The Conservation Federation of Missouri affiliate members play an important role in maintaining and developing the principles and practices established by the CFM to ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.
Another very important role of the affiliates is for its members to enjoy the natural resources that they work so hard to protect.
The Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club (OWWC) is a prime example of such an organization. This organization was established in 1956 by families who enjoy canoeing the many Ozark streams and in doing so felt that it was important to put forth an effort to help preserve those streams.
Today there are over 100 families plus individuals that are members of the OWWC and they are involved in the club’s many activities.
The club has been performing stream cleanup events on selected Ozark waterways since 1960. This year OWWC organized that annual cleanup on the Black River.
In addition, the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club has been a Missouri Stream Team member, #41, since 1988. In that capacity the club monitors the water quality of the Blue River located in the Kansas City area.
The club also supports conservation efforts by writing letters to legislators, developing resolutions, gathering petitions, providing testimonies and with cash contributions with the sole purpose of positive environmental stewardship.
As an example, the OWWC actively fought the Meramec dam project. The dam would have flooded the Onondaga Cave, which would have been a great loss to one of the natural wonders of Missouri.
The club is also involved in non-environmental programs. The members participated in a “Race to Nowhere” on spin stationary bicycles to raise funds for a Kansas City special needs gym facility.
