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Amidon Memorial Conservation Area

Driving Directions

The main entrance is in Madison County east of Fredericktown on Rte J, then south on Rte W and east on County Rd 208.

Highlights

The area is nearly all forest. Facilities/features: permanent stream (Castor River) and Castor River Shut-ins Natural Area.

About This Area

Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River in Bollinger and Madison counties. Evelyn and Ellsworth Amidon donated a portion of the area to the Conservation Department; other tracts were acquired from private landowners and the U.S. Forest Service.

The forest's timber species range from mixed hardwoods to shortleaf pine to cedar glades. A granite shut-ins on the Castor River adds an interesting geologic feature. The Driscoll Tract contains 2 old grist mill sites that date back to the mid 1800s, lending a historical flavor to the area.

During your visit, you may see various forest improvement practices designed to improve wildlife habitat and maintain watershed quality. Any physical disturbance is only temporary and normal aesthetic appearance will return soon.

The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife. Timber harvests are also an important part of habitat management; they produce forage and cover for forest wildlife.

Boundaries are marked from tree to tree with blue paint, and/or signs. State forest signs also are posted where boundaries intersect state and county roads or private lands. Please respect the rights of adjacent landowners.

Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is located south of State Highway J, approximately 8 miles east of Fredericktown. County Road 208 fords the Castor River on the area.

General Information

Region: Southeast

Counties: Bollinger,Madison

For more information call: 573-290-5730

Status: Owned by MDC

Additional Information: Glass containers are prohibited on the area.

Activities
Activity (Activity Explanations)	Comments (Population Definition)
Bird Watching
Camping - Individual Campsites	No amenities provided.
Camping - Walk-in/Float-in/Backpack	Seasonal closures may apply.
Fishing - Bass	Fair population. Smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Fishing - Sunfish	Fair population.
Hiking	One mile loop trail at shut-ins, and good hiking on area access trails.
Hunting-Deer	Fair population.
Hunting-Dove	Fair population. Dove field management in some years.
Hunting-Rabbit	Fair population.
Hunting-Squirrel	Fair population.
Hunting-Turkey	Good population.
Trapping with Special Use Permit	By permit only.

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Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item	Name	Count	Comments
Camping Area - Individual Campsites		1	Accessible through south entrance to area, which is off county road 248. Go through private gate. No amenities provided.
Other	Stream Access (wade fishing) in Castor River	1	Wade fishing opportunity is primarily downstream of the Castor River ShutIns.
Parking Lot		6	Enter south side of property off County Road 248 through gate about 1/2 mile up the road. This is a private gate . Close it after you drive through it.

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Features
Feature Item	Name	Count	Size	Comments
Designated Natural Area	Castor River Shut-Ins	1	209.00 acres	Igneous rock formations and related ecosystems make this a very unique place. Glass containers are prohibited on the area. For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p76-1.htm.
Fishless Pond		6	2.00 acres	Wildlife watering ponds 6 waterholes @1/4 acre apiece
Stream - Permanent	Stannett Creek	1	0.50 miles	Stannett Creek is a small stream and not recommended for fishing.
Stream - Permanent	Combs Branch	1	0.75 miles	Combs Branch is a small stream and not recommended for fishing.
Stream - Permanent	Castor River	1	1.00 miles	Stream access (wade fishing)