Speak out about riverways

Missourians need to speak up to protect a place they love. Each year, nearly 2 million people visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to swim, tube, boat or fish in the Jacks Fork and Current rivers and hike and camp in the surrounding woods. Unfortunately, the gorgeous Ozark Riverways Park has fallen into disrepair, with trash accumulating along the riverbanks and trails beaten up by misuse.

Missourians have a unique opportunity because the Department of the Interior, the people who run the national parks, has launched a new initiative called Great Outdoors America. The department is eager to protect America's most treasured landscapes and is seeking citizen input this summer on which areas need the most protection. In order to restore the beautiful riverways in the Ozarks, Missourians need to speak up and make our voices heard!.

Please comment today at http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors.

ELIZABETH KERN, St. Louis