We aren’t even into flood season yet, and the Meramec River has experienced one of the worst floods in recorded history. Thankfully, the water did not crest as high as was predicted, but thousands of people and miles of landscape were still affected by the rising waters. Now that the water is receding, we will be assessing the situation along the Meramec and looking for ways that we can help restore any areas that have been negatively affected. Our biggest cleanup event on the Meramec River, Operation Clean Stream, scheduled for August 23rd, will be especially important as the floodwaters are sure to have washed trash and debris into the waterway.

In the wake of this latest flooding of the Meramec, issues of new levees and flood control have once again come to the forefront. It is important to remember the role of greenways, buffers and open space in flood control. Without adequate open space to absorb floods, instead streets, homes and businesses are inundated as the water has no where else to go. The Open Space Council has renewed our commitment to work with individuals and with communities to conserve open space and work for a cleaner, safer Meramec River that all Missouri citizens can appreciate and enjoy.