Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry to host conceptual developmen…

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, Oct. 17, 2024 - Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an annual informational meeting for both Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the facilities and their operations.

The informational meeting is being held in conjunction with the two parks' conceptual development planning open house. As the long-range plan for the park is updated, the public is encouraged to come learn more about the planning process, ask questions and provide input regarding future park use and development.

A 30-day comment period will begin Nov. 9 with a survey available online at mostateparks.com/CDP.

A guided hike to Mina Sauk Falls will be available for those attending and will begin at 10:30 a.m. This is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike.

For those interested in seeing Jay Nixon Backcountry, a guided overnight hike and camping trip is being offered. Space is limited, and reservations are required and can be made by visiting https://icampmo.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Default.aspx. This is a strenuous hike recommended for those with extensive hiking and camping experience, as it is 8.9 miles to the destination. There will be only primitive camping overnight and another 9.5-mile hike the next morning back to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Participants will meet at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park at 6:30 a.m. at the Black River Center parking lot and take the shuttle to the trailhead for a 7 a.m. start time. Please note the hike is open to adults 18 and older and pets are not allowed on the camping trip.

Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being held virtually or in-person in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities.

In the event of inclement weather, the open house may be moved to a different location, but an update will be provided prior to the date. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. For more information concerning the conceptual development plan, please call 573-522-0571.