By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Missouri conservation officials have come up with a plan to protect one of the most pristine creeks in the state. LaBarque Creek empties into the Meremec River not far from Eureka, Missouri.
Tracy Boaz, with the state Department of Conservation, says most streams near urban areas typically only have 8-10 fish species. But LaBarque has more than 40. Boaz says the department has worked with landowners, the Jefferson County government, and other agencies to come up with a plan to protect the watershed. "And these landowners have stepped forward to say they're really interested in pursuing conservation practices on their property and working pro-actively with their neighbors to try to encourage the same," Boaz said.
The plan will be unveiled at an open house Thursday at the Great Pacific Coffee Company in Pacific, Missouri. The event is from 3:30 until 8:30.