ROLLA, Mo. (News First) – Flood clean-up continues throughout the Mark Twain National Forest after major flooding from massive rains impacted the area earlier this month. A news release from forest officials said some areas received nearly 15 inches of rain, with the heavy rainfall more localized than the widespread flooding that affected the Show-Me State in 2017.
Many campgrounds and recreation areas on Mark Twain National Forest Land may not have toilets available to visitors at the moment. The release says sites on the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District, the Salem Ranger District and the Poplar Bluff Ranger District were spared by the worst of the flooding and no out-of-season closures are currently in place for any of those three ranger districts.
The release says recreation technicians have been busy shoveling mud out of restroom buildings while dozer operators have cleared debris and mud from parking lots and roads. Several boat ramps have been cleared above the waterline. Hazards could still exist below the water and muddy sites will remain until the next rain.
On the Eleven Point Ranger District in Van Buren, the Watercress Recreation Area received substantial damage. A workday in early December has been planned for Watercress. Clearing the day-use area and boat ramp will be a priority but the campground may remain closed for the season while assessments and repairs get scheduled. Also on the Current River, Bay Nothing has been cleared of debris and is open but Deer Leap Campground is still being cleaned up and may open sometime later this week.
