Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

Notice

The area is currently considered "Baited" and is closed to Goose Hunting through February 28, 2010. The area will re-open March 1, 2010.

Driving Directions

(From Columbia) Go south on Providence Road (Route K) past the village of McBaine. Continue across Perche Creek and turn left on Star School Road.

Highlights

This area, which borders Katy Trail State Park, contains cropland, forest, wetlands, and smaller tracts of savanna and glades. Facilities/features: viewing blind, waterfowl blind, and two permanent streams (Missouri River, Perche Creek).

About This Area

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is in Boone County at the southwest edge of Columbia, near McBaine.

The Missouri River and Perche Creek provide over 10 miles of stream frontage on Eagle Bluffs. Through the years, the Missouri River has changed its course many times. The town of Providence, across Perche Creek from Eagle Bluffs, was once on the bank of the Missouri, before the river changed its course in the late 1800's. Providence is now almost a mile north of the river. The Missouri once flowed through what is now Eagle Bluffs and sunk the steamship "Plowboy," which is now believed to be buried under sand and silt on the area.

The Conservation Department purchased and developed this 4,431-acre area to help offset the loss of nearly 90 percent of Missouri's historical wetlands. The area's wetlands have been restored by creating 17 shallow pools. The wetland management infrastructure includes 30 miles of levees, 61 water control structures, river water supply pumps, a water supply junction box, pump-out facilities, and a pipeline linking the area to the City of Columbia's wastewater treatment wetlands.


The City of Columbia and the Department of Conservation entered into a cooperative agreement that allows the Department to use treated wastewater from the city as a primary water source for the wetlands. The city's "recycled" wastewater provides a near constant source of water, but river pumps can supplement the water supply when the area's needs exceed the flow from the city.


The area's 17 wetland pools allow the flooding of 1,100 acres of moist soil marshes, emergent marshes, and crop fields. These marshes provide year-round habitat for migrating and wintering birds and permanent wildlife and excellent wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities.

In the fall, the area's beauty is enhanced by colorful foliage along the bordering limestone bluffs. The KATY Trail State Park passes through a portion of the area and adds to the public's use and enjoyment of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.


General Information

Central

Boone

573-445-3882

Owned by MDC,Leased

Firearms-shotgun only, non-toxic shot required. This managed wetland area utilizes treated wastewater from the City of Columbia and pumps water from the Missouri River to provide wetland habitat for migratory waterbirds and resident wildlife. Eagle Bluffs information Hotline: 573-446-6743.

Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations)		 Comments
(Population Definition)
Bird Watching  This area is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Shorebirds April-June, August-September. Ducks and Geese October-May. River timber attractive to migrant and resident songbirds. For a list of area birds, visit http://www.mobirds.org/CACHE/mdcchecklists1.asp?locID=137.  
Camping - Boat-in along Missouri River  Camping not allowed, except persons traveling the Missouri River by boat may camp within 100 yards of the river between April 1 and September 30.  
Fishing - Catfish Good population. Fishing good along banks of the Missouri River and Perche Creek. 7 miles of frontage along the Missouri River. 
Fishing - Crappie Fair population. Fair in spring in Perche Creek 
Fishing - Other Good population. Carp, buffalo, drum 
Highlighted Activities  Bird watching and duck hunting are popular activities. 
Hiking  3 mile long trail through the river timber from the river parking lot to the pool 12 parking lot. 1.6 mile long trail from the river parking lot to the northwest property boundary. A trail from the Katy Trail leads to the bluff-top observation deck. The trail to the overlook is steep and exhausting, but worth the view.  
Hunting-Deer Good population. Archery methods only, allowed area-wide until October 14. Restricted access beginning October 15 till the close of Canada Goose season. A popular area for archery hunting.  
Hunting-Dove Good population. Regulated during September. Daily check-in, hunting allowed from 1pm to 5pm, non-toxic shot required.  
Hunting-Rabbit Good population. Shotgun only, non-toxic shot. Most rabbit hunting occurs after the close of duck season.  
Hunting-Squirrel Fair population. Shotgun only, non-toxic shot. 
Hunting-Waterfowl Good population. Daily draw approximately two hours before sunrise each day. Waterfowl hunting ends at 1pm daily. A popular duck hunting area. From 1/6/10 to 1/31/10 Canada Goose hunting is allowed from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. A self-check system is posted at the back door of the area office, you must obtain a Daily Waterfowl Hunting Card there. All of the shooting pools are open to hunting while refuge boundaries remain in effect.  

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Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item Name Count Comments
Hunting Blind - Waterfowlaccessible 2  Reserve disabled accessible blind by calling 573-445-3882 beginning October 1. 
Parking Lotaccessible 24  Includes 1-Gravel Parking Lot with a concrete pad. 
Parking Lotaccessible 1  1-Gravel Parking Lot with a concrete pad at the Missouri River. 
Privy/Restroomaccessible 2   
Staffed Officeaccessible 1  Only the basement portion of the office where waterfowl drawing is held is disabled accessible. 
Viewing Blindaccessible 2  Disabled Accessible blinds are utilized for viewing and hunting. 
Viewing Deck/Tower  1  Located on top of bluff. Access is from the Katy Trail State Park approximately 2.5 miles south of the McBaine trailhead. 

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Features
Feature Item Name Count Size Comments
Other  7 20.00 count During wet years, scour holes provide lake-like fishing opportunities for crappie and riverine fishes. 
Stream - Permanent Perche Creek 1 4.00 miles Walk-in bank fishing available. 
Stream - Permanent Missouri River 1 5.00 miles Good river bank access and view. 

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Land Cover Types
Land Type Acres Comments
Glade 5.00  
Forest and Woodland 1128.00  
Crop Land 650.00  
Old Field 40.00  
Other 30.00 Blew Hole 
Other 110.00 Levees and Roads 
Savanna 35.00  
Grassland (non-prairie) 880.00  
Wetland 1390.00  
Total Area Acres:4428.62 

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Designated Trails
Trail Name Trail Type Length
hiking trail Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 0.20 
hiking trail Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 3.00 

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Shooting Range General Information

This area has no shooting ranges.

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