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Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Environmental Factors
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![Bob Holan at Blue Spring Bob Holan at Blue Spring](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/ozar/naturescience/images/BLUESP6-bob-180x375_1.jpg) |
Blue Spring |
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways is influenced by a variety of environmental factors. As a karst area, the local and regional hydrologic cycle has a significant impact on the springs, their wildlife and their contribution to the flow of the rivers.
The area is subject to flooding, in most years there is a spring and fall flood, although a period of drought over recent years has lessened this impact.
The shortleaf pine forests are also influenced by a fire cycle, which is now managed via prescribed burns. Any activities that adversely affect water quality, either surface or subsurface, can have a significant impact on the health of park resources. Fortunately, the surrounding area is rural, although there are concerns about mining, agricultural, and community development issues as they relate to possible risks to park resources.
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![Cave formations Cave formations](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/OZAR_CAVE-hi-lite.jpg) Beautiful cave formations. Hundreds of caves are to be found in the Ozarks. Round Spring Cave is open for tours in the summer. more... | | ![Lady Slipper Orchid Lady Slipper Orchid](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/OZAR_orchid-hi-lite.jpg) Wildflowers in the Ozarks Many people are surprised to find that wild orchids grow in the Ozarks. More about wildflowers.... more... | | ![Canoers enjoying the river Canoers enjoying the river](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/OZAR_canoe65x65.jpg) Canoers enjoying the river Canoeing is the most popular activity at Ozark National Scenic Riverways more... | |
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![Ozark hellbender Ozark hellbender](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090507224655im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/OZAR_ozark_hellbender-djk.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
The Ozark hellbender is one of two species of hellbender, a giant salamander, in the United States. Ozark National Scenic Riverways is one of the few places on earth home to the Ozark species. More at www.nps.gov/ozar
more...
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Last Updated: April 18, 2007 at 14:28 EST |