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Alerts

Forest Alerts

  • Copper Mountain Prescribed Burn

    The Copper Mountain prescribed burn is planned for March 29, 2026, on the Mark Twain National Forest, weather permitting. This 268-acre burn is being conducted in Madison County.An interactive location map is available.The burn will be approximately approximately 10 miles southwest of…
    Alert Start Date: March 26, 2026

  • McClurg Prescribed Burn

    The McClurg prescribed burn is planned for March 28, 2026, on the Mark Twain National Forest, weather permitting. This 2,134-acre burn is being conducted in Ozark County.An interactive location map is available.The burn will be approximately 12 miles southwest of Ava in the Glade Top trail area.…
    Alert Start Date: March 26, 2026

  • Weather Conditions

    Please check weather conditions prior to visiting. Forecasts can be found:National Weather Service - Springfield, MOSevere Weather PotentialNational Weather Service - Springfield, MO (Facebook)Safety Tips are available:Brave the ElementsReady.gov - FloodsSevere WeatherTornadoes
    Alert Start Date: March 6, 2026

  • Fourche Lake Drawdown

    Update 1/28/2026 - The gravel deposit has been removed and weather has been sufficiently cold to slow aquatic plant growth. The lake will refill as natural conditions allow from snow/ice melt and other precipitation events. This may take some time to…
    Alert Start Date: January 12, 2026

  • Forest Order 09-05-26-02 1039 Fire Closures

    The 1039 Fire area has been temporarily closed for public safety. Because of the potential of dead trees falling and hot ash pits, only fire responders are allowed in the area.
    Alert Start Date: November 18, 2025
    Forest Order: #Forest Order 09-05-26-02 1039

  • McCormack Lake, Markham Springs and Beaver Lake Low Water Levels

    Visitors to McCormack Lake, Beaver Lake, and Markham Springs mill pond may notice lower water levels than normal. Be aware that lowering of water levels can leave slick mud or other trip hazards that aren’t normally encountered. Please be extra careful walking around the edge of the lakes during…
    Alert Start Date: September 12, 2025

  • Red Bridge Road - Bridge Closure

    Missouri Department of Transportation and Christian County have closed Red Bridge, on Red Bridge Road, in Christian County. Barriers are in place to block access to the bridge.Red Bridge Road is a county road that goes through the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, east of Highway 65 and…
    Alert Start Date: July 24, 2025

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-04 Forest Road 4150C Closure

    Being on Forest Road number 4150C.
    Alert Start Date: July 2, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-04

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-03 Forest Road 4155 and 4155A Closure

    Being on Forest Road numbers 4155 and 4155A.
    Alert Start Date: June 24, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-03

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-02 Ozark Trail Current River Section Closure

    Mark Twain National Forest has put in place Forest Order 09-05-25-02 for the Eleven Point Ranger District, Ozark Trail - Current River Section Closure. This closure is to promote public safety for this section of trail while work continues to clear out the areas with so many trees knocked down by…
    Alert Start Date: June 16, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-02

  • Forest Order 09-05-25-01 Blue Ridge Trail Closure

    For public safety, during recovery efforts from previous storm damage, Mark Twain National Forest has put in place Forest Order 09-05-25-01, Eleven Point Ranger District, Blue Ridge Horse Trail Closure.
    Alert Start Date: June 16, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-05-25-01

  • Water system at Wild Boar Ridge Campground is out-of-service

    Water system at Wild Boar Ridge Campground is out-of-service. Water and showers are available at the nearby Chapen Hill beach.
    Alert Start Date: July 15, 2024

  • Forest Order 09-05-21-07: Trail 120B, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area

    Trail 120B, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area, is closed to all motorized vehicles.
    Alert Start Date: May 25, 2021
    Forest Order: #09-05-21-07

  • Forest Order 09-05-19-02 Closure to Enhance Feral Swine Elimination

    Hunting feral swine is prohibited on the Mark Twain National Forest. For more information visit the Feral Swine page.
    Alert Start Date: March 12, 2021
    Forest Order: #09-05-19-02

  • Reducing Lead Exposure Risk at Campgrounds

    In 2012, The Mark Twain National Forest completed soil sampling in many areas of Southeast Missouri lead mining area. A few recreation sites were found to have elevated concentrations of lead, but there was not a clear trend indicating where we would find lead.In Fall 2014, we partnered with the…
    Alert Start Date: December 28, 2020

  • Forest Order 09-05-20-01: Conditions of Use Forest-wide

    Occupancy and prohibitions for camping in developed areas, forest quiet hours, parking, trash removal, glass beverage and food containers, alcohol use (must be over 21), cannabis, spark arrestors, and a few other items.
    Alert Start Date: August 20, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-05-20-01

  • Forest Order 09-05-20-02: Conditions of Motor Vehicle Use Forest-wide

    Operation and use of motorized vehicles and watercraft on National Forest System lands, rivers/lakes, roads, and trails.
    Alert Start Date: August 20, 2020
    Forest Order: #09-05-20-02

  • Forest Order 09-05-19-03: Palmer Lead Smelter Area

    Entering or being in the Palmer Lead Smelter Closure Area. The boundary of the Palmer Lead Smelter Closure Area is defined by the marked and signed area surrounding the Palmer smelter site located north of Forest Service road 2392 at Hazel Creek Campground
    Alert Start Date: March 29, 2019
    Forest Order: #09-05-19-03

  • Remember the 3 R's if you come across unknown objects on the Forest

    The area located north of the east gate road, T35N, R10 W, Section 8 and 17, south of the Piney River was used for military purposes in the past. For your safety, do not disturb unknown objects. Please use caution in this area and practice the 3Rs if you encounter any suspicious objects:Recognize-…
    Alert Start Date: July 30, 2013

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-08: Greer Springs Trail

    THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE AREA WITHIN 150 YARDS OF THE GREER SPRING PARKING AREA, TRAIL OR SPRING BRANCH
    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-08

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-06: The Gulf

    The Gulf is closed for the protection of the blind cavefish.
    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-06

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-04 Tree Stands Forest-wide

    Labeling, removing and timeframes for use of tree stands.
    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-04

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-03: Non-Administrative, non-recreation buildings

    All non-administrative, non-recreation buildings and structures are closed for protection of public health and safety.
    Alert Start Date: February 2, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-03

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-07: Wilderness

    The following restrictions are prohibited to protect those parts of the National Forest System which were designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, and such other areas of the National Forest System as are added to the Wilderness…
    Alert Start Date: January 24, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-07

  • Forest Order 09-05-12-09 Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River Zone

    Operation and use of motorized watercraft within the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River zone to preserve the river. 
    Alert Start Date: January 1, 2012
    Forest Order: #09-05-12-09

  • Forest Order 09-05-21-08 All Caves are closed to visitors due to White Nose Syndrome

    Prohibiting entering any cave or mine on National Forest System lands within the Mark Twain National Forest.
    Alert Start Date: August 17, 2010
    Forest Order: #09-05-21-09
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