Four New Partnerships Signed at Mark Twain Lake Mark Twain Lake, Dec. 3, 2008- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has entered into 4 cooperative partnerships with Monroe City Sheltered Workshop, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Representatives from each entity gathered at the Mark Twain Lake Project Office on December, 3, 2008, to officially sign each Memorandum of Understanding into record. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Monroe City Sheltered Workshop (MCSW) have entered into 2 partnerships involving the removal of recyclable materials, with the other removing hazardous trees from Mark Twain Lake recreation areas. MCSW is a not-for-profit corporation providing dignified and meaningful employment for developmentally disabled adults. Work is specialized in recycling, parts inspection, industrial sanding, assembly work and custom pallet building. As a recipient of a grant to acquire a wood fuel furnace for their facility, MCSW was in need of an abundant and accessible supply of firewood. Also, they were in need of additional recyclable materials from the community. The Corps was able to provide the Ray Behrens Recreation Area as the initial recycling pickup location in hopes of adding additional locations, and access to firewood. As part of these partnerships, the Corps will receive assistance in the removal of trees that represent a hazard or maintenance liability and the removal of leaf, woody and trash debris from designated recreational facilities. Both of these partnerships serve the Corps' fundamental recreation and environmental stewardship missions. The Corps and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) entered into their partnership as a result of having a mutual interest in executing prescribed burns at Mark Twain Lake. This action further promotes each other’s responsible land stewardship practices. Prescribed burns are employed to control undesirable plant species and reduce density of field and vegetation while improving wildlife habitat. The Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) entered into a partnership to expand their support with the Mark Twain Lake Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities Special Event. This event is held every November in the Indian Creek Recreation Area and offers individuals a safe environment and an abundance of game. An average of 35 participants enjoy a quality outdoor experience which they may not otherwise have an opportunity to do so. With these 4 partnerships, each group found common ground in a time where budgets are constrained and teamwork is a valuable asset. The Corps looks forward to the continued success of these partnerships, in addition to all others in the future. Anyone interested in partnerships are encouraged to contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at (573) 735-4097.
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