by Don Corrigan
Missouri nature lovers have been met by “Park Closed” signs at some of their favorite stomping grounds in the state.
After an extended period of drought in 2024, historic downpours in early November severely damaged some state and local parks, closed highways, and debilitated river access areas.
Some park sites are still closed because of the fall flooding or are still in recovery mode. January snow and ice storms have slowed some of these recovery efforts.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways experienced widespread flooding following significant rainfall that started on Nov. 3. The upper Current River reached historic levels. The Meramec River went on a rampage.
Heavy rains and flash floods hurt river site parks and also scoured riverbeds where endangered species like hellbenders do their breeding. Torrential rains and high water damaged stream beds where aquatic animals take cover.
Rainfall totals of 9 to 12 inches across Ozark watershed areas caused historic flooding from Montauk to Round Spring. At Akers, the river’s previous highest level was 26.08 feet, recorded in April 2017.
Minnie Ha Ha Park’s Meramec River access ramp for anglers was covered by silt and sand after flooding in November. Clean-up efforts have been hindered by winter storms recently in January.
On November 5, 2024, the river gauge at Akers stopped reporting data at 23.23 feet. However, water levels continued to climb and are estimated to have reached 32 feet. Below Round Spring, the Current River and Jacks Fork River experienced heavy flooding.
Montauk State Park will be closed to visitors until at least Feb. 21. Park crews are assessing safety concerns and addressing damage to park infrastructure caused by the flooding.
The extent of the destruction and the work required to reopen Montauk State Park is substantial. The park remains closed to the public. The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced that winter catch-and-release trout season at Montauk State Park is cancelled.
Winter catch-and-release trout season remains open at Roaring River and Bennett Spring state parks and Maramec Spring Park.
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 Ha Ha Park in Sunset Hills suffered severe damage to its shoreline with trails and facilities washed out.
Although recovery work is well underway at Minnie Ha Ha and other Meramec River park locations, that work was slowed by severe snow and ice storms. A storm that hit the region on Jan. 10 dumped more than a foot of ice and snow on areas along the I-44 and I-70 corridors.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Environmental Echo 