Three new state parks slated

[Al Agnew]

Don't know where the money is coming from, and they probably spent way more than they could have at Echo Bluff, but like Norm, I'm glad they are spending it for more park land.  When quality land becomes available you have to buy it then, you can't wait until you're flush with cash (like never).  It would seem to make sense to get it acquired and then just put in minimal facilities until you have more money to develop it more fully, but then they run into the problem of people complaining that they have the land and ain't doing anything with it.

[jdmidwest]

Public land should be left alone sometimes.  We need to preserve some nature for the future.  If they leave it alone and manage it as a natural area park, then I would be happy with it.  Grand Gulf is a natural State Park with minimal interference.  Outside of the parking area and boardwalk, it is still nature.  I would be happy with maintaining the 11 PT area like that, or returning the pastures to forests and making it more of a wilderness.

Echo Bluff is not natural, its a resort.  Concrete, pavement, steel, and artificial light.  It is like a city park.  I don't think I would like to see that on 11 PT.  Then it could become more commercial like Current River.

[awhuber]

45 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

Public land should be left alone sometimes.  We need to preserve some nature for the future.  If they leave it alone and manage it as a natural area park, then I would be happy with it.  Grand Gulf is a natural State Park with minimal interference.  Outside of the parking area and boardwalk, it is still nature.  I would be happy with maintaining the 11 PT area like that, or returning the pastures to forests and making it more of a wilderness.

Echo Bluff is not natural, its a resort.  Concrete, pavement, steel, and artificial light.  It is like a city park.  I don't think I would like to see that on 11 PT.  Then it could become more commercial like Current River.

Grand Gulf is one of my favorites. It is not owned by the State of MO.  It is leased from the LAD foundation.