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HANNIBAL, Mo.— The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. Currently, the Department requests input on Dupont Reservation and Edward Anderson conservation areas in Pike and Ralls counties.
MDC invites the public to provide comments about these areas to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan for the properties. Interested persons or groups— including recreational users, neighboring landowners, conservation groups, elected officials and government agencies—can share ideas online from June 1-30 at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.
“Missourians care about conservation and use conservation areas for many different reasons,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “These areas help people discover nature through various activities and help make Missouri a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy outdoor activities. We want to know how conservation areas are important to Missourians. Encouraging public comments on Conservation Area Management Plans is part of MDC’s ongoing efforts of working for and with Missourians to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.”
MDC staff will review comments as they develop a draft management plan for Dupont Reservation and Edward Anderson conservation areas. Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how to best incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and statewide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.
Upon completion of a draft management plan, MDC will post it online at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans for additional public comment. After considering all public comments, the final plan will be drafted, approved, and posted online.
Dupont Reservation Conservation Area occupies 1,320 acres of predominantly forested land along the Mississippi River, north of Ashburn. The area offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River floodplain and fall color along the Little Dixie National Scenic Byway (Highway 79), as well as a boat ramp and campground on the Mississippi River.
Nearby, Edward Anderson Conservation Area contains 1,045 forested acres in the Mississippi River Hills and offers access to some of the more rugged terrain in northeast Missouri. The area, south of Hannibal, features several intermittent streams, Mississippi River border, two large sinkholes, and the highest point in Ralls County.
Additionally, each of these areas offers camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and outdoor photography opportunities for all Missourians to enjoy. Both Dupont Reservation and Edward Anderson conservation areas are open for public use daily, from 4 a.m. – 10 p.m., except for authorized camping, fishing, and hunting activities.
