To: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and Monona County Conservation

Subject: Demand for Immediate Safety Action on the Missouri River near the Huff-Warner Access Area and NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe

On the evening of Saturday, May 24, 2025, Cole Boynton, a skilled and experienced outdoorsman, entered the Missouri River at the Huff-Warner Access Area to check throw lines–something he had done safely many times before. Shortly after launching, his fishing boat motor failed. Under normal river conditions, this mechanical issue would not have been life-threatening.

However, approximately 200 yards downstream, barges were moored directly in the river’s path at NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe. It appears there are currently no visible or sufficient safety barriers, warning systems, or mitigation measures in place for recreational users on the river. This stretch of river is known for its strong currents, and the proximity of moored barges may increase the risk of unsafe conditions. Moored barges in the river can create dangerous water currents and suction effects that may pose a risk to boaters. The risk is especially severe near public boat ramps where recreational users expect safe access to the water.

Cole’s disabled boat was rapidly pulled by the current toward the moored barges. Realizing the danger, he exited the boat into the water. In the time it takes to sit at a red light–less than 90 seconds–the boat was sucked under one barge and became wedged underneath the other. Cole has now been missing for over a month.

This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures on the Missouri River near the Huff-Warner Access Area and NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe.

His devastated family, friends, and community are determined to ensure no one else faces this kind of tragedy.

We are deeply grateful to all volunteers, first responders, and agencies for their ongoing recovery efforts. However, gratitude for recovery efforts should not replace the need for action to improve safety. At this time, families, anglers, and boaters can still launch there, many unaware of the risks.

We, the undersigned, urgently call on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and Monona County Conservation, and responsible authorities to:

• Temporarily close the Huff-Warner Access Area boat ramp to all public access.
• Conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the site, focusing on industrial barge activity near recreational areas.
• Implement required safety infrastructure, such as:
  • Wing dams or dikes to deflect current
  • Floating safety barriers to prevent boat entry near barges
  • Clear, visible warning signage and hazard indicators
  • Reevaluation of permitted mooring locations near public access points.

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and the need for proactive steps to protect everyone using the Missouri River for recreation. We believe that with thoughtful planning, communication, and appropriate safeguards, the river can be safely shared by both recreational users and commercial transportation interests. We believe that these actions will help prevent similar accidents in the future.

We respectfully urge you to act now to ensure public safety and prevent further tragedies.

If you would like to make a donation to support Cole Boynton's wife and two young daughters, please send contributions to:

BankFirst

902 10th St.

Onawa, IA 51040

Please direct your donation to the "Boynton Memorial" fund. Thank you.

NOTE: Donations on this petition website do not go to the Boynton family.