The Elk River Basin is an ecologically significant drainage in southwest Missouri. Unfortunately, like other river basins in the state, stream bank erosion impacts its waters, resulting in sedimentation and nutrient pollution, loss of in-stream habitat, and degradation of water quality and recreation opportunities for local communities. At a site on the lower end of…
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) Superintendent Larry Johnson was recently invited to visit the South Central Correctional Center, at Licking, to receive a mural painting that features scenes from the ONSR. The mural was a surprise donation to the National Park Service, hand-painted by one inmate at the correctional facility. The artwork, which measures approximately…
A new boardwalk and elevated observation deck along the Little Sac River, near the output of Indian Spring, will allow guests visiting Fantastic Caverns another opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the Ozarks’ scenery, this time above ground. The observation deck and boardwalk front 175 feet of the Little Sac River’s southern bank. Over…
Hidden in the southwest part of the Fredericktown Unit, in Iron County, is one of Mark Twain National Forest’s jewels — the 100-acre Crane Lake. Three years have passed since engineering inspections first revealed that Crane Lake’s dam does not meet federal dam safety regulations. Since then, the USDA Forest Service has been…
National Park Service firefighters burned off from nearby roads to contain the wildfire. The historic Welch Lodge, located north of Akers Ferry on the upper Current River, was destroyed in a wildfire that ignited on April 12, during warm, windy, and dry weather conditions. Despite valiant efforts by several local fire departments and wildland firefighters…
The men and women who have served as fire tower lookouts have played an important role in wildland firefighting throughout Forest Service history. Working in solitude, they scanned the horizon for smoke and alerted dispatchers to potential wildfires. Mark Twain National Forest still employs the use of fire lookouts to aid in early…
The Missouri Conservation Commission met on Thursday, April 5, and suspended or revoked one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of 38 individuals for cause: • Justin R. Angermeier, Clinton, all sports, one year; • David H. Berry, Sr., Everton, all sports, lifetime; • David H. Berry Jr., Everton, all sports, lifetime; • Ridge…
Stream Teams United has scheduled the dates for Paddle MO 2018 for Sept. 19-23. Take part in this adventure down the last 100 miles of the Missouri River, starting in Hermann, Missouri, and ending at the confluence as North America’s longest river meets the Mississippi River. Along the way, explore riverside small towns, learn about…
