VAN BUREN, MO – To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, NPS is immediately implementing a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors.
At Ozark National Scenic Riverways, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities, including the Headquarters Visitor Information Center in Van Buren. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails and overlooks.
The public can find information about the requirement on the park website and on signs throughout the park.
“We’re encouraging visitors to use good judgement when recreating outdoors and do their best to maintain physical distance of at least six feet from people outside their household,” said Riverways Superintendent Jason Lott. “Masks would only be necessary if you’re not able to maintain physical distance, such as when passing on trails and sidewalks or at popular day use areas like Alley Mill. Otherwise, visitors should continue to enjoy the park safely and responsibly, as always.”
As conditions are subject to change, visitors should check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. Other tips to to recreate responsibly are available on NPS.gov. Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources and uphold this requirement.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.
