Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is located on 6 units, in various counties, along the Missouri River in the state of Missouri. The majority of the 4,500 acres that make up Big Muddy NFWR are located in the floodplain of the river. The Refuge was established in 1994 and got its name from the nickname given to the silt laden Missouri River.The Missouri River and its floodplain have undergone dramatic changes in the 190 years following Lewis and Clark's epic journey of 1804-1806. The pre-development river was a vast complex of chutes, sloughs, backwaters, sandbars, braided channels, bottomland forests, wet prairie grasslands and seasonal and permanent wetlands resulting in dynamic conditions producing a diversity of riverine and floodplain habitats. The lower Missouri River has since experienced huge reductions in riverine habitats and concurrent declines in fish and wildlife populations. Hydrology was altered and the floodplain isolated from the River through construction of levees and flood control structures. The results were over 90 percent of the floodplain forests, wetlands and prairies being converted to agricultural lands. With the establishment and future acquisitions of the Big Muddy NFWR, the goal is to restore approximately 8 percent of the riverine habitat losses along the lower Missouri River.Some of the migratory birds that will benefit from the establishment and continued acquisitions of the Big Muddy NFWR include: waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and neotropical migrants. Endangered species that are likely to occur on the Refuge are pallid sturgeon, decurrent false aster, bald eagle, piping plover, least tern, peregrine falcon, gray bat and Indiana bat.
Clarence Cannon Dam And Mark Twain Lake Offers a blend of picturesque natural resources and modern recreation facilities to suit everyone. Features the largest hydropower generating plant in Northeast Missouri.
Clarence Cannon NWR The 3750 acre Clarence Cannon NWR is adjacent to the Mississippi River and although it is protected by a levee, the area does provide flood storage in periods of high water. Habitats on these areas include moist soil units, semi and permanent marshes, bottomland hardwood forests and native grasslands. The pumping station allows for water management capabilities on all moist soil units and semipermanent marshes and green tree reservoirs. These areas are very important to a variety of migratory birds including numerous ducks, geese, shorebirds, marsh and wading birds and songbirds (neotropical and North American migrants and resident species). The diverse area also provides habitats for a variety of endangered and threatened species (and species of concern) including the bald eagle and king rail (state endangered). Clarence Cannon NWR is managed by the Annada District of the Mark Twain NWR.
Clearwater Lake Clearwater Lake is noted for the grandeur of its hills, natural springs, and splendid beauty. Trails and a watchable wildlife area are a sightseer's delight. The shoreline is studded with picturesque bluffs covered with sweet william, indented bays, and coves. Experienced sportsmen and beginners take advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities. Parks offer modern camping conveniences around the lake.Located near three State parks and several historical sites, such as Gads Hill, where the notorious Frank and Jesse James gang staged the world's second train robbery in 1874.
George Washington Carver National Monument George Washington Carver's boyhood home consists of rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies. The 210 acre park has a 3/4 mile nature trail, museum, and an interactive exhibit area for students. The cultural setting includes the 1881 Historic Moses Carver house and the Carver cemetery.
