MDC seeks public input for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

The public comment period for the draft plan is May 1-31.

A group of pelicans in one of the wetland pools at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area in Boone County.

COLUMBIA, Mo.— The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA) in Boone County is among the areas under review.

MDC is inviting the public to provide comments about Eagle Bluffs CA to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan for the conservation area.  Interested persons or groups can share ideas online May 1-31 at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. People can also stop by Eagle Bluffs CA in May to pick up a comment card.

 “Eagle Bluffs CA offers tremendous opportunity for people to discover and enjoy nature whether you are a birder, photographer, waterfowl hunter, or just an outdoors enthusiast," said MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light. “The public input and planning process we have underway will help ensure that Eagle Bluffs CA will meet the diverse interests of Missouri citizens who utilize the area today and in the future. Although we won’t be able to advance all ideas, we greatly appreciate feedback and will give all comments careful consideration.”

MDC staff will review comments as they develop a draft Eagle Bluffs CA  management plan later this summer. The plan will be posted online this fall for an additional comment period and will be available for viewing at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. After considering all public comments, the final plan will be drafted, approved, and posted online.

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.

For more information about Eagle Bluffs CA, visit tinyurl.com/ya37rfv

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MDC welcomes new area manager to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

MDC Wildlife Biologist Clayton Light assumed duties in early October.

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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MDC invites public to help with turtle trapping study in Columbia

Volunteers will help trap and tag turtles, then release them back to the area they were found.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Have you ever thought about being a conservation scientist? Do you like

turtles and are looking for an opportunity to study these animals up close? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to get their hands wet and dirty and discover nature by helping with trapping and tagging turtles at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA) in Columbia. Upcoming dates and times are:

• Wednesday, May 14, noon to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, May 19, noon to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers will help trap and tag turtles, then release them back to the area they were found. The opportunity is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult or mentor.

Turtle trapping is fairly messy work, and those who participate should plan on wearing clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty. Additionally, if staying for the entire day, volunteers should bring water and a sack lunch.

Since 2011, Eagle Bluffs CA Manager Vic Bogosian has been trapping turtles and entering the information in a large database. Turtle trapping is important for Eagle Bluffs CA because knowing where the area’s turtle populations are concentrated helps Bogosian make decisions about water levels on the wetland area. The Department of Conservation makes management decisions based in part on scientific research like turtle trapping.

“As the manager of a wetland, I make decisions each day that help keep conditions ideal for migratory bird populations,” said Bogosian. “However, I also consider how those decisions affect other wildlife species.”

Similar to migratory birds, aquatic turtles need access to appropriate water levels, temperature, food and vegetation for cover.

“Because turtles are sensitive to their environment, the information I collect about the turtle population at Eagle Bluffs helps me make sound management decisions for the area,” Bogosian said. 

This project also benefits volunteers by providing an opportunity to participate in a research experience.

“This is a great way to discover nature and to learn more about your wetland,” said Bogosian. “There are opportunities for every age level. I encourage anyone with an interest to come and volunteer.”

To sign up, or to learn more about future turtle trapping opportunities, contact Bogosian atTurtleguy@mdc.mo.gov or 573-445-3882.

Eagle Bluffs CA is in Boone County at the southwest edge of Columbia, near McBaine. For more information about Eagle Bluffs CA, visit http://tinyurl.com/ya37rfv.