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Central Region - Conservation/Nature/Wildlife Areas - click on bars to view
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Canaan Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
3 miles north of Bland on Route A, turn on Boetcher Road and follow the signs.
Highlights
This area is mostly forest. Facilities/features: primitive camping, two intermittent streams, and two small ponds (1 acre total).
About This Area
Canaan Conservation Area is located in Gasconade County, near Bland. Take Highway A about 1.2 miles north from Bland to the Conservation Area's southern most access road. A sign on Highway A shows the turn to the east; or stay on Highway A an additional 1.7 miles to the north past this turn to Boettcher Road. Go east on Boettcher Road 1.5 miles to main entrance on right. The area has six parking areas. Canaan Conservation Area contains 1,435 acres, 77% of which are forested or woodland and glade. The area includes 1.4 miles of Clear Fork Creek, 1.2 miles of Sulphur Branch Creek, several small springs, and a deep muck fen. The area also features a scenic north-facing slope adjacent to Sulphur Branch and a glade/woodland complex. The Conservation Department purchased this property in 1980. The first inhabitants of the area were nomadic Indians, who hunted here. Through the efforts of the German Resettlement Society, German immigrants then settled here and began working farms in the 1800s. The conservation area is composed of two of these working farms. The Conservation Department continues to crop a portion of the area. The Department also maintains the warm-season grasses, the deep muck fen, and the woodland/glade complex.
In 2008 the Department opened a multi-use trail that is open to hikers, bicycles and horseback riding. This trail is currently 8.9 miles long with two complete loops and one loop that is currently half done. Planned completion of this loop, the eastern most trail, is by the end of 2008. When this loop is completed an additional one mile will be added to the multi-use trail.
General Information
Central
Gasconade
573-884-6861
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Camping in Designated Areas |
2 primitive camping areas next to parking lots. None with defined campsites or any camping amenities. |
| Hiking |
An 8.9 mile multi-use trail is open to hikers, bicycles and horseback riding. |
| Horseback Riding |
8.9 miles of the multi-use trail has been completed as of 2008. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Fair population. Archery antlerless only permits and Firearms antlerless only permits are not valid. Area closed during antlerless portion. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. Mainly in dove management fields. |
| Hunting-Other |
Special hunting provisions provided for the mobility impaired. Contact area manager or regional office for further information. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
2 |
None with defined campsites or any camping amenities. |
| Parking Lot |
|
6 |
2 primitive camping areas are next to parking lots. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishless Pond |
|
12 |
6.00 acres |
|
| Other |
Deep Muck Fen |
1 |
0.00 count |
Deep muck fen |
| Spring |
|
3 |
0.00 # gallons per day |
|
| Spring |
Sulphur Spring |
1 |
0.00 # gallons per day |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Clear Fork |
1 |
0.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Sulphur Branch |
1 |
6.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
50.00 |
Warm-Season Grass Mix and Native Forbs |
| Old Field |
100.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
1135.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
150.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1435.00 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| Multi-use trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike/Horse) |
9.90 |
Mint Spring Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
9.5 miles south of Owensville on Route EE.
Highlights
This small forest contains Mint Spring Seep Natural Area.
About This Area
Mint Springs CA is across the highway from Mint Springs Access in Gasconade County. Forests in this area are dominated by white oak and hickory with dogwood and serviceberry in the understory. Natural Area rests below white oak forest and consists of many flood plain species of trees, shrubs, and forbes. Natural spring feeds the drainage from the south and flows into the Bourbeuse River.
Parking is limited.
General Information
Central
Gasconade
573-884-6861
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Nature Viewing |
|
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Designated Natural Area |
Mint Spring Seep |
1 |
5.00 acres |
A high quality example of an acid seep in the Ozark Border Natural Section. For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p59-1.htm. |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Other |
0.31 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
42.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
42.31 |
|
Danville Conservation Area -map
Driving Directions
Danville Conservation Area, Baldwin Annex and Thornhill/Schulze Annex (2,655 acres) are south of I-70 at the Highway 161 exit, then 2 miles east on the outer road and 2 miles south on County Road RB.
Highlights
This is a predominantly forested area. Facilities/features: Danville Glades Natural Area, and a fishable permanent stream (Clear Creek).
About This Area
Danville Conservation Area is in Montgomery County, southeast of the community of Danville on Highway RB. Mostly wooded, this 2,654-acre area features numerous narrow ridges between the tributaries of the Clear, Pinch, and Dishwater creeks. Limestone glades, dry limestone/dolomite woodland, and dry sandstone woodland found on the area offer unique habitat for a flora that is very similar to the traditional Ozarks south of the Missouri River. The dry glades support pale-purple coneflower, glade coneflower, prairie clovers, and Indian paintbrush among many other species. The Danville Glades Natural Area is split with 48 acres being found near the northwest corner of the area and 313 acres on the east side of the area.
The north central core of the area, historically known as "The Snake Ranch" because of the purported abundance of snakes that was purchased in 1965. There is no portion of the area today where snakes are any more prevalent than any other portion of the area. However, much of the landscape could be accurately described as a type suitable for snakes. The large ridge on the east side of the area was locally known as "The Dog Farm" because fox and wolf hounds were reportedly bred and raised there in the 1920s. Additional land purchases were made in 1982. Some portions of the area were donated to the Department while other portions were acquired through the federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The area is popular with deer and turkey hunters as well as native plant enthusiasts. Ruffed Grouse occur on the area in low numbers. The unique geologic formations exposed on the area are best seen in the fall through the spring. Cedar removal and prescribed fires are frequently used to maintain the open woodland and glade communities.
General Information
Central
Montgomery
573-884-6861
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping in Designated Areas |
Post Oak Camping Area has defined campsites. No amenities are provided. |
| Dog Training with Special Use Permit |
No special use permit required. |
| Hiking |
Danville Glades Trail and additional hiking on area access trails. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Archery-statewide regulations except archery antlerless permits not allowed; firearms-buck only, not open for firearms hunting during urban and anterless seasons. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. Area not managed for dove hunting every year. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Nature Viewing |
Floral diversity high on area. Numerous opportunities to observe wildflowers. |
| Other |
Grouse -poor |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
Special Use Permit Required |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
3 |
No amenities provided. |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
Post Oak Camping Area |
1 |
High Ridge Camping Area has defined camping sites (6), fire rings and a privy. |
| Parking Lot |
|
6 |
|
| Privy/Restroom |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Designated Natural Area |
Danville Natural Area |
1 |
400.00 acres |
Danville N.A. in two separate units. For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p85-1.htm. |
| Fishless Pond |
|
24 |
10.00 acres |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
|
2 |
3.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Clear Creek |
1 |
0.25 miles |
o.25 miles of Clear Creek shows up as one. Needs to be fixed. |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Crop Land |
200.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
1239.00 |
|
| Old Field |
50.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
10.00 |
|
| Glade |
120.00 |
Danville CA has many glades; all are not named due to their small size. |
| Savanna |
946.00 |
Total acres exceed area total because Ballwin and Thornhill/Schultz have not been added to the total. Land cover is for all three area units. |
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
100.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1253.00 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| Danville Glades Trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
3.00 |
Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
Go 3 miles west of Wellsville on Route ZZ, then 1/2 mile west on Route RA.
Highlights
This area is more than half forest and also contains cropland, old fields, grassland, savanna and prairie. Facilities/features: boat ramp, picnic area, pavilion, and two fishable lakes (Lake Walter and Lake Whitesell).
About This Area
Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area is in Audrain and Montgomery counties, 3.5 miles southwest of Wellsville. To reach the area take Highway ZZ to Route RA. The area begins 1/4-mile west of this junction. The area is named after Marshall I. Diggs, who donated 610 acres of the area to the Conservation Department in 1958. The Wellsville Firebrick Company donated 160 acres. Funds from Mr. Diggs were used to bring the area to its present size of 1,017 acres. The area includes 600 acres of timber, which are managed primarily for mast (nut) production and 400 acres of open fields. Two large lakes (totaling 20 acres) are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The open fields have native prairie grasses; shrubs, such as plum and sumac; and cereal grains, such as milo and corn, which are planted to provide winter food for wildlife.
General Information
Central
Montgomery,Audrain
573-884-6861
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Camping in Designated Areas |
No amenities provided. |
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Fair population. archery and firearms antlerless-only permits not valid - closed during antlerless portion. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
Inquire of the Area Manager. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Lake - Otheraccessible |
|
1 |
|
| Boat Ramp - Lake - Otheraccessible |
|
1 |
|
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
1 |
No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
8 |
|
| Pavilion |
|
1 |
|
| Privy/Restroom |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Lake Whitesell |
1 |
13.00 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Lake Walter |
1 |
7.00 acres |
|
| Fishless Pond |
|
13 |
2.00 acres |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Little Loutre Creek |
1 |
1.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Old Field |
50.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
20.00 |
|
| Glade |
5.00 |
|
| Savanna |
20.00 |
|
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
30.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
674.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
115.00 |
|
| Native Prairie |
100.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1014.50 |
|
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
5 miles east of Portland along Highway 94 in Montgomery County, then 1/4 mile off Highway 94 on Bluffton Road (gravel).
Highlights
This area is mostly forest and also contains savanna, prairie and glades. Facilities/features: Grand Bluffs Scenic Overlook Trail (2 miles) leads users through maple/oak forest, prairie and an old, small orchard where pear trees still bear in the fall to a deck overlook installed in 2003. The deck sits atop tall, dolomite bluffs and provides a view of the Missouri River, bottomland fields, Highway 94 and adjacent bluffs.
About This Area
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area is located in southern Montgomery County, near the towns of Rhineland and Bluffton. This area can be accessed from County Road 291 off of Highway 94.
This 223-acre area features a stretch of dolomite bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. They are a portion of a spectacular and scenic 2-mile stretch of 300-foot bluffs along the river. These steep bluffs were formed by the river, which is now one-half mile to the south. Canada geese have been known to nest on these bluffs. The unique bluff features and the associated flora have earned this area the designation as a Natural Area.
The Conservation Department purchased the area from Lorna Rice and James Gregory in 1991. A parking lot is provided for public vehicles, and visitors are encouraged to explore the area on foot. They will find small ponds and a remnant hill prairie and glade along the ridge. Synthiana Creek flows through the lower portion of the area.
General Information
Central
Montgomery
573-884-6861
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
Various forest birds visit the area. Vultures ride the warm currents rising from the bluffs. |
| Hiking |
One designated trail. The trail leaving the parking lot is an easement. Private land is adjacent on both sides, PLEASE REMIAN ON THE TRAIL UNTIL BOUNDARY SIGNS INDICATE THAT YOU ARE ON GRAND BLUFFS (MDC owned). NO rock climbing. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. archery methods only |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. No single projectile |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. No single projectile |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Fair population. |
| Nature Viewing |
Good fall color display along adjacent Highway 94 and Katy Trail (which is nearby). Overlook on bluff provides great view of the Missouri River bottoms. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
2 |
|
| Viewing Deck/Tower |
|
1 |
Overlook deck sits atop a tall dolomite bluff overlooking the Missour River, floodplain, Highway 94 and adjacent bluffs. Trail from the south parking lot leads to deck. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Designated Natural Area |
Grand Bluffs Natural Area |
1 |
160.00 acres |
The most outstanding feature of this natural area are the fluted, dry dolomite cliffs that rise above the Missouri River floodplain. Many small remnant glades remain on the bluffs edges. A mesic upland oak forest is found in the north half of the natural area. For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p90-1.htm. |
| Fishless Pond |
|
1 |
0.10 acres |
fishless pond for wildlife |
| Stream - Intermittent |
Synthianna Creek |
1 |
0.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Native Prairie |
3.00 |
|
| Glade |
5.00 |
|
| Savanna |
28.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
185.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
1.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
222.89 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| Hiking trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
1.00 |
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