Eric Myers said it succinctly.
"It's no longer river," he said. "It's water."

And it's dangerous.

A sergeant with the Illinois Conservation Police who works in Adams County, Myers and other CPOs are taking part in 24-hour patrols on the Mississippi River from Meyer south to the Hannibal railroad bridge as they continue to battle flood waters.

What he's noticed is boaters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are staying clear of the danger zones and allowing emergency workers to do their jobs.

"Everybody is being very cooperative," Myers said. "I think everybody understands what is at stake here. This is an emergency for everyone."

With that comes a strong piece of advice.

Stay away.

Myers realizes owners of river cabins and land in low-lying areas are anxious to see the damage done by the flood waters, but more harm can come from testing the rising waters.

"The current out here is extremely dangerous," said Myers, speaking by cell phone while on patrol. "We've inspected most of the cabins near the Point Pleasant break. We inspected the houses in the same area. We don't want people coming out there."

What they forget is the river is raging at those spots.

"It's extremely difficult even for emergency personnel," Myers said.

That's because of hidden dangers. There is debris floating downriver and Myers said low-hanging telephone wires are a concern at head level.

"Clean-up is going to be a long process," Myers said.

It will take time, as well, for wildlife to regain their habitat.

Myers said many of the larger animals -- white-tailed deer, turkeys and coyotes -- left the river islands before floodwaters rose. They have spotted deer and turkeys in low-lying areas, and CPOs have helped rescue fawns from rising waters.

The bulk of the effort, however, is yet to come.

"Right now, securing infrastructure and securing levees is the priority," Myers said.

Once the river crests and floodwaters begin to subside, CPOs will be actively working to help wildlife return to the region. They've staged more than 150 pet carriers and will work to restore the habitat as quick as possible.

Like everything else, rebuilding the habitat will be a lengthy process. Eventually, just like 1993, the wildlife will return to the islands and the low-lying areas. Fish will again be plentiful and outdoorsmen will again enjoy the natural resources.

They'll do so with more respect for the river that runs past us and those who protect it.

-- mschuckman@whig.com/221-3366