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Alerts

Forest Alerts

  • Winter Storm

    Current Conditions

    A winter weather system is impacting most of Missouri, creating hazardous conditions across the Mark Twain National Forest. Visitors should anticipate:

    Alert Start Date: January 26, 2026

  • Fourche Lake Drawdown

    Update 1/28/2026 - The gravel deposit has been removed and weather has been sufficiently cold to slow aquatic plant growth. The lake will refill as natural conditions allow from snow/ice melt and other precipitation events. This may take some time to occur.

    Alert Start Date: January 12, 2026

  • Chadwick Trail System 2026 Annual Permits

    The Chadwick OHV 2026 Annual Permit stickers are not currently available. You can still purchase Chadwick OHV Annual Permits from the Ava Ranger District Office.

    Alert Start Date: January 5, 2026

  • Math Branch Fire

    The 700-acre Math Branch Fire in the Swan Creek Non-motorized Area is 100% contained, but not out. There are still pockets of heavier fuels still burning.  They will continue burning until the fuel is completely consumed or we receive enough rain to put them out.

    Alert Start Date: January 5, 2026

  • McCormack Lake, Markham Springs and Beaver Lake Low Water Levels

    Visitors to McCormack Lake, Beaver Lake, and Markham Springs mill pond may notice lower water levels than normal. Be aware that lowering of water levels can leave slick mud or other trip hazards that aren’t normally encountered.

    Alert Start Date: September 12, 2025

  • Red Bridge Road - Bridge Closure

    Missouri Department of Transportation and Christian County have closed Red Bridge, on Red Bridge Road, in Christian County. Barriers are in place to block access to the bridge.

    Alert Start Date: July 24, 2025

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-02 Ozark Trail Current River Section Closure

    Mark Twain National Forest has put in place Forest Order 09-05-25-02 for the Eleven Point Ranger District, Ozark Trail - Current River Section Closure.

    Alert Start Date: June 16, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-02

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-01 Blue Ridge Trail Closure

    For public safety, during recovery efforts from previous storm damage, Mark Twain National Forest has put in place Forest Order 09-05-25-01, Eleven Point Ranger District, Blue Ridge Horse Trail Closure.

    Alert Start Date: June 16, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-01

  • Water system at Wild Boar Ridge Campground is out-of-service

    Water system at Wild Boar Ridge Campground is out-of-service. Water and showers are available at the nearby Chapen Hill beach.

    Alert Start Date: July 15, 2024

  • Forest Order 09-05-21-07: Trail 120B, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area

    Trail 120B, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area, is closed to all motorized vehicles.

    Alert Start Date: May 25, 2021
    Forest Order: #09-05-21-07

  • Forest Order 09-05-19-02 Closure to Enhance Feral Swine Elimination

    Hunting feral swine is prohibited on the Mark Twain National Forest. 

    For more information visit the Feral Swine page.

    Alert Start Date: March 12, 2021
    Forest Order: #09-05-19-02

  • Reducing Lead Exposure Risk at Campgrounds

    In 2012, The Mark Twain National Forest completed soil sampling in many areas of Southeast Missouri lead mining area. A few recreation sites were found to have elevated concentrations of lead, but there was not a clear trend indicating where we would find lead.

    Alert Start Date: December 28, 2020

  • Forest Order 09-05-20-01: Conditions of Use Forest-wide

    Occupancy and prohibitions for camping in developed areas, forest quiet hours, parking, trash removal, glass beverage and food containers, alcohol use (must be over 21), cannabis, spark arrestors, and a few other items.

    Alert Start Date: August 20, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-05-20-01

  • Forest Order 09-05-20-02: Conditions of Motor Vehicle Use Forest-wide

    Operation and use of motorized vehicles and watercraft on National Forest System lands, rivers/lakes, roads, and trails.

    Alert Start Date: August 20, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-05-20-02

  • Forest Order 09-05-19-03: Palmer Lead Smelter Area

    Entering or being in the Palmer Lead Smelter Closure Area. The boundary of the Palmer Lead Smelter Closure Area is defined by the marked and signed area surrounding the Palmer smelter site located north of Forest Service road 2392 at Hazel Creek Campground

    Alert Start Date: March 29, 2019
    Forest Order: #09-05-19-03

  • Remember the 3 R's if you come across unknown objects on the Forest

    The area located north of the east gate road, T35N, R10 W, Section 8 and 17, south of the Piney River was used for military purposes in the past. For your safety, do not disturb unknown objects. Please use caution in this area and practice the 3Rs if you encounter any suspicious objects:

    Alert Start Date: July 30, 2013

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-04 Tree Stands Forest-wide

    Labeling, removing and timeframes for use of tree stands.

    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-04

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-06: The Gulf

    The Gulf is closed for the protection of the blind cavefish.

    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-06

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-08: Greer Springs Trail

    THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE AREA WITHIN 150 YARDS OF THE GREER SPRING PARKING AREA, TRAIL OR SPRING BRANCH

    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-08

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-03: Non-Administrative, non-recreation buildings

    All non-administrative, non-recreation buildings and structures are closed for protection of public health and safety.

    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-03

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-07: Wilderness

    The following restrictions are prohibited to protect those parts of the National Forest System which were designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, and such other areas of the National Forest System as are added to the Wilderness S

    Alert Start Date: January 24, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-07

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-09 Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River Zone

    Operation and use of motorized watercraft within the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River zone to preserve the river. 

    Alert Start Date: January 1, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-09

  • Forest Order 09-05-21-08 All Caves are closed to visitors due to White Nose Syndrome

    Prohibiting entering any cave or mine on National Forest System lands within the Mark Twain National Forest.

    Alert Start Date: August 17, 2010
    Forest Order: #09-05-21-09
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