Healthy Forests

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From Missouri Conservationist: Feb 2009
Body

Our Glorious Forests

Rudolf Bennitt CA

Rudolf Bennitt CA

  • Size: 3,515 acres
  • Location: 19 miles north of Columbia on Highway 63, then 5 miles west on Route F, then 2.75 miles north on Route T, and .50 mile west on County Road 2930
  • Habitat types: Forest and woodland, lakes and ponds, old fields, savanna and grassland
  • Facilities and features: Bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, camping, fishing, hunting. Disabled accessible parking lots, boat ramps and fishing docks.
  • Find more info: visit our online atlas, keyword "Rudolf".

If you can’t wait for spring to arrive, saddle up your horse and look for early signs of it at Rudolf Bennitt CA. Named for Dr. Rudolf Bennitt, a zoology professor instrumental in forming the Conservation Department in the 1930s, the area features rolling, mostly forested terrain. Fields of native warm-season grasses and row crops are scattered among the forests, and the 12.5-mile Moniteau Wilderness Trail serves hikers, bikers and equestrians. Five camping areas for both equestrians and other recreationists have 24 designated and numbered spots. Hitching posts, lantern posts and fire rings are also provided. Expect to see abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, dove and quail. Be sure to pack your fishing pole—Rudolf Bennitt Lake (48 acres) provides a good fishery for bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and redear sunfish.

Fire Threat After Ice Storms

Clear debris and reduce other fuels around your property.

The debris left behind by recent ice storms and tornadoes could fuel wildfires this spring. To protect your home, create a well-maintained open space at least 30 feet out from all sides of your house. Keep this space free of debris and obstacles. In the areas closest to your house, keep mulch moist and shrubs pruned. Use stone, concrete or brick for patios and decks, and stack firewood at least 30 feet away. For more fire-protection information, visit the links listed below.

Is Your Home Firewise?

Learn how to protect your home from wildfire.

If you live near grasslands or woods, your home could be threatened by wildfire, especially during dry, windy months. Learn how to protect your home from the risk of wildfire before it strikes. The Firewise Communities program makes it fun and easy to learn about home protection techniques. This national, multi-agency effort, which includes the Department of Conservation, sponsors a Web site at www.Firewise.org. Featuring interactive modules, the site covers Firewise hints, lets you explore a virtual Firewise home, and demonstrates how to prepare your home for wildfire season. Use it to find out how “firewise” you are and learn how to respond to an approaching wildfire. For more information about the Firewise Communities program, call your regional MDC forester.

This Issue's Staff

Editor In Chief - Ara Clark
Managing Editor - Nichole LeClair
Art Director - Cliff White
Writer/Editor - Tom Cwynar
Staff Writer - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Jim Low
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Designer - Stephanie Thurber
Artist - Dave Besenger
Artist - Mark Raithel
Circulation - Laura Scheuler