Missouri State Parks Open Houses

Oct. 6 at St. Francois State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 6 at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, located directly behind the showerhouse.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments and input on St. Francois State Park's services and operations.

This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services offered in state parks and historic sites

St. Francois State Park is located on U.S. Highway 67, approximately four miles north of Bonne Terre in St. Francois County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling St. Francois State Park at 573- 358-2173. For information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 6 at Lake Wappapello State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Oct. 6 at Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the open house will be held at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of the park’s nature center.

The event will highlight the park’s interpretation program as well as the park’s nature center. A camp cooking demonstration will be held for anyone wishing to participate and lunch refreshments will be provided. The nature center will be open to the public for people to visit.

The open house will also provide the public with an opportunity to meet with park staff and talk about events and projects at the park. Visitors are invited to share comments on the parks operations and facilities.

The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Lake Wappapello State Park is located eight miles east of US Highway 67 on Highway 172 in Wayne County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly 573-297-3232. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Nature Photography workshop Oct. 6 at Thousand Hills State Park

 Do you love nature? Have you ever wanted to capture that perfect sunrise, or that colorful flower, only to be confounded by the buttons and knobs on your camera? Learn how easy nature photography can be on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the workshop will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. in the park’s enclosed shelter and is free and open to the public.

Emily Burke, the park’s naturalist and a hobby nature photographer, will lead the class. This course is designed for beginning and amateur photographers, and will discuss what makes the difference between a snapshot and a masterpiece. Bring your DIGITAL camera (yes, even a camera phone) to find out what all the bells and whistles do, and where and how to line up the perfect shot. It's easier than you think!

This course is free, but limited spaces are available. Please call Thousand Hills State Park at 660-665-6995 if you have questions, or would like to RSVP. This is the last nature photography class planned for this year.
Thousand Hills State Park is located two miles west of Kirksville on Highway 157. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 6 at Knob Noster State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 6, at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the park’s Clearfork Shelter.

Representatives from the park will discuss the continuing work being done on the McAdoo Equestrian Trail and provide information on the State Parks Youth Corps involvement with the park during 2012. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility.

The meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in Missouri state parks and historic sites.

Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster, one mile south of Highway 50 on Highway 23. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 660-563-2463. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 13 at Castlewood State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 13 at Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the informational meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the park office.

Recent accomplishments and future plans at the park will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on Castlewood State Park’s services and operations. Park staff will discuss ongoing efforts to remove exotic species, repair trail access areas and restore a portion of riparian forest.

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

Castlewood State Park is located off of Highway 141, then west on Big Bend Road to Ries Road, then turn left on Ries Road. The park entrance is at the intersection of Kiefer Creek and Ries Roads. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Castlewood State Park directly at 636-227-4433. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Oct. 13 at Route 66 State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 13 at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center. Refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the park will be on hand to review recent activities and projects and discuss any future projects. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations and future plans for development.

The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Route 66 State Park is located two miles east of Eureka off Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-938-7198. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Civil War Boot Camp Oct. 13 at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site

  Children ages nine to 12 will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the Civil War soldier on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid. Sponsored by the Missouri State Parks, the Civil War Boot Camp is free and will run from 10 a.m. until noon.

The program will begin with an introduction about Missouri’s part in the war and the life of the common soldier. Children will take part in several activities including enlisting in the army, being issued equipment, learning some of the basic drills that all soldiers had to know, snacking on hardtack, taking part in a pay call and mustering out of service.

Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid. For more information or to register for the event, contact Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573 748-5340. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Katy Trail State Park Fall Tram Tours Oct. 16

Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the fall colors of the Missouri River bluffs in comfort on the third annual Fall Tram Tours Tuesday, Oct. 16 on Katy Trail State Park. The two-hour round-trip tours will take visitors between Rocheport and McBaine in the comfort of a tram coach.

The nine-mile section of Katy Trail between Rocheport and McBaine is known for its striking views of the Missouri River and adjacent river bluffs. As riders enjoy the scenery from the open tram cars, interpretive guides will explain the natural landscapes and historic locations along the trail. The tours are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 12 and under. Tours will be offered at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and will begin at the trailhead in Rocheport. The event, which is scheduled in conjunction with Missouri Day, is co-sponsored by Missouri State Parks and Boone Electric Cooperative.

"The tram tours are a unique and fun way to experience the Katy Trail, particularly for those who may not otherwise be able to hike or bike the trail. They allow us to really highlight some of the natural features along the trail and point out sites of historical significance," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Each tour time has four trams with each tram providing seating for 16 people. These seats can be reserved in advance by calling the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7422 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for reservations is Friday, Oct. 12. A limited number of standing room only spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so advanced registration is recommended.

On March 22, 1915, the 48th General Assembly set aside the third Wednesday in October each year as "Missouri Day." Missouri Day is a time for schools to honor the state and for the people of the state to celebrate the achievements of all Missourians. This year, Missouri Day falls on Oct. 17.

For more information about the Fall Tram Tours, contact Katy Trail State Park at 573-449-7422. For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

 

 

Related articles

• Learn 2 Camp at St. Francois State Park Sept. 8-9
• Missouri State Parks hosts open house Aug. 25 for Katy Trail State Park
• Missouri State Parks hosts informational meeting Sept. 11 at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
• Missouri State Parks hosts bison hike Sept. 1 at Prairie State Park
• Missouri State Parks hosts bison hike Aug. 4 at Prairie State Park

MDC removes statewide fire ban on conservation areas

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has lifted its statewide fire ban on all conservation areas effective immediately. According to MDC, the remnants of tropical storm Isaac are bringing significant rain to most of the state.

“Although we don’t believe we are completely out of danger,” says MDC Forestry Management Chief Mike Hoffmann, “fire danger will be reduced enough through most of the state in the coming week to lift our statewide burn ban. We understand that some parts of the state may not receive a lot of precipitation from this system, but MDC area managers can issue burn bans for individual conservation areas if they believe fire danger is too high.”

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input to conserve endangered species in the Midwest while encouraging clean energy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is leading development of a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Midwest that will conserve endangered species, promote development of clean energy which in turn will reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Partners in the development of this plan are eight Midwestern states, the American Wind Energy Association, representing a consortium of wind energy companies, and The Conservation Fund. The Service is asking the public to help identify issues that are important to them as the plan is developed. The incidental take permit(s) will cover participating wind energy facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.



While it is well known that some species of bats are particularly vulnerable to striking turbines at wind energy facilities, the purpose of the plan is to develop conservation measures such as siting of turbines or facilities, minimizing adverse effects from construction and operations, and mitigation of adverse impacts through the development of a strategic mitigation strategy for the long-term conservation of species. The Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to “take” – harm, harass or kill -- animals on the Endangered Species List; therefore a permit is needed if take is expected to happen. The proposed plan is required to obtain an incidental take permit(s) for participating wind energy facilities in the Midwest.



The specific lands that will be included in the plan have yet to be determined and could be all or portions of the eight states. Federally endangered species that could potentially be taken by wind energy facilities include the Indiana bat, gray bat, piping plover, interior least tern and Kirtland’s warbler. This plan can also include species that may become endangered or threatened in the future, such as the little brown bat, northern long-eared bat and eastern small-footed bat. The bald eagle, which is no longer endangered but remains protected, may also be covered by the plan. The final list of species to be included has yet to be determined.



This effort began in 2009 when the eight Midwestern states applied for and received a grant to develop the plan. In the grant application, the states envisioned that the plan would be developed as an umbrella plan and the Service would issue individual incidental take permits to applicants that agree to implement the measures outlined in the plan. There are additional permitting structures being considered, including a master permit holder approach.



The Service is requesting information and comment concerning the planning process, permitting approach, the interaction of wind facilities and species, scientific data that may help inform the plan or monitoring of impacts, and any other information that interested parties would like to offer. Comments may be mailed to: Regional Director, Attn: Rick Amidon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458; faxed to: 612/713-5292 (Attn: Rick Amidon); or E-mailed to: midwestwindhcp@fws.gov Deadline for receiving comments is October 1.



More information on habitat conservation plans and endangered wildlife can be found at www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered Information about the role that the Service plays in wind energy development and the impacts of wind energy development on wildlife can be found at www.fws.gov/midwest/wind The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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Department of Natural Resources awards MU $253,800 for Hinkson Creek project

For more information: 573-751-1010

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $253,800 to the University of Missouri – Columbia to implement and study the effectiveness of water pollution prevention practices on water quality in Hinkson Creek.

Called the MU Hinkson Creek Watershed Assessment of BMPs for Water Quality Improvements and Effectiveness Project, the effort will take place in Columbia on the University of Missouri campus. It will focus on techniques known within the water pollution prevention field as best management practices, or BMPs.

This MU-led project focuses on the Middle Hinkson Creek and Lower Hinkson Creek where MU’s campus and the majority Columbia, are located. The MU Hinkson Creek Watershed Assessment of BMPs for Water Quality Improvements and Effectiveness Project in these watersheds will monitor the performance of best management practices with respect to volume reduction and associated water quality improvements. Using various practices will allow MU staff to monitor the water balance of each practice and selected water quality parameters to educate students, partners, engineers and contractors on the design, maintenance and performance of these practices.

The curators of the University of Missouri will provide a match contribution of $169,267 over the life of the project bringing the total cost of the project to $423,067. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2014.

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.

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Missouri State Parks hosts informational meeting Sept. 11 at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

English: Photo of Bothwell Lodge from the valley below. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Tuesday, Sept. 11 at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site near Sedalia. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. outdoors on the lodge breezeway.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the site’s services and operations.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services and facilities in state parks and historic sites.

Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is located seven miles north of Sedalia, off Highway 65 on Bothwell State Park Road in Pettis County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 660-827-0510. For more information on Missouri 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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Missouri State Parks hosts Fall Outdoor Discovery Day Sept. 8 at Crowder State Park

BALLWIN, MISSOURI - CASTLEWOOD STATE PARK* (Photo credit: gobucks2)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Take advantage of all the outdoor activities perfect for fall at the Fall Outdoor Discovery Day Sept. 8 at Crowder State Park near Trenton. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the free event will be held from noon until 4 p.m. in the park’s lake parking lot.

The event will feature nature displays, face painting, nature crafts and a trivia contest. Visitors can learn new skills by watching outdoor recreation demonstrations such as Dutch oven cooking, archery and fishing.

Crowder State Park is located west of Trenton off Highway 6. For more information about the event, call the park at 660-359-6473. For information about 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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Missouri State Parks hosts informational meeting Sept. 7 at Finger Lakes State Park

For more information: 573-751-1010

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Friday, Sept. 7 at Finger Lakes State Park near Columbia. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the park contact station and the public is invited.

Staff from the park will present an overview of the park and provide information about the status of park projects, park rules and regulations. Information will be provided on the Recreational Trails Program grants that will be used to make changes to the motocross track area and relocate the youth riding area. Staff will provide information on the new canoe rental opportunities and trail volunteers will be given the opportunities to sign up for trail workdays for both ORV trails and mountain bike trails. Following the meeting, a free kayak demonstration will be provided for those that pre-register by calling 573-443-5315.

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

Finger Lakes State Park is located 10 miles north of Columbia off Highway 63 in Boone County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly 573-443-5315. For 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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• Missouri State Parks hosts open house Aug. 25 for Katy Trail State Park (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Learn 2 Camp at St. Francois State Park Sept. 8-9 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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