Lake Taneycomo Watershed
Protecting the Lake Taneycomo Watershed
This project is a three-year initiative to improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution in the Lake Taneycomo Watershed.
Why Lake Taneycomo?
Lake Taneycomo is a cornerstone in Southwest Missouri—providing drinking water, hydropower, fishing, and tourism. But the watershed faces pressures from nutrient and sediment pollution that degrade drinking water quality, aquatic habitat, and recreational opportunities. These pollutants come from nonpoint sources spread across the landscape (carried by runoff from farms, forests, streambanks, and neighborhoods), so meaningful improvements require a coordinated plan, local partnerships, and practical projects that help people protect water while meeting their land and community needs.
H2Ozarks and our project partners are taking action to restore water quality in the Lake Taneycomo watershed. Our work is guided by the community-developed Lake Taneycomo Watershed Management Plan (2024). Using this framework, we’ll support on-the-ground conservation projects, restore streambanks, remove invasive plants, improve stormwater solutions in local communities, and bring hands-on learning opportunities to residents—so Lake Taneycomo can continue to provide drinking water, wildlife habitat, and recreation into the future.
What We're Doing
This project contains multiple objectives that will be accomplished over the three-year timeline. Here are some of the actions we’ll be taking:
Supporting Landowners
We’re offering a cost share program for landowners to implement land management projects that also benefit water quality. We assist your use of best practices, and in achieving your goals you protect our essential water resources.
Leading Volunteer Events
We’ll hold volunteer events to replace invasive species with native plants and to clean up litter in the community! Get involved in your watershed community and make a positive different for Lake Taneycomo!
Providing Learning Opportunities
Connect and learn through workshops, demos, educational resources, and more. We’ll help provide practical tips for homeowners and community members. Small actions can compound to improve water quality for everyone in the watershed!
Where We're Working
Our projects are focused in 4 main sub-watersheds in Lake Taneycomo:
- Upper Bull Creek
- Fall Creek
- Silver Creek
- Woods Fork
These areas were identified in the Lake Taneycomo Watershed Management Plan as high-impact places where strategic projects can yield meaningful improvements.
Our Mission
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Get Involved!
We believe the best work takes place when we collaborate with our communities. Whether you’re a landowner, a student, or someone who cares about protecting clean water, there are many ways to engage and participate in this project.
- Landowners: Looking for assistance to reach your land management goals? We have cost-share programs for conservation practices! Apply for support and schedule a site visit.
- Residents: Join a workshop to learn practical ways to reduce pollution at home (yard care, septic maintenance, stormwater tips).
- Volunteers: Help with cleanups, invasive species removal, and other events around the lake and tributaries.
- Local groups & businesses: Partner with us on education, outreach, or community projects.
- Everyone: Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed!
Project Partners
The United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has provided partial funding for this project (G26-NPS-08) under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.
