Stephen C. Bradford Unit of Black Island Conservation Area

Notice

Due to river conditions, this area is currently closed.

Driving Directions

Take the Hayti exit off I-55, go east on Hwy 84, north on Co. Rd 337 to Co. Rd 338, and east to the area.

Highlights

This area currently consists of an abandoned river channel that was reconnected to the Mississippi River. There are two wetland pools that will serve as a backsawmp system. There is a graveled parking boat ramp that enables access to Gayoso Bend Conservation Area.

About This Area

The Stephen C Bradford Unit of Black Island Conservation Area is enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), which is a program through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), which is designed to restore and protect wetlands.  The Stephen C Bradford Unit consists of a recent abandoned river channel of the Mississippi River.  Two wetland pools were created, and will be managed for waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds.  The remaining portion of the area is agriculture fields that will be converted to Riverfront Forest.


All public use is prohibited, except fishing and waterfowl hunting by boat only when the Mississippi River water level is at or above twenty eight feet (28') on the Caruthersville Gauge.


General Information

Southeast

Pemiscot

573-290-5730

Owned by MDC

Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations)		 Comments
(Population Definition)
Fishing - Bass Fair population. Boat Club Chute 
Fishing - Catfish Good population. Boat Club Chute 
Fishing - Other Good population. Buffalo and carp. Boat Club Chute 
Hunting-Waterfowl Fair population. Waterfowl hunting is permitted, but only is available when the area naturally floods from the Mississippi River. Statewide regulations apply. Non-toxic shot only may be used. 
Other  Small game hunting is sporatic, due to lack of habitat at this time; non-toxic shot required. Otherwise, statewide regulations apply. 

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Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item Name Count Comments
Boat Ramp - Stream - Other Boat Chute/Gayoso Access 1   
Camping Area - Individual Campsites Main eastern parking lot 1   
Parking Lot  5   

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Features
Feature Item Name Count Size Comments
Stream - Permanent Boat Club Chute 1 0.25 miles Boat Club Chute is connected to the Mississippi River and is accessible by boat when the river is high enough.  

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Land Cover Types
Land Type Acres Comments
Old Field 727.97 The area is enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program will revert to a Riverfront Forest by natural germination.  
Forest and Woodland 136.00 Reforested bottomland hardwood forest. 
Wetland 1086.90 All wetlands are natural flooding and connected to the Mississippi River. 
Total Area Acres:2086.93 

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Designated Trails
Trail Name Trail Type Length
No Designated Trails

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Shooting Range General Information

This area has no shooting ranges.

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