Experience Ozark History at Montauk Mill Celebration May 8-9

Step back into the past during this two-day event and experience lost skills, arts, and crafts

Wading the Current River just
downstream from Montauk State Park

of the Ozarks. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the celebration, held May 8-9, will include mill tours, old time music, dance, crafts, arts of the Ozarks, soap making and sheep shearing.

During the celebration, visitors can witness blacksmiths as they make steel that will be transformed into a gun barrel, a knife or horse shoes. Participants will see an Ozark quilting bee and have the opportunity to try their hand at using a cross cut saw. Friday is “Students’ Day,” when area schools bring students to the event. The free event is open to the public.

Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Hwy 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the Montauk State Park at 573-548-2225. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Grant applications are available for outdoor recreation projects

 Applications are available for the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to assist in financing outdoor recreation projects. All local governments and public school districts are eligible for the federal LWCF funds, which are made available through the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. Projects can be for the development or renovation of outdoor recreational facilities, or for acquisition of park land. A 55 percent match is required.

Applications must be postmarked by April 22, 2013. An estimated $600,000 is expected to be awarded in the fiscal year 2013 cycle.

In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources administers the LWCF grant program. The application is available on the department’s web page at www.mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants or by writing to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Grants Management Section, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

NPS SEEKS INPUT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR CHILTON CREEK AREA BOAT RAMP AND PARKING

Image via WikipediaThe National Park Service (NPS) seeks your review and comments on the "Environmental Assessment for Chilton Creek Area Boat Ramp and Parking." A full copy of the EA, which analyzes the impacts associated with two action alternatives and one no-action alternative at the Chilton Creek Area Boat Ramp and Parking, can be viewed at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov, or may be requested from Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Attn: Chilton Creek EA, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965, or by calling (573) 323-4236.

We are seeking public and agency comments on this environmental assessment from April 10, 2009 through May 9, 2009. Comments must be received no later than May 9, 2009 and may be submitted by any of three methods:

1. Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website (select Ozark National Scenic Riverways from the dropdown menu): http://parkplanning.nps.gov

2. Mail to Ozark National Scenic Riverways headquarters: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Attn: Chilton Creek EA , P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965

3. Electronic mail to Ozark National Scenic Riverways headquarters: OZAR_superintendent@nps.gov

Get more info at:
NPS Site

NPS SEEKS COMMENTS: Akers Canoe Rental Concessioner Land Assignment

Image via WikipediaOzark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent, Reed E. Detring, invites the public to comment on a proposal designating a land assignment for the Akers Concessioner operations. A concessioner land assignment is a minimally improved area where a concessioner is authorized to park, store and stage vehicles, equipment and material related to business operations. Currently, there is not a well defined area for the Akers Concessioner to park vehicles and equipment. The areas normally used for concessioner parking and equipment storage conflict and compete with other users since they are near or adjacent to the Akers Store, Ranger Station and park visitor areas. In addition, the new Akers Concession Contract Prospectus requires specific land assignment language in the document.

The park's objective is to designate a single land assignment sized and appropriately located to meet the operational needs of the Akers Canoe Rental as required for the new concession contract. A clearly delineated land assignment will allow park management to effectively manage the contract associated with the concession's activity. The selected and designed land assignment site will improve the visitor experience and promote safety around the Ranger Station, Day Use Area and Concession's Store by reducing and managing congestion.

The park will examine different alternative sites up to 1 mile from the Akers Ranger Station that meet the above stated goals. Site selection will primarily be based on its ability to provide the operational elements needed by a concession, insure a quality visitor experience, and maintain the values adequate to an area within a National Park Service Unit. This includes - but is not limited to – efficient functionality for the concessions operation without compromising aesthetics, resource protection, visitor safety, and enhanced visitor experience.

A 30-day public comment period about the proposal to designate a land assignment for the Akers Concessioner operations has begun. Public input is being solicited to help define any issues to be addressed in an upcoming Environmental Assessment (EA). Public comments received during this 30-day "scoping" period will be used to develop the EA. When the EA is completed and released for review, the public will be encouraged to comment.

Public comment will be accepted through August 25, 2011 and may be submitted online by selecting Ozark National Scenic Riverways at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website, http://parkplanning.nps.gov, or sent to:

Superintendent – Akers Concession Land Assignment
Ozarks National Scenic Riverways
404 Watercress Drive
Van Buren, MO 63965
Fax: 573-323-4140

Commenters should be aware that their comments, including names and home addresses, are considered public information and may be released to the public. However, individual commenters may request that their name and home address be withheld from public release by stating this in their comment letter.

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Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Arrow Rock State Historic Site July 24

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 14, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Sunday, July 24, at Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock.  The informational meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the picnic area shelter house.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Discussion items will include the site's conceptual development plan, a long-term planning process that is under way. Other items include the status of the budget and a discussion of the Sappington Negro Cemetery. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Arrow Rock, Sappington Cemetery and Boone’s Lick state historic sites’ services and operations.

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.

Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located on Highway 41, one half mile south of the town. The picnic shelter is at 39700 Overlook Drive. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Arrow Rock State Historic Site at 660-837-3330 or by calling the Missouri 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.

Listing Ozark chinquapin under Endangered Species Act ‘not warranted’

Image by gmeador via FlickrThe Ozark chinquapin is a medium-sized tree which once grew to 65 feet, but now rarely reaches heights of more than 30 feet.  It develops from stump sprouts as well as seeds, but in recent years, new growth is generally from sprouts due to chestnut blight disease.
Chestnut blight has posed a long term threat to the Ozark chinquapin since 1940.  Due to the life history traits of the Ozark chinquapin, it appears that cross pollination and production of seeds is not uncommon. Based on the documented widespread distribution and abundance of Ozark chinquapin and its life history traits, chestnut blight does not threaten the continued existence of Ozark chinquapin at this time or in the foreseeable future.

The Service announced its decision today in the Federal Register, after conducting a comprehensive, range-wide, scientific review of the species’ current status, known as a 12-month finding.  On January 6, 2004, Mr. Joe Glenn, a private citizen from Hodgen, Oklahoma, filed a petition requesting the listing of the Ozark chinquapin as candidate species under the ESA.  On June 1, 2010, the Service published an initial finding that the petition presented substantial information indicating the requested action may be warranted in the Federal Register.

However, the status review indicated the species is currently widespread on both public and private lands throughout its current range.  Individual location records commonly report multiple sprout clumps, and these vary from tens to thousands of individual sprout clumps per site record.

In addition, the majority of Ozark chinquapin populations are found on state and federal lands which are being managed to benefit the species. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas uses periodic, prescribed fire for habitat restoration on Sugarloaf Mountain, the only site in the park with a population of Ozark chinquapin. At Buffalo National River in Arkansas the National Park Service is conducting a habitat restoration study to determine the best soil types for Ozark chinquapin populations.  The National Park Service also is working with an arborist to gather seeds from trees at Buffalo National River that are seemingly unaffected by chestnut blight for propagation.  The U.S. Forest Service lists Ozark chinquapin as a sensitive species and provides specific protection guidelines in its land management plans.
The Service will accept any pertinent, new information regarding the Ozark chinquapin’s population status or threats to its habitat.  Please contact Chris Davidson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, Arkansas 72032.

For more information about the Service’s finding on Ozark chinquapin, please see www.fws.gov/arkansas-es/castanea.html.
The mission of the Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, please visit the Service’s websites at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/ or www.fws.gov.

Outdoor learning event offers family fun at WOW St. Louis June 4-5

 JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY 4, 2011 –   Are you looking for family fun with an outdoor twist? If you want to experience something new and learn more about the outdoors, WOW St. Louis is for you. Enjoy a day filled with outdoor activities at the 2011 WOW St. Louis event in Forest Park on Saturday, June 4.  This exciting experience begins that morning with classes in a variety of outdoor skills and ends with a cookout on Saturday night, followed by an overnight camping experience.

WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities to learn skills to enhance your outdoor experience. The event, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, is sponsored by Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, Wonders of Wildlife, National Park Service, St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, St. Louis County Parks, and Audubon Society at Riverlands. Participants may also register for an overnight camping experience that extends through Sunday morning.

            WOW St. Louis is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. This year, the event will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, canoeing, fishing, woodworking, orienteering, rock climbing, outdoor cooking and more. Classes are open to anyone age 9 years or older. The cost to attend is $10 per person or $25 per family, making it an affordable day of family fun.  Financial assistance is also available.  Advance registration is required, and the deadline to register is May 16.

 An enhanced day camp experience is offered for younger participants. The “It’s All About Outside” Kids Camp is open to kids ages 4 to 8 years old whose parents and older siblings are participating in WOW.  Led by qualified National Park Service and Missouri Department of Conservation staff and volunteers, the kids camp will offer children an exciting day of activities, including fishing, treasure hunting, crafts and games.           

            The day of classes will be followed by a cookout and overnight camping experience in Forest Park on Saturday night. Activities will include outdoor games, a campfire, campfire stories with Cowboy Bob, a Leave No Trace Workshop and stargazing. Tents will be available to those who don’t have one on a first-come, first-served basis.  The event will end on Sunday morning with breakfast snacks.

            For more information or to request a registration packet, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 314-340-5794 or toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). Or, you can send an e-mail to moparks@dnr.mo.gov.  Registration information and forms are available atmostateparks.com/wow.

Conservation Department still seeking comments on elk restoration

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The Conservation Department says it wants to address all concerns.

JEFFERSON CITY–If you are excited, concerned or just interested in the possibility of returning elk to the Show-Me State, now is the time to express your feelings about the issue.

In July, the Conservation Commission directed the Conservation Department to develop a proposed plan for releasing between 80 and 150 elk into a 365-square-mile restoration zone around the Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties. The initial release could take place as soon as early 2011. The chosen area has suitable habitat, few roads and limited agricultural activity. The area also has a large proportion of land owned by the Conservation Department, the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service.

In August, the Conservation Department hosted open houses in Van Buren, Eminence and Ellington, towns in or near the proposed elk-restoration zone, to learn citizens’ views on the idea of elk restoration. The approximately 300 people who attended the meetings got to ask questions of Conservation Department staff and were encouraged to make written or verbal comments on the proposed plan. The majority of written comments received at the public meetings were in favor of elk restoration.

At the same time, the Conservation Department began seeking comments statewide. Results of public comments received through Oct. 1 will be included in the report to be considered by the Conservation Commission at its meeting Oct. 15. The Conservation Department will continue gathering public comments after Oct. 1.

Comments can be sent to Missouri Department of Conservation, Director’s Office, PO Box 180, Jefferson City MO 65102-0180 or filed at the Conservation Department’s website, www.mdc.mo.gov/contact-us under “Elk Restoration Comments.” Information about the MDC’s proposed elk restoration efforts is available at www.missouriconservation.org by searching “elk restoration.”

Under the proposed plan, elk would be quarantined before and after arriving in Missouri and would be tested for diseases that could affect wildlife or domestic livestock. These measures are being developed in consultation with the state veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

All imported elk would be fitted with microchips and radio collars to permit tracking their movements and health monitoring. The proposed elk-restoration plan will include measures to keep elk off private land where they are not welcome and within the targeted restoration zone. Hunting would be used in the future to maintain the elk herd at a manageable size.

Elk-vehicle accidents have been infrequent in other states with elk-restoration programs. This is partly because bull elk assemble groups of cows and guard them, rather than pursuing individual females, as white-tailed deer do.

Arkansas has a larger elk herd than is contemplated in Missouri. The road density is nearly twice as great in Arkansas’ elk-restoration zone as in Missouri’s proposed restoration zone. Records maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission show one or two elk-vehicle accidents annually since elk restoration began 25 years ago. The Game and Fish Commission receives approximately two complaints of pasture damage and one or two complaints of fence damage annually.

According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, statistics from eastern states with elk-restoration programs show no human fatalities from collisions with elk, and automobile insurance rates are no higher in states with wild free-ranging elk.

The Conservation Department is considering elk restoration for several reasons, including citizen requests, ecological benefits from restoring a native species and economic benefits to Missouri through tourism and hunting.

-Jim Low-

Outdoors-Missouri