Healthy Forests

Our Glorious Forests: Allred Lake Natural Area

Size: 160 acres

Location: In Butler County, 5 miles east of Neelyville on Highway 142 and 2.5 miles south onRoute H to a southbound gravel road

Highlights: 53 acres of bottomland forest and the Allred Lake Natural Area; a quarter-mile trail ending in a short boardwalk, viewing deck and Allred Lake

Find more info: visit our online atlas, keyword "Allred".

Allred Lake Natural Area exhibits one of the highest quality examples of lowland swamp and bottomland forest in Missouri. Within the area, the Department manages a 76-acre designated Missouri Natural Area for outstanding educational and scientific values. The area’s bottomland forests support bald cypress, swamp tupelo, water locust, sweetgum, willow oak, overcup oak, water hickory, swamp chestnut oak, water elm, swamp privet and many other species. A cypress-tupelo swamp rings the natural lake near the center of the area. Some of the bald cypress trees are more than 500 years old. The lake supports swamp species, including the endangered taillight shiner and swamp darter. A boardwalk and platform on the western side of the lake facilitate nature viewing and photography. To help restore the land’s once-diverse forest communities, the Department has planted tree seedlings and acorns. Over time, these areas will increase our dwindling supply of lowland bottomland forests.

Fire Season Imminent

MDC helps local fire departments prepare.

As spring’s warmer, windier days approach, the threat of wildfire increases. In Missouri, more than 800 fire departments holding Mutual Aid Agreements with the Department stand ready for initial attack on wildfires. The Department helps these fire departments prepare for rapid response with wildfire training, matching grants and excess federal property. Local fire departments interested in entering into Mutual Aid Agreements with the Department and benefiting from the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program can contact their regional foresters for more information.

We All Live in a Forest

Publication helps you protect your home against wildfire.

Fire season is coming, it’s a good time to assess and minimize your home’s vulnerability to wildfire damage—especially if you live in a forest or grassland. The Conservation Department offers a free publication to help you do this. Living With Wildfire shows you how to create defensible space around your home and to landscape it with fire-resistant plants. It also overviews fire-resistant building and remodeling materials, and it provides a checklist of 20 things you can do to keep your home safe from wildfire. To request this free item, write to MDC, Living With Wildfire, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 or e-mail pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov.