The following was copied (without permission) from the Feb.16 Reynolds County Courier.
The person being interviewed and the reporter won't be identified to protect the guilty.
There's a lot of disappointment because of the river's conditions. It's going to take a number of years as far as I'm concerned, and from what the future forecast has, that this summer's going to be dry. And that river is not going to be floatable, although, I take that back. It will be floatable; but it will be a dirty float. It will be nothing like we're used to, and there'll be a few people come down, but not many this year, and we'll lose a lot of business because of it.
At this point in time, everybody keeps talking about the East Fork that's coming into the Shut-Ins. And not a whole lot is being highlighted on below the river where everybody-the businesses and everything are the main concern, not only in Reynolds County, but other counties such as Iron...The Black River itself in Lesterville is one of the sights they come and just sit by it for a day. They don't have to do anything else. But that's not going to be available and it's going to be hard to tell how long it will be before it is. It's affecting the community heavily. It is seasonal, and it is the livelihood of his community.
6 Comments:
What is the condition of the river at Hwy K Park? Is the water as murky and the gravel on the river's bottom covered in silt such as it is in Lesterville?
I come down several times in the summer to Lesterville and Hwy K with a group to float and swim. We also visit other areas of interest, shop, and dine out. In the fall, winter and spring we hike the trails and again visit local businesses.
Most people that stay in the summer come for the clear waters of the Black and will likely choose one of Missouri's other clear streams to swim in and float.
It looks like there will need to be some flooding, and it will take some time to clear not only the water but the bottom of the river as well.
I can't speak for the canoe rental places and campsites, but I don't believe the condition of the river will stop the loyal patrons of Black River Lodge. The river is a big highlight, I love the Black, but there is a lot more to Black River Lodge that keeps people coming back. I am very saddened over what has happened and I hope all of the other businesses can survive this summer. This is going to be a wait and see situation.
I don't know what the situation is at the K Bridge, but the further you go downstream the less silt you should have. However, eventually all the silt will end up in Clearwater Lake. If it wasn't 17 degrees I would go floating today. The river at Black River Lodge is not nasty, it's just not as clear as we all want.
How about a few photos of the river right below the BRL bridge?
Your continual updates are Wonderful! If we all could see some recent river pics, we can all decide for ourselves. How would we ever get through the summer without fried chicken, bingo, volleyball, talent show, meat loaf and floatin'? NO Way, We're going down this year and we will all LOVE it!!
I'll post some photos next week. I've found that it is difficult to take a photo of water and have it come out like my eye sees it, but I'll get something soon. To cold today, it was 3 degrees this morning.
Anyone know about the condition of Bearcats Getaway in Lesterville or the river around it?
Anyone w/ first hand knowledge.......If you're booking an early float in April and starting to plan now would you count on the Black being a good float as it stands now. The whole reason to go to the Black is the nice-clear water, if it's filthy we may as well jump in the Meramec.
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