TRAIL OF TEARS QUARRY CLOSING SERVED PURPOSE, PARK OFFICIAL SAYS

With the approach of spring and warmer weather, officials at Trail of Tears State Park remind park visitors that the abandoned rock quarry at the north edge of the park is now closed and off limits to the public.

The quarry was closed last year following a series of accidents that resulted in serious injuries to people who fell from the steep, vertical cliffs on the walls of the quarry.

Authorities said the closure has been an unqualified success in eliminating accidents and injuries to park visitors.

"Last year was the first time in seven years that we didn't have to rescue someone who fell from one of the cliffs in the old quarry," said Greg Henson, assistant park superintendent. "I think we have accomplished what we set out to do when we closed the quarry: that is to maintain the safety of the public."

The quarry - situated about two miles north of the park's Mississippi River campsite - was closed in early September after a series of falls that occurred over a seven-year period. The last serious accident was in 1991, when a Cape Girardeau boy slipped and fell while attempting to climb the steep, east face of the quarry. The boy has since recovered.

The old quarry was a favorite gathering spot for young people to party and swim for over 40 years, according to local residents. However, the young people often left behind large amounts of liter, including beer cans and bottles. Henson said it was not unusual to carry 10 to 20 bags of trash out of the quarry after a weekend party.

Burlington Northern Railroad officials were also disturbed by the number of people trespassing on their tracks to reach the quarry. In the past, people have nearly been struck and killed by freight trains that pass through the park at 50 to 55 mph. The sharp bends and steep hills near the tracks make it extremely difficult to see and hear an approaching train, Henson said.

The decision to close the quarry was made by the Department of Natural Resources in Jefferson City, based on the recommendation of its legal staff and the Trail of Tears State Park staff. "We decided the liability to the state and the overall concern for our park visitors demanded that we close the quarry to the public," Henson said.

Since it was closed, park officials still find a few people inside the quarry. But Henson said the majority of park visitors obey the no-trespassing signs posted along the railroad tracks, near the riverfront campground, and at the end of several trails that terminate along the railroad tracks between the campground and the quarry.

"We still catch a few of them in the quarry. Most of them are former college students who have returned to take a look at their old party site," said Henson. "They tell us they didn't see the no-trespassing signs, but there's no way you could miss them."

In the past, trespassers have been issued warnings, but Henson said those caught trespassing in the quarry could be issued court summonses for trespassing.