• Young people floating past yellow flowers

    Ozark

    National Scenic Riverways Missouri

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  • Closings and service reductaions due to Federal Budget Cuts announced.

    The public will experience reduced hours and services provided by Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the budget cuts that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes. List of closed facilities, click "MORE." More »

Environmental Factors

Bob Holan at Blue Spring

Blue Spring      

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is influenced by a variety of environmental factors. As a karst area, the local and regional hydrologic cycle has a significant impact on the springs, their wildlife and their contribution to the flow of the rivers.

The area is subject to flooding, in most years there is a spring and fall flood, although a period of drought over recent years has lessened this impact.

The shortleaf pine forests are also influenced by a fire cycle, which is now managed via prescribed burns. Any activities that adversely affect water quality, either surface or subsurface, can have a significant impact on the health of park resources. Fortunately, the surrounding area is rural, although there are concerns about mining, agricultural, and community development issues as they relate to possible risks to park resources.

Did You Know?

The Jacks Fork River

Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established in 1964, making it America's first national park area to protect a wild river system. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...