After 42 years of federal service, 36 with the National Park Service (NPS), Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson is retiring on Jan. 3. Johnson has been the superintendent at the park since 2015. A native of Iowa, Johnson worked three summers as a forestry technician on the Superior National Forest in Minnesota while…
The Missouri Conservation Commission met at Conservation Department Headquarters in Jefferson City on Dec. 12 for its closed executive session and on Dec. 13 for its regular open meeting. The Commission: • Suspended or revoked one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of 11 individuals for cause: – Kevin A. Bridges, Harrisonville, hunting, 2 years;…
Every month I would like to answer some questions from readers in this space. Anything outdoors-related, ask away. Just email the Traveler directly or email me. The first question we received may be a bit late to ask since the temperature has been 11 degrees already this season. The question was: “Why winterize your camper?…
Tombstone photos by NPS Ranger William Chilton. A number of years ago I happened across a familiar epitaph while visiting the Alley Cemetery near the famous Alley Mill at Ozark National Scenic Riverways: An honest man is the noblest work of God. The line is from the poem “The Cotter’s Saturday Night” by the Scottish…
One of the things that I love about writing for this publication is the freedom I am given. I get to choose my own topics and the word count. With that said, it is my sincere hope that I do not upset anyone with my first article for the River Hills Traveler in 2020. I…
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…
I don’t remember ever seeing a real pickle barrel. By the time I was old enough to journey forth from the farm; dill pickles were still being sold individually — but from glass gallon-jars and not the older and much larger wooden vessels. There were still the wood stoves with pipe leading to either…
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…
