EDITORIAL: Weigh in now on state park plans

Apr. 7—We have always believed that as soon as Missourians get to know Eleven Point State Park, they will rank it among the state's gems. It will be all the sweeter, too, given how hard Missourians have had to fight in the courts and in Jefferson City to keep their park.

Those fights behind us, Missouri State Parks is gathering more input for a long-range plan for Eleven Point State Park.

This is your chance to weigh in, and you can find a link to the survey at: https://mostateparks.com/park/eleven-point-state-park.

The state has already conducted an earlier round of questions, and residents favored hiking, camping and fishing as the top recreational activities for the nearly 4,200 acres along the Eleven Point River.

Based on that earlier survey, everything from OHV and motorcycle trails to preserving a wilderness experience — "as close to nature as God intended," according to one comment — was proposed. We align with those who want as little development and as much wilderness as possible, honoring the Eleven Point as one of the nation's first National Wild and Scenic Rivers.

It is the state's unenviable task to balance competing and often incompatible interests. Some want a primitive park with limited development, others want something more akin to the services and amenities of Echo Bluff.

"I would like to see lodging with a restaurant. Also a store with gifts, " wrote one person.

The next person wrote: "Very little development needed. Maintain bathrooms and keep development to minimum to protect the natural beauty of the area."

A surprising number of people want wi-fi, others want it be a Dark Sky Park, preserving a connection to the fading night sky.

Given the chance to comment, an earlier round of Missourians had this to say:

—"This park is a wonderful addition to our state park system, and embodies a distinct topography and natural history that is not represented elsewhere in our system. It is tied closely to the adjacent nationally important Scenic River. As a result, it is vitally important that the park development respects the integrity of the scenic easement along the river."

—"I believe it is very important to preserve the rivers and streams to prevent private or corporate development and to utilize these resources for those who enjoy nature and protect it from overuse and party-oriented use."

—"This is a great addition to Missouri's State Park system!"

While there are different visions for the park, we can all agree with that last remark.

You can learn more about the park's history and some of the proposed plans here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIm8DCL6T6U.

A 30-day comment period opened April 7.

We are always thrilled to see the state welcome all Missourians — the owners of this park — to continue the conversation.