MISSOURI CONSERVATION HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S
STREAM STEWARDSHIP TRUST FUND

Since it began administering the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund in 2000, the MCHF has raised and dispersed more than $1.85 million for on-the-ground stream protection efforts, working with the Missouri Department of Conservation and other stream partners statewide.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Foundation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorized and established operating conditions for the Trust Fund.

With the Corps’ authorization, the Foundation—as the Trust Fund sponsor—can assume an applicant’s Clean Water Act Section 404 stream mitigation responsibilities. Costs associated with participating in the Trust Fund are based on specific permit requirements and market forces (i.e., Means Building Construction Data guidelines).

GOAL
Provide an accountable stream mitigation option that offers benefits to aquatic resources, regulators, and Section 404 applicants.

OBJECTIVE
Implement an in-lieu-fee mitigation alternative that works to ensure stream impacts are given increased attention during the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 regulatory process.

FOCUS
To address authorized impacts to headwater stream systems (i.e., 1st through 3rd order).

PROGRAM FACTS
The Trust Fund has: (1) remained voluntary, never mandatory, (2) not changed the Clean Water Act’s permit process, (3) been used to address small acreage impacts, and (4) served to increase the regulated public’s knowledge of headwater streams.

TRUST FUND DOLLARS
Resources are earmarked for restoration, enhancement, and/or protection of stream systems and associated riparian habitats.

Trust Fund Dollars will be handled in accordance with: (1) MOU, and (2) grant program guidelines.
• Proposals selected through process ensuring only priority stream projects are funded.
• Utilize project sites that are covered by a 30 year agreement, permanent easement, or purchased by the Foundation.
• Require allocation to a specific project within three years following the calendar year collected.

ANNUAL REPORTING
The Foundation provides the Corps with an annual report which states the Trust Fund’s: (1) balance, (2) investment instruments, and (3) list of supported stream projects and associated costs. Each report will cover one calendar year cycle (i.e. January through December).

If you have questions, contact the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation at P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0366, or call 573-634-2080 or 1-800-227-1488 for more information.