Potential flooding temporarily closes Big Lake State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 7, 2011 – Big Lake State Park in northwest Missouri is closed in anticipation of possible flooding from rising water levels from the Missouri River. Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Park officials closed the park June 6 and will continue to evaluate the situation to determine when the park can reopen.

             “We have been working closely with federal, state and local officials and monitoring anticipated river levels to determine if and when water may impact Big Lake State Park,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director. “Based on the latest predictions, we decided to close the park and prepare for the approaching water,” Bryan added.

Because of its location on an oxbow lake near the Missouri River, Big Lake State Park has experienced flooding in the past and has plans in place for how to deal with flooding situations. In anticipation of the flooding, campers and lodging guests who had reservations were notified that the park is closed and refunds issued. Park staff began removing furniture and other items and shutting off utilities. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the park when it is safe for visitors to return.

Although Big Lake State Park is temporarily closed, there are other state parks in northwest Missouri that are open for campers and other visitors. These include Wallace State Park near Cameron, Weston Bend State Park near Weston and Watkins Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson. For information about these state parks, visit mostateparks.com.

To check the status of Big Lake State Park or for more information about Missouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (TDD).  To inquire about reservations for the motel and cabins, call 660-442-5432.

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.   

Event May 14 at Towosahgy State Historic Site is cancelled

JEFFERSON CITY, MAY 4, 2011 – The Mississippian Cultural Day at Towosahgy State Historic Site near East Prairie scheduled for May 14 has been cancelled because of flooding in the area.

For current information on events in Missouri state parks and historic sites, visitmostateparks.com.

Be prepared for spring floods

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BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–With the large snowfalls of the past winter, flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home, warns a University of Missouri Extension community development specialist.

“Most flood-related deaths are caused by people trying to drive through moving water,” said Georgia Stuart-Simmons. “Most cars will float—and be swept away—in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly, or the road bottom could wash away, making the water much deeper than it appears.”

Once cars are swept downstream, they will often roll to one side or even flip over entirely. The driver has only a few seconds to escape. “Many drivers panic as soon as the vehicle submerges and are found later with their seat belt still fastened,” she said. “Never, NEVER try to drive through moving water.”

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or if it has been steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for flood information. A flood watch means a flood is possible in your area. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

No matter what type of emergency you may face, it’s important to have a disaster supply kit. If flooding cuts you off from supply sources, you might need:

-First-aid kit and essential medications.

-Canned food and can opener.

-At least three gallons of water per person.

-Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

-Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

-Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

-Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)

“You will also need to know where to go if told to evacuate,” Stuart-Simmons said. “Choose several places—a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.”

If a flood watch is issued for your area, move valuables to higher floors. Keep a full tank of gas in your car in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When flooding is imminent, move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.

Links to disaster-related articles, downloadable publications, videos and other resources are available athttp://bit.ly/MUExtDisasterResources or http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=1064.