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St. Louis Region - Conservation/Nature/Wildlife Areas - click on bars to view
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Daniel Boone Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
6 miles west of Jonesburg on Route Y. Then, go 3 miles southwest at the cantilever sign near Oak Grove Church.
Highlights
This is a predominantly forested area. Facilities/features: primitive camping, picnic area, 5 fishable ponds (13.4 acres total), and a multi-use trail.
About This Area
Daniel Boone Conservation Area is in western Warren County, about 8 miles southwest of Jonesburg, and within a 1 hour drive of St. Louis.
This 3,520-acre area is named in memory of the great pioneer and woodsman. In 1943, former Conservation Commissioner A.P. Greensfelder, an ardent conservationist, donated the original acreage for this area to the Conservation Department. Later purchases brought the area to its present size.
As it was in Daniel boone's day, the area is rich in plants and animals. Woodland wildlife, such as whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, and ruffed grouse, inhabit the area year-around. Pileated woodpeckers and other forest birds are common most of the year. This area receives intensive natural community restoration/management for ruffed grouse and songbirds.
A hike through the area will lead through deep valleys, glades, and rugged wooded hills. Autumn provides the visitor with a dazzling display of fall colors.
Many intermittent streams and short waterfalls occur on the area. Rare wood frog and ringed salamander use the area's forests and fishless ponds.
General Information
St. Louis
Warren
636-441-4554
Owned by MDC
There are wood frog, ruffed grouse, spotted salamander, buffalo clover, and seasonal small waterfalls on this area.
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bicycling |
5 mile multi-use trail is open to bicycles from the end of spring turkey season to the beginning of fall turkey season. |
| Bird Watching |
This area provides great opportunities for viewing both early and late successional bird species. |
| Camping in Designated Areas |
Camping is allowed in 7 designated areas and in the horse staging area (12 sites grouped together). No amenities provided. |
| Fishing - Bass |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
Hiking is allowed on the multi use trail and all service roads year round. |
| Horseback Riding |
5 mile multi-use trail open to horses from the end of spring turkey season to the beginning of fall turkey season. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. antlered only for all firearms seasons |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
7 |
No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
5 |
Includes a horse trailer staging area |
| Picnic Table |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
|
5 |
4.00 acres |
|
| Fishless Pond |
|
29 |
0.00 acres |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Razor Hollow |
1 |
2.50 miles |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Clark Branch |
1 |
0.25 miles |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Jones Branch |
1 |
0.50 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Glade |
5.00 |
|
| Savanna |
50.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
4.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
3451.00 |
|
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
10.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
3520.00 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| multi-use trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike/Horse) |
5.00 |
Little Lost Creek Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
5 miles south of Pendleton on Route B.
Highlights
This is a predominantly forested area with scattered glades, savannas, and fields. Facilities/features: primitive camping/picnicking, and a 5-mile multi-use trail.
About This Area
Little Lost Creek Conservation Area is in the Missouri River hills of central Warren County. This conservation area was named for the creek that meanders through the area's deep valleys and rugged wooded hills, affording several scenic overlooks. Little Lost Creek is a partially spring-fed Ozark stream, characterized by clear water and a rocky stream bed. Brilliantly colored Ozark fish species, such as bleeding shiners, southern red belly dace and stippled darters, are found in the stream.
The 2,899-acre area consists mostly of oak/hickory forest and glades. A fall hike through the area provides visitors with dazzling displays of fall color. Little Lost Creek Valley features intermittent waterfalls, chutes, and outcrops of St. Peter sandstone, which provides habitat for numerous fern species.
Woodland wildlife, such as deer, turkey, squirrels and ruffed-grouse are year-round residents. Pileated woodpeckers and other woodland birds are common most of the year.
Management of the forest at Little Lost Creek Conservation Area ensures that small openings are available for the benefit of many wildlife species and provides a continuing diversity of habitat.
Open fields are managed by planting food plots and maintaining native warm-season prairie grasses to ensure food and cover for numerous species of wildlife. Fields with native grasses and forbs established are maintained with prescribed fire.
The area is steeped in history. Artifacts found in and around some of the fields indicate that several tribes of Native Americans may have used the area for hunting purposes. Daniel Boone homesteaded a few miles southeast of Little Lost Creek and it can be assumed that he would have also hunted game here.
General Information
St. Louis
Warren
636-441-4554
Owned by MDC
There are also seasonal waterfalls and large rock outcrops in this area.
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bicycling |
5 mile multi-use trail is open from the end of spring turkey season to the beginning of fall turkey season. |
| Bird Watching |
Great opportunity for viewing both early and late successional forest dwelling birds. |
| Camping in Designated Areas |
Camping is allowed around the 4 primary parking lots. No amenities provided. |
| Dog Training with Special Use Permit |
|
| Hiking |
Hiking is available on 5 mile multi-use trail and numerous service roads year round. |
| Horseback Riding |
5 mile multi-use trail is open from the end of spring turkey season to the beginning of fall turkey season. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Firearm seasons limited to antlered deer only. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Nature Viewing |
Intermitent creeks and glades provide many scenic views. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
4 |
No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
5 |
|
| Picnic Table |
|
4 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishless Pond |
|
5 |
0.00 acres |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
Little Lost Creek |
1 |
2.00 miles |
|
| Wildlife Watering Hole |
|
16 |
0.00 count |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Old Field |
100.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
2700.00 |
|
| Glade |
34.00 |
|
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
47.00 |
planted to native warm season grass |
| Crop Land |
18.00 |
green browse plots |
| Total Area Acres: |
2899.00 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| hiking trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
1.30 |
| multi-use trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike/Horse) |
5.80 |
Frank Reifsnider State Forest - map
Driving Directions
Frank Reifsnider State Forest is 2 miles east of Warrenton on Route M and 3 miles south on Schuetzen Ground Road.
Highlights
This is a forest area. Facilities/features: picnic area, firearms range, Reifsnider Forest Natural Area (22 acres of mature white oak forest), and an intermittent stream (North Fork of Charette Creek). There are also a couple of old clay mining pits which are stocked for fishing.
About This Area
Reifsnider State Forest is located in central Warren County. The forest includes 1,465 acres of land, 90% of which is forested. Most of the open land resulted from fireclay mining when the forest was privately owned.
The late Miss Bertha Reifsnider of Hudson, Ohio, donated the land to the Conservation Department in 1965 in memory of her parents, Frank and Emma Reifsnider.
During your visit to the Reifsnider State Forest, you may view various forest management practices designed to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. As such, the area provides great opportunites for viewing various wildlife species.
General Information
St. Louis
Warren
636-441-4554
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Camping along Roads and Parking Lots |
During the Firearms Deer Seasons Only. No amenities provided. |
| Fishing - Bass |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
1.3 mile Lizard Rock Trail and service roads are available to hiking year round. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Only antlered deer may be taken during firearms seasons. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Other |
|
1 |
unsupervised shooting range |
| Parking Lotaccessible |
|
7 |
|
| Picnic Table |
|
4 |
One day-use picnics area, the number of tables varies. |
| Privy/Restroomaccessible |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Designated Natural Area |
Reifsnider Forest Natural Area |
1 |
22.00 acres |
For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p144-1.htm. |
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Big Pit |
1 |
0.00 acres |
Clay pit lake. |
| Stream - Intermittent |
North Fork Charette Creek |
1 |
1.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
1388.08 |
|
| Crop Land |
1.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
4.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1389.08 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| Lizard Rock Nature Trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
1.30 |
Shooting Range General Information
91*06'710W
UnManned
Monday
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, unless otherwise posted
Weldon Spring Conservation Area - map
Dove Management Map
Driving Directions
Accessible from several parking areas along Highway 94, south of Highway 40/61.
Highlights
This is a mostly forested area with pasture, cropland, and some wetlands and glades. Facilities/features: boat ramp (on the river), hiking trails, fishable lakes and ponds (51 acres total), and a permanent stream (Missouri River). Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area features 385 acres of upland and bottomland forest, and rugged riverbreaks topography. Other features include limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments. Katy Trail State Park, a hiking and bicycle trail, passes through the area. There is also Hamburg Trail, which links the Katy Trail to the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.
About This Area
Weldon Spring Conservation Area is in St. Charles County, near the town of Weldon Spring. The area is named after John Weldon, who came to this region in 1796 with a Spanish Land Grant for 425 acres. This acreage included the spring after which Weldon Spring is named.
During World War II, the federal government acquired almost 17,000 acres in the area for the construction of a munitions plant. In 1948, all of the property, except the munitions plant, was given to the University of Missouri for an agricultural experiment station. The original purchase by the Conservation Department from the University of Missouri was in 1978 for 7,230 acres. The current acreage for Weldon Spring Conservation Area is 8,106. The acreage is divided into a very diverse array of habitats and natural features.
The floods of 1993 and 1995 deposited sand over almost 1,000 acres of agricultural fields. This unique habitat provides almost 1,000 acres of valuable breeding, foraging, and nesting habitat for a variety of birds as well as habitat for other wildlife and invertebrate species.
The Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area is 385 acres of upland and bottomland forest and rugged river breaks topography. Natural features include limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments.
Another notable resource which is accessible from the Weldon Spring Conservation Area is the Katy Trail State Park. It passes through Weldon Spring Conservation Area and parallels the Missouri River for 5.3 miles.
General Information
St. Louis
Saint Charles
636-441-4554
Owned by MDC,Agreement
The Weldon Spring Conservation Area Darst Bottom Tract is isolated from the main portion of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Access to this area is by river only. Map not available at this time.
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bicycling |
On Lost Valley, Katy, and Hamburg Trails only. Katy Trail can be accessed near boat ramp. |
| Bird Watching |
Excellent songbird viewing for forest and shrub-scrub species. For a list of area birds, visit http://www.mobirds.org/CACHE/mdcchecklists1.asp?locID=856. |
| Camping - Boat-in along Missouri River |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Crappie |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Good population. Missouri River and Femme Osage Slough fishing opportunities for carp, sturgeon, and drum. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
Excellent views of the Missouri River valley from the Clark and Lewis trails. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Managed hunt |
| Hunting-Dove |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. Managed hunt in spring, apply in February. Fall firearms allowed under statewide regulations except shotguns only, no archery. |
| Hunting-Waterfowl |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
By Special Use permit only. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concrete |
Weldon Spring Boat Ramp |
1 |
|
| Parking Lot |
Prairie Lake Parking Lot |
1 |
|
| Parking Lot |
|
7 |
Parking lots located along Highway 94. |
| Parking Lot |
Weldon Spring Boat Ramp Parking Lot |
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Designated Natural Area |
Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area |
1 |
385.00 acres |
For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p111-1.htm. |
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond F |
1 |
3.80 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond D |
1 |
0.20 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond C |
1 |
0.20 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Prairie Lake |
1 |
24.00 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond E |
1 |
5.00 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Fire Lake |
1 |
2.40 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond A |
1 |
1.00 acres |
|
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Weldon Pond B |
1 |
0.80 acres |
|
| Fishless Pond |
|
12 |
3.00 acres |
|
| Other |
Femme Osage Slough |
1 |
15.70 count |
Water surface area available for fishing and fish species are dependent on rainfall and river levels. |
| Spring |
|
2 |
2.00 # gallons per day |
|
| Stream - Intermittent |
|
5 |
3.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
|
2 |
7.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Femme Osage Creek |
1 |
1.20 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Missouri River |
1 |
7.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Little Femme Osage |
1 |
4.45 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Missouri River |
1 |
6.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
6750.00 |
|
| Wetland |
16.00 |
|
| Glade |
20.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
66.20 |
|
| Crop Land |
744.00 |
|
| Other |
500.00 |
Sparsley vegetated sand flats. |
| Grassland (non-prairie) |
300.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
8398.49 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| Lewis Trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
8.20 |
| Clark Trail |
Hiking (Non-Interpretive) |
5.30 |
| Lost Valley Trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike) |
10.00 |
| Hamburg Trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike) |
6.00 |
Howell Island Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
On Olive Street/Eatherton Road, 3 miles off Highway 40/61.
Highlights
This island area is mostly forest surrounded by the Missouri River and Centaur Chute. Access is via a causeway over the chute.
About This Area
Howell Island Conservation Area is located in St. Charles County, across the Missouri River from the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.
The island can be located by exiting Highway 40-61 and traveling west 3 miles on Olive Street/Eatherton Road. Entrance to the island is by a causeway over Centaur Chute. During high water, the causeway is flooded and access is by boat only. Use extreme caution whenever attempting to navigate in high water.
This 2,547-acre island was purchased by the Conservation Department in 1978. It is mostly forested with bottomland trees such as cottonwood and sycamore, but crop and shrub/grass fields also provide important habitat for wildlife.
General Information
St. Louis
Saint Charles,Saint Louis
636-441-4554
Owned by MDC
Howell Island is not accessible via the causeway when the Missouri River is above 16-feet on the St. Charles area river gauge. To find river stages go to www.riverwatch.noaa.gov.
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
Spring migraton of songbirds is fair. |
| Camping - Boat-in along Missouri River |
|
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Crappie |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. Whitebass fishing from Causeway |
| Hiking |
Access dependent on river levels. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Archery methods only. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
Special Use Permit required. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concrete |
Weldon Spring Ramp |
1 |
Boat ramp at Weldon Spring Conservation Area is located across the river from Howell Island Conservation Area. |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Other |
Centaur Chute |
1 |
4.00 count |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Missouri River |
1 |
5.00 miles |
Boat Access available at Weldon Spring Conservation Area on St Charles County side of river. |
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Old Field |
200.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
2047.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
300.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
2547.98 |
|
Designated Trails
| Trail Name |
Trail Type |
Length |
| multi-use trail |
Multi-Use (Hike/Bike) |
8.00 |
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