Places To Go

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From Missouri Conservationist: October 2019
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Southeast Region | Angeline Conservation Area

Irregular in shape; extraordinary in opportunity

By Larry Archer

If an outline map of Angeline Conservation Area (CA) makes you think of an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, it’s likely because the area is the result of a combination of many different pieces.

“Angeline has been pieced together from a lot of different parcels,” said Resource Forester Eileen Eck. “Some of it was Kerr- McGee land before, which was a private company, and then some of it was old state forest.”

The acreage purchased in 1995 from the Kerr-McGee Corporation was combined with the Clow, Alley Spring, and Flat Rock state forests to create the nearly 40,000-acre Angeline CA, located in Shannon County.

Also contributing to the area’s irregular boundaries is its proximity to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which borders the area to the south and east along the routes of the Current and Jack’s Fork rivers. Although the right of way along the rivers is U.S. National Parks Service property, both rivers are accessible through Angeline CA.

What the area lacks in symmetry, it makes up for in opportunity for equestrians, hikers, and nature watchers. In addition to a 9.5-mile equestrian trail, the area has a 1-mile hiking- only trail, a shooting range, and three natural areas.

Angeline Conservation Area consists of 39,582 acres in Shannon County. From Eminence, go north on Missouri Highway 19 or west on Highway 106.

short.mdc.mo.gov/Zg7 573-226-3616

What to do When You Visit

Bird-Watching Included in the National Audubon Society’s Current/Jack’s Fork Watershed Important Bird Area (short.mdc.mo.gov/ZcC). Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/Zg8). The eBird list of birds recorded at Angeline CA is available at ebird.org/hotspot/L352394.

  • Camping Designated camping areas available. Backpacking or float-in open camping allowed.
  • Fishing Black bass, rock bass, sunfish
  • Hiking 1-mile hiking-only loop
  • Horseback Riding 9.5-mile equestrian trail system
  • Hunting Deer and turkey Deer and turkey regulations are subject to annual changes. Please refer to the Spring Turkey or Fall Deer and Turkey booklets for current regulations. Also dove, quail, rabbit, and squirrel
  • Shooting Range Firearms range with 50-, 100-, and 200-yard targets.

What to Look For When You Visit

  • Black bear
  • Prairie lizard
  • Eastern hog-nosed snake
  • American woodcock

This Issue's Staff

Magazine Manager - Stephanie Thurber

Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld

Associate Editor - Larry Archer

Staff Writer - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Heather Feeler
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek

Art Director - Cliff White

Designer - Les Fortenberry
Designer - Marci Porter

Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner

Circulation - Laura Scheuler