Ozark National Scenic Riverways is closed due to extensive damage to facilities and unsafe conditions caused by the widespread flooding in the region. This closure includes all facilities, campgrounds, and river access points located within the park. Alley Spring General Store, Round Spring Ranger Station, and Park Headquarters in Van Buren will be staffed daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to offer public information and park status.
At the height of the flood the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers crested almost 10’ above historic highs, causing unprecedented damage to park facilities and surrounding communities.
“We have not seen flooding of this severity in the park before,” Superintendent Larry Johnson said. “The extent of damage is sobering, and we have a lot of work to do. We know that 1.3 million visitors to the park come to enjoy activities on and around the rivers, and we will do everything we can to reopen what we can as soon as safely possible. Visitor and staff health and safety will be the top priority as we address a wide variety of issues parkwide. First and foremost, we want to provide our support to the local communities as we begin this recovery together.”
There has been no loss of life or major injuries reported within the park. The National Weather Service contacted the park at 2:30 a.m. on April 27, advising of predicted flooding in the Alley Spring Campground area. Park rangers evacuated two campers and closed the campground by 3 a.m. Due to weather predictions of continued rising waters, all developed campgrounds were closed beginning April 28, for public safety.
As rain continued to fall throughout the weekend, rangers and maintenance staff prepared for anticipated flooding by securing areas and equipment. Park rangers working cooperatively with local emergency response agencies conducted multiple evacuations in local communities. Welfare checks continued through Monday in flooded areas.
It is continuing to rain. Initial recovery efforts include assessing all areas and facilities to address immediate health and safety concerns, and to stabilize damaged structures. As flood waters recede, park staff, with the assistance of the National Park Service Midwest Region Incident Management Team, will assess conditions, clean, and start repairs as possible. As areas become safe for visitors, that information will be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, on the park Facebook page, and at the visitor contact stations. Currently, phone and internet service is down parkwide.
