Reply to Katy Trail Ride

I've been watching the site for the Katy Trail Ride, and so far I haven't seen any updates. From my recent experience, the sections from Boonville to Weldon Springs will still be under repair for some time and I suspect the ride may be cancelled or postponed. There are going to be several washouts near Columbia and probably more heading east. There are also bridges that will need repair or restoration.

I don't know how the state legislature is going to look at allocating funds to repair, and I'm worried they may look at this as a warning about the cost of maintaining the nascent Rock Island Trail. After the '93 flood, Ted Jones donated $2 million to jump start the trail, and likely saved the Katy. Missouri State Parks has a link for donations (https://icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Customers/Login.aspx). You will have to create an account and log in, but monies can be directed to the Katy. I can't think of a better time to show support for the trail than now, and maybe an increase in donations will convince the state legislature that we will love the Rock Island just as much.

So back to the Katy Trail Ride. If, as I suspect, the ride is affected, wouldn't it be great if the Missouri State Parks would instead have a week or weekend for volunteers to come out and help clean up the trail? I for one would be happy to help in clean up or push some gravel around if it helps bring the Katy back.