MDC seeks ideas about future management of Young Conservation Area

HILLSBORO, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. MDC is in the multi-year process of updating management plans for conservation areas and invites public comments. Young Conservation Area in Jefferson County is among the areas under review. 

MDC is inviting public comment regarding Young Conservation Area to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan for the area.  Interested persons or groups—including recreational users, neighboring landowners, conservation groups, elected officials and government agencies—are invited to view the proposed management plan by going to mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.  The plan includes a link for supplying comments and input.

The plan will remain available for public comment during the month of May.  The public comment period for the Young Conservation Area plan will close May 31.

Young Conservation Area is located in north-central Jefferson County, about five miles south of Eureka.  This property helps to maintain and enhance the ecological and recreational values of the LaBarque Creek Watershed, which supports a high quality stream system and diverse plant communities.  The area is mostly forested and there are several intermittent streams, over two miles of LaBarque Creek frontage and two fishing ponds are present on the area. Currently, there are six miles of trails open to hiking through much of the area.

To reach Young Conservation Area, take Route W south from Eureka, then go west on Route FF three miles.

Conservation area management plans focus on natural resource management and public use on conservation areas. The plans do not address regulations on hunting, fishing and other area uses, which are set by the Conservation Commission and enforced under the Wildlife Code of Missouri. MDC will consider all ideas received and will work to balance the issues and interests identified with the responsibility of managing areas for the present and future benefits to forest, fish, wildlife, and people.

Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and how to best incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and state-wide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.

MDC conservation areas cover almost one million public acres for the purpose of restoring and conserving forest, fish and wildlife resources, and for providing opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources. Most Missourians are within a 31-minute drive of an MDC conservation area.