by Don Corrigan
After an extended period of drought, historic downpours on Nov. 3 severely damaged state and local parks, closed highways and put cars underwater, and actually scoured away ecosystems crucial to fish species.
Horses enjoyed playing in high water near I-44 and Highway 141, but drivers in the area were not amused by traffic problems. Photo by Ursula Ruhl.
In the St. Louis area, drivers in the Valley Park-Fenton area were frustrated when roads closed at I-44 and Highway 141 due to the flooding Meramec River. Horses had to be moved to higher ground at riding stables near the southwest quadrant of the two highways.
Marshall Road in Valley Park went underwater as did trails along the Meramec in Eureka, Valley Park and Fenton. Minnie HaHa Park in Sunset Hills suffered severe damage to its shoreline with trails and facilities washed out.
The National Weather Service reported rain amounts in the 6 to 8-inch range in the southeast St. Louis County area on Nov. 3. However, rain amounts in the Current River watershed area exceeded one foot.
Bike and hiking trail was washed into the Meramec River at Minnie HaHa Park in Sunset Hills.
Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources reported the closure for days after the deluge of such parks as Onondoga Cave State Park near Leasburg, Meramec State Park near Sullivan and Route 66 State Park near Eureka.
Unprecedented river levels shut the Current River down to recreational activities for several days and severe damage occurred on river sites near Akers and Pulltite and Round Springs. Also shuttered were Montauk State Park near Salem and Current River State Park north of Eminence.
Damage was incurred at the trout hatchery at Montauk State Park. Fish and wildlife authorities also expressed concern over habitat destruction for Ozark hellbenders in the streams of the Ozark Scenic National Riverways.
Trails throughout the Meramec Greeway region disappeared under high water at numerous locations near the Meramec.
The incredible amounts of rain in the southern Missouri region, after weeks of drought conditions, gave credence to concerns expressed in a report released by the U.S. Forest Service this spring.
The May report outlined threats posed by climate change to ecosystems that support a number of endangered species in the Ozark river watersheds.
Higher temperatures are posing challenges to wildlife and aquatic animals as well, especially those already at risk from pollution threats posed by herbicides and certain pesticides.
Experts note that heavy rains and flash floods can scour riverbeds where hellbenders do their breeding. Torrential rains and high water also damage stream beds where aquatic animals hide and take cover under rocks. The rocks are washed away by torrents of high water.
State and federal agencies will need time to assess the damage to parks, as well as to river habitat that will impact the quality of recreational activities including boating and fishing.
Environmental Echo 