The Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society presents the Letter of Recognition to:

MDC (Danny Brown, Bob DiStefano, Scott Faiman, Jennifer Guyot, Josh Hundley, Sarah Kluesner, Mike McKee, Steve McMurray,  Kevin Meneau, Mike Reed, and Ivan Vining) 

MODNR (Chrisi Ambruster, Greg Bach, Frances Klahr and Hillary Wakefield)

USGS (Ann Allert, John Besser, Raissa Espejo, Susan Finger, Chris Ingersoll, Lynne Johnson, Steve Olson, Chris Schmitt, and Chris Witte)

USFWS (Dave Mosby, Andy Roberts, and John Webber)

The Big River, near Desloge Missouri, had received continuous inputs of lead, zinc, and other metals resulting from the localized milling of metal ores.  In 2008, the U.S. Dept. of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor General requested that trust resource agencies collect data for use in a Natural Resource Damage Assessment of the effects of mining-derived metals on the aquatic resources of the Big River in order to meet a statutory deadline in early 2009.  The above individuals, representing 4 agencies, formed the 2008 Multi-Agency Big River Assessment team which worked collaboratively to gather critical aquatic data including the assessment of the status of resident fish, mussel, and crayfish communities; in-situ toxicity testing of crayfish; and laboratory toxicity testing of mussels and invertebrates.  The completion of this effort required considerable reprogramming of staff and resources in order to meet the needs of the assessment. 

For their commitment to conservation, sound resource management, cooperative spirit, enthusiasm, and efforts to improve the Big River, the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is proud to recognize the hard work and individual sacrifices of these individuals as part of the 2008 Multi-agency Big River Assessment Team with a Letter of Recognition.