Share(National Park Service News Release.)
Nov. 21- Van Buren Reed E. Detring, Superintendent at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, is hanging up his ranger hat after 35 years of federal service at parks from Washington State to Florida. He has served as Ozark’s Superintendent since June 22, 2008
Detring began his National Park Service career [...]

ShareWatercress Park, operated by Mark Twain National Forest, along the Current River near Van Buren, reopened August 5th. Reopening was schedule for earlier this summer, but work was delayed for a while due to the floods this spring, where the Current reached up to 25 feet deep.

ShareA few weeks back, the Missouri Department of Conservation announce a black bear population study to determine numbers per county, habitat and possible public education needed.
The Current Local, our exchange from Van Buren, reported in its May 19 issue that an approximately 250 pound black bear was killed on May 6, when struck about 200 [...]

Share Although we currently (April 24, 3 p.m.) have flood conditions on the Jacks Fork at Alley Spring (over 13 foot) and the Current River at Van Buren (about 17 foot) and the rivers are closed to floating, we’ve got a little better news to report from Ozark National Scenic Riverways in regards to their [...]

Share As part of its efforts to obtain public input regarding potential elk restoration in a limited area of Carter, Reynolds and Shannon counties, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold the following public meetings:

Monday, Aug. 23, 5-8 p.m. – Van Buren High School Cafeteria, 202 W. College
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 5-8 p.m. – Eminence [...]

ShareKenny Collins and Aaron Pruiett, both of West Plains, DID NOT win the annual Dale Kipp Birthday Goggle-eye Tournament on Current River at Van Buren.  John Conner, West Plains, and Merlin Pyrtle of Jackson — in the new shirts — did win the tournament. They were so sure of themselves they had these shirts printed [...]

ShareThe Nature Conservancy has hired Preston Mabry as the new Current River Project Manager in the Missouri Ozarks. Mabry will work to restore and preserve the health of Ozark natural communities, including the Current River watershed. His focus will be sustainable land management practices that promote biodiversity, preserve critical natural features, and prevent degradation [...]

ShareWhat in the heck is a Garbage Gig Off?
Darrin Treadway of Current River Outfitters, sponsor of this year’s event in Van Buren, told Traveler all about it.
“After tourist season, there’s lots of trash in the river. The locals are putting the gigging rails on their boats, and getting out the lights and equipment for gigging [...]

ShareDon C. Bedell of Sikeston has been appointed to the Missouri Conservation Commission by Governor Jay Nixon. His appointment is pending confirmation by the Missouri Senate in January, and his term will last to July 1, 2015.
Bedell is a life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a diamond life sponsor for National Wild Turkey Federation, has been [...]