News Release No. 032

MEDIA ADVISORY:
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO HOST
MEDIA TOUR OF JOHNSON’S SHUT-INS STATE PARK

Volume 34-032

Contact: Sue Holst

(For immediate release)

573-751-6510

Jan. 30, 2006

WHAT: A special tour for media of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville

WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

WHERE: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, located eight miles north of Lesterville on Highway N in Reynolds County.

WHY: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is providing an opportunity for the media to tour Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park as recovery efforts continue following the Dec. 14 breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir, which flooded the park. The tour will allow visitors to see firsthand the work that is being done and discuss the work with various department personnel. In addition to cleanup efforts, the tour will include information on water quality issues in the Black River.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

RSVP: To assist in coordination of the event, all media representatives who would like to attend the tour must let us know in advance. Please RSVP by Monday, Feb. 6 and let us know how many will be attending. You can do so by contacting Sue Holst at 573-751-6510 or Sue.Holst@dnr.mo.gov.

SAFETY: Because of the heavy equipment being used, the state park is considered a construction site. This means all safety requirements will be in place. Sturdy shoes are required. Once you arrive at the site, you will be required to wear a hard hat, orange safety vest and safety glasses (these will be supplied).

GETTING AROUND: Once you arrive at the park, you will be transported to various locations in vans. To reach the area of the shut-ins, you will be required to hike a trail that is one-mile round trip.

PUBLIC MEETING: The media tour is being held in conjunction with the third public meeting planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Lesterville High School, Highway 21 and Elm St. in Lesterville. This will be an availability session with representatives from various aspects of the recovery effort present to provide information and answer questions.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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