James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) is a grass roots, not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 as a project of Southwest Missouri resource conservation and development.  In August of 1999, the Partnership became an autonomous organization, relying on grant funding and donations from individuals, businesses and governments across the watershed.

Our Goals:

1. Implement water quality evaluation protocol.
2. Implement programs to positively impact water quality.
3. Increase citizen participation in water quality issues.
4. Develop sustainable funding sources.

History of JRBP:
The James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) is grassroots, not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization working improve and protect the water quality of the springs, streams, rivers, and lakes in the James River Watershed.

JRBP was formed in 1997 as a project of the Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development. In August of 1999, James River Basin Partnership became an autonomous organization, relying on grant funding and donations from individuals, businesses and governments across the watershed.

Leading the organization is a core group comprised of the Board of Directors, Technical Advisory Team, Executive Director and Executive Assistant. The JRBP Board is comprised of dedicated volunteer members from across the region that represent the diversity of the James River Watershed- county and city governments, educators, citizens, businesses, agriculture, and members-at-large. The JRBP Board is a working board and each member serves on of six JRBP committees- Education, Marketing, Resource Development, Science, Land Stewardship and Special Events.

The strength of JRBP can be substantiated by the number of committed, local citizens involved in JRBP projects, and by the numerous, successful, collaborative projects with other organizations that are also working for better water quality. For example: the Partnership is growing- in January of 1998 the JRBP had approximately 40 members. Today, more than 200 members support the Partnership through volunteer time, financial contributions or in-kind donations.  Our informational newsletter, “The Current”, is mailed quarterly to over 1600 individuals. Currently, JRBP has many federally grant-funded projects including James River 319 grant, and the recently awarded EPA grant.

Through our diverse Board of Directors and variety of projects, JRBP strives to accomplish its mission and goals through a balance of economics and environmental principles. Only through widespread education of citizens and practical projects based on scientific data can we truly make a difference in water quality in the Ozarks.

Executive Board		Non-Voting Members
Dan Hoy, President                             Dave Coonrod, President Emeritus Todd Johnson, Vice President           Jennifer Dalton, Treasurer                      Louanne Danner, Secretary		Doyle Childers Don Lucietta Stacy Burks Rita Mueller
Board Members
Dr. William Cheek Mike Collins Travis Cossey     Ron Douglas Tom Aley              Debbie Redford     Mike Owens             Debbie Redford         Dan Hoy                  Duane Addleman Michael Homeyer  Todd Parnell      Jason Frantz     Laura Johnson     Dana Maugens	Teri Hacker Bud Hogan           Dr. Bobby Wixson Dr.Roy Holand Dr. Bob Jones Ray Jones        Gordan Day        Michelle West    Dick Wilson Larry Martin Brian Shipman      Dr. Janice Greene Martin MacDonald  Mike Owens

Dial Up  |  Broadband
Holly Neill - Executive Director
	Holly is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters of Natural and Applied Science. Thesis research was conducted at the Ozark Underground Laboratory on “The Effects of Land Use on Tumbling Creek Cave in Taney County, Missouri. Holly served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica at Discovery Bay Marine Lab where she assisted with Reef Fishery Research. She was also part of a National Science Foundation Fellowship Program at Missouri State to integrate scientists into the public school system. Her focus, as a part of the fellowship, was water quality and environmental education. Holly resides on the James River near Hooten Town access and has been involved with water quality improvement efforts for a number of years. email: hneill@missouristate.edu                                            phone (417) 836-8878
Melissa Bettes  - 319 Project Assistant
	Melissa Bettes graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science - Agronomy in December 2004. She is currently a member of the Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientist (MAPSS), and state certified to do on-site soil evaluations for septic systems. Melissa has worked for the Corps of Engineers, Table Rock Lake as an Interpretive Park Ranger where she assisted with live snake presentations along with developing educational programs about the TRL. Melissa has owned and operated a state licensed daycare center for children ages 0 to 12 years of age in Diamond, MO prior to returning to the University. email:  msb797g@missouristate.edu                                       phone (417) 836-4847
Tiffany Frey – AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant
	Tiffany graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders. She has spent the last three years working for Springfield Public Schools as a Speech Implementer. She worked with children both in the classroom and in one-on-one situations. Also for the past three years, she has served on the Board of Directors of a founders group whose goal it has been to open a private school in Springfield. In 2004, Tiffany, her husband, and 10 year old daughter turned a school bus into an RV that runs on waste vegetable oil and traveled across the country talking to others about alternative fuels. Tiffany has a passion for the outdoors and is currently servings as an AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant. She plans on seeking a second degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Biology. email tfrey@missouristate.edu                                              phone (417) 836-6183
Marina Cannon – AmeriCorps Stream Team Assistant
	Marina Cannon graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. Her passion for good design is matched only by her passion for social and environmental issues. Through her work both as a designer and instructor, she always finds the most satisfaction when taking part in projects for positive change. From adult literacy to zero unwanted pets, Marina's community service work has run the gamut. With the growing concerns about the availability, quality and sustainability of water, she is no longer satisfied being an observer, which is why she is both humbled and excited for the opportunity to address the challenges in our area and assist with improving the quality of water right here in the Ozarks. email marinacannon@missouristate.edu                                 phone (417) 836-3756
Sonja Lallemand – MSU Graduate Assistant
	Sonja is a recent graduate of MSU in Horticulture, currently pursuing a Masters in Plant Science with an emphasis in oenology and fruit production. After a career in corporate America, Sonja returned to school to expand her knowledge of plants culture. As a Master Gardener since 1996, she has shared her knowledge and love of plants with others by conducting seminars on plant propagation, plants for the Missouri summers, spring gardens and other subjects. As an intern at the MSU Mountain Grove campus, she is working with the field study of Missouri native flowers for the Cut Flower Industry, table grape production and has designed the slope garden featuring only Missouri native plants. While working for the City of Springfield, she re-designed and installed the perennial flower beds at Phelps Grove Park and was instrumental in the restoration of the rose garden. She is currently President of the Rose Society of the Ozarks and owns her own landscape design operation. email Lallemand26@missouristate.edu