Drought delays Trail of Tears beach work

More than four years after torrential rains damaged a dam that supports the lake at Trail of Tears State Park, a $250,000 state project to rebuild it has been delayed again by weather.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been working since late last year to reconstruct the dam and an adjacent emergency spillway and make improvements to Lake Boutin, including a renovated beach area and new restroom facilities. The project was slated to be finished in July, with the beach area then reopening to the public. However, the department lists the beach at Trail of Tears as "closed due to construction on the lake's dam."

DNR spokeswoman Renee Bungart said by email that area drought conditions have been the main factor in the delay, causing work to take longer than expected because of low water levels.

"The construction project at the Trail of Tears State Park's Boutin Lake is nearing completion. The park was unable to open the designated swimming beach area this season due to the construction and low water levels in the lake," Bungart said in the email. "A few components of the construction project, such as applying seed and straw, remain uncompleted at this time due to the current weather conditions."

The department, she said, expects to complete that task when the weather is more appropriate.

Bungart said people are allowed to swim at their own risk in other sections of the lake.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson, MO