Recovery Update

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park was damaged by flooding following the failure of the Taum Sauk Reservoir. The park has closed for redevelopment.

Weather may delay planned summer opening of Johnson's Shut-Ins

Trails:
Goggins Mountain Trail -- Goggins Mountain Trail is closed for the construction of the new campground as part of the park redevelopment efforts.

Ozark Trail -- Because of construction taking place in the valley, the Ozark Trail through Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park remains closed. Construction is pending on a new route that will avoid the damaged areas and construction zones. When complete, this new trail segment will follow the East Fork of the Black River high above the shut-ins with nice views of the river valley and rejoin the original route further downstream. New trailheads and backpack campsites are included in the park redevelopment plan.

Until this new segment opens, the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail remains closed through the valley of the East Fork of the Black River. This includes access to the shut-ins and the main park valley. From the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park trailhead, hikers may hike to Mina Sauk Falls or continue into Taum Sauk Creek valley as far as the "trail closed" sign, approximately five miles from the trailhead. No access is permitted beyond the closed sign.

The Western Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail from Highway A at Bell Mountain Trailhead to Highway N is now open. There is no parking available where the Ozark Trail meets Highway N.

Boulder Field Cleanup: The breach sent water, sand, gravel and boulders down the mountain and into the park. Sediment, which in places was between 3 and 6 feet deep, is being removed from the main area of the park. Removing the sand and gravel down to the native soil layer will help prevent sediment from being washed into the East Fork and creating water quality problems. Where native soil has been washed away, new local topsoil has been brought in to sustain plant life. Some of the boulders are being used in the stream restoration project. The large remaining boulders will be left in place so future visitors can experience this aspect of the event. View photos of the boulder field cleanup

River Restoration: The Department of Natural Resources approved a plan from AmerenUE for rebuilding a section of the East Fork of the Black River through Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The reservoir breach significantly changed the river and the floodplain, filling the river with sand and boulders and blocking the channel with a large rock dam. The flood impaired the river function and left the valley, river and shut-ins vulnerable to sediment deposition, flooding and water quality problems.

The river restoration plan is designed to address environmental problems that occurred as a result of the breach, including the alteration of the previous stream channel and the removal of vegetation from the floodplain. The rebuilt river segment will be 4,200 feet long, extending from near the Highway N bridge to just upstream of the beginning of the shut-ins. It will contain bends, riffles and pools with point bars and banks all designed to minimize downstream water quality problems from sand and sediment moving off the damaged floodplain, scour channel and riparian zones. The project combines natural materials and native vegetation with bioengineering techniques to rebuild a dynamic river with a natural look appropriate for this popular scenic landmark. The plan will help stabilize the stream banks, prevent erosion, reduce in-stream sediment, and protect natural features in the park. View photos of the river restoration project

Long-term conceptual development planning: Engineering and architectural design work on the long-term conceptual development plan has begun. The proposed redevelopment plan for Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park was made available online and presented to the public at several open houses during August 2006. The plan was approved in the fall of 2006 by the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri State Park Advisory Board.

Other Agencies Responses
Ameren
Video of Cleanup Results - April 4, 2006
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
U.S. Geological Survey

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