Checking in on Progress.

[bkbying89]

Just checking in to see if there is news of progress on the recovery on the NF. I hope everything is going well for the people whose lives have been disrupted so drastically by the flooding this year. Is there any news to share.

Be well,

Bill 

[2sheds]

We stayed at the Sunburst Lodge in late June.  Great accommodation if you've got a large group (14 or so).  Absolutely no downside from the flood.  The Hanger at Sunburst is also available for slightly smaller groups.  Floated successive day trips from Sunburst (between Blair & Patrick Bridges) down to The Landing (just above Dawt).  Water is a bit higher and faster than normal for this time of year, but crystal clear and refreshing.  Plenty safe and enjoyable to float, but lots of trees down lining the banks that hid most of my landmarks.  Caught a few nice browns, but didn't tie into big numbers.  Need to learn more about fishing the Northfork when water is moving like that.

Unfortunately, the Sunburst campground and everything with it near river level was totally swept away.  Justin and Amy are well into their rebuilding plans and hope to have camping services and a bathhouse ready for next summer.    They've got several fundraisers going and would certainly appreciate everyone doing what we can to support and to spread the word.

River of Life was also seriously damaged. I know less about Myron's plans, but am sure they are also needing support from us river rats.

Some of the historical access points are not (yet) viable.

And one of my favorite spots of solitude, Althea Spring, caught a lot of washed in debris that made it almost unrecognizable when I hiked over.

Last to report is the Riverstrong project, intended to establish support for a forward-looking strategy of trout conservation on the Northfork.  Enjoyed catching up with river-friends at the successful June 15 Fundraiser event at Schafley's in StL. Thinking in hindsight that it would have been fun to disclose all of the OzarkAnglers pen-pals who happened to be attending so we could have met face-to-face.   Folks can check here https://gladitood.com/projects/riverstrong#overview and elsewhere to learn more about Riverstrong.

Bottom Line:  Make no mistake, hardworking folks of all kinds were hit very hard and it will be a long recovery that needs support from all directions. But the river is a powerful force and is likely to surprise us with its resilience.

James Bridge (SH-PP) - Before and After

 

James Bridge (SH-PP) - River Level on 6/19/2017

 

Found:  One River House - 1 mile Downstream and Across

 

Back Porch - The Lodge @ Sunburst

 

Fireplace

 

Front Porch

[bkbying89]

Thanks, 2sheds. 

   I have at times wondered what was going on down on the NFOWR and not seen any reports since after the floods. It is somewhat heartening to see that recovery is under way. I felt that recovery would take some time but knowing it underway gives hope for the future.

Bill