MDC offers National Hunting and Fishing Day events around Missouri

Guided boat rides are a popular attraction during A Day on the Confluence at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Celebrate love of hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors during special activities.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish for more than half-a-million hunters and 1.1 million anglers. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians from all around the Show-Me State to join Americans nationwide in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by Congress in 1972 to commemorate past, present, and future conservation successes and to honor those sportsmen and sportswomen who began the modern conservation movement. National Hunting and Fishing Day is designated as the fourth Saturday in September. Today National Hunting and Fishing Day is a chance for people to come together to celebrate everything they love about hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.

MDC is partnering with other conservation organizations to host the following events on and around National Hunting and Fishing Day:

• In the St. Louis area, enjoy “A Day at the Confluence” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSept. 26 at MDC’s Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Activities will include archery, boat rides, and Asian-carp cooking demonstrations. For more information, call Columbia Bottom at 314-877-6014.
• In the Kansas City area, attend Family Outdoors Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSept. 26 at MDC’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. The cooperative event with Ducks Unlimited will focus on waterfowl-related sporting activities and wetland education. DU will offer free memberships in its youth Greenwing program. For more information, call the Reed Area at 816-622-0900.
• Also in the Kansas City area, MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range in Buckner will offer free shooting opportunities on Sept. 26 from noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Range at 816-249-3194
• Branson-area residents and visitors are invited to join MDC and Bass Pro Shops at Table Rock Lake for a weekend of outdoor sporting activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.on Sept. 12 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 13. The celebration will feature a pre-1840s mountain-man rendezvous and Native American cultural village. Outdoor recreational activities will include archery, air rifling, atlatl throwing, sling shooting, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can also learn about blacksmithing, weaving, knife-throwing, candle-making, and Dutch-oven cooking. For more information, visit Bass Pro online at conservation.basspro.com/Page/Outdoor-Days-Table-Rock-Lake.aspx.
• Also in southwest Missouri, join MDC for Family Shoots Free Day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Department’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Bois D’Arc. Range staff will assist and provide instruction, but visitors will need to bring their own firearms and ammunition. Range fees will be waived for the day. For more information, call the Range at 417-742-4361.
• In Columbia, the University of Missouri South Farm Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 will feature a trained-hawk demonstration, turtle and snake exhibit, Asian-carp preparation and sampling, fishing activities, and information about Missouri mammals. For more information, visit MU on line at southfarm.cafnr.org/.
• Cast a line or hit a bull’s-eye at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m.on Sept. 26. No registration is required, but opportunities are on a first-come-first-served basis. Staff and volunteers will provide help and all equipment for fishing and archery will be provided. For more information, call the Nature Center at 573-290-5218.
• Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host a Family Fish Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 26. Wet a line in the Center’s Mule Camp Pond and enjoy a variety of fish-related activities including making fish-print T-shirts, pond study, casting games, and more. Prizes and free food will be provided. No registration or fishing permits are required. For more information, call Twin Pines at573-325-1381.
• Celebrate in Moberly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Rothwell Park. Activities will include an archery (MoNASP) tournament, BB gun shooting, fishing pole casting and instruction, a streams table, MDC exhibits, local hunting and fishing business booths, and prize raffles. Get information about outdoor activities at local publicly owned areas. Concessions will be available and provided by the Randolph County 4-H Club For more information, call the MDC Northeast Regional Office at 660-785-2424.
• Hunting enthusiasts 11 years of age and older can polish their skills Sept. 18-20 in Bourbon with MDC’s Family Hunting Skills Weekend. It will feature courses in archery, shotgun, air rifle, trapping, and basic hunting at Camp Mihaska Retreat and Conference Center. For more information, contact MDC Education Outreach Coordinator Eric Edwards at Eric.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115 ext. 3295.

According to research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one out of four Missourians hunts and/or fishes. For more information on hunting, fishing, and other ways to discover nature in the Show-Me State, visit mdc.mo.gov.

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MDC: Day on the River is Sept. 12

Day on the River, Saturday, Sept. 12, in Cape Girardeau will offer free boat rides, riverside activities and samples of Asian Carp. (MDC photo)

Tour and explore the mighty Mississippi River with conservation biologists.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. –The mighty Mississippi River is the focal point of Cape Girardeau, yet many locals have never actually explored it by boat. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) aims to remedy that with Day on the River, an annual event where people of all ages are invited to tour the river with conservation biologists and naturalists Saturday, Sep. 20. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau with activities throughout the day.

According to Jamie Koehler, assistant manager of the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, no registration is required and all ages, youth and adult groups are welcome. Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, crafts, and informational booths from many supporting agencies. Boat rides will take place every half-hour (except from noon – 1 p.m.) at Riverfront Park. Koehler said this free event will be fun for the whole family.

“Families can enjoy boat rides, practice casting a fishing pole, see and touch fish of the big river, and even taste an Asian carp,” Koehler said.

“The Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands are not only a huge part of Cape Girardeau heritage, but are also important habitats to diverse wildlife. This makes for excellent hunting and fishing opportunities,” Koehler said. “We hope lots of people will join us for this unique event to celebrate our amazing natural resources.”

For more information on this event and others offered at the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, call 573-290-5218 or go online tomdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

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Cape Nature Center hosts Voices of Missouri’s Rivers author

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – William Turner, author of Voices of Missouri’s Rivers, will share the background behind his book at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.

“Our rivers are a vital part of our natural landscape,” said Jamie Koehler, assistant nature center manager. “We live right next to them, yet sometimes we know very little about them. This book helps us to understand Missouri’s rivers on a deeper level.”

Turner will discuss why he took on the task of writing about the state’s rivers and what he has learned during his many years of research for the 360-page book. Published by MDC, Voices of Missouri’s Rivers is about Missouri's rich river history and how clean flowing water in our rivers is vital to sustaining the lives of all Missourians. Turner explores the natural and cultural history of Missouri's rivers in vivid, full-color detail. Highlights of the book include the state's river history, basic river science, and a glimpse of the future of river conservation.

Turner writes, "The stories of Missouri's rivers are very much the stories of its people." This is why visitors to this event at the Cape Nature Center are welcome to reveal their thoughts and feelings about Missouri’s rivers, too.

Turner holds a master's degree in aquatic ecology and has taught river science at the college level. He also helped establish and lead a statewide river conservation program in Missouri. Turner had a 30-year career with MDC and retired as the Department's Fisheries Division chief.

The book sells for $19.50 plus tax (and shipping for mail orders) at MDC nature centers, regional offices, and online atmdcnatureshop.com. A book signing session will follow the presentation. More information about this and other events can be found online at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter..

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Explore the Mighty Mississippi River with the Cape Nature Center

The Mississippi River as viewed from Cape Rock in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Candice Davis)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – From Ste. Genevieve County to Dunklin County, Missouri’s southeast region touches about 250 miles of the Mississippi River. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites Missourians to learn more about the river at several upcoming events hosted by the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“We have events coming up for people at all levels of the comfort spectrum,” said Jamie Koehler, assistant manager of the Nature Center. “Some people just want to know more about the river, so we have our Nature Center at Night program for that. Others want to actually get out on the river and experience it, so we have two different opportunities for that, based on experience levels.”

On Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Nature Center will host Nature Center at Night, an event focused on providing an opportunity to explore the Nature Center after normal operating hours. This month, Nature Center at Night will focus in on the Mississippi River with hands-on displays and a presentation at 6 p.m. Youth and adult groups are welcome to attend.

For those who are ready to navigate the river, the Nature Center  will host a floating event Aug. 14 and 15. Experienced paddlers are welcome to enjoy a float from Trail of Tears State Park to Red Star Access on the Mississippi River. The group will enjoy lunch on a sandbar and explore the river with expert guides. This “Floatin’ on the River” event begins with a Friday night session about navigation, river flows, hazards and other information. This event is for paddlers 16 years and older. Registration is required and begins July 15 at the Nature Center.

Day on the River, Saturday, Sep. 12, will offer a chance to explore the river on boats driven by MDC biologists. This event at the Cape Girardeau Riverfront attracts thousands of people annually.

“Day on the River is a huge event where we celebrate the river all day with a great variety of activities right there on and next to the river,” Koehler said.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features live river animals, Asian carp samples, boat rides and much more. Everyone is welcome to attend and no registration is required.

“This event is designed to offer something to everyone with many different ways to learn about and explore the river,” Koehler said. “We want to help people discover nature and the Mississippi River is a great place to start.”

More information and registration information (if required) for each of these events can be found at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter or by calling (573)290-5218.

Sign up now to trotline for catfish on the Mississippi River

MDC staff hold a 45-inch, 50 lb., blue catfish collected while electrofishing on the Mississippi River. From left to right are MDC Resource Assistant Forest Copeland, Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Knuth and Conservation Agent Brian Shelton.

Fisheries biologists will teach safety and basics of trotlining on the Mighty Mississippi.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a catfishing clinic, Trotlining for Catfish on the Mississippi River, scheduled for Aug. 13-15. This free course, part of the MDC’s Angler Recruitment Initiative, is designed to provide local anglers with information and skills needed to safely navigate and fish the mighty Mississippi.

“The Mississippi River is probably one of the best, yet overlooked, opportunities for catfishing in Missouri,” said Dave Knuth, MDC Fisheries Management Biologist.

Knuth said the mighty Mississippi has earned a reputation for being difficult to navigate and fish.  During the course of this hands-on workshop, anglers will learn how to safely traverse navigational hazards including floating debris, wing dikes, fluctuating river stages, and swift currents. They will also learn about necessary gear, species specific fishing information, and trot line safety and setting techniques. 

The course will begin at the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office in Cape Girardeau, Aug. 13. The next two days will feature hands-on activities at Red Star Fishing Access Ramp in Cape Girardeau. Thursday night will feature a catfish dinner. Participants will bait and set a 10-hook trotline Friday evening. Lines will be retrieved Saturday morning. All equipment will be provided. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Space is limited, so preregistration is required by July 2 by calling the Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5790.

For information on fishing opportunities in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov/fishing. Anglers can also get weekly fishing reports, annual prospects, permit information and more through MDC’s “Find MO fish” free mobile app, available for download at mdc.mo.gov/node/15421.

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October 2014 Conservation Action

The Conservation Commission met Oct. 16 and 17 at Conservation Department

Headquarters in Jefferson City.  Commissioners present were:

James T. Blair, IV, Chairman

David W. Murphy, Vice Chairman

Marilynn J. Bradford, Secretary

Don C. Bedell, Member

REGULATIONS

The Commission approved final recommendations for changes to the Wildlife Code pertaining to captive cervid facilities.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

Received presentations from

• Outreach and Education Supervisor Claudine Lamb regarding the Discover Nature Schools program.
• Resource Scientist Sara Tripp regarding The Mississippi River Basin: A River Divided or Migratory Swimway?
• Wildlife Programs Supervisor Dennis Figg regarding Strategic Guidance for Healthy Forests, Fish, and Wildlife.
• Human Resources Division Chief Tom Neubauer regarding Personal Services Trends.

Approved amending an agreement for professional engineering services for the design of the new Grand River Pump Station at Fountain Grove Conservation Area (CA) in Livingston County.

Approved the exchange of a 90-acre tract of Clubb Creek CA in Bollinger County for an 85.9-acre tract in Wayne County as an addition to Coldwater CA.

Approved the sale of approximately 1.64 acres of Little Black CA in Ripley County.

Approved the sale of approximately 5 acres of Hollister Towersite in Taney County.

Suspended hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges of nine Missouri residents and two nonresidents for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

• James E. Arnold, Richland, hunting, 1 year
• LaVerne H. Brancamp, Algonquin, Ill., all sport privileges, 1 year
• Holden B. Browning, Sedalia, hunting and fishing, 1 year
• Thomas Kussman, Dalton, fishing, 1 year
• Charles Leonard, Keytesville, commercial fishing, 1 year
• Ethan R. McAdams, Salisbury, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Brandon D. Steen, Freeburg, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Duc Tran, Camdenton, fishing, 1 year
• Raymond E. Wagler, Bowling Green, commercial deer breeder, 1 year
• William J. White, Argyle, Iowa, all sport privileges, 1 year
• Ryan W. Wolf, Weatherby, fishing, 1 year

Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 415 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.

Suspended privileges of 310 people under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Imposed hunting privilege suspensions of three Missouri residents who injured other persons in hunting incidents. The hunters must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

Set the next regular Commission meeting for Dec. 11 and 12.

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Conservation Department teaches fish cleaning, cooking at Cape Riverfront Market

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Fish cleaning and cooking may not be an intuitive skill, but it’s Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8:45, 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. Knuth will even have samples of the fish for the crowd to taste.

easy to learn. Dave Knuth, a fisheries management biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), will demonstrate how to properly clean and cook catfish, crappie and Asian carp at the Cape Riverfront Market,

“This is an opportunity for people who aren’t comfortable cleaning fish to see how easy it really is, and also for folks to try a taste of these fish,” Knuth said.

He said the trick to cleaning a fish is getting to know its internal structure.

“There are specific ways to clean different species of fish. For example, Asian carp have a very different bone structure than many of our native fish,” he said.

Knuth said these demonstrations are an effort to inform people of the benefits of properly cleaning fish and also to gain awareness for the invasive Asian carp. Asian carp populations are growing in many of our large rivers and are competing with some of our native fish, he said.

“Asian carp, specifically the silver carp, are not only causing declines in some of our native fish populations, but can also to be a  danger to boaters in the waters where they exist,” Knuth said.

Silver carp jump when they are frightened and many times will jump into the boat.

“I used to wear a football helmet to keep from getting hit in the head by them,” he said.

Knuth said Missourians can be an integral part in reducing the numbers of Asian carp by harvesting them. Knuth also said that because Asian carp are an invasive species, there’s no limit to how many anglers can keep. He and other conservation officials hope once people know how to clean and cook the troublesome fish, they will “kill the species with a fork.” The first step is getting people to try it and learn how to prepare it. Knuth said Asian carp have a very white and flaky meat and some even prefer it over tilapia or catfish.

“Sometimes people just need to see something firsthand to get the hang of it,” Knuth said, adding he will also take the time to interact with the crowd and answer questions.

Fishing is a time-honored tradition in Missouri and a great way to discover nature as a family. Educational programs like fish cleaning demonstrations help to continue that tradition for future generations.

The Cape Riverfront Market is open on Saturdays from  8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot at 35 S. Spanish, next to Celebrations Downtown and across from Bel-Air Bar & Grill. For more information about the Cape Riverfront Market, please visit caperiverfrontmarket.com.

For more information on where to fish or how to clean and cook fish, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

Janzow photo exhibit highlights southeast Missouri diversity

River scenes and mountain views will catch the attention of visitors to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in June. The center will feature work by photographer and

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center's
June photo exhibit by photographer and wildlife biologist,
 Marcus Janzow, will feature the rich
biodiversity of southeast Missouri.

wildlife biologist, Marcus Janzow, in the monthly art display.

Janzow’s exhibit, titled “Diverse Landscapes of Southeast Missouri,” focuses on the extreme natural diversity of the southeast Missouri region, from the St. Francois Mountains and the Mississippi River hills to springs and streams of the Ozarks and the sand prairies of the Bootheel.

The focus for all activities and exhibits at the Nature Center is ‘Connecting people to the land’ and Sara Turner, the manager of the nature center, said Janzow’s photographs go a long way toward highlighting the great diversity of land and natural resources that abound throughout southeast Missouri.

“These natural communities are prime targets for the lens of a camera, and we hope our community will be inspired to connect with the land by visiting these places after they view this June exhibit,” Turner said.

The exhibit is free and available to view any time during normal operating hours at the nature center, Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

Bronzebacks and bushytails are legal May 26

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Squirrels and smallmouth bass help make Missouri a great place to hunt and fish.

JEFFERSON CITY–Anglers generally are as disinterested in the opening dates for hunting seasons as hunters are in fishing-season dates, but the fourth Saturday in May is a red-letter day for both groups. That is opening day for squirrel hunting season and catch-and-keep fishing for black bass in Ozark streams.

Hunters may pursue gray and fox squirrels from May 26 through Feb. 15, 2013, with rifles, shotguns or archery equipment. The aggregate bag limit is 10 squirrels and the possession limit is 20.

“Aggregate” means hunters may harvest any combination of fox and gray squirrels so long as they do not exceed 10 squirrels total in one day. If hunters bag a daily limit two days in a row, they will have a possession limit of 20 squirrels. After that, they must eat or give away some squirrels before going hunting again in order to stay within the possession limit.

Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, known collectively as black bass, may be caught and possessed year ‘round from impoundments and areas other than the Ozarks. These other areas are defined as the Mississippi river, all waters north of the south bank of the Missouri River, the St. Francis River downstream from Wappapello Dam and streams in that portion of southeast Missouri bounded by a line from Cape Girardeau following Missouri highways 74 and 25, U.S. highways 60, 67 and 160, and the west bank of the Little Black River to the Arkansas state line.

The daily limit on black bass in most of the state’s waters is six, with a possession limit of 12. However, many lakes and streams are subject to special daily and length limits. These are listed in the 2012 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations.  The booklet is available from permit vendors, Missouri Department of Conservation offices and online at mdc.mo.gov/node/6108. The 2012 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/3657.

-Jim Low-

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Informational meeting planned Sept. 3 at Trail of Tears State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 29, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Trail of Tears State park near Jackson.  The informational meeting will be begin at 3 p.m. at the visitor center and is open to the public.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. Recent improvements at the park include repairs to the road leading into the Mississippi River campground and renovations to Lake Boutin’s beach that made it possible to reopen.

 This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Trail of Tears State is located is located 10 miles east of Fruitland, off Highway 61 North on Highway 177.  People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Trail of Tears State Park directly at 573-290-5268 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site reopen to the public

Image via Wikipedia

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 30, 2011 -- In May, Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County were covered with 12 to 16 feet of water and sand following the intentional breach of the Birds Point Levee along the Mississippi River. On Sept. 2, these important natural and cultural resources in the Missouri state park system will reopen to the public. Two events in September will provide special opportunities to revisit these areas. 

            "Our staff monitored these two facilities throughout the summer to determine the impact of the breach. We are pleased to be able to reopen these areas to the public while we continue to make repairs to our facilities," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

            At Big Oak Tree State Park, the areas open for visitor use include the main picnic area and the boardwalk, which takes visitors into the heart of the vast swamp forest. Other portions of the park remain closed while assessment continues on the impact from the flooding. All of Towosahgy State Historic Site will reopen to the public.

            Visitors will have a chance to celebrate the reopening of Big Oak Tree State Park during its annual Living History Day event Sept. 10. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's main day-use area. The event will feature demonstrations of old-time skills such as spinning, trapping, flintknapping and making canvas floor cloths. "Bluegrass Revival" and the "Shoestring Band" will provide music throughout the day and barbecue and funnel cakes will be available for purchase. The Southeast Explorer, a mobile teaching and learning center fromSoutheast Missouri State University, will be available with exhibits about the history of southeastMissouri. The center features activities for grades three through six so the event will provide something for the entire family and all age groups.

            On Sept. 24, the rural location of Towosahgy State Historic Site will provide the perfect setting for an evening event showcasing the night sky. The site preserves the remains of a once-fortified Indian village of the Mississippian Culture between 1000 A.D. and 1400 A.D.  Join staff on top of the temple mound to view the blanket of stars from the same vantage point as Native Americans did more than 1,000 years ago. The event will include Native American stories of the night and tales of the constellations. This free event will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

            "Visitors at these two sites will notice some changes and areas that will need improvements. We can continue to make these improvements while our visitors take advantage of the great fall weather to revisit two outstanding resources in southeast Missouri," Bryan said

            Big Oak Tree State Park is located 15 miles south of East Prairie on Highway 102. Towosahgy State Historic Site is located approximately 15 miles southeast of East Prairie on County Road 502. To reach the site, take State Highway 77 south toward Dorena and turn west on County Road 502. For more information on these events, call Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at573-748-5340. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

Mark Twain National Forest partners with Kinsail Corporation to offer On-Line Sale of Passes and Permits

Image via Wikipedia The Mark Twain National Forest has partnered with Kinsail Corporation for on-line purchasing of permits and passes available for forest visitors.

On-line sale of ATV/motorcyle and mountain bike permits for riding at Chadwick and Sutton Bluff ATV and Motorcycle area are now available at http://www.marktwainpermits.com/.   The $7.00 daily permits can be purchased and printed on your home computer for use on the day you ride.   You may buy multiple daily permits at the on-line site.  The $45 annual permits for Chadwick and Sutton Bluff can be printed on your home computer for immediate use, and the all-weather permit sticker will be mailed to you.   The ATV/motorcycle and mountain bike permits are still for sale at local vendors and Mark Twain National Forest offices at Salem, Rolla and Ava.

Day use daily and annual recreation passes to access Mark Twain National Forest Recreation areas are also available on-line.  The $2.00 day use recreation  pass or the $20 annual day use recreation  pass is required at several recreation sites across the Mark Twain National Forest such as Lane Spring in Phelps County and Hammond Camp on North Fork River.  The daily and annual recreation pass may be printed from your home computer and used immediately.  The more durable annual recreation pass will be mailed to you.   You may still purchase the day use daily pass at each recreation site that requires them, and the annual pass may be purchased at every Mark Twain National Forest office.

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.

Mark Twain National Forest Mill Creek Well Visitors told not to Drink Water

Image via Wikipedia Rolla, Mo. – Mark Twain National Forest Mill Creek Recreation Area visitors should not drink water from Mill Creek’s artesian well.

The artesian well is currently closed to the public for drinking water.

Required water samples are testing positive for Total Coliform Bacteria above the maximum contaminate level for human health consumption.

Testing of the well for water quality has occurred for years in compliance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources Safe Drinking Water regulations, 10 CSR 60.4.025.  Only recently have tests been positive for contaminates.

On June 7, 2011, Mark Twain National Forest began informing the public not to drink the water with signs posted at Mill Creek Recreation Area’s artesian well.

“We’ve tested Mill Creek’s artesian well water for a month on a weekly basis, and tests consistently are showing the artesian well water is not safe to drink,” said Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek District Ranger Kimberly Bittle.

Because this is a free-flowing well, there is no way to treat the water to provide safe public consumption.
“We will be permanently closing the well to all use immediately,” Bittle said. “Closing the well will begin to restore ground water flow to Mill Creek.”

Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest’s mission is to continue to restore Missouri’s great outdoors and maintain a healthy, working forest.

Department of Natural Resources awards $19,175 to the Greenway Network

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 23, 2011 –The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $19,175 to the Greenway Network Inc. to develop a watershed management plan for the Watkins Creek sub-watershed in northeastern St. Louis County.

            Watkins Creek is on the Missouri 2010 list of impaired waters for bacteria and chlorides caused by pollution from stormwater runoff.  The watershed includes the communities of Black Jack, Glasgow Village, Spanish Lake and Bellefontaine Neighbors.  Watkins Creek is a modified tributary to the Mississippi River emerging some 5.7 miles west of its confluence and located in a suburban area.  Due to rapid growth in the Watkins Creek Watershed, the stream is severely degraded and instable.  The creek continues to adjust to accommodate the increased stormwater delivered to it.

            The watershed management plan will help protect and improve water quality in the Watkins Creek sub-watershed by identifying pollutant sources, recommending conservation practices, setting goals and a timeline, and establishing a monitoring program.  The Greenway Network will work with local partners to assist and coordinate planning efforts to develop the watershed management plan.  The grant will help fund public planning meetings, personnel expenses and watershed assessments activities.

            The Greenway Network will provide a match contribution of $13,650 over the life of the project bringing the total cost to $32,825.  The project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.
Partners in this collaborative effort include The Confluence Project, Missouri American Water Company, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 7 has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.  The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds.  The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri.  For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

Missouri State Parks will waive camping fees for flood victims

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 12, 2011 – Missouri State Parks will waive all camping fees for families displaced by recent flooding along the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri.   

            “Our thoughts are with the families, businesses and communities going through this difficult situation,” said Sara Parker Pauley director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “The department and its Missouri State Parks system is happy to be able to extend this offer to displaced flood victims and hoping it can ease a few of their worries.”

“Recent flooding has devastated many families and individuals and this is one way we can assist them until they can return to their homes,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks.

            The waiver applies to all Missouri residents who are victims of flooding along the Mississippi River in state-declared disaster counties. Camping fees will be waived at Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson and Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville, both in southeast Missouri. The waiver will apply for 30 days, after which time each situation will be re-evaluated to determine if the stay needs to be extended.

            All campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Basic sites are available at Trail of Tears State Park and sites with electricity are available at Lake Wappapello State Park for those who have access to a camper. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment and other supplies. If necessary, free camping will be extended to additional state park campgrounds.

            People requesting the fee waiver should provide documentation from a governmental or charitable organization certifying that they have been displaced by flooding in a declared county in Missouri.

            Displaced individuals seeking a place to camp should contact the park superintendent at either Trail of Tears State Park (573-290-5340) or Lake Wappapello State Park (573-297-3232) to make arrangements for camping. For more information about Missouri state park campgrounds, call 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.