Missouri Geological Survey celebrates 160 years of service to Missourians

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is celebrating the 160thanniversary celebration of the Missouri Geological Survey by hosting an Open House April 22-26. The public is invited to attend daily presentations that highlight the work of the survey, see special exhibits, visit with staff and tour the Edward L. Clark Museum of Missouri Geology and McCracken Core Library and Research Center that includes a repository of nearly 3,000 drill core samples containing 2 million feet of rock core.

Since 1853, the survey has provided reliable scientific information to describe and understand Missouri's wealth of natural resources in the areas of geology, hydrology, minerals, water resources and energy.

Plan a visit and learn about the survey’s contributions to both the environmental and economic vitality of Missouri. Special presentations will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., so bring your lunch and drop by to learn about these topics:

Monday, April 22 – History and Future of the Geological Survey
Tuesday, April 23 – Geologic Mapping
Wednesday, April 24 – Caves
Thursday, April 25 – Water Wells and Groundwater
Friday, April 26 – Fossils


Register during the open house to win a stay at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, a geologic jewel of the Missouri State Park system.

The Missouri Geological Survey is located in the Buehler Building, 111 Fairgrounds Road, in Rolla. Self-guided tours of the museum are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum and presentations is free of charge. Visit the department’s website for additional information at dnr.mo.gov/geology/160/ and don’t miss the recent Missouri Resources magazine article about the great work of the survey atdnr.mo.gov/magazine/2013-winter.pdf.

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Public invited to comment at Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on August 11

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ROLLA, MO, AUG. 2, 2011 – Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey staff will conduct a Cadastral Mapping Standards Stakeholder meeting on Thursday, Aug. 11.

The public meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri Conservation Employees’ Credit Union, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City.

At this meeting, the department will accept comments from interested stakeholders regarding promulgation of a rule in development for Cadastral Mapping Standards.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish standards for the cadastral layer of Geographic Information System mapping. The cadastral layer is the foundation for property ownership, rights-of-way, easements and other restrictions or burdens placed on parcels of land.

For more information, contact the department at 573-368-2300 or write to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Land Survey Program, PO Box 250, Rolla, MO 65402. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the department at 573-368-2300, or call toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). 

For more information or a complete meeting agenda visit the department’s website dnr.mo.gov/geology/landsurvey/lsp-rules-in-dev.htm

Be prepared for spring floods

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BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–With the large snowfalls of the past winter, flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home, warns a University of Missouri Extension community development specialist.

“Most flood-related deaths are caused by people trying to drive through moving water,” said Georgia Stuart-Simmons. “Most cars will float—and be swept away—in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly, or the road bottom could wash away, making the water much deeper than it appears.”

Once cars are swept downstream, they will often roll to one side or even flip over entirely. The driver has only a few seconds to escape. “Many drivers panic as soon as the vehicle submerges and are found later with their seat belt still fastened,” she said. “Never, NEVER try to drive through moving water.”

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or if it has been steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for flood information. A flood watch means a flood is possible in your area. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

No matter what type of emergency you may face, it’s important to have a disaster supply kit. If flooding cuts you off from supply sources, you might need:

-First-aid kit and essential medications.

-Canned food and can opener.

-At least three gallons of water per person.

-Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

-Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

-Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

-Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)

“You will also need to know where to go if told to evacuate,” Stuart-Simmons said. “Choose several places—a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.”

If a flood watch is issued for your area, move valuables to higher floors. Keep a full tank of gas in your car in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When flooding is imminent, move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.

Links to disaster-related articles, downloadable publications, videos and other resources are available athttp://bit.ly/MUExtDisasterResources or http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=1064.