HERITAGE Newsletter of the Parks Association Post Office Box 30036, Columbia, MO 65205

Volume 33, No. 3 December 2015—January 2016 Susan Flader, Editor The New State Park Book is Here The long-awaited complete revi- enhanced the book with her eye for sion of the state park book has ar- beautiful layout. rived from the printer and will soon The book was conceived at a time be available through numerous out- of crisis for Missouri parks. It ex- lets. The landmark 1992 edition was plores the remarkably diverse and widely hailed as setting a new stan- interrelated natural and cultural dard for state park literature nation- heritage of the state as embodied in wide, and the new edition is even its highly regarded system of state better. parks and historic sites, and to con- The book is co-published by Mis- sider the values at stake in the sys- souri Parks Association and Mis- tem. The essays along with an his- souri Life, Inc., edited by Susan torical introduction make the case Flader, and co-authored by John A. that the system is the product of the Karel, B.H. Rucker, Susan Flader, amazing effort and generosity of R. Roger Pryor, and Charles Calli- generations of conservation-minded son, all longtime leaders of MPA Missourians, and that this same af- parks. More than 500 full-color im- and deeply knowledgeable about fection, dedication, and enthusiasm ages by Oliver Schuchard and other state parks and their role in Mis- sustains the system to this day. talented photographers capture the souri. The 416-page large-format essence of these special places. Mis- Hundreds of park system employ- book includes essays on all 88 parks souri Life art director Sarah Herrera ees and other individuals provided and historic sites, including 11 new photographs, willingly answered Booker Hall (B.H.) Rucker, 1939-2016 questions, and reviewed drafts of essays, viewing this book as another After the state park book was sent to the printer but before the shipment way of expressing their love for the arrived, co-author Booker Rucker passed away suddenly on January 5, 2016. system. More than 200 individuals See former state park director John Karel's tribute to him on page 3. contributed to a Kickstarter cam- Born in Rolla in 1939 and trained in archaeology, Booker began studying paign to help fund the publication of the steam-engine shed at Watkins Woolen Mill in 1963, before it became part the book, along with major contri- of the park system. He conducted archaeological studies at numerous other butions from Pat Jones, Leo and historic sites before returning to Watkins Mill in 1966 as the first site admin- Kay Drey, and the Missouri Parks istrator, overseeing its restoration and development, and remained with Mis- Association, and other substantial souri State Parks until his retirement in 2003. contributions from David and Nancy Bedan, Wayne and Jane He became chief of historic sites in 1971, and by 1974 he was assistant di- Goode, Tom and Margaret Hall, rector of state parks. He supervised numerous other programs, including law Friends of Arrow Rock, and Mag- enforcement, concessions, interpretation, and recreation over the years, but nificent Missouri. Contributions his heart, soul, and enormous expertise were always in cultural resource man- from the L-A-D Foundation, the agement, restoration, and interpretation. MPA, the Missouri State Park Foun- He leaves his wife Elaine, son John, daughter Sarah, and three grandchil- dation, and the Conservation Fed- dren. The family has graciously suggested memorials to MPA, to which eration of Missouri are helping to Booker was devoted for more than three decades. They may be made through support distribution of books to the MPA website or by check payable to MPA and sent to MPA manager school libraries throughout the state. Marian Fleischmann, 32875 Mount Hope Rd., California MO 65018. (See "Park Book" on Page 6) Page 2 The Missouri Parks Association President’s Message by Steve Nagle: Gathering by the River “Let’s All Gather at the River, ” one of my favorite director Sarah Parker Pauley, CFM vice president Ron old time gospel tunes, was the unsung theme for Coleman, and MPA’s legislative liaison Ginger MPA’s annual gathering this past October at magnifi- Steinmetz shared their observations on the past legisla- cent Bennett Spring State Park. The park on the Dal- tive session as well as an update on planning and strate- las-Laclede County line was established in 1924, cen- gies for renewal of the Parks & Soils Tax in 2016. tered on the big spring that flows clear and cool into Following lunch, state park staff led a field trip to the Niangua River. My grandparents had a farm that the south side of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the bordered the Niangua, and our MPA gathering brought first time many of us had ever seen the Ft. Leonard back vivid memories of this special Ozark riverscape. Wood Recreation Area, set aside for active duty and The area historically was a camping ground for retired military veterans. We topped off outing with a farmers waiting for their visit to the Coakley Hollow Fen Natu- grain to be ground at the ral area. mill. In the1930s the Ci- All those who filled the CCC dining vilian Conservation lodge Saturday evening experienced Corps built the dining Ozark dining at its best. DNR director lodge, cabins, trails, Pauley gave an excellent briefing on roads, shelters and the the natural resource damage program beautiful arched stone that is remediating and compensating bridge across Spring the public for damages from centuries Branch. Since then the of lead mining in Missouri. The pro- park has become a pre- gram was capped by State Senator Mi- mier rainbow and brown chael Parson from Hickory County, trout fishing destination. who provided strong leadership in sup- Also featured are twelve port of state park funding in the last miles of hiking trails: legislative ses- Natural Tunnel, Savanna Above: MPA Presi- sion and who Ridge, Whistle, Spring, and the dent Steve Nagle (left) understands the tree-shaded Bridge Trail. For presents Senator Mike value to local hiking, fly-fishing, canoeing or Parson a framed pic- economies pro- camping, Bennett Spring is the ture of the CCC vided by Mis- perfect place to gather. Bridge at Bennett Spring in his district. souri’s system MPA members met at Ben- Right: MPA members of state parks. nett Spring on Friday, October explored flood damage Susan Flader 16, what turned out to be a per- at River Cave in Ha and I were fect clear autumn day. We Ha Tonka State Park. pleased to pre- travelled by vans to Ha Ha sent the senator Tonka for a hike and boat excursion along the Nian- with a framed gua Arm of Lake of the Ozarks. The park naturalist picture of the also led a hike to River Cave, where we discussed CCC Bridge at “problem-solving” where summer flooding and road Bennett gravel had eroded the sink hole and plugged a cave. Spring. We look forward to Friday evening back at the dining lodge we gath- his continued ered for a happy hour and presentation by Patrick support in Overton, MPA’s first resident Poet in the Park and 2016. an update by Susan Flader on the fully revised park book. We are ready to face the challenges ahead for 2016 with renewed hope and resolution. May the spirit of About 65 members and guests were on hand Satur- this New Year fill your heart with serenity and peace, day morning for a welcome by park manager J.D. and I hope to see us all outdoors enjoying our Missouri Muschany and the always-informative "State of the state parks and historic sites. Stay tuned for good Parks" address by State Park Director Bill Bryan. DNR things to come.

Page 3 The Missouri Parks Association

Booker Rucker: A Tribute by John A. Karel

During his long ten- aspect of Missouri ure with the state history or regional parks and historic culture that per- sites agency, Booker haps you had con- Rucker became the sidered not all that single most knowl- interesting, that edgeable person re- was only because garding the cultural you had not yet legacies embodied in had a proper dis- our park system. cussion of that Even after retirement topic with Booker. in 2003, his deep res- All of these gifts ervoir of expertise, Booker harnessed judgment and guid- in the cause of his ance continued to state, his agency, serve old and new and his friends. state employees, ad- At the birth of the Missouri Parks ministrators, fellow conservation- State Parks, it was Booker’s voice, Association, no one understood ists, and public officials, up to and persuasive and uncompromising, more clearly the need, or was more including several governors who which ensured that cultural enthusiastic in giving his time and called upon Booker more than once resources were incorporated into effort to help MPA get underway. for counsel. full partnership with natural and Likewise, no one better understood recreational values. That three-way A commanding resource knowl- the importance of the Parks and balance remains an essential edge and steel-trap retentive mind, Soils Sales Tax, or worked harder strength of the system to this day. coupled with his extensive bonds of for its passage and subsequent re- No other state system of historic friendship, collegial respect, and newals. sites, or federal for that matter, has a personal affection throughout the better reputation for authenticity Booker mentored or advised many agency and beyond, rendered than Missouri’s, and the primary of us over the years, and had a Booker the institutional memory for author of that reputation was unique understanding and affection the agency. And not just memory; Booker Rucker. for the agency and its people. He he was also in some ways the genuinely cared about his fellow cultural conscience for state parks, As a deeply-rooted, multi- staff. That nurturing helped sustain and to a significant degree for state generational native son of this state, many through difficult periods of government as a whole. Booker’s keen interest extended to professional and also personal every aspect of Missouri’s legacy— But tremendous knowledge and crisis. every region, period, ethnic group, memory alone do not explain and social theme. That breadth of Booker’s contributions to the new Booker’s unique stature in the park interest and commitment helped to edition of our state park book, Mis- system, or the profound sense of ensure that our overall system of souri’s State Parks and Historic personal loss so many of us now sites became more broadly Sites: Exploring Our Legacy, were feel in his absence. inclusive, and it continues to fundamental. His spirit is deeply The basic foundation for his improve as plans that Booker helped embedded in that text; and we can status was his steadfast leadership to envision come to be fulfilled. take much consolation in knowing over many years in developing the that before he left us, he saw, Knowledge, leadership, vision-- state historic sites into full partners enjoyed, and approved the advance these all play a role in our esteem in the overall park system. Booker copy of that book. for Booker. But the hollowness in demanded the very highest stan- our hearts at his absence derives We will sorely miss Booker dards of integrity in restoration and most of all from his deep and warm Rucker, his counsel, and his friend- interpretation of cultural resources; personal charm. Was there ever a ship. But, as fellow citizens and as and then demanded, and got, the more affable story teller? A more friends, we are richer for his life, respect for those sites that they de- engaging conversationalist? A more and for having known him. And so serve. In the process of distilling insightful interpreter? I can say that is the state of Missouri. the three-part mission of Missouri I knew of none. If there was some

Page 4 The Missouri Parks Association Promise and Perils of New Parks

Stymied for years by inadequate fund- The DNR director had been designated in encompassing the damaged lands, then ing to keep up with infrastructure rehabili- 1988 by Gov. John Ashcroft to represent adopted plans for the 18-county ecoregion tation or new parkland for Missouri's the state's interest under the law. of southwest Missouri in 2012 and for the growing population, the state has finally 20-county southeast region in 2014. found a source of non-state funding for In southwest Missouri, where EPA some new parks and parkland restora- remediation was completed sooner, tion. It comes through the federal pro- land acquisition and restoration pro- gram known as Superfund, intended to jects have proceeded without contro- provide compensation for natural re- versy. But in the southeast, where EPA source damage sustained as a result of remediation is more complex and time- mining or other polluting industrial consuming, restoration projects on activity. But this ray of promise for the damaged sites have been held up await- park system has come with peril as ing completion of EPA clean-up, while well, as a result of public controversy proposals elsewhere in the region, for triggered by the proposed acquisition land acquisition and restoration to of new parkland, especially along the compensate the public for the loss of Eleven Point National Scenic River natural resource values, have moved (photo) in Oregon County. ahead. Several acquisitions, including In 1980 Congress passed the Com- additions to Taum Sauk and Johnson's prehensive Environmental Response, Shut-Ins State Parks in Reynolds Compensation, and Liability Act County, have been well regarded, but a (CERCLA, or Superfund), which holds proposed new park along the Eleven polluters responsible not only for Point River has raised a firestorm. cleaning up the contamination but for When word got out in late summer compensating the public for its loss of that the state was considering purchase natural resources. For Missouri, which for Of the several natural resource damage of thousands of acres along the Eleven many years was the leading lead producer (NRD) settlements reached over the years Point River for a new state park, the Ore- in the world, funds provided through the with firms that operated in Missouri, the gon County Commission and many citi- Superfund law would prove to be very most substantial was the 2009 bankruptcy zens objected to any more public land in substantial. In the last quarter century, for case involving the American Smelting and the county, which already has more than a example, St. Joe State Park and Missouri Refining Company (ASARCO), which hundred thousand acres of national forest Mines State Historic Site, on land donated operated in Missouri's southeast and land and fears loss of property tax reve- to the state in 1975 by the St. Joe Minerals southwest lead belts during the 19th and nue. Public officials in St. Francois, Madi- Corp. after the local lead mines played 20th centuries. Under the settlement, son, Iron, and nearby counties also op- out, have benefitted from more than $20 ASARCO agreed to pay more than $80 posed a new park in Oregon County, say- million in tailings cleanup and stabiliza- million to the US Environmental Protec- ing the money should be spent in or near tion of a highly vulnerable dam holding tion Agency (EPA) for remediation of haz- the areas where the damage occurred. back millions of tons of waste. ards in the damaged sites to public health MPA and other conservation organiza- standards. With the prospect of increased natural tions, while not opposing new parkland, resource damage (NRD) settlements with The firm also agreed to pay $61 mil- emphasized the need to maintain the unde- industry through CERCLA, the state in lion to compensate the public for loss of veloped integrity of the scenic easement 2004 established a Missouri Trustee Coun- natural resource values; this would be corridor along the river (see Heritage, cil to help select and oversee NRD pro- done through projects to be selected by the September 2015). Many expressed con- jects under the law, which provides that Trustee Council for land acquisition and cern about the veil of secrecy shrouding the monies must be used to restore, re- ecosystem restoration either on the dam- the proposed land purchases, while some place, and acquire natural resources aged sites or elsewhere in the same ecore- welcomed the additional parkland and equivalent to those damaged. The trustees gion, wherever the most cost-effective pointed to the potentially significant eco- of the council include the US Fish and projects could be mounted. The Trustee nomic return to Oregon County. Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, Council held dozens of community and In the atmosphere of controversy, and the director of the Missouri Depart- stakeholder meetings to find potentially House Speaker Todd Richardson ap- ment of Natural Resources (DNR), the available lands and restoration projects pointed an Interim Investigative Commit- parent agency of the state park system. and review draft plans of both ecoregions tee on Park Creation, chaired by Rep. Jay

Page 5 The Missouri Parks Association

Barnes (R-Jefferson City), which met tion and development of Camp Zoe as the A few weeks after the hearing, Gov- November 2 to hear from DNR Director new Echo Bluff State Park (see Heritage, ernor Nixon travelled to the southeastern Sara Parker Pauley, plus the presiding July 2015), several bills have already lead belt to tour several restoration pro- commissioner of Oregon County, a Rey- been filed in the current legislative ses- jects proposed by local interests. He as- nolds County timber firm concerned sion. Identical bills (HB1782 and sured local officials that he was interested mostly about the new park at Camp Zoe HB2187) by Reps. Barnes and Robert in their projects, that he would ask EPA in Shannon County, and MPA. Rep. Bar- Ross (R-Yukon) would mandate the sale to speed up its lead cleanups in the area nes indicated he did not think DNR could at public auction of any property acquired so restoration could begin, that they could legally acquire parkland as far from the by DNR in Oregon County. Sen. Cun- help by getting the other trustees behind damaged sites as their projects, and that he Oregon County un- was directing DNR to iden- der the ASARCO tify and expedite efforts to settlement agree- restore lead-damaged lands. ment, though Direc- But he did not back away tor Pauley disagreed; from the proposed park in she reviewed the Oregon County, calling it CERCLA authority an "outstanding opportu- and the Trustee nity." Meanwhile, DNR has Council public meet- secured options or contracts ings and plans, and on several parcels totaling assured the group more than 4,000 acres along that there were funds the Eleven Point, including set aside for restora- a ranch where the Beatles tion projects in the stayed during their first damaged areas, but American tour in 1964, for Looking east across proposed parkland toward the Eleven Point valley. they could not begin a new state park, and the until EPA completed its work on those ningham (R-Rogersville) has introduced Missouri Trustee Council has approved sites. She also explained that NRD a bill (SB 682) that would require a pub- DNR's proposed land acquisition and res- (damages) funds are not technically state lic hearing and public notice of at least toration projects there. MPA anticipates a revenue—they are in a trust fund in the sixty days prior to acquisition of any land rocky road in the legislative session just federal treasury and stand appropriated by any department, and another (SB 683) beginning. for designated purposes under CERCLA. that would remove the ordinary tax- This has been a very unfortunate epi- It was also clear that many members were exemption from any DNR land. Yet an- sode. State parks have normally been ac- disturbed by the apparent secrecy, and other by Sen. Brown (R-Rolla) would quired with the support of local citizens that some thought the state had enough require any contributions to DNR or and officials and occasionally with the parkland already. Several members re- money received from concessions or re- financial help of local units of govern- ferred to bills they or others intended to sale items to be deposited to the state's ment. The proposed new park has consid- introduce regarding DNR land purchases. general revenue (where it could presuma- erable merit and may, if it comes to pass, bly be diverted to other departments), Likely in response to recent contro- become more appreciated over time. rather than to the State Park Earnings versies over both the proposed park on Fund. the Eleven Point and the state's acquisi- Park Briefs Emory Melton of Cassville, longtime The Rock Island Trail from the Katy at with major cleanup required but fortu- esteemed state senator, avid historian, Windsor 47.5 miles west to Pleasant Hill nately relatively little major facility park lover, and staunch advocate for is set to open by the end of 2016. In late damage. Roaring River, where the lodge is October the federal Surface Transporta- Edward D. "Ted" Jones, donor of the named for him, died December 26 at tion Board approved the donation of the Katy Trail, was the 45th inductee into the age 92. 144-mile segment from Windsor east to Hall of Famous Missourians. His wife Echo Bluff was announced in Novem- Beaufort to MSP from Ameren. Pat, MPA honorary board member and ber as the name for the new park on the December floods, exceeding record former president, was present for the Camp Zoe tract, which is expected to levels in some places, affected more unveiling of his bust at a ceremony in open in July. than twenty state parks along the big October. rivers, the Meramec, and other streams, NON PROFIT ORG. December 2015—January 2016 U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA, MO PERMIT #338

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MPA Honors Park Employees ("Park Book" from Page 1)

MPA honored five state during any unexpected event. park staffers as Employees of Park Book Available Amanda Coonce was hon- the Year at an MPA- ored for her passion as an sponsored dinner during a Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites: Ex- historic interpreter at Watkins ploring Our Legacy will be introduced at a state park staff conference Mill and her skill, as a October 28 at Lake of the launch party Monday, February 1, from 5-7pm Certified Interpretive Trainer, at Broadway Brewery, 816 E. Broadway in Co- Ozarks. Plaques and checks in teaching dozens of others were presented by MPA vice lumbia. Refreshments will be available, and at the annual MSP Interpreter contributors to Kickstarter will be able to pick president Deb Schnack and School. director Nonie McClammer. up their copies and get them signed, if desired, Financial and Information by editor Susan Flader and photographer Oliver Bennett Spring park man- Resource Manager Brad Schuchard. Copies will also be available for sale ager J.D. Muschany, who Armstrong won the central at a special price. just office category for his retired knowledge, diplomacy, and The book is currently available on the Mis- after tact when communicating souri Life website, www.missourilife.com 40 with co-workers both in his (retail $49.99 + shipping) and soon will be on years previous position in the time- the MPA website, http://parks.missouri.org, service keeping section and in his where it will be available to MPA members at a in mul- new role. special price. Shipping is estimated at about $10 tiple within Missouri, so an even better deal will be parks, Cpl. Brandon Bartz was to pick one up at one of many special park won the facility head cate- honored for his heroic effort events or conservation-related conferences at gory for his exemplary over- to climb 140 feet up a treach- which MPA will sell the book. Books bought sight of major upgrades to erous rock wall at Castle- through MPA provide a greater return for our his park and his significant wood State Park to rescue a mission and programs. contributions to parks severely injured female who throughout the Ozarks had fallen 65 feet during a MPA members may also order the book by District and elsewhere. suicide attempt and keep her check for $50 (book + shipping within Mis- alive, calm and breathing for souri) payable to Missouri Parks Association Dwayne Bostick, at Onon- more than two hours, and sent to MPA manager Marian Fleischmann, daga Cave, won the mainte- supported only by a small 32875 Mount Hope Rd., California MO 65018. nance category for his un- tree, until they could be ex- canny ability and willingness Look for it also at most state park visitor centers tricated to safety. For his and at many bookstores. If your favorite book- to solve problems on the fly, bravery, he was also named his willingness to help other store doesn't carry it, please encourage them to national Park Ranger of the do so. staff, and his selflessness in Year by ServiceWear volunteering on his own time