, which promotes environmentally responsible lawn and landscape practices, will hold a two-day workshop in Columbia, Nov. 19-20.

“Our goal is to promote lawn care practices that, while still creating beautiful lawns, help reduce harmful chemicals that may run off and contaminate local streams and water supplies,” said Mary Kroening, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

Topics will include how yard…[more]