In case you had any thoughts about boating on the Missouri River and its associated backwaters, you’d better think again. The Iowa DNR says recreational boating privileges on the “Mighty Mo” and all waters connected to it, have been suspended indefinitely, while flooding is underway.

Robert Garrison, chief of the law enforcement bureau for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says “This is an extremely dangerous situation, not only for recreational boaters, but for rescuers if a problem should occur on the water.”

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, violation of the order establishing the suspension of recreational boating in the designated area can result in a maximum civil penalty of $40,000 for each violation.

A “willful and knowing” violation of the no-boating order can also result in a felony charge punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison sentence from five to 10 years.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources closed boat ramps at Blue Lake, Browns Lake and Snyder’s Bend because of the flooding occurring on the Missouri River.

The DNR closed all state run boat ramps on the Missouri River on June 2nd.