Another update from the DNR

Dear Missouri State Park Friends:

Welcome to the January issue of Missouri State Park eFriends. I wanted to provide you with an update on the status of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. First, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support that the park and our staff have received. It is truly gratifying to see how much Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park means to you.

In an effort to keep the public informed on progress at the park, the department will hold regular public meetings. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Lesterville High School, located at Highway 21 and Elm in Lesterville. We hope to hold these meetings the second Thursday of each month.

We have now moved into the recovery stage for the park. The Department of Natural Resources, working with other agencies, is continuing to evaluate damage to the park's natural and cultural resources as well as its structures. Crews have already begun cleanup of debris and sediment, which covers much of the effected area of the park. Once immediate environmental issues are addressed, we will begin working on long-term strategies for recovery.

The main area of the park remains closed while cleanup and recovery continues. The department hopes to have some services available by summer but it is too soon to say exactly what that will be. The goal is to move as quickly as possible but not so fast that the future of the park is negatively impacted.

Our superintendent, Jerry Toops, and his family have returned to the Lesterville area. All three children have been released from the hospital and the family is doing well. They have been overwhelmed with support and donations, and I know they appreciate them all.

Keep watching the Web site for news about progress at the park, including updated photographs. You can follow along with some of the recovery phases of the park through these photographs. Go to http://www.mostateparks.com

Doug Eiken, Director
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Division of State Parks