Ozark Trail and recent Missouri rivers controversy

Don Corrigan has an article today in the Webster-Kirkwood Times about John Roth, founder of the Ozark Trail Association who recently passed away in an accident on his farm, and the relationship between the Ozark Trail and the recent controversy about a pair of rivers in Missouri:

Some of the most scenic parts of the trail are in the watershed of the Current River. Roth worked tirelessly to make the trail an incredible outdoor adventure - as remarkable a national nature treasure for America as the Appalachian Trail. . . .

"Of course, John always wanted to see these river areas get better protection," said Coates. "John's death is such a huge loss for our trail group and the natural environment."

In case you're wondering where the Ozark Trail is in our area, there is a little piece of it in Kirkwood along the Meramec River at Greentree Park. It ends just west of Highway 141. It does not pick up again until Onondaga Cave State Park. That's quite a gap.

I recall running into Mayor Mike Swoboda on the Greentree trail, just before the tragic events of Feb. 7. The mayor said he couldn't wait to see his trail sliver joined as part of the Ozark Trail. And that was John Roth's great ambition and dream as well.

What a dream! Imagine being able to hike or bike on a fine trail through Castlewood, Robertsville, Meramec and Onondaga state parks - and all the way into Arkansas.

Read more here.