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Update: House passes gun law changes

Administrator — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:04:44 +0000

A bill which would allow concealed carry on Missouri campuses, lower the age for CCW from 23 to 21, and amend the castle doctrine passed the Missouri House on April 16 with a vote of 105 to 50.

The bill still has to go to the Missouri Senate. The bill, as passed, is available to read online at HB 668, or go to the April 12 Traveler post on this bill.

Brad Ledbetter, Poplar Bluff, wins DNR award

Administrator — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:31:31 +0000

For his initiative and dedication during a widespread ice storm, Bradley K. Ledbetter has been named April 2009 Employee of the Month by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He is an Environmental Specialist IV and unit coordinator in the Southeast Regional Office, Poplar Bluff, and was nominated by the Southeast Region director, Gary Gaines.
On Jan. 27, 2009, an ice storm hit southeast Missouri, knocking out power to more than 100,000 homes, shutting down public drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, and preventing most regional office staff from coming to the office to deal with the crisis. According to Gaines, Ledbetter, on his own initiative, stepped forward and started making calls, coordinating efforts at the regional level, keeping the regional director and others informed and worked diligently to address the needs of Department staff, managers, first responders and the general public. He compiled lists and spreadsheets that were helpful to relief efforts. Since he was dealing with the storm himself, much of his work had to be done from home. He continued his coordination and communication efforts, even after the initial crisis had passed and other staff began to take on more responsibilities. “I am extremely pleased with all he did to keep the office going and I am proud of his monumental accomplishments,” said Gaines. Ledbetter has worked for the department since May 1994. He resides in Poplar Bluff.

Public meeting with MDC at Eminence

Administrator — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:10:06 +0000

A public meeting sponsored by the Voice of the Ozarks and the Missouri Department of Conservation will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, at the Eminence High School Old Gymnasium to explain conservation department policy on public roads, forest management, wildlife management and other areas. There will be an organized question and answer session.

Volunteers develop cave exhibit

Administrator — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:04:05 +0000

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Reed Detring with Mike Simpson, left, and James Hall , both of Springfield, receive a plaque engraved with the Park Service Mission and embedded with a commemorative National Park Service coin for the new cave exhibit at the Akers Contact Station. Hall designed and constructed the cave exhibit, with Simpson providing additional support and inspiration. James Hall is the owner of JH Creative Studios in Nixa and has designed exhibits for parks and museums across the country. Mike Simpson is a former employee of Ozark National Scenic Riverways and educator in the Springfield area. Both were volunteers on this project.

Riverways superintendent’s report

Administrator — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:33:53 +0000

Mother Nature has her own way of making us recognize her. The dark long days of winter have given way to the longer springtime daylight. Trees are budding, waiting until their right moment to pop their leaves to the world, waking up as the seasons change. The flowers are starting to bloom. Suddenly, it becomes a symphony of color in these hills; wildflowers, trees, and animals all greeting each after the quiet of winter.

In many ways, we are doing the same at the park. Many events and daily activities come together to be the operations portion of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which kicks off soon. I began the year reflecting on the successful cultural events we hosted in October and December at Alley Spring and Park Headquarters. We continued with an Owl Prowl in February and are looking towards June and our Heritage Days. With each of these events comes planning, something we are doing now.

Planning also involves knowing what we have. The Ozarks boast a number of horse trail ride operations. Currently the park is working on Commercial Use Authorizations for these service providers. Until we can accurately assess this as an issue in the park, we cannot protect the resource or provide a quality recreation experience. If you are interested in pursuing this authorization, the website is: www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/permits.htm. Information is also available at park headquarters or by phone at 573-323-4236.

We are moving forward with our General Management Planning Process, finalizing the maps, making sure places on the map are really where they are. The planning discussions are for the whole community; we want to have an open dialogue with our neighbors and stakeholders to do what is best for the resource, protecting it for future generations, while still serving as a recreational location for the people of today. This mission directed by the United States Congress to the National Park Service 92 years ago provides challenging issues to us every day, but these issues are not insurmountable. We will strive to achieve an acceptable balance as we continue this important planning effort.

During the week of June 22nd, we will be hosting a series of open houses for the public to join us in determining how to best meet those challenges. We look forward to engaging people at several locations around the state. It will provide a great opportunity for all interested parties to provide their input into the planning process of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. For more information on these meetings or for a copy of the latest newsletter discussing potential alternatives, please visit our website at: www.nps.gov/ozar. The General Management Plan link is on the front page.

I look forward to seeing people in the park this year. I hope you will join us in your community in June.

Reed E. Detring
Superintendent

Ozark Riverways GMP Net Link

Administrator — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:33:10 +0000

For Traveler reader convenience, we’re posting a long, but clickable link to Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Management Plan progress. Riverways is not accepting comments at this time (3/09) but anticipates releasing GMP draft alternatives for public comment in late spring. We just thought you might like to see what has been done so far.
NPS Ozark Riverways GMP.

Corps sues Ameren over sediment from Taum Sauk collapse

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:07:15 +0000

STLtoday.com, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch website, reports the Army Corps of Engineers is suing AmerenUE, claiming Clearwater Lake in
southeast Missouri was damaged by sediment from the 2005 collapse of the
utility’s upper Taum Sauk reservoir. Read the story at http://www.stltoday.com/business/manutech

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Riverways ranger honored for interpretation

Administrator — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:36:24 +0000

Park Ranger Bryan Culpepper (right) is shown here receiving the prestigious Freeman Tilden Award presented to him by Superintendent Reed Detring of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Bryan Culpepper, park ranger at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, was awarded the Midwest Region Freeman Tilden Award for his continued contribution to Ozark Heritage Days and the National Park Service. The award recognizes outstanding public contributions in interpretation and visitor services by park employees. Nominees were judged on creativity, originality, and positive contributions to enhancing the public’s understanding of national park resources.

The award is named for Freeman Tilden, the author of The National Parks, What They Mean to You and Me and Interpreting Our Heritage. Tilden’s writings have had considerable influence on National Park Service interpretation and education programs.

— National Park Service news release

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Wappapello Lake management, staff recognized

Administrator — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:10:36 +0000

From left, Corps of Engineers Divisional Award Winners: Park Ranger Crystal Baughman from Chief Joseph Dam and Rufus Wood Lake (Northwest Division Region), Stephen Austin (USACE Headquarters), Natural Resources Specialist Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson from Wappapello Lake (National Winner and Mississippi Valley Division Region), Park Ranger Kimberly Baker from Caesar Creek Lake (Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Region), Recreation Specialist Judy Scott (Southwest Division Region).

It’s been a good year for the Corps of Engineers staff at Wappapello Lake.

The Wappapello Lake Project and staff was recognized as the nation’s top U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resources Management Project of the Year in 2008 and Wappapello’s Natural Resources Specialist Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson was recognized by his peers at the 2008 National Association of Interpreter (NAI) Workshop and Awards Ceremony held in Portland, OR.

Jefferson was recognized as the USACE Mississippi Valley Division Regional Interpreter of the Year. This presentation was a follow up for being recognized as the national recipient of the Hiram M. Chittenden Award for Interpretive Excellence at the senior leaders’ convention this past August in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Award is awarded to one who demonstrates outstanding achievement to enhance public understanding of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, promoting positive experiences and attitudes, and encouraging voluntary stewardship of natural, cultural, and created resources.

Jefferson has worked at Wappapello since 1987. He previously worked three years in the St. Louis District.

Other agencies that sent their top interpreter to National Association of Interpreters (NAI) awards ceremony included Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Park Service.

— From Corps of Engineers news release

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Corps prepares for Wappapello winter drawdown

Administrator — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:41:19 +0000

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake is preparing for the annual winter drawdown from recreation pool to conservation pool. In accordance with the water control plan, the pool is drawn down from the recreation pool elevation of 359.74 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), to a conservation pool elevation of 354.74 feet NGVD (five feet lower). This will begin early to mid-December.

Releases are dependent on lake elevation and inflow into the lake when drawdown begins. With current conditions, releases are planned to be 1,500 to 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) until the lake elevation falls to conservation pool. Barring significant precipitation, the lake should reach conservation pool by early January.

The conservation pool target elevation continues until late March, which allows for additional storage of winter and spring precipitation. Beginning in late March, the lake level is planned to be gradually raised by precipitation until the recreation pool is reached in early May.
During conservation pool, boaters are urged to use caution when on the lake. Several shallow areas are present on the lake at this time. Mud flats and tree stumps may be exposed or are just under the water’s surface. To aid in navigation, the old river channel is marked with red/white vertically striped mid-channel buoys from the dam to Chaonia Landing.

Between Chaonia Landing and Sulphur Springs there are nine “arrow signs” which help direct boaters in the direction of the river channel. Persons with permitted floating duck blinds on the lake are also reminded to keep a watch on water levels, especially those in the back of coves or other shallow areas. Blinds are to be removed from the lake or moored in designated storage coves no later than January 13, 2009.

Due to the expected late arrival of the 2009 annual day use passes, the $3/day
boat ramp use fee is being waived until March 1, 2009. All boat ramp facilities where the day use fee is charged will have the honor vaults and signs covered with plastic bags.
If you have any questions concerning the annual winter drawdown, 2009 annual passes, or other topics, contact the Wappapello Lake Project Office at (573) 222-8562.

— Corps of Engineers news release

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