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KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a new addition to Sugar Creek Conservation Area (CA), the Otten Unit. The Bill and Joyce Otten Unit of Sugar Creek CA was made possible through the generosity of the late Bill Otten, retired protection regional supervisor for north central Missouri, and Joyce Poehlman-Otten, retired first female Missouri associate circuit judge. Comprised of more than 478 acres offering oak-hickory forest and nearly 2 miles of streams, this landscape holds unique ecological value.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to add the Otten Unit of Sugar Creek CA,” says MDC Northeast Region District Supervisor Ryan Jones. “This generosity not only provides forest habitat that is critical for state and federally protected bat species, such as the northern long-eared bat and Indiana bat, but it also provides outdoor recreation opportunities for all Missourians.”
A formal ribbon cutting for the addition will be held at 28291 Yager Trail in Kirksville on Thursday, Sept. 17, beginning at 2 p.m. The property will be opening to the public at a later date.
Sugar Creek CA encompasses more than 2,600 acres, just outside the city limits of Kirksville, and offers various trails, camping, fishing and hunting opportunities. Learn more about the area at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oGm.
