MO-Middle+Mississippi+River+National+Wildlife+Refuge


 * =Birding in Missouri=

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
Festus, Missouri 63028 Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge web site Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Harlow Island map Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge brochure

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Middle Mississippi River NWR--Harlow Island Unit
Coordinates: 38.15883, -90.2930619 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
The Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge was established on May 31, 2000. It has three divisions - Meissner Island, near Valmeyer, Illinois; Harlow Island, near Festus, Missouri; and Wilkinson Island, near Gorham, Illinois.

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge lands were purchased in response to the great flood of 1993 and are unique in the refuge complex. The refuge tracts lie within the uncontrolled portion of the Middle Mississippi River, below the confluence with the Missouri, where river levels are not regulated by the lock and dam system. Water levels may fluctuate greatly in this "open river" section of the Mississippi, and frequent flooding occurs on these lands.

Much of the refuge land had previously been cut off from the floodplain by private levees that protected agricultural lands. Most of the levees were breached by the 1993 flood and will not be repaired. These lands will provide access to the floodplain for native fish during high water stages and create a corridor of floodplain forest habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife. The refuge was designated as an Important Bird Area in 2008.

Frequent flooding occurs on refuge tracts due to their position in the river floodplain. Modifications to man-made structures such as levees promotes healthy and diverse fish habitat for native Mississippi River fishes. Where possible, old river channels and swales are managed with passive water control structures to provide seasonal wetlands for migratory birds. By allowing these lands to flood and re-connect with the river, the refuge contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem. Former agricultural lands are allowed to return to forested habitat, with the occasional tree plantings to promote species diversity and abundant food for native wildlife. Many species of fish and wildlife will benefit from the habitat restoration, and the public will have increased opportunities for wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation. From Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge web site

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media type="custom" key="27122522" || L1423073 US US-MO US-MO-099 38.15883 -90.2930619 Middle Mississippi River NWR--Harlow Island Unit