MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light assumed duties in early October.
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| The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light as the new area manager for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA), located in Boone County. |
COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light as the new area manager for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA), located in Boone County.
John George, the MDC’s central regional wildlife supervisor, said Clayton was selected due to his varied experience within the MDC.
“The desire to grow professionally as a biologist, combined with a strong work ethic, community outreach skills and broad background will benefit Clayton’s work at Eagle Bluffs CA,” said George. “I look forward to Clayton continuing the relationships the area and previous managers have fostered with waterfowl hunters, birders, the City of Columbia and an expanding list of volunteers.”
Clayton earned his bachelor’s degree in wildlife and conservation management from Missouri State University in 2009. Since 2011, Clayton has worked as a wildlife resource technician at Whetstone Creek CA in Callaway County. During this time, Clayton gained valuable experience working with multi-faceted partner interests.
Over the years, Clayton has worked additional assignments doing quail and dove management and monitoring; invasive species treatment and natural community management; and has experience with day-to-day area management and working with specific user groups such as horseback riders and shooting range users.
Clayton grew up in Freeburg, a small town located southeast of Jefferson City, spending his youth hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Activities he still enjoys today.
“I always wanted a career in natural resources and to work for the Department,” Clayton said. “I am really excited to work with the diverse community of users at Eagle Bluff and continue to manage this area for the benefit of all to enjoy.”
Eagle Bluffs CA is located at the southwest edge of Columbia, near McBaine. The MDC 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 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.
Eagle Bluffs CA is located six miles southwest of Columbia on Route K. For more information about the area, visit http://tinyurl.com/ya37rfv
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