Howell Island Conservation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howell Island Conservation Area |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Howell Island Conservation Area
Location in Missouri
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| Location | Boone Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA |
| Nearest city | Chesterfield, MO |
| Area | 2,547 acres (10.3 km2) |
| Established | 1978 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Official website: https://web.archive.org/web/20130317001648/http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=7808 | |
The Howell Island Conservation Area is a special protected place in Missouri. It covers about 2,547 acres (that's like 1,031 football fields!). The Missouri Department of Conservation takes care of this area. It's located on Howell Island, right in the middle of the Missouri River. The island has the Missouri River on its north side and a smaller waterway called Centaur Chute to the south. Most of the island is covered with trees that love wet ground, like sycamore and cottonwood trees.
Contents
History of Howell Island
Howell Island got its name from early settlers, either Thomas or John Howell. The Missouri Department of Conservation bought the island in 1978. This was done to protect its natural beauty and wildlife. In 1993, the island was completely covered by water during a very big flood.
Geography of the Island
Howell Island is a low-lying island in the Missouri River. It is mostly covered with trees. There's a special road called a causeway that connects the island to the land. This causeway can get flooded when the river rises. If the river reaches about 16 feet (or 4.9 meters) at the St. Charles gauge, the causeway becomes covered with water. The island has different types of land. About 2,336 acres (945 hectares) are forests and woodlands. There are also 94 acres (38 hectares) of old fields, which are open areas where crops used to grow. Plus, 117 acres (47 hectares) are still used for growing crops.
Fun Activities at Howell Island
Howell Island offers a few ways to enjoy nature.
Camping and Trails
If you are traveling by boat on the Missouri River, you can camp on the island. Camping is allowed from April 1st to September 30th. You need to set up your camp within 100 yards (about 91 meters) of the river. There's also a long trail on the island, about 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) long. You can use this trail for hiking or biking. Please note that horses are not allowed on the island.
Hunting and Fishing
You can go fishing in the Missouri River, which runs along the north side of the island for about 5 miles (8 kilometers). You can also fish in the Centaur Chute. Hunting is allowed during hunting season. However, you must follow all the rules and regulations. For example, you can only hunt deer using a bow and arrow, not a gun.
