LOWA-Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance

Ron Duggan's Shootout Committee raised an impressive $445,000 to donate to the charities that assisted with the event. LOWA was honored to receive a check for $22,700. LOWA extends a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and deep gratitude to the Shootout Organizers!

Jeff Karr, morning DJ on The Mix, attended our Kayak Roundup last month and provided a donation to help with keeping our healthy Lake healthy. Our last Kayak Roundup of the year is tomorrow, September 11th, and although we will not be able to have a potluck this year due to Covid restrictions, it is still a wonderful free activity facilitated by our Master Naturalist partners to enjoy for these last few days of summer. Join us at the Ha Ha Tonka kayak launch between 8:30am and noon tomorrow!

Our very own Lake Hero: Trevor Dowdney, Owner and Lead Diver of LOZ Dive, LLC in Osage Beach, has a giving heart and cares for those in need. He had this to say regarding the losses brought on by Hurricane Ida. "I woke up at 3AM on Thursday realizing I hadn't helped out in any shape or form with the catastrophe that's going on down in New Orleans, Louisiana. By 8:30 had found several of my friends and businesses I do work with said 'I don't want money, I want generators'. On ...Sunday I drove down starting early to Perdido Key in Alabama and dropped off 13 generators to Florabama, and Jeff drove them the next day to Louisana to get out to people who need them. The first generators off the trailer went to three police officers and their families from Houma, Louisana, and this enabled them to stay and do their jobs to protect and serve. I got back in at 3 AM this morning." See more

Fall 2021 Native Plant Sale - Installing native plants is a great way to make your property more friendly to our beautiful Lake. Pre-Order is available until September 29th. Pick up at the Sunrise Beach Fire Station on October 7th 3PM-6PM. Visit our website at www.lowatershed.org to order.

LOWA was proud to partner with Cars 4 Heros to provide a vehicle to a veteran in need over the Shootout weekend. NFL Chief's DeRon Cherry presented the keys and several gas cards to Joseph Presnel, the unsuspecting veteran who arrived with the color guard for the ceremony.

LOWA was able to fill over 40 volunteer slots at the Shootout this weekend with the help of the kind and caring members of our community. Cricket Staggs, President-Elect of the Lake of the Ozarks Board of Realtors, was one such individual who contributed his time. Cricket sees the beauty in humankind and shared one of his experiences from the weekend. "Rosie, the older lady in the photo, was gingerly climbing off of the volunteer bus one careful step at a time. The entire bus... of folks patiently waiting behind her as she disembarked first. The driver was holding her things, looking to pass them off to somebody in the canopy so he could go back for the next group of worn out, sweaty volunteers... when a gentleman behind her stepped up and said, 'I got you, Rosie!' and scooped up all her stuff and escorted her to her vehicle. Good people come in ALL shapes and sizes, but their hearts are all the same. They care, they give, and they ask nothing in return. They are there year after year to serve those around them as best they can. Thank you Rosie, and thank you to the generations to come." -Cricket Staggs

LOWA needs your help!

LOWA is still looking for volunteers for the Shootout. If you are interested, sign up now so you don't miss the free Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Party at Captain Ron's on the 18th at 6PM!

The Fire Stations are always a big help to our organization. Take a look at this information for the Northwest Fire Department's Annual Ham and Bean Dinner on October 16th.

Great memories! St Thomas Yakers Fun Run on Osage River below Bagnell Dam.

Are you an experienced captain? Love the Shootout? Want the best view of the race? We need you as a patrol boat! Please contact 573-434-4400 for details. Let’s keep this a safe and fun event!

36 Niangua Darters took off this morning from Whistle Bridge heading for Ha Ha Tonka. Thank you all for your support of clean water and a clean water sport. Pic of the couple and their canoe is special. They are celebrating their 42nd anniversary paddling the Niangua in the same canoe they took on their honeymoon. Cheers!

The Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, Inc. (LOWA) is pleased to announce that registration is open for their 4th Annual Niangua Darter. This kayak event is for both novice and expert paddlers with their own equipment. Alternatively, equipment can be rented from River Monkey (573) 836-3977. This event will be on Sunday, July 12 from Whistle Bridge to Ha Ha Tonka, about 11 miles. For those wanting a shorter paddle, there will be a take out at Casa de Loco, at about the... six mile mark. This is a really cool stretch of water. A map with points of interest can be viewed on the registration site. We’ve been cooped up too long, and a nice Sunday float is a welcome diversion. The event has been planned with your safety in mind. Pre-registration is required and the deadline is June 25. Registration includes a cool tee shirt, water resistant map, insurance, and a snack at the end. Arrange your own shuttle from Ha Ha Tonka to Whistle, or register for ours. $35 for the event, additional $15 for shuttle. Bring your own equipment, water, food for along the way. Remember: your donation to participate in events such as this provide much needed funds to help us Keep Our Healthy Lake Healthy, and we thank you in advance. If you are unable to join us, please consider a donation through our secure website. Every amount is welcome and appreciated. Registration is open now on our website: www.Lowatershed.org. Click on the Events button, scroll to Niangua Darter and register before June 25. LOWA is a citizen based 501c3 lake area non-profit with a mission to Preserve, Protect, & Improve the Lake of the Ozarks watershed, its waters and natural resources while maintaining the economic, social and environmental health of the lake.