Chief Ranger Retires River, George met a new challenge by de- George Berndt, Chief veloping from scratch the park’s entire in- of Interpretation at terpretive program. Serving as MNRR’s Missouri National first-ever interpreter and uniformed em- Undercurrents Recreational River ployee, he actively promoted the Recrea- retired in February tional River in a continuous media cam- Your free guide to Missouri National Recreational River after over 38 years paign, wrote the text for the River’s first www.nps.gov/mnrr with the National Park standard NPS brochure, wrote many texts 2009 Service at eight differ- and coordinated the production and installa- ent sites. tion of some eighty wayside exhibits Welcome to your river! Water Under the Bridge placed throughout the park, served as an Welcome to the Missouri National Recrea- If you entered or left Yankton from or to George earned a BA in History and Politi- interpretive consultant for a $1.25 million tional River, one of 391 units of your Na- the south, you probably caught a glimpse cal Science at Wittenberg University and an exhibit package developed by the NPS for tional Park System. of history. The historic Meridian Bridge, MS in Russian History at Ohio State Uni- the new Missouri National Recreational More than two-thirds just east of the new Discovery Bridge is versity. He began his National Park Ser- River Resource and Education Center at of the entire length of unique, not just in its design, but in its his- vice career with training at Grand Canyon ’s Ponca State Park, and coordi- the has tory. National Park. After a short stint in the nated the park’s been altered or “re- prominent in- army, George’s first assignment was at the engineered” by the National Capital Parks in Washington, DC. volvement in actions of humans. His first appointment as historian was at the Lewis and The two remaining Clark Bicenten- Vicksburg National Military Park in Missis- untamed stretches that make up the Mis- sippi. nial commemo- souri National Recreational River are, ration, includ- therefore, very important in preserving As an historian, George derives great satis- ing coordinat- chapters of America’s natural and cultural ing National Superintendent Mike Madell pre- faction from delving into archives to de- sents George with a plaque recog- heritage of “Big Muddy”. The concept of the “Meridian Highway” bunk commonly accepted stories. While at Park Service nizing his over 40 years of federal participation in service. following the 6th Principal Meridian from , Gulf Islands National Seashore, he discov- This unique unit of the National Park Ser- Canada to Mexico City began in 1911 with ered that “Geronimo’s Dungeon” at Fort the Spirit vice offers natural beauty and an exciting Mound restoration project near Vermillion. a group of Kansas businessmen. By the Pickens was a misnomer; the Apache chief history for your enjoyment and enrich- end of WW I, most of the route was estab- and other American Indians were confined ment. You will experience the river's ever- George will be relocating to Virginia, trav- lished, but not paved. The biggest obstacle in a somewhat more hospitable portion of changing nature, the animals and plants on the route was the Missouri river at the fort grounds. During his tenure at Fort eling more, taking up kayaking, and con- that find a home in its realm, and the sto- tinuing his involvement with history and Yankton; crossing was by ferry, by pon- Frederica National Historic Site, his re- ries of people and events that have shaped toon bridge, by ice road, or by way of search led him to a map that corrected the national parks. All of us at MNRR wish its past. As a recreational river, it is also George a long and active retirement. We’ll Sioux City, a detour of well over 100 presumed layout of the 1700s military your river to enjoy in a safe and consider- miles. town. miss his scholarly banter, his editing, spell- ate manner. When the United States Con- (continued on pg. 13) ing and grammar assistance, and his Smith- gress designated Missouri National Rec- Here at Missouri National Recreational sonian magazines in the lunchroom! reational River as a part of America’s Wild Inside: and Scenic River System, the National NEW Ranger Programs—Pg 2 Contacting Your Lewis & Clark Visitor Center Park Service was charged with the task of maintaining the natural state of the river Boating the Wild & Scenic River – pg 14 National Park Nebraska Hwy 121, overlooking and keeping it accessible for the enjoyment Missouri National Recreational River and enlightenment of present and future 402-667-2546 Civil Rights, 1879—pg 9 PO Box 666 generations. I hope that you will join the

Yankton South Dakota, 57078 staff of Missouri National Recreational Junior Rangers—pg 2 402-667-2550 River in caring for and protecting this re- markable national treasure. www.nps.gov/mnrr New NPS Site Opens—pg 5 R. Michael Madell Superintendent 16

schedule and program descriptions see a and may be required at some other sites. NEW Ranger Programs ranger or visit www.nps.gov/mnrr. Other launch sites may be indicated on This year, MNRR rangers are offering ex- Don’t forget to maps, but are not recommended for trail- Take it to citing new programs that will give you a stop at the ered craft. chance to have fun while learning about the Lewis & Clark the Lake! natural and cultural history of the river and Visitor Center Overnight floats its surroundings. for special In accordance with Most of the land exhibits and National Park Ser- along the park is Bicycle Tour— craft programs vice policy, personal privately owned This 8 mile easy every Saturday watercraft (Jet Ski®, and there are few family ride from and Sunday WaveRunner®, etc.) are not permitted on public camping the Aquarium to from 11:00 am the portions of the Missouri designated as possibilities. the Chief White to 2:00 pm. Wild & Scenic. This includes the 59-mile Crane camp- Primitive camp- reach from Gavins Point Dam to Ponca ground shows ing is normally allowed on islands and State Park, the 39-mile reach from Run- you a few of the area’s recreational oppor- sandbars. Please adhere to the "pack-it- ning Water, SD to Ft. Randall Dam, the tunities and gives you a look at the story of Junior Rangers in, pack-it-out" (Leave No Trace) lower 20 miles of the Niobrara River and the Missouri River and the reasons for and ethic. The river bank on both sides of the lower 8 miles of Verdigre Creek. effects of the six major dams. the river, sandbars and islands on the Personal Watercraft are welcomed on all Nebraska side, and deeded islands on Corps of Engineers lakes on the Missouri History Walk— A ranger-guided walk the South Dakota side of the river are and on the Missouri River downstream of through Yankton’s Riverside Park intro- private property. Only the water belongs Ponca State Park. Ride safely and wear duces you to the fascinating history of the to the public. In areas other than desig- your life vest! Missouri River, Yankton, and some of the nated campsites, permission is required interesting characters who influenced the to walk, picnic or camp on private prop- growth of this river town. erty. Sandbars on the South Dakota side of the river are public property. In sev- More National Canoeing 101—Introduced last year, this eral locations along the "rec river," the Parks 90-minute program gives you the opportu- state border is still undetermined. Many more of America’s nity to learn the basics of canoe safety and special places are within a operation. The clinic includes a demon- day’s drive of MNRR. Here stration of basic paddle strokes, and Earn your badge! are just a few: launching, stroke, and landing practice on

Lake Yankton. Pick up a Junior Ranger activity brochure Another Wild & Scenic River Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone, or activity book at the Lewis & Clark Not far away is another surprising unit of Minnesota. www.nps.gov/pipe Movie night—While visiting MNRR, you Visitor Center and spend an hour or a the Wild and Scenic River System. Nio- can preview national parks in the Black weekend discovering the fascinating his- brara National Scenic River, near Valentine, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Hills and more of the country through our toric and natural world of your Wild & Nebraska offers river experiences from mild Phillip, South Dakota. movie night offerings of short videos from Scenic River. Find out what rangers do to wild, spectacular waterfalls , classic iron www.nps.gov/mimi several units of the National Park System. and what Junior Rangers can do to pro- bridges, and fascinating local history. For

tect their national parks. more information, visit www.nps.gov/niob. Homestead National Monument of Amer- As in the past, MNRR also will be offering ica, Beatrice, Nebraska. campground programs at our Nebraska and It’s free and it’s fun! www.nps.gov/home South Dakota state park partner sites. Top- ics include native plants, American Indian For online Junior Ranger Badlands National Park, Interior, South history, homesteading, steamboats, and the adventures, visit Dakota. Lewis & Clark Expedition. For our www.nps.gov/webrangers www.nps.gov/badl younger visitors, we offer fishing clinics and hands-on programs. For a complete Discover your America

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Canoeing & Kayaking Float trip Floating the Missouri can be an adventure, guides and Camping different from whitewater trips, but chal- The National Park Service does not operate lenging and exciting in its own way. Be- outfitters campgrounds in or near Missouri National fore you consider a float trip on “Mighty Recreational River. Camping is available Mo”, you should be an experienced river This list is pro- through our partner agencies as follows: canoeist or kayaker. The Lakota name for vided for your the Missouri is MniSoshe Wakpa, turbulent- convenience and may not be complete. US Army Corps of Engineers operates underneath river. The Missouri is known No endorsement by the National Park the Cottonwood Campground on Lake for its varied currents that sometimes give Service or Missouri National Recrea- Yankton and Nebraska Tailwaters Camp- little or no surface clues to their presence. tional River is implied. ground on the Missouri River. Both campgrounds are in Nebraska and reservations Wind can also be a problem at times, im- may be made through the national reservation service at 877-444-6777 or www. rec- peding your progress or creating dangerous Missouri River Expeditions, P.O. Box reation.gov. waves. 536, Vermillion, SD 57069. Telephone: 605/360-2646 South Dakota State Parks (www.sdgfp.info) operates several campgrounds near E-mail: [email protected] MNRR, including Lewis & Clark on Lewis & Clark Lake, Pierson Ranch below Gav- Internet: www.missriverexp.com ins Point Dam, and Chief White Crane on Lake Yankton (605-668-2985). The state also operates the Randall Creek campground on the Missouri below Fort Randall Dam Missouri River Rafting, P.O. Box 133, and North Point on Lake Francis Case. (605- 487-7046) South Dakota State Parks Irene, SD 57037. Telephone: 605/267- reservations 800-710-CAMP. Clay County State Recreation Area is located west of 3075 Vermillion with first-come-first-serve campsites within a half mile of the river.

Missouri River Tours, P.O. Box 17A, Nebraska State Parks (www.ngpc.state.ne.us) provides campgrounds at Ponca State Wynot, NE 68792. Telephone: 402/985- Park (402-755-2284), the downstream boundary of MNRR, at Niobrara State Park 2216 (402-857-3373), and at Weigand/Burbach unit of Lewis & Clark Recreation Area on Lewis & Clark Lake (402-388-4169). Nebraska State Parks reservations 402- 471- 1414. DJ's Sports Rentals: 31110 Walleye Launch and take-out sites are indicated on Dr., Yankton, SD 57078. Telephone: the official MNRR map and brochure, and 605/665-3206 Most campgrounds are full on summer weekends, so make your reservations early. detailed directions can be found at E-mail: [email protected] All offer both electric and tent sites except Clay County Recreation Area. Some state www.nps.gov/mnrr/guides.htm Internet: www.DJsSportsRentals.com park facilities also have camping cabins and housekeeping cabins available. Call the parks or visit their websites for more information. Restrooms are available at the state parks and at most launch sites. If nature calls when you are not near one of these areas, hit sand! Constant attention to the water Who’s more likely to drown? please use the Leave No Trace practices ahead of you is necessary to maintain a safe Adults or kids? detailed elsewhere in this booklet. course. Watch your speed and be on the According to one of our partners, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, lookout for submerged obstacles. adults are far more likely to drown in a swimming or boating accident than children. Why? Adults will insist that the kids wear life jackets, Power Boating Launch ramps are provided by the Corps of but will neglect to wear one themselves. Engineers on both sides of the river below Whether you are fishing or just cruising, But I can swim! Don’t sit on Gavins Point Dam, by the City of Yankton boating the Missouri can be different from it, wear it! at Riverside Park, and by the state of South Many drowning victims were good swimmers. Injuries in a boating what you may have experienced on other Dakota at Randall Creek, Running Water, accident, strong currents, or distance may make swimming impossi- rivers. The natural portions of the Missouri and Clay County Park. Nebraska Game and ble. still exhibit shifting sandbars, tree stumps Parks provides launch ramps at Verdel, Be safe! (snags), and other hazards. Local river rats’ Niobrara State Park, St. Helena, Brooky State and federal regulations require children under 13 to wear life jackets while in a boats are easy to spot by their shiny propel- Bottom, Mulberry Bend, and Ponca State boat and we recommend that all boaters wear them at all times. lers; if you boat the wild Missouri, you will Park. State park fees apply at state parks 14 3

Under the Bridge Alien Invasion Alert! Hit the Trail (Cont’d from Pg 1) 1n 1946, the City of Yankton took over The National Park Service’s The solution to this problem, the Meridian ownership and the remaining debt of the Keep your National Park free of this partner agencies offer numer- Bridge, was not the work of the state or bridge company, eventually paying off the invasive species! ous hiking and bicycling op- federal highway departments, but of a group debt and turning the bridge over to the state Zebra Mussels, portunities. South Dakota of daring Yankton businessmen. In 1919, highway department. Tolls were eliminated accidentally State Parks have several this group pledged $155,000 to begin con- in 1953 and the lower deck that never car- ried a train was paved to carry construction imported from miles of paved and primitive trails along struction, hoping to recoup their investment the north shore of Lewis & Clark Lake. traffic for Gavins Point Dam. Europe, have through bridge tolls and increased business Nebraska State Parks maintains unpaved that they hoped the bridge would bring. spread from the trails on the south shore of the lake. Ap- The bridge company procured additional Although a historic structure, the Meridian Great Lakes and propriate state park admission is required private investments to cover the final cost Bridge we see today is not the bridge that Mississippi River to other waterways. to park at the trailheads. of $1.3 million. was originally built. The late 1900s They clog water intakes, damage boats brought extensive updating, including con- and motors, and crowd out native spe- The city of Yankton has an extensive sys- The bridge, struction of new approach ramps, new light- cies. They reproduce rapidly and have tem of paved trails through the historic city dedicated on Bridge Tolls ing, and the removal of the 400-ton con- few natural predators. Zebra mussels and a connecting trail to the dam area. For October 11, crete counterweights. The ornate iron rail- Pedestrians 10 cents can only travel upstream as hitchhik- more information on these trails, ask a 1924, took ings on the upper level were replaced with ranger for a “Meridian Trails” brochure. Horse & Rider 15 cents concrete barricades. In 2008, during the ers, they or their larvae attached to nearly four Bicycle & Rider 15 cents Excellent hiking and/or equestrian trails construction of the Discovery Bridge, emer- boats, motors, or trailers, or in years to build Car and Driver 50 cents are also available at Ponca and Niobrara and required Passengers 10 cents gency repair of rusted structural compo- livewells or bilges. state parks. over 750,000 2 horse wagon & nents forced a two-week closure of the Me- rivets. The Driver $1 ridian Bridge. MNRR and the lakes upstream pres- Cattle, horses, 824-ton lift Mules, hogs & ently appear to be free of these pests. Park Offices to Move span, not an Sheep on foot 20 cents On October 11, 2008, Yankton’s historic Please prevent their spread by washing The headquarters of MNRR unusual de- per head Meridian Bridge was retired exactly 84 your vessel with hot soapy water or will be moving from sign for the years after its dedication. The fate of this allowing at least five days drying time O’Neill, Nebraska to down- era, was Meridian Bridge tolls 1924 monument to local entrepreneurship and after boating in waters that may be town Yankton. According to unique in that American engineering is uncertain. The the plan, the MNRR field it was designed to be disassembled and original intention was to make it a part of contaminated. Ask a ranger for a bro- the Yankton area’s trail system, carrying chure to learn what you can do to pro- office, currently located in the Corps of swapped with one of the fixed spans should Engineers’ Lewis and Clark Visitor Center the unpredictable Missouri relocate its pedestrians and cyclists over America’s tect your favorite fishing and boating will also be relocated to a new office space channel. Also unique was the fact that the longest river and adding a touch of history places. at 508 East Second Street. National Park lower level was intended for railroad traffic, to their recreation. However, due to the rate of corrosion of the bridge’s structural Did You Know? rangers will continue to help staff the with the upper deck for cars, trucks, and Corps visitor center and present programs wagons. components, the cost of preservation and The average there. The move, scheduled for May, will maintenance may be far more than origi- lifespan of a provide adequate space for the park’s ad- nally anticipated. Further studies of the Missouri River ministrative staff, research library, inter- bridge’s structural integrity are scheduled, steamboat was pretive and natural resources rangers, and and local interests hope to have the bridge 5.7 years. in the future, for protection rangers. open for the summer of 2009. Twenty percent of these boats sank before their third season. Fire, explo- Did You Know? sions, and ice jams claimed a few of At 2,320.7 miles the Missouri is America's these ships, but the vast majority were longest river. It is 2.5 miles longer than the sunk by snags, tree stumps lodged in Mississippi River. This does not include the the river bottom with their jagged ends Meridian Bridge as originally constructed; note the approximately 325 miles from Three Forks to toll house, counterweights, and iron railings. just above or below the water’s surface. Brower’s Spring, considered to be the Mis- Photo courtesy of Yankton Press and Dakotan. souri’s source.

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Doing your part Deal of a lifetime! Bow Creek Recreation Area Dispose of waste properly—Pack it in, Have you reached the noble vintage of 62 We all benefit from visiting America’s wild pack it out. Do not attempt to burn waste in Open to the Public places and relaxing with outdoor activities, years? If so, then you qualify for America’s your campfire. Solid human waste should best outdoor recreation bargain! The fed- but heavy use of our favorite recreation be deposited in a “cathole” 200 feet from areas is having a negative impact and de- eral recreation Senior Pass covers your ad- water or campsites, or use a portable toilet. mission to national park fee areas, and tracting from everyone’s outdoor experi- Toilet paper should not be buried, but ence. nearly all other federal recreation areas, bagged and packed out. Dishwater should including U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Missouri National Recreational River is be strained into a cathole and the solid ma- your park; your place for outdoor recrea- Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, terial bagged and packed out. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service areas. tion. Boaters, floaters, anglers, and hunters; The pass also entitles you to reduced camp- The National Park Service (NPS) recently everyone needs to do their part to minimize Leave what you find—Flowers, trees, arti- ing fees at most federal recreation areas and completed a land transaction that resulted in their impact on the river environment. facts; enjoy looking at them and leave them special services (tours, programs, etc.) at approximately 250 acres of Missouri River for others to enjoy. Do not build fire rings some areas. The best news is that this pass bluffland, bottomland, and accretions be- or structures, or trench campsites. is only $10 coming open to the public. The tract of

and it’s good land, referred to as Bow Creek Recreation Minimize fire impact—Use camp stoves for the rest of Area, is located along Bow Creek and the whenever possible. If you must have a your life! Missouri River in Cedar County about 2 campfire, keep it small, use an existing fire miles northeast of Wynot, Nebraska. The site or use a fire pan or mat. Burn all fuel to For those lack- acquisition of Bow Creek Recreation Area ash and pack out. ing the years began in 2004 when the NPS purchased the

to qualify for the Senior Pass, the $80 An- property north of Bow Creek and completed Respect wildlife—Give wildlife their nual Pass is still a bargain, covering entry to the transaction in 2008 with the acquisition space, do not feed animals or leave food all recreation areas operated by the above of the southern portion. All lands were scraps. Even if you are hunting, minimize agencies. Both passes are good for the acquired from willing sellers. disturbance of non-game species. holder and three additional adults and are Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics pro- available at the Lewis & Clark Visitor Cen- Bow Creek Recreation Area provides many gram developed by a partnership of govern- Be considerate of other visitors—This ter. opportunities for the public to experience ment agencies and private enterprises. The sums up the whole LNT program. Let na- the Missouri National Recreational River. LNT principles are based on scientific ture’s sounds prevail, allow others their Hey, Teacher! The property includes a mix of wetlands, information, common sense and courtesy. space, and think about what you can do to grasslands, riparian cottonwood forest, and Missouri National Recreational River offers Whether you are camping or just out for a leave a campsite or recreation spot the way mesic-bur oak forest. Rock and sediment in-classroom ranger programs to area day, the following seven principles will you would like to find it. exposures along the Missouri River reveal schools within a 75 help keep your river enjoyable for every- past geologic events. The property has mile radius of Yank- one. Ask a ranger for a LNT brochure or re- abundant wildlife, ranging from migratory ton. The programs minder card or visit www.lnt.org . songbirds to resident whitetail deer and are intended to en- wild turkey. The 7 Principles hance students’ com- Plan ahead and prepare—Be aware of Did you know? prehension of the Biologists are working to restore areas of conditions and weather you might encoun- Yankton’s first non-Indian resident natural and cultural Bow Creek Recreation Area that have suc- ter and pack accordingly. Repackage food was Pierre Dorion, a French trapper history of the Missouri River, and were cumbed to native and non-native plant spe- to minimize waste. Schedule your trip for and trader who married into the developed to coordinate to state social stud- cies. Of particular interest, the NPS con- low-use days if possible. Yankton Tribe around 1785. He ies curriculum standards. Topics include verted 30 acres of farmland into native prai- joined the Lewis & Clark Corps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, fur trade, rie, cut and treated all Russian olive trees, Use durable surfaces—Travel and camp Discovery enroute and left the expe- Chief Standing Bear, steamboats, and the and has removed several thousand native, on rock, gravel, or sand when not on the eastern red cedar trees from the floodplain dition at Calumet Bluff after serving dynamics of the Missouri River. For a river. Use existing campsites and fire scars and historic bluffland prairie. Planned res- as liaison and translator between the complete catalog of available programs, to minimize impacted area. Camp 200 feet Contact the park at 402-667-2550, or visit torations include converting the smooth from water, streambeds, and other campers. explorers and the tribe. our website at www.nps.gov/mnrr and click brome pastures found in the bottomland on “For Teachers”. (continued on next page) 12 5 into native prairie and utilizing prescribed • Portable treestands and steps may be Weather or not… fire in the management regime. Tenta- used on the property. Contact Park for tively, the NPS will burn approximately 15 The Great Plains climate can be full of surprises, but you additional information. can generally expect hot in the summer and cold in the acres in spring 2009. winter. Be prepared for occasional storms with possible • Non-toxic hunting shot is required Public access to the property is via county tornadoes in the summer and snow with the possibility of gravel road (see map inset) or by boat from Visitors are also encouraged to visit Mul- ice or blizzard conditions in the winter. You can also the Missouri River. Travel on the county berry Bend Overlook on the south side of expect many seasonably pleasant days at any time of gravel road is not advised during extremely the Vermillion-Newcastle Bridge, which is wet conditions or during winter snow/ice owned and managed by the NPS. Please Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg Precip. *Avg. Water conditions. There is no winter road mainte- contact the MNRR Resource Management Temperature nance. Those visitors who wish to visit the Division at 402 667-5524 for more informa- January 28 8 .43 property south of Bow Creek must gain tion. access by boat from the Missouri River or February 35 14 .53 wade across Bow Creek, which is not advis- March 46 24 1.77 able during high water events. April 60 35 2.51 50 Activities abound once you arrive at Bow May 72 46 3.87 63 Creek Recreation Area. Hiking (albeit no established trails), wildlife viewing, camp- June 82 57 3.91 71 ing, fishing, and hunting are allowed on the July 87 62 3.36 78 property. The following regulations apply: August 85 60 2.93 78 • Private land surrounds the public ac- September 77 49 2.17 66 cess and the entire NPS property. All visitors must respect landowner rights October 64 38 1.85 54 and not trespass or litter November 45 24 1.25 42 • Trash receptacles are not available on December 32 12 .51 the property. Do not leave trash or *Missouri River at Yankton. Water temperature recording began in 2006 on a seasonal basis. litter. The NPS encourages that you “Leave No Trace” so others can enjoy Visitor Centers the Bow Creek Recreation Area experi- The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center overlooking ence as well. See “Doing Your Part” Hunting is an- Gavins Point Dam is the only visitor center in the on page 12. other popular country shared by the Army Corps of Engineers year-round activ- and the National Park Service. Rangers from both • Motorized vehicles and horses are pro- ity along agencies staff the center, assist visitors and present hibited on the property the "rec interpretive programs. river" corridor. • Federal and State Hunting and Fishing Most hunting is Regulations apply done on private land, requiring permis-

sion of the landowner. Both South • Do not damage or remove the cultural Dakota and Nebraska state hunting or natural features The visitor center at Ponca State Park (NE) houses regulations apply. Duck blind permits the Missouri River Resource and Education center, for the upper end of Lewis and Clark • Trenching and campfires are prohibited which includes a wing of exhibits jointly developed Lake can be obtained from the US by several agencies and designed and built by the • Do not leave personal property unat- Army Corps of Engineers at the Lewis National Park Service. tended for more than 24 hours. This and Clark Visitor Center or includes waterfowl blinds on the NPS online. Applications are taken from accretion property. August 1 to September 1.

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more common shovelnose sturgeon and the lake sturgeon, and the season is therefore closed year-round on all sturgeon species. Something Fun So, where are they biting? Fishy! Bait shops and other anglers are your Page Missouri National Recreational best sources, but they won't always All the words below River includes the two reaches of the Mis- share the best spots. Here are some can be found in this helpful hints: souri River, 20 miles of the lower Niobrara newsletter and are hidden in the puzzle. The words may be horizontal or River, and the lower 8 miles of Verdigre The best time is often in the evening Creek. Catfish, walleye, sauger, paddlefish, and early morning as this is feeding vertical, but none are diagonal or backwards. and many more game species await your time for most fish. Bass, and walleye and trout feed all night. angling skills in these bodies of water. LEAVE NO TRACE NATIONAL PARK CAMPING ZEBRA MUSSEL Licensing: The Missouri River forms a Deep holes are good places and are of- good part of the state boundary between ten located under bridges, below dams, STEAMBOAT TRAIL RANGERS BICYCLE South Dakota and Nebraska. As the river on bends in the river, and downstream CLIMATE HISTORY LIFE JACKET HUNTING here is considered "border waters," either of sandbars. state license (South Dakota and Nebraska) Fish can sense noise vibrations such as STANDING BEAR KAYAK CANOE FISHING is acceptable and special seasons and laws hitting the bottom of the boat or loud talking. RECREATION BOAT BOW CREEK MERIDIAN BRIDGE apply accordingly. Waters of the Missouri River are defined to include all flowing For walleye/sauger, the best times are portions and backwaters, sloughs and May to June and mid-September through November. Just downstream of chutes that draw water from the Missouri T L S C I B O A T K R R Y D A E Y T T D V O R A I F L Y River. Mouths of tributaries may only be the Fort Randall and the Gavins Point fished in the state in which the angler is dams seems to be popular with anglers E I N E M E R I D I A N B R I D G E R W A E K Y I N Y I B licensed. for this fish species. R N C L R D J O G Y R A E C A N O E A G N I E S Z A E E V Live bait: To avoid introducing non-native For small and largemouth bass, the best I R D K E G J U I A L N R A H U N T I N G B L T E T R E K species, use caution when using live bait times are May, June, September, and and follow all state regulations. Please October near Springfield (SD) and Nio- D U O T C E C M S S K I C B S P J I B L E A O I A B I S T I empty all bait buckets in the water they brara (NE). were filled from or on land. For crappie and northern pike, the best A D R C R L E A V E N O T R A C E A H C W F N R O L R O times are early April after ice out and in T I L E L C C B C H H S K Y A R M D E C E D A N C W E Threatened and Endangered: The Pallid late summer near Springfield and Nio- Sturgeon, a fish native to the Missouri brara. E U A I A N E F C F I A A K T I L T A A U I C I A R M E For catfish, the best times are late June, River, is listed on the federal Threatened T A C M T S R I M O S S G R E B E B L I M B R J N M L R N S and Endangered Species List. It is difficult July and August near Springfield and to differentiate the pallid sturgeon from the Niobrara. I O L A I S C S R G T P T B I B B B A E I E A G U A N E L T I T O M A H A R O A S T E A M B O A T C E C S P N K E

S T E N E T I R N R G A C E K A I B K F Y K K B S A G A

Enjoy yourself! Remember the S A D C E E M N S V Y A E B G E U R B I G C O E E E R E T E fishing is always good; I A B O C E S G T L E I E S L G M C B T L G T A L K R N G I P C A M P I N G Y E S E G T E E E G E A Y R I N S G A A H S S I S U T B I C I E R R S K N F R I E E R H T T R B O the catching just makes it better. 10 7

Resource Manager Heads Ponca State Park. Wayne also instituted the “An Indian is a PERSON.” Crook, Standing Bear sued for a writ of Missouri River Cleanup, brainchild of Ge- habeus corpus to order his release or the West rald Mestl of the Nebraska Game & Parks filing of formal charges. After over eight Commission. This annual event brings to- So said Judge Elmer Dundy in his ruling in years at Missouri gether several state and federal agencies and the case of Standing Bear et al v. Crook. The government’s defense claimed, among National Recrea- hundreds of local residents. Wayne would other things, that as wards of the govern- tional River, like to think his impact will be quickly for- After the Civil War, African Americans ment, Indians did not have rights under the Wayne Werkmeis- gotten by river enthusiasts because much of had been freed from slavery and, at least constitution. The tribe’s attorneys, John ter, Chief of Re- it is no longer visible; but the absence of the on paper, had the rights of other citizens. Webster and A.J. Poppleton, contended sources Manage- many eyesores and obstructions will con- The original inhabitants of this land, that nothing in the constitution excluded ment, has taken a new appointment with tribute significantly to the future ecology American Indians, had no such recognition Indians from legal protection . another branch of the U. S. Department of and function of the system, and enjoyment until a precedent-setting 1879 federal court the Interior. of visitors. case opened the door to their own civil Standing Bear was allowed to make an rights. informal statement before the court. He Wayne, who graduated from the University Wayne sees a bright future for Missouri held out his hand and through his inter- of Nebraska-Lincoln came to MNRR from River recovery. With the establishment of Chief Standing preter made this statement: “That hand is the Bureau of Land Management’s Du- an NPS office in Yankton, landowners and Bear, like most not the color of yours. But if I pierce it, I rango, Colorado office as MNRR’s first river users have an improved opportunity to of the Ponca shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand you resources chief. When asked about his ac- work with the NPS on a variety of river Tribe, farmed also feel pain. The blood that will flow complishments at MNRR, Wayne was issues. The Missouri River Futures, coordi- and lived in a from mine will be the same color as yours. quick to share credit with MNRR’s partner nated by Theresa Smydra, is another perfect cabin he had I am a man. The same God made us both.” agencies and with his staff, particularly example of landowner opportunities to built himself. Stephen Wilson for his GIS capabilities and work directly with one person, Theresa, and His family Ten days later, Judge Dundy handed down biological skills, and Paul Hedren, Superin- have access and communication with all the home had his decision that included the words at the tendent from 1997 to 2007 for his vision Federal and State agencies and their pro- heating and top of this page. Though radical, the rul- and leadership. He stated his most impor- grams from the area. cooking ing did not set a precedent; American Indi- tant achievement here was to establish or “There are so many stoves, dishes, ans had many more challenges to meet improve relationships with landowners and things about to happen, and furniture. before being acknowledged as citizens key agencies involved with the river, in- so many groups coming He was a Christian and wore both Indian with full voting rights in 1948. Like Lin- cluding the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. together and working and Euro-American clothing. coln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Judge Fish and Wildlife Service, and the wildlife together.” Wayne stated. Dundy’s decision was just the beginning of agencies of South Dakota and Nebraska. “I encourage everyone to In 1877, the Ponca tribe was relocated a long and continuing road to equality. He also cited the beginnings of river recov- come to the river and against their will from Nebraska to “Indian ery through three specific projects. The enjoy it. Make it your Territory”, now Oklahoma. Promised sup- For more information on Chief Standing most noticeable of these is the removal of river. I’m sure going to plies were not delivered and the climate Bear and the Ponca Tribe, go to over 300 junk cars from the Yankton area miss it!” proved inhospitable to the Poncas; by the www.nps.gov/mnrr and click on “History riverbank with leadership from Kevin Kuhl end of 1878, over a quarter of them, in- & Culture”, then “People”. of the City of Yankton, Shane Bertsch of In his new appointment as Associate Field cluding Standing Bear’s son, had died of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and Manager of the BLM’s Grand Junction, malaria and other diseases. Did you know? Steve Grubbe, coordinator for Missouri Colorado office, Wayne will work with a River Futures. Heavy equipment was pro- Standing Bear and about thirty other men, staff of 80 to 90 employees who oversee 1.5 Americans use 50 billion vided by the Corps of Engineers. This women, and children fled the reservation million acres of public lands and directly disposable water bottles an- “Detroit riprap” was placed to stabilize the in January 1879. When they reached the oversee range, wildlife, watershed, and wild nually. Less than one quarter banks back in a time when society was less reservation of their friends and relatives, horse issues. And since big rivers are now of these are recycled; the concerned with environmental impacts, and the Omaha, they were arrested and de- in Wayne’s blood, his new territory in- other 38 billion end up in landfills. Think now has been replaced with more estheti- tained by the army on orders of the Com- cludes a long stretch of the Colorado. Green! Use refillable bottles, or reuse cally and environmentally acceptable mate- missioner of Indian Affairs. With the help disposables, then recycle. These bottles rials. Another visible project was the re- of newspaperman Thomas Tibbles and All of us at MNRR wish Wayne the greatest are made into carpet and fleece clothing. moval of the abandoned concrete pillar at success at his new post. probable cooperation of Gen. George

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