Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area |
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 Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area
Location in Missouri
Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Boone, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 2,199.6 acres (8.901 km2) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Website | Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area |
The Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is a special natural place in Boone County, Missouri. It's a large area of land that helps protect nature. You can find it north of Columbia, Missouri, right next to Finger Lakes State Park.
This area is huge, covering over 2,000 acres. It has many different types of land, like lakes, wet areas called wetlands, thick forests, and open grasslands known as prairies. A long time ago, part of this land was used for mining. Now, it's a beautiful place for nature and people to enjoy. The Missouri Department of Conservation takes care of it.
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What is the Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area?
The Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is a big outdoor space. It's managed to keep nature healthy and offer fun activities. The area gets its name from Rocky Fork Creek, a stream that flows nearby.
It's a great spot for learning about nature. You can see different plants and animals here. It's also a place where people can go fishing or use a special shooting range.
From Mining to Nature: A Brief History
Before it became a conservation area, parts of this land looked very different. From 1963 to 1972, a company called Peabody Coal Company used a method called strip mining here. Strip mining is when workers remove the top layer of soil and rocks to get to coal underneath.
This process changed the land a lot. After the mining stopped, the land was left damaged. In 1979, the Missouri Department of Conservation bought the land. Their goal was to help the land heal and bring nature back.
Nature's Comeback: Lakes, Forests, and Prairies
Since the Missouri Department of Conservation took over, the land has been recovering. Today, you can see many different natural areas:
- Lakes: The area has several lakes, including the 50-acre Rocky Fork Lake. These lakes are home to many fish.
- Wetlands: These are areas where water covers the land, like swamps or marshes. Wetlands are important homes for birds, frogs, and insects.
- Forests: Trees have grown back, creating forests where many animals live.
- Prairies: These are open grasslands with many wildflowers. Prairies are important for insects and birds.
The work done here shows how damaged land can be brought back to life. It's a great example of conservation.
Fun Things to Do at Rocky Fork Lakes
The conservation area offers several ways to enjoy the outdoors:
- Fishing: Rocky Fork Lake is a popular spot for fishing. There's a boat ramp, so you can easily launch your boat.
- Shooting Range: There is an unstaffed shooting range open to the public. It was updated in 2014 to make it better for visitors. This range provides a safe place for people to practice shooting.
- Exploring Nature: With over 2,000 acres, there are many opportunities to walk around and observe wildlife. You might see different birds, small animals, and interesting plants.
The Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is a wonderful place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
