Repairs may close Mark Twain recreation areas

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Some recreation sites in the Mark Twain National Forest could be closed for the next few months for repairs and improvements.

Forest officials said in a news release that the work will be done in Watercress Recreation Area near Van Buren; the float camp campground and camp day use area in Doniphan; the Deer Leap boat ramp in Doniphan and the Greer campground in Alton.

The improvements will include resurfacing roads and parking lots, making toilets and sidewalks more accessible, new furniture for camp sites and installing drinking water in some areas.

The work will be done between October and May.

Eleven Point district ranger Tim Bond said it's not yet known if only part of the sites will be closed or if entire sites will have to close once work begins.