MDC closes Capitol Viewing Access in Callaway County, citing vandalism and break-ins

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Conservation said in a press release Thursday that it closed Capitol View Access in Callaway County “due to boat ramp development issues and improper use of the area.”

Access will be closed immediately. MDC wrote that several factors were taken into account, including increased vandalism since the boat ramp was removed and the occurrence of trespassing issues on nearby private land. The statement also notes that Noren Reach’s proximity on the Missouri River is also a factor.

The statement states that the Missouri Conservation Commission will consider selling the area.

“Access was first provided in 1991 to provide boat access to the river and creek. A concrete boat ramp was installed immediately following the purchase; however, due to the access’s proximity to the Missouri River, the stream bed proved to be highly unstable. This caused severe bank subsidence and concrete caused the boat ramp to collapse, which was later removed and replaced with a gravel path to the river for canoe and kayak access.” “The stream bank is unstable and MDC engineers have stated that this area should not be redeveloped.”