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Henry Sever Lake Conservation Area

Driving Directions

One mile north of Newark on Highway KK. The west side of the area can be accessed by traveling east of Newark on Highway 156, and north 1 mile on Highway E.

Highlights

This area contains old fields, forest, cropland, and prairie. Facilities/features: boat ramp, boat rental, boat dock, primitive camping, picnic areas, and Sever Lake (158 acres).

About This Area

This 1,115-acre area consists of gently rolling uplands that are 10% timbered. The forest is mostly oak/hickory. A variety of woodland edge wildlife are present, including deer, turkey and quail. During the winter and spring, ducks and geese are frequently observed on the area.

The original 747-acre tract was purchased through a trust fund established by Henry Sever upon his death in 1941. The land was deeded to the Conservation Department in 1959.

The area features the 158-acre Henry Sever Lake, which was built in 1960. The lake is periodically stocked with channel catfish and is home to 1 of only 2 muskellunge populations in northeastern Missouri. Native grass has been planted to supplement the remnants of prairie once found on the area. These areas support numerous small mammals and birds and many contain native prairie forbs.

Management of the Henry Sever Conservation Area is geared toward public use and the protection of soil and water quality. Land management tools include farming operations, controlled burns, tree planting, and timber harvest.

The area has a disabled-accessible fishing dock and privies. It also has an improved campground with gravel pads, fire grates, and privies. The area also has a concrete boat ramp, fishing jetties for bank anglers, and privies.

General Information

Region: Northeast

Counties: Knox

For more information call: 660-785-2420

Status: Owned by MDC

Additional Information: Stream regulations apply to fishing below the dam.

Activities
Activity (Activity Explanations)	Comments (Population Definition)
Bicycling	Allowed on multi-use trail.
Camping - Individual Campsites	Camping is allowed in the 84 site campground. All have a nearby privy, potable water, parking pads and many have fire rings.
Fishing - Bass	Good population.
Fishing - Catfish	Good population.
Fishing - Crappie	Good population.
Fishing - Other	Good population. Muskie
Fishing - Sunfish	Good population. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish
Hiking
Horseback Riding	On designated multi-use trail, closed seasonally. Special use permit required.
Hunting-Deer	Good population. Click on link to area regulations.
Hunting-Dove	Good population. Click on link to dove management map (available in August).
Hunting-Quail	Fair population.
Hunting-Rabbit	Good population.
Hunting-Squirrel	Good population.
Hunting-Turkey	Good population.
Hunting-Waterfowl	Fair population. Waterfowl hunting allowed on Sever Lake.

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Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item	Name	Count	Comments
Boat Ramp - Lake - Concrete		1	Henry Sever Lake
Boats for Rent		10	Seasonal - April 1 to September 30. Boat rental is $5/day. Motors, lights, oars and personal flotation devices are not provided.
Camping Area - Individual Campsites		1	There are 84 campsites. All have a nearby privy, potable water, parking pads and many have fire rings.
Dock - Boat/Courtesy		1	Includes fish cleaning station.
Dock - Fishingaccessible		1
Fishing Jetty/Platform		3
Parking Lotaccessible		9	Includes one disabled accessible parking lot.
Pavilion	Shelter House	1	Lit structure with bar-b-que grill and picnic tables.
Privy/Restroomaccessible		10	The area has one disabled accessible privy located adjacent to the barrier-free fishing dock.