Clear as Mud
by - Written: Dec 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Government doing a good thing
Cons: The nearby highway
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| Thawtful's Full Review: Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge |
This National Wildlife Refuge truly represents government and science at its best. It seems that the federal government was for so many years acquiring land with unusual characteristics or scenic views and applying ecosystem management as an afterthought. This is not the case with the Big Muddy. Only a few years old, the refuge's beginnings were a result on the flood of 1993. So many farmers on the Missouri River found their ground under two feet of sand, there was no hope for farming again. Many farmers sold out as a result and some of the land was acquired by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This land is to serve as a buffer for the next flood while supporting endangered species in the meantime.
Only a little over 7,000 acres now, there are big plans for expanding to 60,000 acres in the near future. The refuge will stretch in patches from Kansas City to St. Louis along the Missouri River.
One of the areas I visited was directly along Interstate 70, accessed by county roads. The abundance of birds is remarkable in the few short years the land was set aside as a wildlife refuge. Some of the land is less than desirable since weeds have taken over plowed fields. It takes time to rejuvenate a disturbed area and in several years the area will be reconstructed. While there I saw several white-tailed deer, numerous birds, a red fox, and a skunk. It is nearly impossible to escape the roar of the highway. I would recommend spring and fall as the best times to view this area. Missouri summers can be unbearable. Take not of the limestone cliffs on the east side of the refuge. The cliffs were described by Meriwether Lewis and are striking in a good sunset.
I recommend stopping in at the headquarters during normal business hours to find all the areas associated with this refuge since they are scattered throughout. From Interstate 70, drive south on Highway 63 approximately 5 miles until you reach AC exit. After exiting turn east and drive another mile and you will find a group of buildings that house the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Geological Service.
An important note to remember is the Big Muddy is not a National Park. The US Fish and Wildlife Service caters more to wildlife and the ecosystem rather than visitor services. Activities include hunting and fishing, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation and photography, and hiking. There are no campgrounds, but plenty can be found in the nearby town of Columbia or some of the surrounding state parks.
Recommended:
Yes
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