State offers free access to parks this weekend

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In honor of Missouri's veterans and because of the trauma of the terrorist attacks, Gov. Bob Holden on Monday announced free activities at state parks and historic sites this Veterans Day weekend.

The special events will allow free access to campsites on Saturday and free historic-site tours on Sunday.

All state park camping rules and reservations still apply, and tours will be held during regularly scheduled hours.

Veterans Day on Sunday falls exactly two months after the attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon.

"We are living in a different, more anxiety-filled world than we did before Sept. 11. We need to find hope and unity for ourselves and our families," Holden said at the Veterans Monument at the Capitol.

"Nature and enjoying the outdoors has a natural way of inspiring us and providing us with a sense of peace while historic sites reconnect us with our heritage. That is why we are taking this opportunity to encourage people to visit our state parks and historic sites," Holden said.

Holden's announcement is part of a national effort to waive fees at federal facilities as part of the "Weekend of Unity, Hope and Healing." The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also are waiving various fees.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources administers 82 state parks and historic sites throughout the state with campgrounds in 40 of the locations.

"It is also appropriate for us this weekend to remember all the veterans and others who fight for our freedom, both in the past and today," Holden said.

Doug Eiken, state director of parks, said there was an increase in the number of campers and visitors after the Sept. 11 attacks -- even though it was off-season for that type of tourism. He said it had little to do with a fear of flying or traveling long distances.

"I think people were returning just to get away from the television and get away from the trauma and stress that everybody is going through," Eiken said. "People wanted to be in a quieter place to reconnect. I think that was the primary motive rather than not traveling."

For more information on the campsites and historic sites, call (800) 334-6946. For those with special devices for the deaf, the number is (800) 379-2419.