03/31/2020
From Steve Jabben, Roaring River State Park Ranger. Thank you Steve for all you do to keep us all safe!
Folks, most of you know me and for those who don't, I'm the ranger at the park. As you are aware, as of Saturday 3/28, MDC has waived the requirement for a fishing permit and daily trout tag. Yesterday, a decision was made to close the fish cleaning station.
This was done for your safety and ours. Before you complain about this, think. While patrolling yesterday, I saw vehicle license plates from 9 different states, NINE. Those folks had to get here, fuel, eat, use restrooms, etc. Not knowing who they've had contact with.
Are you willing to risk your health and your family's health for a few fish? We're leaving a few restrooms open in the park and Joel has his staff working ever so diligently trying to keep up with the cleaning of these. Think for a second, this staff is cleaning restrooms that people from all over the country are using, knowing at any time they could be infected.
IF you decide to come down, please use an over abundance of common sense and use the guidelines set forward by the CDC and parks. Keep that 6 foot distance, that guy next to you may be the one that infects you. Bring water! Bring hand sanitizer, wash basin's may not be available. Make sure you have a plan for your fish, if you decide to catch and keep. We do not care if you clean them in the river.
Lastly, I think that this weekend may be the one to pass on. Based on what I'm seeing, there will be a huge crowd in the park, trying to get their "free fish". If you see this is the case, go home, be safe. It's just not worth the risk to you or your family. This ol' river has been here for a very long time. It'll still be here when this stuff passes.
If you see me, wave from a distance. I'll wave back but I'll probably just keep on driving, hoping I too don't get infected and take this home to my family.
Should you have questions, my cell number is: 573-418-0097 for calls only, no texting is used on this line. Be smart, be safe....Steve