Of watermeal and men!

Forsyth MO - If any area residents have gone down to the Empire Park recently, you might have noticed that the two small inlets have a problem. That problem is an infestation of watermeal. Watermeal holds the distinction of being the world's smallest flowering plant, while at the same time being a very annoying weed. And, getting rid of it can be a big challenge, often requiring the pond to be drained or dredged in order to remove it. At this Park, it easy to see that something's not right!

I spoke with a representative of Liberty Utilities (the owner of the park) and was informed that efforts were underway to get rid of it via a bipartisan effort by the Missouri Department of Conservation. They have been using a chemical that will take two years to be effective. I hope to report back now and then to illustrate any progress made or not made.

Another topic we discussed was to install benches along the 1000 foot walking path. This to allow individuals with reduced walking abilities to enjoy it while having the ability to sit and rest. I did a short video on this topic just recently. Remember a lot of time and money goes into the maintenance of a place where one can enjoy boating, picnicking, fishing, walking and the great outdoors!

Watermeal (Wolffia spp.) are holds the unique position as the world’s smallest flowering plant, but it’s also one of the world’s most annoying pond weeds

Read more at Gardening Know How: Controlling Watermeal Weeds: Tips For Managing Watermeal In Ponds https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/watermeal/managing-watermeal-in-ponds.htm

Empire Park 1000 foot sidewalk!

Forsyth Mo. - On any given nice day, I like to get out and stretch my legs by walking the 1000 foot sidewalk walking pat over by Empire Park near Forsyth Missouri. The round trip distance is about .38 of a mile and is quite restful.

On a recent trip, I noticed four pairs of ducks that had each given birth to a herd of about five to six ducklings each.

Forsyth MO Tri-Park Report!

Forsyth MO. – What is likely to be a rare event for me, I planned to to do a spring report on three area parks located in and around Forsyth Missouri.

Empire Park - 36.657478, -93.132045

Water flowing over Powersite dam!

Covered picnic area!

Just down Hwy Y off Route 160 in Forsyth Missouri lies a very well maintained park under the management of Empire Electric (aka Liberty Utilities out of Canada). The park features a boat ramp, walking paths, picnic tables and bathrooms. This is a great location to go spend a nice day near the waters of Lake Taneycomo.

As of April 12, 2019, the water level was at 701.36' or just about normal. Just a short walk along a path to the east of the park is Powersite dam, one of the first hydroelectric dams built in Missouri way back in 1913. Fishing opportunities are excellent both above and below the dam! I like this location to go and have a nice walk and then eat lunch.

Shadowrock Park - 36.683734, -93.103948 40+ spots   (417) 546-2876

Shadowrock Park is split in half by Hwy 160. That has resulted in two really different sorts of experiences with the northern half being composed of a playground, a bath house, tennis courts and basketball courts. Swan creek also runs along one side. The younger crowd seems to prefer this area.

Southern end of SR is peaceful!

The southern half of Shadowrock Park has plenty of RV spots available many of which have power, sewage hookups and water. There is also a recreational area where many activities are held all during the warm part of the year. In addition, there is a baseball diamond, boat ramp, a horse riding area along with modern flush toilet bathrooms. Towards the back of the park is an area with a second bathroom and dump station. A great place to bring your RV or even to go tent camping at! The park is leased and managed by the City of Forsyth and does have an attendant (Melvin) on site during the regular season starting in early April through November 1.

River Run Park - 36.681015, -93.102669  30+ spots   (417) 546-3646

River Run seen in this photo!

If Shadowrock is filled up, there is a sort of sister Park just across Bull Shoals lake that is managed by the Corps of Engineers. River Run is where many really serious fishermen go to launch their boats and have their RV's in spacious slots that come complete with electric power and water. There's a dump station close to the entrance, also. So, pretty much no matter what, you'll end up with a good selection of spots to set up and to enjoy nature! Update: April 16 - Park was accessible but there are no bathrooms, power or water.

River Run Park reopens along with other select topics!

A 'close to spring' sun peaks thru early morning clouds!

Forsyth MO. - Will wonders ever cease? Just one day before the start of Spring and River Run, a popular park area near Forsyth Missouri was once again open after being closed for some period of time! And, the water levels had gone down to near normal levels! Just how long either were to last was open to question. That said, I visited all three local parks in the immediate area; River Run, Shadowrock and Empire Parks and found them to be looking great.

River Run Park

The only, short term problem I could see, was the paving work going on at the newly constructed roundabout at the intersections of Hwy 76 and 160. That should, however, be wrapped up very soon and then everything would appear to be set for locals and vacationers to come and enjoy activities like camping and fishing for which the area has been very popular over the years.

Shadowrock Park Mar 28

Update: Mar 26 - Bull Shoals lake was back down to 'normal' full pool levels and the roundabout was looking great. Shadowrock Park was also looking good when I drove through it at couple of days later!

Following are a few notes concerning area locales and businesses:

Charlies - This venue which had been up for sale for over two years was currently off the market and apparently not for sale. That was speculation on my part, but they had not been listed on the local real estate boards to the best of my knowledge, after canceling their contract with KW in late February... Update: April 2019 - I talked to a knowledgeable source and was informed that the owner family decided to try and sell the place themselves. The 4300 square foot establishment's asking price was still at $850K last I heard.

Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant - I drove by on this post date and saw no activity at the new location. The property was looking great with the signage and all, just no sign indicating when they might be opening. Also, no one was answered the phone, when I tried calling that same day in the early afternoon hour. There was also nothing that I could find on their Facebook site that mentioned an opening date. So, while they do serve up a great cuisine, maybe their front office could use a quick make-over.... Update: Oaxaca to re-open Wednesday March 27, 2019. Update: Check out my Mar 28 review!

Shadowrock Lodge - I spoke briefly, with the ownership of the Lodge, and was told that while progress was being made to open the bar, needed benchmarks were still yet to happen. So, while the Cafe/Hotel will likely open eventually, it remained a question of the pwnership getting some additional improvements made before that could take place.

Bull Shoals Lake level - Even as water was being released from the Powersite Dam and even as the current Bull Shoals water level was just two feet above the normal pool or operating levels, I still had some concern for levels at Beaver Lake which was also riding at two feet above normal. With improving conditions in Arkansas after a record setting period of late fall 2018 rains, things were looking to get back to normal. In additional, long range forecasts for regional rainfall for southwest Missouri did not look all that bad! These facts gave me the hope that both Shadowrock and River Run Parks would stay dry through at least the early spring period. (The bottom line was for everyone to get out and enjoy them as soon as the weather warms up)!

Update: Mar 26 - All three reservoirs were nearing 'normal' levels for the time of year. That be very good news!