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Black River
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The three forks of the Black rise virtually within the shadow of the highest point in the state, Taum Sauk Mountain, and join near Lesterville to flow quickly toward the lowest section of the state. The upper Black is exceptionally clear and has enough feeder springs to produce some good smallmouth bass fishing. Below Clearwater Lake, the river moves more slowly and is less clear but is still a good float-fishing stream. Some of the most beautiful scenery in Missouri is to be found in the upper reaches of the Black. This includes several "shut-ins," areas where the stream runs through jumbled rocks and potholes in gorge-like valleys. One such area open to the public is Johnson Shut-ins State Park on the East Fork. Shut-in Creek, a tributary of the East Fork, has a section which drops 70 feet per mile, but these upper shut-ins of the Black are not boatable. Mill Creek (10.7) is the best starting point during normal or low-water levels. Good camping area at Clearwater Dam.
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Fishing Black River (above Clearwater Lake)(Southeast Region)
The Black River upstream of Highway K supports a good smallmouth bass population. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are also present, but at a much lower density. Smallmouth bass larger than 18” are present in the river.
Shadow bass (goggle-eye) up to 9" are common throughout the river. Anglers should fish the deeper pools that have boulders and rootwads. The river is crystal clear, so use light fishing line. Minnows or crayfish are effective baits and easily obtained from the river using a seine or cast net. The river supports an excellent channel catfish population, with fish up to 5 pounds. Chicken liver or nightcrawlers fished near structure should be very effective. Suckers are abundant and giggers should have a good season.
Fishing Black River (below Clearwater Lake)(Southeast Region)
The Black River supports a good walleye population. Most walleye are less than 3 pounds, but every year we receive reports of walleye in the 10 pound range being caught. Anglers interested in walleye should fish the river between Hendrickson Access and the Clearwater Dam. Local anglers fish for walleye primarily during the winter months, but walleye can be caught throughout the year. Spotted bass (Kentucky bass) and largemouth bass are the most numerous of the black basses, but a few smallmouth bass are present in the river. The river also supports an excellent channel catfish population, with many fish up to 5 pounds. The sucker population is excellent. Gigging for suckers should be good late in the season as water clarity improves. During the paddlefish snagging season, anglers have a good opportunity to catch a paddlefish below Clearwater Dam. Paddlefish average between 10 and 20 pounds.
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Public Access Points - click on bars for more info.
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Sutton's Bluff- U.S.Forest Service area offers campgroud with 34 sites / day use picnic area / trail / boating / canoeing / fishing / Swimming / From Centerville, MO take Hwy 21 north 3 miles to Forest Service sign at Forest Road 2233; turn left onto gravel road and go 7 miles, then turn left on Forest Road 2236. The campground is another 3 miles further.
0.0 Centerville access - Located north of Centerville on Hwy 21 at the West Fork of the Black River. MDC area with parking lot. Activities : Bridwatching / canoeing / fishing on 50 acres. -Map
State Hwy. 21 Bridge above Centerville on West Fork. A high-water run only.
1.5 Reeds Spring on right. Adds considerable amount of water.
8.4 Junction with Middle Fork. Middle Fork can be run only in spring or high-water. Gradient – 11.1.
9.6 Junction with East Fork. A high-water run only, and quite short. Put in at mouth of Taum Sauk Creek. Not runnable above Johnson Shut-ins. Gradient – 16.
10.3 Iron bridge. Better take-out or put-in at mouth of Mill Creek.
10.7 Mill Creek on left.
12.2 Lesterville Access - Take Highway 21 east from Lesterville for 1 mile to Peola RoaT(County Road 342), then take County Road 342 south to the junction with County Road 364. Take County Road 364 south 1.5 miles to the Lesterville Access on the left. This forest area offers access to the Black River with bird watching / canoeing / fishing -Map
14.5 Coil Bluff on left.
16.0 Warner Bay Spring Branch on right.
17.8 Hyatts Creek on left.
19.0 Spring and cave in bluff on right side.
19.7 Cave Spring 0.2 mile left, against bluff.
25.0 Hwy. K Bridge. Last take-out above Clearwater Lake when lake is at full reservoir. Possible camp sites on both sides of the river with a small spring on the west side.
32.2 Hwy. CC. Access road.
37.6 Picnic area at Clearwater Dam. Take-out or portage left around dam.
46.2 McKenzie Creek on left.
47.5 Spring 0.1 mile west of river on right.
48.6 Leeper. State Hwy. 34 Bridge. No access. No camping.
50.6 Hwy. 49 Bridge at town of Mill Spring. Camping.
56.4 Granite Bend. R.R. close on left.
59.4 Markham Spring Branch on right. USFS area fee camp and free access.
59.6 Browns Crossing. Hwy. A Bridge and take-out. Camping (fee).
62.4 R.R. bridge site.
63.1 Williamsville Bridge. Road connects with Wayne County. Hwy. A and Butler County JJ.
66.9 Keener Springs Resort. Fee access, camping.
70.1 U.S. Hwy. 67 Bridge. Unimproved access.
Hendrickson Access US Forest Service area with boat ramp Map
79.1 MDC Hillard Access at Hwy. W. No camping. River flattens from here on.Hilliard Access is 2 miles north of Poplar Bluff on Route W. This area offers access to the Black River. There is a boat ramp. Activities : Birdwatching / canoeing / fishing map
81.3 R.R. bridge.
87.3 MDC Sportsmens Park Access on left. No camping.Map
88.3 U.S. Hwy. 60 Bridge in city of Poplar Bluff.
Centerville Access - map
Driving Directions
Located north of Centerville on Hwy 21 at the West Fork of the Black River.
Highlights
This forest area offers access to the West Fork of the Black River.
General Information
Southeast
Reynolds
573-223-4525
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. Smallmouth bass are common in this section of river. |
| Fishing - Other |
Good population. goggle-eye |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
Canoe launch only. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Westfork Black River |
1 |
0.50 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
50.00 |
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| Total Area Acres: |
49.52 |
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Lesterville Access - map
Driving Directions
Take Highway 21 east from Lesterville for 1 mile to Peola RoaT(County Road 342), then take County Road 342 south to the junction with County Road 364. Take County Road 364 south 1.5 miles to the Lesterville Access on the left.
Highlights
This forest area offers access to the Black River.
General Information
Southeast
Reynolds
573-223-4525
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
Good area for bottomland birds. |
| Canoeing |
The Black River has changed channels. During low flow periods, canoeists may have to drag their canoes ~1/3 mile. |
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. Smallmouth bass. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Good population. goggle-eye |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
Canoe launch only. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
0.56 miles |
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Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
53.00 |
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| Total Area Acres: |
53.00 |
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Bradley A. Hammer Memorial Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
From Williamsville take County Road 417 to County Road 419. Turn right and go .5 mile to County Road 424. Turn right again and go .25 mile to the entrance.
Highlights
This is area is mostly forested. Facilities/features: fishable pond.
About This Area
Bradley A. Hammer Memorial Conservation Area is in Wayne County, one-half mile south of Williamsville and 10 miles northwest of Poplar Bluff. The area borders the Black River and includes 1.4 miles of river frontage along its northern border. Visitors can access the 344-acre area from Wayne County Road 424.
The property for this area was donated to the Conservation Department by Gordon and Shirley Garrey as a memorial to their deceased grandson. Approximately 85 percent of the area is upland forst and riparian forest along Black River. The remaining acreage is cropland and old fields, which are now being managed for upland game.
The area supports numerous game and non-game wildlife species, including deer, turkey, squirrels and raccoons. Wading and shore birds can be seen along Black River.
The area provides a primitive boat access to Black River.
General Information
Southeast
Wayne
573-290-5730
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
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| Camping in Designated Areas |
2 parking lots. No amenities provided. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. walleye |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Waterfowl |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
By special use permit. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Other |
|
1 |
You can launch boats or canoes off of a gravel bar. |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
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2 |
Primitive camping areas in two parking lots. No amenities provided. |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Other |
|
0 |
0.00 count |
Bottomland hardwood forest along Black River. |
| Other |
|
0 |
1.00 count |
Slough |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
1.40 miles |
|
| Wildlife Watering Hole |
|
0 |
1.00 count |
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Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
289.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
54.00 |
|
| Lakes/Ponds |
1.00 |
Old oxbow slough - 1 acre. |
| Total Area Acres: |
344.00 |
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Hendrickson Access (Mark Twain National Forest) - map
Driving Directions
Hendrickson Access is 10 miles north of Poplar Bluff where Highway 67 crosses the Black River.
Highlights
This is a forest area with a boat ramp.
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-785-1475
Agreement
U.S. Forest Service
District Ranger, 573-785-1475
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. Mainly spotted and largemouth bass. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. Channel catfish and a few flatheads. |
| Fishing - Other |
Good population. Walleye-Fish up to 10lbs in river. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
No designated MDC trails |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concrete |
|
1 |
|
| Parking Lotaccessible |
|
2 |
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| Privy/Restroomaccessible |
|
1 |
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Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
1.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
100.00 |
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| Total Area Acres: |
1.00 |
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Hilliard Access - map
Driving Directions
Hilliard Access is 2 miles north of Poplar Bluff on Route W.
Highlights
Hilliard Access is 2 miles north of Poplar Bluff on Route W. This area offers access to the Black River. There is a boat ramp.
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-290-5730
Leased
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. walleye |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concrete |
|
1 |
|
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
0.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
1.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1.00 |
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Coon Island Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
Located southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53, then 8 miles south on Route HH to County Road 224.
Highlights
This is primarily a wetland area with significant forest acreage. Facilities/features: 2 boat ramps and 2 permanent streams (Black River and Swift Ditch).
About This Area
Coon Island Conservation area is in south-central Butler County, 10 miles southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway HH.
The Missouri Bootheel was once predominantly swamp and almost completely forested. The once vast swamps along the Black River, which flows through Coon Island Conservation Area, were reportedly favorite hunting grounds for Native Americans.
Extensive land conversion from seasonally flooded bottomland hardwood forest to agricultural land has greatly diminished wetland habitat in this region and with it the numbers of resident and migratory wildlife species that depend on this valuable lowland habitat.
The 3,263-acre Coon Island Conservation Area was purchased in 1979 to protect existing wetlands, recreate seasonally flooded bottomland hardwoods and restore the hydrology of the area to simulate natural water processes. A system of levees, spillways, water control structures, and submersible pumps maintain wetland habitat year-round. However, the area continues to be subject to frequent Black River floodings, which affect annual management practices.
The area lies in a major waterfowl flyway and provides important food resources and open water to waterfowl during periods of freezing temperatures. Management of this wetland is designed to increase waterfowl use. The open marsh and flooded timber provide acorns, wild millets, smartweeds, pigweed, sedges, tubers, and invertebrates for waterfowl. Rice, milo, and other row crops are grown to provide high energy food and natural foods, such as smartweed, millet, pigweed and sedges, provide nutrients to waterfowl. Flooding fields during fall, winter, and spring makes these foods available to waterfowl, herons, shorebirds, aquatic furbearers, and many other wildlife species.
During your visit to Coon Island Conservation Area, you may notice various forest improvement practices designed to improve tree growth, quality, and species composition and to maintain wildlife habitat. Any physical disturbance is only temporary, and the area will soon return to its normal and natural condition.
Sound management practices such as these will ensure long range productivity of the diverse habitats present on the area.
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-290-5730
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping in Designated Areas |
Privy provided. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. Mainly spotted bass |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Crappie |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. Archery methods only |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Good population. Hunters must sign-in at parking lot before entering the field, non-toxic shot only, hunters should read area information posted on information board for other Special Regulations that apply. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. Hunters must sign-in at parking lot before entering the field, non-toxic shot only except 22 rimfire rifles, hunters should read Area information posted on information board for other Special Regulation that apply. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Fair population. Hunters must sign-in at parking lot before entering the field, non-toxic shot only, hunters should read Area information posted on information board for other Special Regualtions that apply. |
| Hunting-Waterfowl |
Good population. Hunters must sign-in at the parking lot before entering the field, hunters should read area information posted on information board for Special Regulations that apply. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
Special use permit required |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concreteaccessible |
|
2 |
Both ramps access the Black River. One boat ramp is located on the south end of the area off county road 240, this one is ADA accessible. The second boat ramp is located off county road 244 near "Panhandler's Park" which is owned by the community of Coon Island. |
| Camping Area - Primitive |
|
1 |
No camping amenities are provided other than a privy. |
| Parking Lot |
|
4 |
|
| Privy/Restroomaccessible |
|
1 |
This unit is located at boat ramp on south end of area off county road 240. |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Switch Ditch |
1 |
3.00 miles |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
12.00 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Crop Land |
220.00 |
|
| Other |
22.80 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
1280.00 |
|
| Wetland |
1650.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
3222.80 |
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Stephen J. Sun Conservation Area - map
Driving Directions
2 miles east of Poplar Bluff on Business Highway 60, then 3.5 miles north on Route NN. When road turns to gravel, take the 1st gravel road on the right (marked 544), and go 1/2 mile east.
Highlights
This is a forest area with cropland and a small wetlands. Facilities/features: picnic area and pavilion, archery range, Carpenter Lake (7 acres), permanent stream (Indian Creek), fishable pond (1.5 acres), and Poplar Bluff Forest Natural Area (80 acres).
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-290-5730
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping - Walk-in and Backpack |
Seasonal closures may apply. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Fair population. Regulations differ between streams and impoundments. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Crappie |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
No designated trails |
| Hunting-Deer |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Quail |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Squirrel |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Turkey |
Good population. |
| Hunting-Waterfowl |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
With special use permit |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishing Lake or Pond |
Carpenter Lake |
1 |
7.00 acres |
Pond is not stocked. Walk in only (3/4 mile) |
| Other |
Ozark - Lowland transition zone |
1 |
0.00 count |
Zone of contact between Black River lowlands and Ozark escarpment. |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
1.50 miles |
Access to river is only by foot. |
| Stream - Permanent |
Indian Creek |
1 |
1.50 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Lakes/Ponds |
7.00 |
|
| Crop Land |
132.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
334.00 |
|
| Wetland |
12.00 |
Includes Carpenter Lake |
| Total Area Acres: |
485.00 |
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Sportsman's Park Access (Poplar Bluff) - map
Driving Directions
Sportsman's Park Access is near Poplar Bluff where Highway 60 crosses the Black River.
Highlights
This is a forest area. Facilities/features: boat ramp, picnic areas, pavilion, and a permanent stream (Black River).
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-290-5730
Agreement
City of Poplar Bluff
City of Popular Bluff, Parks Dept., 573-686-8645
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Camping - Walk-in and Backpack |
Seasonal closures may apply. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. Spotted and largemouth bass. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. Maily channel catfish and some flathead. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. Walleye fishing can be good during the winter. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Good population. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concrete |
|
1 |
|
| Parking Lot |
|
1 |
|
| Pavilion |
|
1 |
|
| Picnic Table |
|
2 |
|
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
0.25 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Forest and Woodland |
8.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
1.00 |
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Dan River Access - map
Driving Directions
3.5 miles southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53, turn east on County Road 616 and north on County Road 611.
Highlights
This area is mostly forest with a small wetlands. It offers access to the Black River. There is a boat ramp.
General Information
Southeast
Butler
573-290-5730
Owned by MDC
Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations) |
Comments
(Population Definition) |
| Bird Watching |
|
| Camping - Walk-in and Backpack |
Seasonal closures may apply. |
| Canoeing |
|
| Dog Training with Special Use Permit |
|
| Fishing - Bass |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Catfish |
Good population. |
| Fishing - Other |
Fair population. Walleye - Walleye fishing upstream of this access during the winter months can be good. Anglers should target deep pools for pre-spawn females. |
| Fishing - Sunfish |
Fair population. |
| Hiking |
No designated trails |
| Hunting-Deer |
Fair population. Archery Methods |
| Hunting-Dove |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Rabbit |
Fair population. |
| Hunting-Waterfowl |
Fair population. |
| Trapping with Special Use Permit |
With special use permit. |
Conservation Department Facilities
| Facility Item |
Name |
Count |
Comments |
| Boat Ramp - Stream - Concreteaccessible |
|
1 |
|
| Parking Lotaccessible |
|
1 |
1-Gravel Parking Lot with a concrete pad. |
| Privy/Restroomaccessible |
|
1 |
Disabled User |
Features
| Feature Item |
Name |
Count |
Size |
Comments |
| Fishless Pond |
|
1 |
0.00 acres |
|
| Stream - Permanent |
Black River |
1 |
0.50 miles |
|
Land Cover Types
| Land Type |
Acres |
Comments |
| Wetland |
6.00 |
|
| Forest and Woodland |
66.00 |
|
| Total Area Acres: |
68.00 |
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