Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a Missouri state park on the Black River in Reynolds County. The term "shut in" refers to a narrow channel because of hard rock and is unnavigable. The section of river here causes numerous "riverlets" around rocks scattered in this particular part of the river. It can often be used as a natural water slide, but if the water is high, it is dangerous.

In late 2005 the area was hit by a catastrophic flood and was evacuated due to the failure of a dam in the Taum Sauk pumped storage plant nearby, which was operated negligently by AmerenUE. [cite news | url=http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/safety/projects/taum-sauk/ipoc-rpt/full-rpt.pdf | title=Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Project (No. P-2277), Dam Breach Incident | publisher=Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | work=FERC Independent Panel of Consultants | date=2006-05-25 | accessdate=2008-08-12 | quote='We conclude that the Hi and Hi-Hi conductivity probes were located too high toinitiate pump shutdown and prevent overtopping of the upper reservoir.] The park partly re-opened on May 27, 2006, for limited day use only. Due to dangerous conditions, swimming in the river and exploring the rock formations is prohibited, though the board walk is open to the Shut-Ins. An extension to the park provides an auto tour that passes by the ongoing recovery effort, as well as the recovered endangered fens area; terminating at a shaded overlook of the flood path accessible from the park entrance. From this, one can walk along a path through the boulder field left in the flood's passing. This area is staffed by park employees, who will answer questions about the flood and ongoing cleanup. The boulder field contains many examples of the minerals and rocks that make up the Ozarks mountain range.

Description

The beauty and natural wonders of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park (currently much diminished) give it a unique character, appealing to a variety of tastes. Water cascading between large, smooth rocks, creating natural waterslides, has made the park a popular recreation destination, and its landscape has piqued the curiosity of all who visit.

One and a half billion years ago, hot volcanic ash and gases spewed into the air, then cooled, forming igneous rock. Later, shallow seas covered the rock, depositing sedimentary rock. The land rose. The sea fell. The weather began tearing down the land, exposing the volcanic rock beneath it. Waters of the Black River became confined, or "shut-in," to a narrow channel. Water-borne sand and gravel cut deeply even into this erosion-resistant rock, swirling, churning…carving potholes, chutes and spectacular canyonlike gorges.

Most of the park, including the shut-ins and two miles of river frontage, was assembled over the course of 17 years and donated to the state in 1955 by Joseph Desloge (1889-1971), a St. Louis civic leader and conservationist from a prominent lead-mining family. The family has continued over the years to donate funds for park improvements.

A one-fourth mile walkway takes visitors to an observation deck overlooking the shut-ins. Camping, hiking and swimming are popular pastimes, with rock climbing allowed by permit from Sept. 2 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Picnic tables and a playground make the park ideal for family outings. Basic and electric campsites are available, along with a park store. All campsites are reservable. Total capacity in the day-use area is 100 vehicles so plan to arrive early. Pets are not allowed in the shut-ins.

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.mostateparks.com/jshutins.htm Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park]
* [http://www.mostateparks.com/jshutinsdamage.htm Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park damage update]
* [http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/nr06_198.htm Official notice of park re-opening]