The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1947 from the federal government. Mrs. August A. Busch Sr. donated a portion ($70,000) of the cost toward the purchase of the area as a memorial to her late husband.
In the early 1940s, the area was used by the Department of Army as a TNT munitions plant to support the World War II effort. There are still 100 of the old TNT storage bunkers that exist on the area.
The Department encourages recreational use of the area by the public, while furnishing fish and wildlife with the resources necessary to be healthy and abundant. We encourage you to walk the hiking trails, drive the auto tour, photograph the wildlife, or simply sit under a tree and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Hunting for a variety of wildlife species is allowed on the area. Special regulations exist for most of the hunting activities, please check the Area Regulations section or with the office for current regulations.
Portions of the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area were used by the Department of Army in the 1940s for TNT and DNT production and by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s for uranium ore processing. The affected portions were all part of a federal environmental cleanup project and required to meet certain environmental health and safety standards.
The area is now considered to be safe for all recreational pursuits allowed on the area, as well as the wildlife found within the area.
To find out more about the history of these activities on the area, you can visit the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center located at 7295 Highway 94 South, St. Charles, MO, 63304.
Features: Spring is 20 gallons per day. Land Cover type: Forest and Woodland 3,035 acres.
Area Map570.64 KB
Area Brochure173.59 KB
Quick Facts
Total Acres
6950.8
Area Hours
- Sunday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Building Hours
- Sunday, closed all day
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Saturday, closed all day
Directions
From Interstate 64 in St. Charles County, take Highway 94 south to Route D, then west 1.50 miles to the area.
For more information call
(636) 441-4554
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Map Info
Title
Resources
Area Regulations
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 105 Title; Authority
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
105 Title; Authority
Rules
Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code applies to this area. The information provided reflects regulations for most activities on this conservation area but does not contain regulations for all possible uses. For more information on area regulations consult the Wildlife Code or call the phone number listed for the area in the area details section.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 110 General Provisions
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
110 General Provisions
Rules
Unless specifically authorized, the following activities are prohibited: swimming, sailboarding, skateboarding, entry on areas closed to the public, removal of water, rock collecting, planting, ranging of horses and other livestock, caving, rock climbing, rappelling, paint-balling, scuba diving, water skiing, and fires outside of designated camping areas.
In addition to the rules of the Wildlife Code, federal, state and local laws apply on department lands. The destruction, defacing, or removal of department property is also prohibited.
The use of fireworks is prohibited.
Commercial use and vending are prohibited on department areas.
Soil disturbance and digging, including the digging of roots, is prohibited on all department areas
Waste containers located on department areas may be used only for disposal of garbage, trash, refuse, or rubbish generated on the department area. NOTE: Waste containers are not provided on all department areas.
Guiding for pay is prohibited on department areas.
The placement of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable natural and manufactured products is prohibited on department areas.
Trail and game cameras are prohibited.
Feral livestock may not be taken (including the hunting of feral hogs) on department areas.
Collecting wild animals (including invertebrates) and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Wildlife Collector's Permit, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 115 Closings
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
115 Closings
Rules
Special hours apply on this department area. This area is open to public use only as authorized by posting.
Parking or storing watercraft or commercial vehicles is prohibited on department areas during closed hours.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms
Rules
Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. The only exception is that willows (Salicaceae spp.) may be cut for use in constructing on-site blinds.
Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.
Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption; EXCEPT on locations designated as Missouri Natural Areas, taking edible wild greens is prohibited.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding
Rules
Unless otherwise posted, vehicles are only permitted on public roadways (graveled and paved roads) and in established parking areas.
State laws regarding the operation, registration and required equipment apply to the operation of motor vehicles on locations open to vehicular traffic on department areas.
Except as otherwise posted, the speed limit on department areas is 45 miles per hour.
Unless otherwise posted, bicycles are allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic. Bicycles must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or on multi-use trails posted as open to bicycles. Groups of 10 or more people using bicycles on a department area must obtain a special use permit from the area manager. The area manager can be contacted at the phone number listed in the area details section for this department area.
This department area also has multi-use trails open to bicycles. Bicycles may be used year-round on multi-use trails designated as open to bicycles.
Equestrian use is prohibited on all portions of this department area, including roads open to vehicular traffic.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 140 Camping
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
140 Camping
Rules
Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas.
On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m.
On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges
Rules
A staffed shooting range is located on this department area. Target shooting is not allowed anywhere on this area except for designated shooting range(s).
Shooting range(s) on this area are open to public use only as authorized by posting. Ranges may be opened or closed at any time for maintenance or department sponsored events or programs.
Range use fees apply on this department area.
Possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all ranges and associated parking lots.
Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to using the range. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
Use of the range shall be in accordance with posted rules or as directed by the range officer. All range users must allow an agent of the Department or other certified law enforcement officer to inspect their permits, firearms and ammunition.
A static archery range is located on this department area. Only archery equipment may be used on locations designated as an archery range. The use of arrows, bolts or darts containing any type of explosive or incendiary material is prohibited. Other special regulations may apply to the use of targets on archery ranges.
A rifle and/or handgun range is located on this department area. Only paper targets attached to the provided target holders may be used.
A shotgun shooting range is located on this department area. On portions of shooting ranges restricted to shotguns with shotshells, only clay targets may be used (except paper targets attached to provided target holders may be used in locations designated as a shotgun patterning area).
Fully automatic firearms are prohibited except with a special use permit. The use of incendiary (including tracer ammunition), armor piercing or explosive ammunition is also prohibited.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 120 Pets and Hunting Dogs
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
120 Pets and Hunting Dogs
Rules
Pets and hunting dogs are permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all time. Hunting dogs may be used off the leash and unconfined for hunting and training for the purposes of chasing, locating, tracking or retrieving game on portions of conservation areas designated as open to hunting and dog training. Locations and times where pets and hunting dogs are permitted may be further restricted by area brochures or signs. A valid small game hunting permit is required to train dogs in pursuit of wildlife.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules
Hunting is prohibited on some conservation areas, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to hunting. To determine the hunting regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code at https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-11.pdf.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 145 Tree Stands
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
145 Tree Stands
Rules
Only portable tree stands are allowed on department areas from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 155 Decoys and Blinds
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
155 Decoys and Blinds
Rules
Decoys and Blinds are permitted on this department area, but must be disassembled and removed daily. Blinds constructed on-site may only be constructed from willows (Salicaceae spp.).
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 125 Field Trials
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
125 Field Trials
Rules
Field trials are allowed on this department area only by special use permit. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules
Fishing is prohibited on some conservation areas, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to fishing. To determine the fishing regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 160 Use of Boats and Motors
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
160 Use of Boats and Motors
Rules
Boats (including sailboats) may be used on waters located on department areas. On lakes and ponds, ONLY DEPARTMENT-OWNED BOATS may be used on waters designated as open to boats. State laws regarding the operation, registration, and required safety equipment apply to watercraft being operated on waters under the control of the department.
Registration and a fee may be required for rental of department-owned boats. Fees must be paid prior to use.
Only electric motors are permitted.
The use of float tubes is specifically prohibited.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 187 Trapping
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
187 Trapping
Rules
Trapping in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Wildlife Code is allowed only with a special use permit. To inquire about the availability of a special use permit for trapping on this department area, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
4901 - 3CSR 10-11 - 185 Dove Hunting
Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
185 Dove Hunting
Rules
Use or possession of lead shot is prohibited for hunting doves on this area
Shooting Ranges
Range Name:
Shooting range - James T. Blair, IV Archery Range Complex
Range ID:
1509
Maintenance Days:
Closed Monday
Business Hours:
-
Range Type:
Archery Static Target
Target Distance:
10,15,20,25,30,35,40
Disabled Access:
Yes
Range Name:
Shooting range - James T. Blair, IV Archery Range Complex
Range ID:
1563
Maintenance Days:
Closed Monday
Business Hours:
-
Range Type:
Archery Field Target
Target Distance:
-
Disabled Access:
No
Range Name:
Shooting range - James T. Blair, IV Archery Range Complex
Range ID:
1564
Maintenance Days:
Closed Monday
Business Hours:
-
Range Type:
Archery Field Target
Target Distance:
-
Disabled Access:
No
Things to Do When You Visit
Boat Rentals
Dog Training
Field Trials
Fishing
Hunting
Trapping
Bird Watching
Managed Hunts
Shooting Range
Trails
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Media Gallery
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Caption
Storm just passed over Lake 33 at Busch Memorial CA
Credit
submitted by Dustin Ahart
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Storm just passed over Lake 33 at Busch Memorial CA
Credit
submitted by Dustin Ahart
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Sun reflecting off the ice on the edges of the
Credit
submitted by Greg Wesemen
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Credit
Submitted by Brittany Whitlow
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What to look for
