Empowering landowners: Missouri's guide to effective stream management

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A new online resource from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers information to landowners on best practices and methods for stream management.

Developed in coordination with the Missouri Farm Bureau, “A Landowner's Guide to Stream Management” details strategies for preventing eroding banks, property loss, excessive gravel, and other challenges.

“This guide is designed to empower landowners and give them a greater sense of independence when addressing their streams,” said Noah Cadwell of the department’s Waters Resources Center. “The guide includes necessary regulatory information and the most effective stream management strategies. It will assist landowners in overcoming some common challenges that come from living by a stream while maintaining the stream’s ecosystem.”

More than a year in the making, the guide includes information provided by experts from the department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as from other agencies and organizations.

“This guide is designed to clarify the fundamentals of stream regulation for landowners and to explain what options may be available for different situations,” Cadwell said. “Our hope is by making this information more accessible and transparent, landowners will feel more comfortable considering projects benefiting their streambanks. This guide also provides information for obtaining technical assistance and financial support for landowners who are considering taking on larger projects.”

A Landowner's Guide to Stream Management provides information on permitting needs and processes but is not intended to be a resource for regulatory guidance.

Landowners need to read the applicable permits and consider consulting the proper regulatory agency before beginning stream work.

Cadwell said the department developed the guide in response to concerns from farmers and landowners who face growing property loss stemming from past riparian corridor damages and historical land use changes.

The new guide is available at dnr.mo.gov/document-search/landowners-guide-stream-management-pub3085.