Six state parks to close temporarily for managed deer hunts Dec. 12-13

Deer hunters will have an opportunity to harvest a whitetail deer in six Missouri state parks during managed deer hunts to alleviate deer overpopulations on Dec. 12-13. During the hunts, the parks will be closed to all visitors, except already approved deer hunters.  By law, state parks are established as wildlife refuges and hunting is not permitted except under special circumstances. These special hunts are being used as a resource management tool because the deer population is too large for the environment of the park and resources in the park are being damaged.

Managed hunts will be conducted Dec. 12-13 at the following parks:

• St. Joe State Park near Farmington
• Crowder State Park near Trenton
• Cuivre River State Park near Troy
• Pershing State Park near Brookfield
• Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg
• St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre

The hunts will be conducted following guidelines established by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which regulates hunting of wildlife in the state. Hunters who will be participating submitted special applications this summer for the Department of Conservation’s special managed hunts, which are held annually. Hunters were selected through a random computer drawing. Only those hunters who already have a special permit will be allowed to participate in the hunts. Missouri State Parks administers state parks and historic sites throughout Missouri. All other state parks and historic sites, other than the six mentioned above, will not be affected by the hunts and will remain open to the public. 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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Informational meeting at Pomme de Terre State Park June 13

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Pomme de Terre State Park near

Pittsburg onJune 13. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hermitage Area campground amphitheater located off of CR 246, and is open to the public.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions from community members. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Pomme de Terre State Park is located on Hwy. 64B. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements, or request more information, by calling 417-852-4291. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Celebrate Earth Day with a hike at Pomme de Terre State Park April 26

Visitors are invited to join park staff at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage on a guided nature hike to celebrate Earth Day on April 26. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hike will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cedar Bluff trailhead in the Hermitage Area campground

Spring is a great time to experience the park’s wildflowers, birds and other wildlife. Hikers should be prepared for a 1.5-mile hike over uneven terrain and are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Hikers may want to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen. Binoculars may also be useful for looking at wildlife and scenic views of the lake.

Pomme de Terre State Park is located off Highway 64 in Hickory County. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-852-4291. 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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Visitors may enjoy Pomme de Terre State Park’s new yurt

 A new lodging option is now available at Pomme de Terre State Park. Visitors can enjoy an alternative

camping experience by reserving a stay in the park’s yurt, a circular structure that is weather tight and includes electricity, air conditioning, and heating. The yurt at Pomme de Terre State Park is the third in Missouri State Parks; the other two are located at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

“Providing these types of alternative camping options allows visitors to have a new experience in our state parks,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “A yurt is a great way to experience the outdoors while still having the comforts of climate control, protection from the elements, and a locking door. I would encourage anyone who is interested in a stay in one of these unique structures to make their reservation at Lake of the Ozarks or Pomme de Terre state parks today.”

A yurt has a fabric cover, much like a tent, and wooden frame making it strong and weather tight. It sits on a wooden platform with decking and has a locking door. There are three large windows to enjoy the view and a dome skylight that can be opened for ventilation. The units are ADA-accessible and sleep five with a maximum occupancy of six. They feature furnishings and lighting including a log futon, log futon bunk bed, a dorm-size refrigerator, coffee table, air conditioner and heater.     

The new yurt at Pomme de Terre State Park is located in the Loop 400 in the Pittsburg area of the park. A picnic table and a fire ring and grill for barbecuing or campfires are located outside the unit. Since the yurts do not include running water, a modern, central restroom and shower house is available nearby.

To stay in a yurt or make any camping reservation at Missouri State Parks, call 877-ICampMo (877-422-6766) or visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Pomme de Terre State Park on June 14

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, June 14 at Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg. The informational meeting

will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater.

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.

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. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-852-4291.

A visit to Pomme de Terre State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. 

To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Pomme de Terre State Park is located off Highway 64 in Hickory County. 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.

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Informational meeting planned June 15 at Pomme de Terre State Park

Pomme de Terre Lake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Friday, June 15, at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater.

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, as well as provide comments on the conceptual development plan.

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.

Pomme de Terre State Park is located off Highway 64 in Hickory County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-852-4291. 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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Special opportunities add adventure to camping weekends in Missouri state parks

Image via Wikipedia JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 18, 2011 -- Are you looking for something new and special to add to your next camping adventure? Show-Me WOW Weekends will definitely add a WOW factor to your camping trip to Missouri state parks.

            Registered campers in seven state parks will have an added bonus during special weekends with programs to learn a new activity or enjoy a familiar one with friends and family. Activities include archery, bank fishing, kayaking, hiking, Dutch oven cooking, geocaching and more. These programs will provide even more ways to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors.

            Show-Me WOW Weekends will be held Saturday, July 23 at Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park near Dadeville and Wakonda State Park near La Grange; Saturday, July 30 at Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville and Robertsville State Park near Robertsvillle; and Saturday, Aug. 6 at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage and Pittsburg, and Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville.

            "These programs will add a bonus to your camping experience, whether your idea of a weekend camping trip is a relaxing getaway or an exciting new adventure,"  said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.        The programs will be offered free of charge to registered campers. Lodging guests at Stockton, Thousand Hills and Mark Twain state parks also are invited to participate in these events.

            Campers who are interested in participating should sign up at the park from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday or 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. All participating parks offer both basic campsites and those with electrical hookups. All regular camping fees apply to campers during the special weekends.

            For details on specific programs and times at participating state parks, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a Missouri state park

 JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 22, 2011 -- The Fourth of July weekend is a good time to celebrate our nation's freedom, enjoy fishing or boating on one of Missouri's many lakes, and go camping with friends and family in a Missouri state park.

            This year's three-day weekend should provide lots of time for fishing, boating, swimming, relaxing and enjoying nature and Missouri's 85 state parks and historic sites provide lots of opportunities to do them all.

            "The Fourth of July is all about remembering our past and making new memories with family and friends. Missouri state parks are the perfect place to do both," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

            Remember the reason for the celebration and you can do so with a visit to one of many state historic sites. You may visit a Civil War site such as Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington or learn about all of our state's history with a tour through theMissouri State Museum exhibits within the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

            Long weekends and hot summer sun make boating on one of Missouri's lakes the perfect solution. In southwestern Missouri, you can choose from a variety of lakes, including Stockton, Pomme de Terre, Truman, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks. All have state parks located on the lakes for easy access to the water. Bring your own boat or rent whatever you need at one of the full-service marinas.

            At Stockton State Park, try your hand at sailing with the lake's steady breeze, or fishing in the lake's remarkably clear water. At Table Rock State Park, take a cruise on the Spirit of America catamaran or try your hand at mountain biking on the new award-winning White River Valley Trail. There are plenty of coves at both Pomme de Terre and Truman lakes for a relaxing day of fishing for bass, walleye, catfish and crappie. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, check out the services of the marina and try a mini vacation on a houseboat.

            The Fourth of July weekend would not be complete without camping under the stars. Forty state parks across the state have campgrounds with facilities to fit everyone's needs, from secluded walk-in sites to campsites with full hookups for today's modern campers. For a campsite with easy access to a lake, try camping at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage, Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park nearStockton, Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Kasier, and Table Rock State Park near Branson.  

            For another type of camping adventure, try camping at Knob Noster State Parknear Knob Noster. Camp in the shady campground with both basic and electric sites and enjoy a family storytelling session around the campfire with s'mores. Before you camp under the stars, learn all about the stars above you at the park's interpretive program on astronomy. 

             There is still time to reserve your campsite for the Fourth of July weekend at many state parks. You can make reservations up to two days in advance by calling toll free at 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week or visitmostateparks.com 24 hours a day.

            By making your camping reservation now, you can be sure your perfect camping spot is waiting for you for a perfect Fourth of July weekend. For more information on state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Pomme de Terre State Park June 17

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 9, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, June 17, at Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg.  The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pittsburg area amphitheater 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.  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.

            The Pittsburg area of Pomme de Terre State Park is located just east of Pittsburg.  Travel on Hwy. 64 and turn north onto Hwy. 64B.  Continue straight to the park then turn left into the campground.  The amphitheater is located near the campground entrance on the right.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-852-4291 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. 

Outdoors Missouri