Coast Guard: Mississippi River still closed to recreation

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Floodwaters are receding, but the Mississippi River remains way too high for recreational boaters.

The Coast Guard on Thursday put out a reminder that the river remains closed to recreational vessels between Canton, Missouri, and south St. Louis County. The reminder comes as the Independence Day holiday approaches, often a busy time for boats on the river.

Recreational vessels are also off limits on 24 miles of the Illinois River and 21 miles of the Kaskaskia River.

It's expected to be several days before the Mississippi gets back below flood stage.