Public input sought for Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking input from the public in regards to developing a 10-year management plan for the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area in Christian County.

Citizens can comment on area's management plan Oct. 15-Dec. 31.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. The Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area in Christian County is among the areas currently under review.

MDC is inviting the public to provide comments about Busiek to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan for the popular public use area. Interested persons or groups – including recreational users, neighboring landowners, conservation groups, elected officials and government agencies – can share ideas online Oct. 15-Dec. 31 atwww.mdc.mo.gov/areaplans

“Missourians care about conservation and use conservation areas for many different reasons,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “These areas help people discover nature through various activities and help make Missouri a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy outdoor activities. We want to know how conservation areas are important to Missourians. Encouraging public comments on Conservation Area Management Plans is part of MDC’s ongoing efforts of working for and with Missourians to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.”

MDC staff will review comments as they develop a draft management plan for the Busiek Area. Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how best to incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, it’s physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and state-wide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.

When the initial draft is complete, the Busiek Area Plan will be posted online for additional public comments and will be available for viewing at www.mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. After considering all public comments, the final plan will be drafted, approved and posted online.

The 2,700-acre Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is located on U.S. 65 in southern Christian County. The landscape is primarily forest, with intermittent woodland areas, glades and old fields. The area is crossed by a permanent stream (Woods Fork) and an intermittent stream (Camp Creek).

Busiek offers hunting opportunities and a variety of other recreational uses. A well-marked trail system provides approximately 18 miles of trails for use by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. Primitive camping is allowed only with a permit that can be obtained from the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield. The area also features an unstaffed shooting range.