Will the State be Selling our State Parks.

[bkbying89]

NPR ran a story about the state selling off some land bought to be used and developed for state parks. Two of those mentioned, the Eleven Point site and the I believe the new Current River site and a third one I missed the name. Supposedly the budget would not have money to develop these sites. The problem I see arising is one of these sites was mentioned as a site for a lead mine. I think the Eleven Point site. wouldn't that be wonderful? I know that jobs in the area are badly needed but tourism would be better than lead tailings and the inevitable toxic mess the taxpayer would be stuck with.

[grizwilson]

Comment periods are open for Ozark Mountain and Bryant Creek following meetings on each.  Dec. 7 there will be a comment meeting at Johnson Shut -ins State Park on the Jay Nixon State park from 6-8.  Here are the talking points from CFM to keep the parks:

Talking Points for New State Parks Missouri Parks Association, 12-1-17
 
Historically, new parks have not been immediately developed.  The first parks acquired in the 1920’s received their first significant development by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration in the 1930’s.  There were five undeveloped state parks when the Parks and Soils Sales Tax first passed in 1984.  Any new parks need a period of assessment and planning.  Development and staffing should follow in stages.  Public access could occur within a relatively short time for activities that do not require extensive infrastructure, yet can be supported by the parks’ natural environment.
 
State Parks are economic assets to the local communities, counties, and the state.  Studies have shown they have profoundly positive economic impact.  The parks attract visitors who spend money at local businesses.  The state spends in the local area for operation and maintenance of the parks.  The parks provide full and part-time jobs in the park and in businesses in the local area.  These activities produce tax revenues for communities and counties.  While it will take time for the lands to be developed and the tax benefits of tourism to be realized, this is an investment that should not be missed.  
 
While state parks contribute greatly to Missouri’s tourism economy, the increased opportunity for recreation in the local area is just as significant.
 
Lands of the natural qualities found in these four new parks are rare.  The fact that these high quality natural areas still exist in today’s world is something of a miracle.  They offer unique opportunities to preserve, educate, and enjoy.  Retention of the lands in State Parks for the benefit of present and future generations is an achievable goal, and should be considered necessary to the quality of life in Missouri.
 
The Missouri Park System has prospered for 100 years without resorting to the sale of its lands.  Sale or disposal of these lands should not be an option.  No one can answer where the funds received from such a sale would be spent.  It is extremely doubtful that another use for the funds would benefit so many people in the state, or that any part of the funds would be spent for the benefit of the local communities and counties in the areas of these new parks.  Sale of these new park areas is a loss for every citizen of Missouri and a dangerous precedent for the future of the system.
 
Jay Nixon State Park was acquired as an addition to the existing Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, and should not be considered a separate park requiring a separate name.  MPA has passed a resolution recommending that Missouri State Parks develop a naming policy for new areas and avoid naming properties for incumbent elected officials.  As is the case with this property, naming for incumbents tends to politicize the acquisition and involve state parks in partisan issues.
 
Natural resource management and restoration on these properties should begin in 2018. These are seasonal activities that could be supported at low cost with part-time personnel led by regional park staff. While the impact of these activities is long term, they are also a necessary step to prepare for public use.
 
Planning for public use should begin immediately.   Planning activities are typically led by regional and central office staff.  The choice to begin planning activities is a choice of priorities rather than cost.  Initiating a public planning process should begin with these public meetings.
 
Planning for public access and park development should consider activities that are compatible with the natural and cultural resources of these park areas.  As the Missouri State Park System Mission requires, recreation and public use of these new parks must be balanced with preservation and interpretation of the areas’ natural and cultural resources.
 
 
A survey form and information will be available Dec 4 to Jan 5 on the Missouri State Parks website to submit

[grizwilson]

Here is the link to post your thoughts:

https://mostateparks.com/page/70456/closed-state-park-properties

g

[Phil Lilley]

I attended the gathering at Dewey Short, Table Rock on Monday evening.  Very good crowd and most if not all were for keeping parks and not selling.  But I got the impression the parks on the chopping block are the 3 new ones, not Current or Elevenpoint.  I'll check with Brandon Butler.

[Chief Grey Bear]

 I guarantee you they will sell Jay Nixon Park! 

 And I don't care what they say it's nothing but political.

[Chief Grey Bear]

 The only way to save that park would be to name it the  David Humphrey State Park! 

[MoCarp]

heads will roll if they sell land to their cronies......we can let it set 100 years and not develop it and it would be a plus IMHO

[Phil Lilley]

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/2017/12/05/park-supporters-offer-ideas-closed-ozark-mountain-state-park/922792001/

[Phil Lilley]

https://mostateparks.com/page/70456/closed-state-park-properties

Brandon said there's nothing going on in regards to the Current River.  Eleven Point is in litigation.

[tjm]

If DNR can't fund them as Parks transfer them to MDC as Conservation Areas. State Park near me has never had any development except a short hiking trial, closed to hunting trapping and fishing even though it has creek frontage, a few thousand acres designated Natural Area and the recreation that takes place there is evident by the 'rubber' in the parking lot.