Healthy Forests

Our Glorious Forests

Baltimore Bend CA

• Size of area: 1,202 acres
• Location: 3 miles west of Waverly on Highway 24
• Highlights: Diverse, riverside woodland provides hiking along interior access trails, seasonal viewing of Neotropical songbirds and opportunities to pursue a variety of game in season.
• Call for more info: Baltimore Bend CA: (816) 228-3766. Baltimore Bottom Unit of the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge: (573) 876-1826.

This area along the Missouri River gets its name from the 1800s riverboat “Baltimore,” which found its final resting place against an island in the bend of the river. The north half of the area consists of steep, wooded slopes with narrow ridges, and its drainages are broad and flat. Open fields lie in the area’s southern portion. Most of the area is forested with oaks, hickory, basswood and black walnut. This diverse wildlife habitat, sustained by forest management activities such as grain crops and native grass and tree plantings, make the area a great place to hunt fall bushy-tails. In 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the Baltimore Bottom Unit, which is managed as part of Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. State conservation area and federal wildlife refuge operations differ, so call the numbers listed above before visiting.

Get Your Smokey On!

Beloved bear is online with updated message for kids.

Created in 1944, Smokey Bear is the longest running public service campaign in United States history. Recently, the Ad Council launched “Get Your Smokey On,” a Web site featuring a hip new Smokey, as well as videos, games and stories encouraging young people to take personal responsibility for fire safety. A resource page offers classroom and promotional materials. Visit online for a tour down memory lane and a glimpse of the next generation of wildfire prevention.

We All Live in a Forest

Protect Missouri’s ash trees—don’t move firewood!

It’s here. Scientists detected the half-inch-long, metallic-green beetle known as the emerald ash borer (EAB) at Wappapello Lake on July 23. The discovery of this highly destructive pest at a campground is a strong indication that it probably arrived in firewood, said MDC Forest Entomologist Rob Lawrence. If people knew how devastating this insect can be, they would never consider bringing firewood from out of state. The non-native emerald ash borer has killed more than 50 million ash trees in the Midwest since the 1990s. It hides and travels in firewood. To help contain Missouri’s EAB infestation, cut or buy firewood from local sources and use it as close to its point of origin as possible. Learn more about efforts to control EAB by exploring the links listed below.