The Newton County Missouri Health Department is not planning to test county streams for bacteria this year due to a lack of funding according to reports in the Joplin Globe. Last year about 48% of the stream test sites exceeded Missouri standars for E.coli levels. The Health Department is seeking grant money to assist.

Dr. Patrick D. Larkey, Bella Vista, Arkansas, has joined the Foundation Board of Directors. He retired from Carnegie Mellon University where he served as a professor in Public Policy and as an administrator. He received his Ph.D from the University of Michigan; his Master's from the University of Michigan; and his Bachelor Degree from Stanford University. He's involved in environmental matters and currently serves as president for his business.

A Four-State Regional Environmental Conference will be held Friday, March 28, 2008, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.at Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E Newman Rd, Joplin, Mo 64801 (417)6253016. Registration is $25. A Foundation represenative will attend.

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission announced these upcoming water quality related training sessions in the Grand Lake area: On March 27-28: Soil Profile Certification Course at the Bernice State Park, Bernice, OK 8:30-4:30 daily. On April 17: Grand Lake Nutrient Management Conference: Training for golf courses; lawn care companies; home owners; and park managers. This important training will begin at 8:30 a.m and is to be held at the Grand Lake Visitor Center, Grove, OK On April 19: Grand Lake Earth Day Celebration 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p,m at both the Grand Lake Visitors Center and Bernice State Park. On June 6 (1pm-7pm)& 7th (9am-4-pm): Blue Thumb Volunteer Training at the Grand Lake Visitor Center, Grove, OK [For further information contact Kevin Gustavson: kevin.gustavson@conservation.ok.gov]

The Foundation Board of Directors appointed a Chairperson for each of these Foundation Committees: Pete Churchwell, Executive Committee James Corbridge, Stakeholder Committee Drew Holt, Watershed Plan Committee

The Foundation Board of Directors elected three new Board members: Tom Collinson, Pittsburg, Kansas; Robert L. Nichols, Webb City, Missouri; and Roger Norbeck, Bella Vista, Arkansas.

The Kansas Spring River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy Group will hold a stakeholder meeting at 6:00 p.m. February 4, 2008, at the Cherokee County Health Dept. Conference Room, in Columbus, Kansas. The program's future is on the agenda.

The Grand Lake O The Cherokees Watershed Alliance Foundation will hold its annual meeting at 10:00 A.M. January 29, 2008 at the Grand Lake Association Grove, OK 74344

Two citizens are submitting water test results contending that additional steams in southwest Missouri should be classified as impaired due to higher than permitted bacteria levels. The test results, conducted by citizens, local governmental agencies, and tribal entities, are being sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Testing was conducted in parts of Jasper, Newton, and Lawrence counties. Source: Joplin Globe

A new organization named the Multi-basin Regional Water Council has been formed in northwest Arkansas. Its area includes the Elk River basin of the Grand Lake watershed. The Chairman is James Gately who can be contacted at E-Mail: Jamesgately@hotmail.com. Our previous announcement reported an incorrect organizational name for the Multi-basin Regional Water Council.

The Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group has been formed in northwest Arkansas. The Elk River basin which is part of the Grand Lake watershed, is included. Chairman James Gately. E-Mail: Jamesgately@hotmail.com

The Board of Directors announced the appointment of Patricia Brandon as Foundation Treasurer. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Pittsburg State University.

The Board of Directors have appointed Robin White as Foundation Executive Vice President-Oklahoma. Robin received her law degree from the University of Tulsa