Exercise Caution at boat ramps

The Missouri Department of Conservation urges caution when visiting boat ramps at river accesses in central Missouri this weekend. Recent flooding and changing conditions mean that some boat ramps may be underwater, and recently emerged ramps will likely be covered in silt deposits. Additionally, many access roads have sustained significant flood damage which may make ramps altogether inaccessible. MDC urges boaters and visitors to plan ahead and check conditions before attempting to use boat ramps along the Missouri River and its major tributaries in central Missouri. MDC reminds visitors to never drive into moving water over a roadway and to exercise caution when using of river accesses. The July 4th weekend is typically a busy weekend on Missouri rivers. Getting stuck on a ramp, or ending up in a hazardous situation ties up emergency resources and can block emergency access to rivers.