JANUARY 2003

COOPER'S LANDING

NEWSLETTER

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
Re-Enactment Flotilla

  By Steve Johnson
   Join the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Reenactment Flotilla on the Missouri River in 2004. Numerous re-enactors in replica boats and period clothing will be sailing up the Missouri River and camping at (or near) the historical camp sites of the original Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804. We are encouraging private recreational boaters to "follow in their footsteps" on the Missouri River for all or portions of this historic trip.    Non-boaters can also "Follow in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark" by walking or bicycling the 200 miles of Missouri's Katy Trail State Park that follows the Missouri River through the river valley from St. Charles to Boonville.
   The Missouri River and the Katy Trail State Park, meander past numerous picturesque communities that are full of historic buildings, early settlement sites, breathtaking overlooks, beautiful Bed & Breakfast lodgings, quaint restaurants, wineries, and public use areas.
    In 2004, as the replica boats move up the river, most river communities will host Lewis and Clark Heritage Festivals featuring historical displays, old time river music, storytellers, re-enactments, crafts and artisan demonstrations and down home cooking. We are encouraging people to experience these events in a boat on the Missouri River.
    The Missouri River is strikingly beautiful and many recreational boaters use the river every day. However, the modern Missouri River presents some significant challenges for the unwary boater. The water is swift and, with a big rain, can swell ten feet in elevation overnight. That is not a problem if you keep the boat tied off. Boat fuel is very limited. There is only one dependable fuel dealer (Cooper's Landing) based near Easley, Missouri nearly half way across Missouri. Trip planning is critical to the success of a boating adventure. The goal of our organization is to work with all federal, state and local agencies to provide fuel, mooring, potable water, sanitary sewer, trash, medical, communication, rescue and other basic services for boaters who register with our organization in advance.
    If you have ANY interest in participating in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Re-enactment Flotilla, please complete the online questionnaire: Missouri River Communities Network Questionnaire and submit it to our database so we can start getting an idea of how many boaters would like to participate in this event. People who complete this form will receive updated information about our progress to organize a Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Reenactment Flotilla that is user friendly, safe and fun.
    For more information, please contact:
Steve Johnson
Manitou Bluffs Project/Missouri River Communities Network
200 Old Business 63 South, Suite 205
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 256-2602      E-mail to: Steve Johnson

A visual depiction of what the keelboat looked like that would make its arduous and, yet, invaluable, path up and down the Missouri River.

WANTED: WRITERS!

   Concerned about the welfare of our beloved Missouri River? Always wanted to share your stories and experiences? We see all of you sitting around the campfire spinning your tales. How about becoming one of our contributing writers?
   Aside from outdoor adventures, there are many touching human interest stories. People who have beaten all the odds to be where they are. Those who struggle to survive; those who give freely their love and support. Such inspirational truths are meant to be shared!

It's Not Wise to Fool
with Mother Nature!

By Margot Gendreau
    The Missouri River was very different in 1804 than it is now due to both natural events, and man-made alterations. We folks in Missouri like to think the river belongs to us, but it doesn't. Four state capitals lie on the Missouri River: Jefferson City, Missouri; Pierre, South Dakota; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Helena, Montana. The states that lie to the north of Missouri each want to have a say on how the water flows, thanks to modern river engineering. However, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of river navigation and control the flow of the river.
       For many years, to maintain a flowing river with less water, the Corps of Engineers has added wing dikes, levees and bank stabilization boulders to create a narrow, channeled ditch designed to increase the speed of the flow of water and accommodate barge traffic. Lewis & Clark would have loved the increased flow of the current Missouri River because they would not have been plagued by mosquitoes, but would have hated trying to paddle upstream against a strong, flowing river!. The intent of river control is to stimulate economic growth and provide industries with further means of receiving huge quantities of bulk substances and items too large for any other means of transport.
   Unfortunately, what might be good for the State's economic system, is not so good for the Missouri River's ecosystem. Loss of natural habitats and dying fish are a growing concern. Finding a balance that would protect wild life, while also protecting our state revenue, seem to be at two ends of the spectrum. This issue has come to the forefront now that the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial draws near.
    People who visit the Missouri River do so because they love nature and recreation. These people outnumber the number of industrial plants and barge companies that look upon the river as a means of transportation. Obviously, these are very different reasons to appreciate a river that is used for totally different purposes. Ironically, Lewis & Clark epitomize how both uses of the river can be in harmony. They thought of the river as their 'highway', but at the same time, took note of the natural habitat at every opportunity — and loved and respected the 'Wide Missouri' for all it enabled them to accomplish.
   Now you have the basic backdrop for next edition's article about the conflict, and resulting lawsuits, between various conservation groups, states, and the Corps of Engineers.

The above illustration provides a visual perspective of the difference 200 years of nature and man have made on the Missouri River. Today's Missouri River is superimposed over a modified section of the Missouri River Commission Map of 1892 to give you a better idea of how the river has changed. For further topographical information, the noteworthy James D. Harlan has recently completed the most accurate comparison of the two rivers. His maps are featured in an excellent Website and resource about Lewis and Clark sponsored by the University of Missouri,
Dept. of Geography, Stewart Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Maps can also be ordered from this website.

If interested, or would like to be included on the mailing list for Newsletter announcements, E-mail Mike Cooper at: Cooper's Landing

We're glad you're thinking of contributing, and would love to add you to our e-mailing list!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Mike Cooper - Proprietor
Margot Gendreau - Editor