Bear Creek Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
5.5 miles east of Lebanon on I-44, take exit 135, then go east on South Outer Rd .10 mile, and south on Rustic Drive 1.5 miles.
Highlights
This is a mostly forest area.
About This Area
Bear Creek Conservation Area is located in Laclede County, northeast of Lebanon. The area was purchased from the University of Missouri in 1965.
Bear Creek Conservation Area contains a total of 720 acres divided among 4 separate tracts. These tracts are: Harrill Ford Tract (40 acres), Squatter Tract (120 acres), Bear Creek School Tract (320 acres), and the Hermit Tract (240 acres).
These tracts are mostly mixed oak forest with small openings and old fields. Various phases of multiple use management are often conducted on the area. Forest improvement practices (which could include selective harvests), regeneration of forest stands, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat improvement are among the cultural practices utilized by area managers.
General Information
Southwest
Laclede
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Area Subject to Flash Flooding
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Other |
Good population. Mobility Impaired Hunting Opportunity Area |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Hunting Blind - Deer/Turkey |
|
3 |
mobility impaired opportunity blinds |
| Parking Lot |
|
4 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Wildlife Watering Hole |
|
3 |
0.00 count |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Glade |
10.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
678.84 |
|
| Old Field |
40.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
728.84 |
|
Coffin Cave Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
12 miles west of Lebanon on Hwy 64, then 4.5 miles north on Marigold Dr.
General Information
Southwest
Laclede
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Cave entrance closed to public for safety reasons.
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
Opportunities for forest interior birds. |
| Hunting-Deer |
|
| Hunting-Squirrel |
|
| Hunting-Turkey |
|
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| No Developed Facilities |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
41.57 |
|
| Glade |
18.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
59.57 |
|
Coleman Memorial Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
From I-44 south of Lebanon, take exit 127, then south on Morgan Rd, then Evergreen Pky east off the traffic circle, then .60 mile to the area.
General Information
Southwest
Laclede
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Demonstrations |
Warm season grass and native forb restoration area. Sinkhole restoration area. |
| Nature Viewing |
Abundant deer and turkey viewing opportunities right in town. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| No Developed Facilities |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Non-Stocked Pond |
|
1 |
0.25 acres |
small pond. Heavy aquatic vegetation. |
| Other |
Small Sink |
1 |
0.00 count |
Small natural sinkhole near south boundary. |
| Other |
Canyon Sink |
1 |
0.00 count |
Large natural sinkhole. Holds water after heavy rains. Restoration in progress. Within Bennett Spring recharge area. |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
38.70 |
|
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
24.60 |
warm season grass/ native forb restoration in progress |
| Other |
0.70 |
powerline R.O.W. and pond |
| Total Area Acres: |
64.00 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| hiking trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
1.80 |
Goose Creek Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
Goose Creek Conservation Area consists of 4 tracts within 8 miles of the I-44 Conway exit.
Highlights
This is a predominantly forest area.
About This Area
Goose Creek CA contains a total of 1040 acres and is divided into 5 seperate tracts. They are "P" Burg Tract (160 acres), Charity tract (240 acres), Oak Summitt Tract (240 acres), Frisco Tract (240 acres), P Burg Towersite (40 acres). This forest lies in both Laclede and Dallas Counties close to I-44 and is accessable by County Roads. See Area map.
These tracts are mostly mixed oak forest with small openings and old fields. Various phases of multiple use management are often conducted on the area. Forest improvement practices (which could include selective harvests), regeneration of forest stands, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat improvement are among the cultural practices utilized by area managers. Some glade restoration has been accomplished.
General Information
Southwest
Laclede,Dallas
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Area Subject to Flash Flooding
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
Forest interior birds. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Wildlife Watering Hole |
|
3 |
0.00 count |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Old Field |
10.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
870.16 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
880.16 |
|
Osage Fork Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
Osage Fork Conservation Area is 4 miles south of Lebanon on Highway 5 and 1.25 miles west on Route C and 1 mile west on Canary Road. Watch for cantilever sign.
Highlights
This is a forest area with an archery range.
General Information
Southwest
Laclede
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Hiking |
No designated trails |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
Special Use Permit Required |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Other |
Archery Range B |
1 |
|
| Other |
Archery Range A |
1 |
|
| Parking Lotaccessible |
|
3 |
1-Gravel Parking Lot with a concrete pad. |
| Pavilion |
|
1 |
Special use permit required |
| Privy/Restroomaccessible |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Other |
|
1 |
0.00 count |
Sinkhole-.25 mile |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
275.00 |
|
| Old Field |
5.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
280.00 |
|
Compton Hollow Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
5 miles south of I-44 on Route B, go about 1 mile east on Compton Hollow Road.
Highlights
This is a mostly forest area. Facilities/features: archery range.
About This Area
Compton Hollow Conservation Area is in Webster County, approximately 20 miles east of Springfield and 9 miles west of Marshfield.
Visitors can access this 840-acre area from Compton Hollow Road, where 2 parking lots are located about 3/4-mile apart. Visitors can also access the northwestern part of this area from Conservation Lane, which is a road heading south off of Route B. There is a parking lot located there.
Approximately 90% of the area is forested. Non-forested areas are composed of old fields and wildlife food plots. Several small ponds provide wildlife watering holes.
The area is home to numerous game and non-game species, including deer, turkey, squirrel, and raccoon. Food plots, forest thinnings and small forest clearings are designed to improve wildlife habitat and natural community health.
Compton Hollow contains 3 distinct natural features: a post-oak flatwoods, several small dolomite glades and a dry, dry-mesic chert woodland. These features are protected and managed to maintain or increase their natural qualities.
An archery field course with 14 individual stations is located near the east parking lot, just off Compton Hollow Road. A regulations sign at the start of the course instructs users in proper procedures.
A special use hunting area is in the north-central part of the area. It begins near the northwestern parking lot off of Conservation Lane. The boundaries are marked with orange paint and this hunting area is also designated on the map.
General Information
Southwest
Webster
417-895-6880
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bicycling |
Bicycling is allowed on service roads and designated trails. Closed to use during Spring Turkey season and Fall Firearms Deer seasons. |
| Camping - Walk-in and Backpack |
Primitive camping is permitted. Groups of 10 or more campers need a special-use permit. Seasonal closures may apply. |
| Hiking |
|
| Horseback Riding |
Horseback riding is allowed on service roads and designated trails. Closed to use during Spring Turkey season and Fall Firearms Deer seasons. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Other |
Archery Range |
1 |
Fourteen station walk and shoot archery range |
| Parking Lot |
|
3 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishless Pond |
|
5 |
2.00 acres |
|
| Named Forest |
Dry, Mesic Chert Woodland |
1 |
18.00 acres |
|
| Other |
Glade |
1 |
2.00 count |
|
| Other |
Post Oak Flatwoods |
1 |
12.00 count |
|
| Other |
Savannah |
1 |
13.00 count |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Savanna |
13.00 |
|
| Old Field |
75.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
2.00 |
Food Plots |
| Forest and Woodland |
737.50 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
1.50 |
|
| Glade |
2.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
831.27 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| multi-use trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike/Horse) |
5.50 |
Shooting Range General Information
UnManned
Varies
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, unless posted otherwise.
Niangua Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
(From Highway 44 at Marshfield) Take the Highway 38 and Highway W exit west to the Outer Road S on the west side of I-44. Go north to Brinkley Road. Follow Brinkley Road, go left on Black Horse Road where it forms a "y"-intersection. The Conservation area is almost 1/2 mile on the left on Black Horse Road.
Highlights
This area is mostly forest.
About This Area
Niangua Conservation Area is in Webster County, approximately 30 miles east of Springfield and 5 miles northeast of Marshfield. The area actually contains 2 separate tracts, known as the St. Luke tract and the Sampson tract.
To access the 360 acre St. Luke Tract: From Highway 44 at Marshfield, take the Highway 38 and Highway W exit west to the Outer Road S on the west side of I-44 and go north on that to Brinkley Road. Follow Brinkley Road and bear left on Black Horse Road where it forms a "y"-intersection. The Conservation area is almost 1/2-mile on the left on Black Horse Road.
The 160-acre Sampson tract can be reached from Webster County Road 173. From Springfield, take I-44 to the Marshfield exit, go east on Highway 38 to State Road CC and north on State Road CC to Frisco Road. Turn right (east) on Frisco Road, the area is on the left (east) side of Frisco Rd.
Both the St. Luke tract and the Sampson tract are almost completely forested. Small ponds on the area provide wildlife watering holes. There are no opportunities for fishing.
General Information
Southwest
Webster
417-895-6880
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Camping - Walk-in and Backpack |
Groups of 10 or more require a special use permit. Seasonal closures may apply. No amenities provided. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
2 |
One at St. Luke Tract, and one at Sampson Tract. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Wildlife Watering Hole |
|
4 |
2.00 count |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Old Field |
10.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
804.76 |
|
| Glade |
22.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
836.76 |
|
Mule Shoe Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
Go north on Route F from Highway 54 to gravel road 96, which runs east to the area.
Highlights
This tract is mostly forest. Facilities/features: primitive camping and 3 permanent streams.
About This Area
Mule Shoe Conservation Area is in eastern Hickory County. Visitors can reach the area by heading north on Highway F off Highway 54, then going east on Gravel Road 96, which runs through the area.
This 2,423-acre area borders the eastern bank of the Little Niangua River for over 1 mile. The area contains forestland, bottomland fields, and steep limestone bluffs.
Natural communities include dry and dry-mesic chert forest, dolomite glades, a remnant dolomite savanna, and bottomland forests. Approximately 400 acres are pasture fields.
This area was acquired to help protect the aquatic habitat of the Niangua darter, which is classified as state-endangered and federally-threatened species.
General Information
Southwest
Camden,Hickory
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping in Designated Areas |
No amenities provided. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Good population. Suckers |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Good population. |
| Hiking |
Numerous area access trails provide good hiking opportunity.
|
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
|
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Other |
|
1 |
Gravel bar only. |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
2 |
No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
11 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishless Pond |
|
7 |
2.00 acres |
|
| Spring |
|
2 |
0.00 # gallons per day |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Little Niangua River |
1 |
2.70 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Starks Creek |
1 |
0.80 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
2073.00 |
|
| Glade |
80.00 |
|
| Savanna |
133.00 |
|
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
184.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
2476.42 |
|
John F. Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area - map
Driving Directions
John F. Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area is located just east of Wheatland on Highway 54.
Highlights
This area is mostly forest. Facilities/features: primitive camping.
General Information
Southwest
Hickory
417-532-7612
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping in Designated Areas |
No amenities provided. |
| Hiking |
No designated trails |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
|
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
1 |
10 individual camp sites. No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
| Privy/Restroom |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Spring |
|
2 |
0.00 # gallons per day |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
|
1 |
0.40 miles |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Vanderman Branch |
1 |
0.75 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
10.00 |
|
| Glade |
17.00 |
|
| Old Field |
12.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
286.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
325.00 |
|