The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO)
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to sustain and improve the water resources of Springfield and Greene County through education and effective management of the region’s watersheds. The WCO operates the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill Park to protect water resources through education, demonstration, and recreation. In March, 2021 WCO will take over operations of Fellows Lake Marina and the surrounding 20 acre Miller Park.
Fellows is an 860 acre lake created in 1955 by the impoundment of the Little Sac River. It is the main source of drinking water for Springfield. Fellows Lake has a family friendly atmosphere with a 40 hp maximum boat motor limit. Sport fishing opportunities include bass, crappie, walleye, and muskie. Trailspring and Ozark Greenways are creating natural surface trails for hiking, trial running, and mountain biking that is expected to bring new visitors to the park, and the Miller Park Master Plan outlines upgrading amenities, recreational opportunities, and educational opportunities.
Watershed Committee Executive Director, Mike Kromrey, is looking forward to taking on the marina and educating lake users about invasive zebra mussels and hydrilla plants, fish species, and the need to protect the area’s water. He said “We will strive to continue the customer service out there that people have come to expect. We also want to further our mission of not only connecting people with the lake but connecting them with information and actions we have to do to keep our water clean.”
