News Release

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Accessible to Public during Government Shutdown

Date: January 22, 2018

Van Buren, MO – During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air facilities at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, including public information, restroom maintenance, trash collection, and facilities and roads maintenance.  All park programs have been canceled. The park headquarters and Visitor Center in Van Buren will be closed.

The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds, including maintenance, janitorial, water-borne bathrooms or showers. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action. Backcountry campgrounds and campsites, as well the developed campgrounds at Round Spring, Pulltite, and Two Rivers will remain open. Big Spring, Alley Spring and Powder Mill campgrounds, which are currently closed because of damage related to the 2017 flood, will remain closed. Vault toilets throughout the park will remain open, but will not be maintained. Although vault toilets will remain open parkwide,  water-borne facilities such as the restroom/shower houses at Round Spring and Pulltite will be closed. Akers Ferry will remain in operation through services provided by park concession Akers Ferry Canoe Rental.

Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. Emergency information may be shared through the park’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. In case of emergency, visitors to the park should contact Arrowhead Emergency Dispatch at 844-460-3604 or dial 911.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

www.nps.gov

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