Protecting the Meramec River
Restoring Habitats, Protecting Wildlife and Increasing Water Quality
The Meramec River is a favorite destination for Missourians, known for floating, boating, fishing and swimming. But it’s more than just a fun place to visit.
An Irreplaceable Freshwater Resource
The top-ranked watershed in the Midwest, the Meramec is an irreplaceable freshwater resource and a key tributary to the Mississippi River. It boasts tremendous biodiversity. Almost 300 aquatic or aquatic-dependent species have been recorded in the basin. Many of these are rare, sensitive and protected species. They include 31 species of global significance, several of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Due to its path through several urbanized areas, the river also provides economic and recreational resources for local communities and supplies drinking water to approximately 70,000 households in the St. Louis area.
The Meramec River Conservation Action Plan
Strategies for long-term protection.
Explore the Action PlanCollaborative Conservation Efforts
The Nature Conservancy is collaborating with agencies, partners and private landowners to implement a science-based Meramec River Conservation Action Plan that combines leverages efforts to keep this resource healthy for future generations. Spearheaded by TNC, with input from 29 partners, the plan serves as a conservation blueprint for people living and working in the watershed.
The plan was derived from more than 40 existing conservation plans, policies and publications related to resource management in the Meramec River Basin. Businesses, government agencies, private landowners and conservation organizations can use the plan to determine best practices to protect, restore and conserve the Meramec's aquatic resources
Threats to the Meramec River
The Meramec has faced threats from numerous sources, such as inappropriate livestock use, mining, stream bank erosion, and urban and suburban development. These activities cause significant erosion and sediment buildup, which can alter the river’s natural flow and degrade its banks. Habitat disturbance from these activities disrupts the ecosystems that many species rely on, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Nutrient loading and contamination from agricultural runoff and industrial pollutants further compromise water quality.
As a result, the river’s wildlife habitat has been severely degraded, impacting not only the aquatic species but also the birds and mammals that depend on it. Habitat loss can also have a detrimental effect on sport and recreational fishing, reducing fish populations and affecting the local economy that depends on these activities.
Tools for Floodplain Protection
Since 2015, the Meramec River Basin has experienced several, record-breaking flood events. This has impacted many communities in Jefferson, Franklin and St. Louis counties.
In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed a Lower Meramec Floodplain Management Plan intended to serve as a roadmap for communities affected by these events. They held three workshops to collect input and share information about the plan. TNC attended all three workshops to promote nature-based solutions that should be incorporated into the plan.
The Nature Conservancy has created a Lower Meramec Floodplain Tool designed to identify critical opportunities for floodplain protection and restoration in the Lower Meramec River Basin. This tool allows stakeholders to find solutions that work for their communities.
Engaging the Community
In July 2024, The Nature Conservancy hired an Urban Waters Ambassador as part of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. This ambassador will be convening partner agencies working within the Meramec, Big and Bourbeuse watersheds and developing strategies to implement the previously created plans.
In addition, The Nature Conservancy will be hosting public outreach and input events within the Meramec watershed in order to understand community needs and promote involvement.
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