Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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| Ozark National Scenic Riverways | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
| Location | Missouri, United States |
| Nearest city | Van Buren, Missouri |
| Coordinates | 37°10′N 91°15′W |
| Area | 80,000 acres |
| Established | August 19, 1964 |
| Visitation num | 1.3 million |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a national park located in the Ozark Mountains of southeastern Missouri, near the towns of Van Buren, Missouri and Salem, Missouri. The park was established on August 19, 1964, to protect the Current River and Jack's Fork, which are two of the finest floating streams in the United States. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park's unique geology and diverse ecosystems support a wide range of plant and animal species, including the American bald eagle, black bear, and white-tailed deer.
Geography
The park's geography is characterized by limestone and dolomite bluffs, caves, and springs, which are typical of the Ozark Plateau. The Current River and Jack's Fork flow through the park, offering scenic views and opportunities for boating and fishing. The park's terrain is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the Ozark Trail, which stretches for over 200 miles through the Ozark Mountains. The park's proximity to Mark Twain National Forest and Missouri State Parks makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who can also visit nearby Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
History
The history of the park dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American presence in the area, including the Osage Nation and Quapaw. The park was also home to early European-American settlers, including French and German immigrants, who were attracted to the area's natural resources and fertile soil. The park's establishment in 1964 was the result of efforts by conservationists, including Lady Bird Johnson and Stewart Udall, who recognized the importance of preserving the area's natural and cultural resources. The park has also been recognized for its historical significance, with several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Alley Spring Grist Mill Historic District and the Round Spring Cave.
Geology
The park's geology is characterized by Mississippian and Pennsylvanian-age limestone and dolomite, which have been shaped by millions of years of erosion and weathering. The park's unique geology has created a variety of karst features, including caves, springs, and sinkholes. The park is also home to several mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and copper, which were mined in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The park's geology has been studied by geologists from Washington University in St. Louis and the United States Geological Survey, who have published numerous papers on the park's hydrology and geomorphology.
Ecology
The park's ecology is diverse and complex, with a wide range of plant and animal species adapted to the area's unique geology and climate. The park is home to several endangered species, including the hellbender and the Ozark big-eared bat, which are found only in the Ozark Mountains. The park's forests are dominated by oak and hickory trees, with an understory of dogwood and redbud. The park's wetlands and riparian zones support a variety of aquatic species, including fish, mussels, and crayfish. The park's ecology has been studied by biologists from University of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation, who have published numerous papers on the park's ecosystem and biodiversity.
Recreation
The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park's hiking trails offer scenic views and opportunities to explore the park's unique geology and ecosystems. The park also offers camping and picnicking facilities, as well as scenic driving routes and wildlife viewing areas. Visitors to the park can also explore the nearby Mark Twain National Forest and Missouri State Parks, which offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park's recreational activities are managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service.
Management
The park is managed by the National Park Service, which is responsible for protecting the park's natural and cultural resources. The park's management plan is guided by the National Park Service Organic Act and the General Management Plan, which outline the park's mission and goals. The park is also managed in partnership with other federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The park's management has been recognized for its excellence, with the park receiving the National Park Service Director's Award for outstanding management and stewardship. The park's management is also guided by the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship, which are reflected in the park's climate change and wildlife conservation efforts.