MarkTwain NF

This week, the Mark Twain NF has multiple prescribed burns planned to help reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Final ignition will depend on real-time weather and on-site conditions to ensure safe and effective operations.

The Closure Order for the area affected by the 1039 Fire can be found on the Forest's website: fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/…

Firefighters successfully stopped the 1039 Fire south of Cassville, MO last night. The fire area will be temporarily closed for public safety while firefighters continue to patrol for flare-ups. Photo: Mark Twain Veteran Crew using burnout operations to stop fire progression.

Employees work throughout the year, as weather allows, performing maintenance duties on recreation infrastructure. Here, the employees can be seen repairing stone stair tread on a stone stairway leading to the Blue Hole at North Fork Recreation Area.

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. These temporary lowerings allow for repair work.

Join MDC and NDA Aug. 26 for “Wildflowers and Whitetails” webinar as we discuss open-land habitat management for deer during the live Zoom webinar. More at mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/join-…

National Fire News: 8/13. 16,953 wildland firefighters and support personnel are on assignment across the country, tackling wildfires in challenging terrain and conditions. So far this year, human activity has sparked more than 39,000 wildfires, burning over 1.6 million acres.

Drones and wildfires don’t mix. If you fly a drone near a wildfire, you could ground the very aircraft supporting firefighters on the ground. That one flight could delay air support, stall suppression efforts, & put lives at risk. If you fly, we can’t.➡️ knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

National Fire News: 08/07. In 2025, 42,342 wildfires have burned over 3.4 million acres across the country. Firefighters and support personnel including 10 complex incident management teams, 317 crews, 842 engines, and 106 helicopters are working to suppress 36 large fires.

The Red Bridge Road, that cuts through part of the ACW Ranger District, west of Chadwick will be closed for an extended period, after a recent inspection, due to previous flood damage. KY3 story: ky3.com/video/2025/07/…

National Fire News: The National Preparedness Level increased to 4(PL4) as of 8/5. Fire activity is increasing across multiple areas, with heavy resource commitment. Forecasts show continued weather conditions conducive to large fire ignition & growth. 📸F. Bertelsen, Gifford🔥

New month = new night sky sights 🔭 In August, you'll have the chance to spot several planets, as well as the Dumbbell Nebula! The Perseids peak on the night of Aug. 12-13, but the Moon will be nearly full and will wash out all but the brightest meteors: go.nasa.gov/3IX2lLj

Searching for the next Capitol Christmas Tree like...🎅 Even in the middle of summer, Santa’s already on the lookout in @HumboldtToiyabe National Forest in Nevada where @forestservice will soon choose the next U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to stand tall in Washington D.C. Stay tuned! 🎄 #ChristmasInJuly

The BLM has approved 36 lease renewals for hardrock mining operations within the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, which produce lead, zinc, and copper. Learn more: blm.gov/press-release/…

Repair work on the road into Bar K Wrangler Camp is expected to be completed by the end of today and the site will be back open tomorrow.

The restrooms at the Noblett Lake Day Use Area were vandalized last weekend by individuals using fireworks. If you have any information about the vandalism at Noblett Lake, please call the Ava office at (417) 683-4428.

@MDC_online Thank you for the work you do there!

🌻 A huge shoutout to our incredible team at George O. White State Forest Nursery who spend countless summer hours hand-weeding seedbeds to help young trees thrive. 💪🌳 Don't forget you can order seedlings beginning Sept. 2! Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNZ

Attention Veterans! Join us tomorrow and meet with recruiters from MoDNR and other state agencies to explore career opportunities. Don’t miss out! For details, visit: events.mocareers.mo.gov. #JoinOurTeam

National Fire News: A total of 76 large fires are burning nationwide. 16,672 wildland firefighters & support personnel are assigned to incidents, including 21 complex incident management teams. There have been 38,928 wildfires reported in the US & a total acreage of 2,879,645.

The Forest will soon offer online payment utilizing the Recreation.gov mobile app for campgrounds, trailheads and day-use areas across the forest. Learn more about scan and pay: youtube.com/watch?vkVxcwk9…