JEFFERSON CITY –Gov. Jay Nixon today called upon Missourians to reflect on the significant impact and recovery following the Taum Sauk Reservoir breach in Reynolds County ten years ago. On Dec. 14, 2005, the Upper Taum Sauk Reservoir breached, releasing 1.3 billion gallons of water down Profitt Mountain and into Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
“As we look back on the past ten years, the resiliency of nature and the dedication of this community stand as shining accomplishments among what was once rubble and debris,” Gov. Nixon said. “While the breach caused devastation, the successful rebuilding and reopening of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park will allow Missourians to enjoy the area for generations to come.”
As Attorney General, Gov. Nixon obtained a historic settlement that ensured the reservoir was rebuilt at no cost to ratepayers, provided the opportunity for the park to once again serve guests and included funds for local schools and investments in economic development.
On May 22, 2010, Gov. Nixon celebrated the grand reopening of the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The rebuilt park includes a new campground, educational center, boardwalk and viewing area over the shut-ins and more than 20 miles of trails.
“Over the past ten years, the addition of miles of trails and new amenities give Missourians a renewed appreciation for a resource that was severely damaged,” said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Now, because of the rebuilding efforts and the natural beauty of the area, the park continues to add to Missouri’s natural legacy.”
After the breach, the park’s famous “shut-ins,” where the rushing waters of the East Fork of the Black River are “shut-in” by the hard volcanic rock, were littered with debris. However, the unique rock formations withstood the flood. After crews cleared out the rocks and debris, the shut-ins could once again delight visitors.
The park’s recent attendance surpassed pre-flood levels. In 2014, more than 300,000 guests visited the park, compared to approximately 235,000 visits in 2005.
“Ten years after the devastating breach, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a popular attraction for families who want to camp, explore nature and experience a natural waterpark,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Today, the park is more popular than ever and serves as an inspiring success story.”
Since taking office in 2009, Gov. Nixon has made increasing access to state parks a top priority. Under the Governor’s leadership, Missouri has also been named the best camping state, the best trails state, and its state parks have consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Gov. Nixon was recently honored with the 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award from the American Recreation Coalition (ARC), the outdoor recreation community’s most prestigious award.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
