This Old House
porch, installing lights and a fan increases the amount of time that you may sit outside comfortably. By adding some levees and water control structures, we can add some addition flooded ground that can be used to add a couple of additional hunting positions. Our second stage plans include these tracts and are pending the approval of matching funds from the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA). Additionally, like enclosing a porch ties it more directly to the house, several other small fields around Duck Creek will receive some work and be reforested to tie these small patches of trees into the larger surrounding blocks of timber.
I guess you could look at the Greenbrier Unit as a walk-out basement; an area that has some existing infrastructure, but will only be used opportunistically when the conditions are right. There are some existing levees that must be reconfigured, and a few scours that could provide some additional flooded ground after a good rain or when the Castor gets up every now and then. A large portion of this will be put back to trees and tie-in with the riparian corridor along the river. This work is also contingent on the NAWCA grant.
Updating the Hardware: updating access to the pools
Much like new doorknobs and handles update the interior of a house, we are dressing up our roads. The past 60 years and recent construction activities have taken their toll on our thoroughfares. Trees have grown up along the roadway edges and the ditches. We’ve looked at ways to minimize maintenance, yet maintain access to parking spots. At the end of the renovation traffic will be routed to Unit A and pools 2 and 3 differently to minimize disturbance around Pool 1 during waterfowl season. Additionally, the ditch banks will be easier to maintain in the future by being grass covered and have reduced slopes.
A Finished and Updated Duck Creek
While traditional elements of Duck Creek will remain, portions of the area will look and function much differently. Pool 1 is part of the foundation of the area, and we will continue to depend on it as a fishing lake and our water reservoir for Pools 2 and 3. The hunting blinds in pools 2 and 3 will also remain as part of the character of Duck Creek. These will accommodate those who prefer to hunt these locations and in this style. Units A and B will look totally different and lend themselves more toward those who prefer to wade-in-shoot or hunt out of a layout boat. The utilities of the area (ditches and large water control structures) that allow the area to function have been updated and should reduce the amount of maintenance and management problems that might be experienced in the future. And with the inclusion of some areas along the periphery, a few new opportunities for public use will be utilized as we make the most of the land that we have.
I know all analogies breakdown at one point or another. However, I hope this has helped show the depth and extent of our renovations in a different light, so that when we do finish with our work, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
Thanks again for your continued interest and passion for the area. It truly is a unique place, and I am thankful to be a part in reviving this old house. I think we can enjoy the memories of the past and look forward to making new ones in the future. I hope you feel the same way. Have a good Thanksgiving holiday and good luck with the second half of the waterfowl season.
- « previous page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Comments
On December 2nd, 2011 at 2:43pm Anonymous said:
On December 1st, 2011 at 4:20am Sylvia said:
On November 30th, 2011 at 4:40pm frank said:
On November 30th, 2011 at 10:58am Anonymous said:
On November 28th, 2011 at 12:55am Darin Hudgens said:
On November 23rd, 2011 at 8:05pm Anonymous said:
On November 23rd, 2011 at 7:30pm frank said:
On November 23rd, 2011 at 1:05pm Darin said: