Courtesy Photo | Joan Stemler, Chief of Water Control, St. Louis District professional photo.... read more read more
Working as a professional water control manager is a unique and demanding profession. Overcoming the challenges associated with tackling the constant fluctuations over a large watershed requires determination and innovation. When an individual comes along with integrity and the fortitude to overcome difficult challenges - it makes an impact. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, Chief of Water Control Division’s Joan Stemler is one of these individuals. This March, Stemler was recognized by River Management Society Board Member Helen Clough, along with several members from the St. Louis District as the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to River Management Award recipient through a surprise virtual meeting held in lieu of Joan’s attendance at the national symposium in Ashland, Oregon.
During the annual symposium scheduled for April 8-10, 2025, the River Management Society focuses on technical training, peer learning and recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the art and science of river management.
“Our society supports holistic river management, and we are extremely proud to recognize the award winners and their outstanding contributions,” said Helen Clough. She added, “The travel restrictions are requiring us to recognize several award winners virtually, so we are recognizing them prior to the symposium to ensure the achievements of all that cannot attend in person are recognized by their peers and celebrated with the honor they deserve.”
Stemler was presented this award for "Outstanding Contribution to River Management" which recognizes her thirty-year history of contributions to the Environmental Pool Management program. Joan was instrumental in changing environmental projects on the Upper Mississippi River. Prior to the program’s implementation, the Upper Mississippi River had lost the shallow depth vegetation used by foraging waterfowl and fish that existed before the locks and dams were built.
Managers were limited to using isolated areas located along the river in backwater areas to create habitat by periodically pumping them dry and later flooding to encourage plant growth. However, this technique did not help the species that couldn’t reach the areas separated from the main river. Seeking to understand the issues and concerns, Stemler first met with resource managers in 1994. From those conversations came the first efforts for what would ultimately become the Environmental Pool Management program.
This new plan incorporated an opportunity during the spring high water season when river flows are sufficient to maintain the 9-foot navigation channel to manipulate the pools to expose thousands of acres of mudflats which in turn stimulated the growth of the natural occurring wetland plant seed base. The growth of moist soil vegetation during this time benefited fish and migratory waterfowl by providing food for a wide variety of species, through both high energy seed production and the growth of aquatic insects. It also benefited fish by providing both protective cover for small species and ambush cover for predators. This program doesn’t increase any operational budgets to create these areas but has a huge impact on habitat. Monitoring efforts have shown that in a good year, the Environmental Pool Management program provides enough seed to produce one day’s food for over eight million ducks! Over the past 30 years, this program has produced thousands of acres of vegetation and has restored some species of plants that many thought were lost on the Upper Mississippi River.
“Having an environmental mindset has affected our culture with the Corps’ and the success of this program has opened minds all across the nation on what is possible,” said Brian Johnson, Chief, Environmental Compliance Branch. “Additionally, Stemler’s work over the past 30 years in creating and refining the Environmental Pool Management program has had a large impact well outside the St. Louis District,” he said. Currently, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Navigation and Environmental Sustainability Program is focusing on this type of river management across the Upper Mississippi River to address critical habitat needs.
The River Management Society recognized Joan with the “2025 Outstanding Contribution to River Management” award for her efforts as a water manager having resulting in a very resilient and sustainable program, which is nationally recognized. From her early years, Joan realized relationships and communication between agencies made a huge difference. Understanding the possibilities and opportunities along with being able to work across Corps of Engineers divisions and commands is also key to solving issues. Her exemplary commitment to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lower three locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River over the past 30 years has had a large impact well beyond the St. Louis District boundaries. She has organized and led meetings of river managers though out the basin that has led to a more systemic approach to river management and has been a change agent in leading her peers to think environmental enhancement in everything they do.
Drew Smith, deputy chief Water Shed Division noted, “Joan is highly respected in the water control community and whenever a difficult problem arises most teams take a step back and ask, what would Joan do, as they brainstorm solutions.”
Thank you, Joan, for your dedication, vision and decade of exquisite leadership.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 12:25 |
| Story ID: | 494376 |
| Location: | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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