Menu
Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
Such a wide array of public land sometimes makes it difficult to choose an area to write about. This week's choice was made by getting on the Missouri Department of Conservation's Web site and scrolling down through the counties blindly and clicking on one at random. Several areas in Boone popped up and it was a matter of choosing one that hasn't been profiled yet.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Boone County over the years, but I have never been on the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. I have done some fishing in the Missouri River along there, but haven't actually visited this 4,428-acre parcel of public land.
It's about 175 miles up to this area and most of it is on good highways. Start the trip by going east on U.S. 54 Highway. Travel all the way to Jefferson City, cross the Missouri River on U.S. 54 then make a turn to the north toward Columbia on U.S. 63 Highway about a mile past the river bridge.
Follow U.S. 63 almost all the way to Columbia where it intersects with 163 Highway. Turn onto 163 highway and follow it until reaching Route K, which leads to the small town of McBaine. Just before reaching McBaine, the area headquarters will be on the left side of the blacktop. From there you can find directions to the rest of the area.
According to the MDC Web site, this area was purchased in part "to help offset the loss of nearly 90 percent of Missouri's historical wetlands." Extensive work and intensive management have been employed to re-create wetland conditions on this area. One way to accomplish that goal has been the creation of 17 shallow pools.
The area's infrastructure has been drastically improved and it isn't confined to just roads. It includes 30 miles of levees, more than 60 water control structures, river water supply pumps and several other water management tools designed to enhance the area.
The 17 constructed pools allow the MDC to flood more than 1,100 acres of moist soil and emergent marshes and crop fields. The marshy areas offer year-round habitat for permanent wildlife and numerous species of migrating waterfowl and shore birds. The area also provides excellent wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, fishing and hunting opportunities. A short section of the Katy Trail State Park cuts across the area and is an added source of enjoyment to visitors.
One of the more unusual management techniques is a pipeline connecting the area directly to the City of Columbia's wastewater treatment wetlands. The treated wastewater from the city is a near constant source of water. When the area's need exceeds the flow from the city, pumps can pull water directly from the Missouri River to maintain the areas wetlands integrity.
This area is well suited to the birdwatching public. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. More than 260 species have been documented at this area. With all that water, it should come as no surprise that more than 30 species of waterfowl can be seen at Eagle Bluffs and more than 60 species of shore and wading birds have been added to the bird list for Eagle Bluffs. I have spent a lot of time in the marshlands of our state and other areas, and I'm not sure if I have ever seen a Short-billed Dowitcher, a Marbled Godwit or a Whimbrel, but those species plus terns, gulls, sandpipers and many others have been observed on this area.
All of the water on or adjacent to this area means fishing is excellent. The Missouri River is home to some of the largest catfish in the state and country. I have an uncle who regularly catches 70 and 80 pound blue cats from the river over there. The flathead fishing is also good and the crappie fishing in Perche Creek is said to be good, especially in the spring. All told there are more than 10 miles of frontage on these two streams open to the angler visiting this area. There are also several scour holes to fish and a number of species of, so called, rough fish like carp, buffalo and drum that live in both streams, some of the pools and scour holes.
About one quarter of this area is forested. The forests around the state's marshlands have good populations of deer in them and this area is no different. Like many wetland areas, it is only open to deer hunting for hunters using archery methods. Hunters should remember that any kind of boat can be a real asset when it comes to hunting wetland's deer and other game. There are specific regulations on all MDC areas for the use of treestands and hunters should be aware of them before putting up a stand.
There are some old fields and grasslands and crop fields on this area that provide fair hunting for rabbits and doves and perhaps a few quail. And there are sure to be squirrels in the forested areas as well as near the openings. This area does have a law prohibiting firearms firing a single projectile, so any small game hunting must be done with a shotgun, and use or possession of lead shot is prohibited on the entire area. There are several alternative shot materials on the market; bismuth is one of them.
The no lead shot rule is in effect on most of the areas with heavy waterfowl hunting pressure. Eagle Bluffs is open to waterfowl hunting, but unlike most areas managed for waterfowl there are only two blinds available and both of them are reserved for disabled hunters. All of the area pools are open to hunting, but hunters should make themselves aware of the refuge portion of the area just to be safe. The refuge is closed to any activity for most of the fall and winter months. A daily drawing is held each day of the waterfowl season approximately two hours before sunrise. A daily hunting card is required and can be obtained free of charge at the back door of the office where there is also a self-check system.
In spite of its large size, this area has no camping areas. Limited camping is allowed however. Persons traveling on the Missouri river by boat may camp on the area. These campers are limited to camping within 100 yards of the river and then only between April 1 and September 30.
This area is short on amenities. It has 24 parking lots scattered around and all of them are accessible. Two of the lots have concrete pads on them. There are 2 privies and both of them are accessible as are two wildlife viewing blinds. There is also a viewing deck/tower located on a bluff that is accessible from the Katy Trail State Park about 2.5 miles south of the McBaine trailhead. And two hiking trails totaling just over three miles are open to foot travel.
For local information contact: Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, 6700 Route K, Columbia, MO 65203 or call (573) 445-3882, or write to Missouri Department of Conservation, Central Regional Office, 1907 Hillcrest Drive, Columbia MO 65201 or call (573) 884-6861. Visitors can also check out the area online on the Department's Web site at www.mdc.mo.gov. All of the areas profiled in this column can be found in the online version of the Conservation Atlas and in the original "Missouri Conservation Atlas" if one is available. The online version will provide links to a map and brochure, give the area rules and regulations and provide some basic information pertaining to the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.