Mark Twain National Forest flood recovery update

Rolla, Missouri (November 15, 2024) —Restoration of recreation areas in the Mark Twain National Forest continues after last week’s flooding. Some areas of Missouri received nearly 15 inches of rain, with heavy rain more localized than the widespread flooding that hit Missouri in 2017. After heavy rain, water takes time to recede so that staff can access the facilities to assess structural damage, conduct clean-up operations and repair areas to make them safe for visitors to return to. Forest Service staff, including recreation specialists, engineers and resource managers, visited campgrounds, recreation areas, boat ramps, reservoir dams, roads and trails to understand the impact of high water.

Many sites are now in pretty good shape after a few days of recovery. Recreation technicians were busy shoveling dirt from the restroom buildings, while bulldozer operators cleared debris and dirt from paved parking lots and driveways. Several boat ramps have been cleared above the waterline. Danger may still exist underwater, and muddy areas will remain until the next rain. Boat ramps and retaining walls will be reassessed as the water recedes more.

“Flooding always makes recovery difficult in many forest recreation areas, and I am proud of the determination and teamwork of my staff to reopen the areas to the public as soon as possible,” said forest ranger Vince Keeler.

At the Eleven Point Ranger Area in Van Buren, the Watercress Recreation Area sustained significant damage. A work day is already planned for the watercress in early December where partner groups can borrow additional equipment and people to help clear the entire site. Cleaning the day use area and boat ramp will be a priority, but the campground may remain closed for the season while assessments and repairs are scheduled. Also on the Corunt River, Nothing Bay has been cleared of debris and is open, but Deer Leap Campground is still being cleaned up and could be open next week.

On the Eleven Point River, Mark Twain National Forest crews have already opened Riverton East, Riverton West, 142 Access and the Narrows. Work is currently ongoing at Turner South, but major debris clearance and site cleanup is expected to be completed next week. Thomasville, also on the Eleven Point River, will remain closed indefinitely until repairs are planned and completed.

The North Fork Recreation Area (west of the West Plains) suffered the most damage of the forested areas. The campsite is now closed for the season. The focus is on getting the day use areas and boat ramps cleared as soon as possible while repairs to the campground infrastructure are planned and scheduled. The campsite will be closed until further notice.

Lane Spring Recreation Area on the Houston Ranger District in Phelps County was also affected by the high water. It is now closed for the season. It is expected to open in the spring with at least partial functionality and limited amenities. Clearing, removal of garbage and repair of minor damage to the infrastructure will be carried out during the winter.

In addition to North Fork and Lane Spring, many other properties were affected by flooding in the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs area and the Houston and Rolla subdivisions of the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District. Paddy Creek Day Use Area remains open; however, the campsite experienced extensive sedimentation and minor damage. The trash removal and clearing of the campsite must be completed in time for the opening of the next season. The Slabtown Boat is now open to visitors, but the working machines are out of service and will remain closed until they are repaired. The Chadwick trail system sustained minor damage from the rains, and ranger crews are working to repair trail damage and remove downed trees from the trail. This work will continue in the offseason. It takes time to identify areas where trail maintenance is needed and to find areas where downed trees need to be removed, visitors should expect to find these situations.

While the cleanup is ongoing, amenities that visitors expect, such as restrooms or water, may not be available, so plan and prepare accordingly. Facilities in the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District, Salem Ranger District, Poplar Bluff Ranger District and Cedar Creek Unit near Fulton, Missouri were not affected by the worst of the flooding and no off-season closures are in place. for any sites in these counties.