As we launch into Spring, I think about Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the tremendous asset it is for Missouri and the nation.  Set aside in 1964, the park has a number of springs, caves, and trails throughout its 80,000 acres, plus the incredible Jacks Fork and Current Rivers.  These free-flowing streams provide enjoyment for thousands each year, both local residents and travelers from afar.

Currently, the National Park Service is creating a General Management Plan for the park.  This guiding document will steer the management of the park for the next 15 years and more, providing direction to the current and future administrations of the park. In order for the park to be fully successful, the input of the park’s visitors and the stakeholders is needed. The balance between resource protection and recreation is not fully understood without knowing what the public thinks.  If you have ideas, suggestions or concerns, we appreciate your submissions.

The public will have opportunities this summer to review the preliminary alternatives. If you are on our mailing list, you should be receiving our Preliminary Alternatives newsletter in early June.  There will also be a link at: www.nps.gov/ozar. Our next round of meetings will occur the week of June 22, 2009.  Please note that the first three meetings are in communities that are near to the park.  The meeting schedule is as follows:

Monday, June 22, 2009            5:00 PM-8:00 PM        Van Buren Community Center, Intersection of D Hwy and Business 60, Van Buren, MO 63965

Tuesday, June 23, 2009            5:00 PM-8:00 PM        Eminence High School New Gym, 1 Redwing Drive (College Drive), Eminence, MO 65466

Wednesday, June 24, 2009      5:00 PM-8:00 PM        Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center, 202 S. Main Street (Hwy 19), Salem, MO 65560

Thursday, June 25, 2009          3:30 PM-7:00 PM        Courtyard by Marriott, 3301 Lemone Industrial Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201

Friday, June 26, 2009               3:30 PM- 7:00 PM       Crowne Plaza Hotel, 7750 Carondelet Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105

Keep in mind that we are gathering comments and information that will be used to make future plans. Let us know what you want the park to look like in 15 - 20 years.

This website has updates, newsletters, news, and the ability to submit comments about the General Management Plan / Wilderness Study process: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=158&projectId=15793 (Deadline for comments is July 31, 2009.)

or send written comments to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965