Residents in and around Pine Tree Lake subdivision in Washington County are now ready for future wildfire seasons. A first-of-its-kind wildfire protection project aimed at reducing threats to infrastructure and private property was recently completed because of a partnership between the USDA Forest Service, Washington County commissioners, and Pine Tree Lake Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Two…
The busy summer recreation season has drawn to a close and Mark Twain National Forest employees are closing sites for the winter. During the winter months, water is shut off and maintenance of facilities and campsite amenities are completed. Here is an update for recreation sites on the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District. You need…
A successful deer hunt in Mark Twain National Forest can be had with a little mapping pre-work and review of the Forest Service regulations. While firearm deer hunting season may be over, we’re still in archery season. Here are some reminders to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hunt on Mark Twain National…
Engine 612 and Engine 671 crew members practiced the evacuation of a firefighter during a mock emergency incident, a new exercise added to Mark Twain National Forest’s annual fire readiness review. By September each year, Mark Twain National Forest firefighters have typically returned home to their duty stations from the various western wildfires to which…
The U.S. Forest Service launched the planning process for the Crane Lake Dam Safety & Rehabilitation Project at an open house in Arcadia Valley, Mo., on Sept. 26. The following information is offered as an update on the status of the planning effort. The Crane Lake Dam Safety & Rehabilitation Project is needed because…
Owen B. Hurley Ranger Owen B. Hurley and his wife, Hazel, made a lasting impact to the Fredericktown, Mo., area. Ranger Hurley collected data, made preliminary maps, and wrote a report that helped establish the St. Francois Purchase Unit in 1935. Hazel was very civic-minded. Owen B. Hurley came to Fredericktown on Feb. 1, 1935, to…
By Becky Ewing Smokey Bear was escorted to the Washington County Fair on the evening of Aug. 9 (his 75th birthday), where he received a county-wide honor. The Washington County (Mo.) Commission issued a resolution recognizing Smokey Bear on his 75th birthday, and declared August 9 as “Smokey Bear Day” in all of Washington…
By Becky Ewing A new toilet building was installed at Brazil Creek Trailhead during the last week of June and it has gotten rave reviews thus far. Restoring restroom facilities at this site was never a sure thing and the story can give visitors some insight into the challenges of managing Mark Twain National…
