Share
ROLLA, Missouri — Since January 1, 2011, Mark Twain National Forest has suppressed 110 fires which have burned more than 19,000 acres of National Forest and other land ownership.
“The Minninghaw wild fire on the Salem Ranger District, at almost 5,000 acres, is possibly the largest documented fire in Mark Twain history,” Mark Twain Fire Management [...]

ShareSALEM, Mo. — Arsonists are suspected of setting several November 1, 2011 Mark Twain National Forest Salem District fires.
According to Thom Haines, Mark Twain National Forest Salem District ranger, a total of more than 5,000 acres were burned November 1, 2011.
“If anyone knows who set these fires, please let us know,” Haines said. Contact Mark [...]

ShareAVA, Missouri – Mark Twain National Forest will leave Noblett Lake temporarily dry until spring 2012
After coordinating with Missouri Departments of Natural Resources and Conservation, Mark Twain National Forest has decided to leave the dam gate open, leaving the lake bed dry except for the perennial stream portion, until spring 2012.
This will allow cold [...]

ShareBy Jo Schaper
One of the most remote areas of Missouri is Douglas County. Just to the west of Willow Springs, one tier up from the more touristy Ozark County along the North Fork just before it runs into the White River, Douglas County is hilly, forested, and remote.
This area isn’t a tourist destination. [...]

ShareROLLA, Missouri — Mark Twain National Forest is looking for recreation site concessionaires for 2012.
According to David Whittekiend, Mark Twain National Forest supervisor, Missouri’s USDA National Forest is looking for private concessionaires to operate nine campgrounds and their associated recreation areas, and one rental cabin for the 2012 recreation season.
The ten proposed areas are:

ShareThis Saturday, September 24, is National Public Lands Day as well as National Hunting and Fishing Day. Many federal land managing agencies, such as national parks and monuments and US Forest Service forests celebrate with admission free days, and special events.

An area roundup follows:
National parks: Riverways does not charge an entry fee anytime. [...]

ShareNoblett Lake Temporarily Closed, Effective August 31, 2011
AVA, Missouri – Mark Twain National Forest is temporarily closing Noblett Lake to the public, effective August 31, 2011.
Law enforcement investigators are looking into the discovery August 17, 2011 of loss of all the water at Noblett Lake, located south of Willow Springs, Missouri in Douglas County.

ShareThe 9th Missouri Confederate Sharpshooters reenactors take their Missouri history seriously.
Traveler Extra by Jo Schaper
Just ask Mrs. Helen Wright, originally of Leasburg, now living in Cuba. I’ve never met Mrs. Wright, (hence, no photographs) but she must be a powerhouse. As the 74-year-old co-chair of the Battle of Leasburg, all roads seemed to lead [...]

ShareDriving Ft. Davidson to Leasburg – a trip back into time
by Jo Schaper
(Ed. note: this story jumps to two related others: A long version of the road log in the print paper, and a shorter story interview with Mrs. Helen Wright, one of the chairpeople of the Leasburg Reenactment about a group of reenactors who [...]

Shareark Twain National Forest law enforcement investigators are looking into the August 17, 2011 discovery of loss of water at Noblett Lake, located south of Willow Springs, Missouri.
Mark Twain National Forest Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Ranger Jenny Farenbaugh said the lake flow gate will remain open so fish can survive and move down stream to [...]