DES MOINES - The suspension of recreational boating by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers on the Missouri River between Sioux City and mile marker 550 where Iowa,
Missouri and Nebraska meet includes backwaters of the river.

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

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

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

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.