Extend your Christmas tree's life; help create habitats for fish

Volunteers gather uses Christmas trees to create fish
habitats at St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Lakes.

Don't let your Christmas tree go to waste this year after the holidays. The St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is encouraging local citizens to participate in the annual Christmas tree recycling program.

Donated Christmas trees are bundled together in small groups and submerged in lakes at select locations in Missouri and Illinois. These shelters provide fish with breeding areas and escape cover, proving invaluable to not only the fisheries but to anglers as well.

Artificial or flocked trees (with artificial snow) cannot be accepted. Please remove all tinsel, decorations, stands and plastic bags from the tree before delivering it to the designated collection sites.

St. Louis District drop-of location information:

Mark Twain Lake: Christmas trees can be brought to a collection site at John Spalding Boat Ramp. Christmas trees will be accepted at this location until January 31, 2011.

Structures will be placed in Mark Twain Lake in mid-March by Corps of Engineers employees, and volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer or wanting more information should contact Brad Stamp at the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at (573) 735-4097.

Lake Shelbyville: Trees will be collected in Shelbyville and Sullivan again this year. The designated collection site in Sullivan is at the corner of Water and Main Streets, at the recycling lot across from the Library. Trees can be dropped off inside the snow fence area on the North side of the lot. (PLEASE, DO NOT PLACE TREES ON THE PARKING LOT).

In Shelbyville, the designated collection site is the Johnstowne Mall on the West side of Shelbyville. Please place trees inside snow fence area on the grass at the Northwest corner of the parking area (PLEASE, DO NOT PLACE TREES ON THE PARKING LOT). Trees will be collected at both sites from December 26, 2011 through February 1, 2012.

A tentative date for the placement of the trees into the lake is March 10, 2012. Volunteers are needed to help bundle and place the trees in the lake. For more information on this fish habitat project, contact Ken Pierson at (217) 774-3951, ext 4 or Mike Mounce at (217) 345-2420.

Rend Lake: Christmas trees can be dropped off at any of the following three boat ramps or parking lots locations: Sugar Creek Parking Lot, located at the intersection of Licata and Mine 24 Roads; Dam West Boat Ramp, located on the west end of the main dam; or Jackie Branch Boat Ramp located north of Rt. 154 across from the Barren Township building. Christmas trees will be accepted at these locations until January 16, 2012.

Volunteers with boats and/or fishing and outdoor organizations are encouraged to assist with placement of the trees. To volunteer or for more information contact Molly Rawlinson at the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.

Wappapello Lake: Christmas trees can be brought to a collection site at Chaonia Landing and Redman Creek boat ramps. Each drop-off location will be marked with a sign. Christmas trees will be accepted at this location from December 26, 2011, through January 15, 2012.

If you would like more information or have questions about Christmas tree shelters or placing fish shelters in the lake, please contact Park Ranger Jeremy Jackson at the Wappapello Lake Project Office at (573) 222-8562.

Army Corps of Engineers waives day-use fees for troops, veterans on Veterans Day

Gentleman fishing at Lake Shelbyville.
(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo ) 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The fee waiver includes the St. Louis District’s five multi-purpose reservoirs in Illinois and Missouri: Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Wappapello Lake and Mark Twain Lake, and all Corps of Engineers day-use areas nation-wide where visitors would normally be charged a fee.

"This Veterans Day we will honor our veterans, active and reserve service members, and their families with an invitation to visit one of the thousands of Corps recreation sites nationwide, free of charge. As an active participant of the administration's America's Great Outdoors initiative, we hope that you will join us," said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

The day-use fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service. This waiver covers boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on Corps lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the Veterans Day waiver of fees in the areas that they manage.

"We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces, and to encourage them and their families to visit and enjoy one of our many recreation sites,” said Mike Ensch, Chief of Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

With more than 370 million visits annually to 422 lake and river projects, the Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide provide a diverse range of outdoor activities to people of all ages, and the Corps estimates that 90 percent of its recreation projects are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas. To discover the St. Louis District Corps recreation site nearest you, please visit: http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Recreation/ or for Corps-wide visit: http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm

Annual Halloween Walk at Mark Twain Lake Oct. 14 & 15

Mark Twain Lake Annual Halloween Walk.

It’s that time of year again when the Indian Creek Campground at Mark Twain Lake is invaded by a full cast of creepy characters!   

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District is proud to announce the return of the Annual Halloween Walk.  From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on both Friday October 14^th & Saturday October 15^th, everyone is invited to check out this year’s best decorated campsites.   

This is a great chance for the little ones to “sharpen their trick-or-treating skills” or for the older ones to come see what all the excitement is about.   

The event is free and everyone is invited to come in costume.  Don’t forget your flashlight!

The Indian Creek Campground is located south of Monroe City.  Take Highway 24 south out of Monroe City and take a left onto State Road HH.  Follow the signs to spooky fun!  All reservable campsites have been reserved but non-reservable sites will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis in person only.  If you need additional information about the event, please contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at 573-735-4097 or email us at marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil

Mark Twain Lake’s Waterfowl Refuge will close to boating Oct. 29th

Mark Twain Lake's 3,000 acre waterfowl is closed to boating and/or waterfowl hunting during duck season, October 29 to December 27, 2011.  This resting area allows the migrants to feed and rest before continuing their journey to wintering grounds.

Duck swimming in
Mark Twain Lake.

Mark Twain Lake’s waterfowl refuge, located on portions of the Middle Fork and Elk Fork Area, provides a stopover for migrants.  The refuge is made up of various habitats, appealing to various migrating birds.  Deep pools of water are feeding grounds for the diving birds and a safe resting area for other birds.   Shallow water flood plains become feeding areas for dabbler's (mallards) and long-legged shore birds.  The exposed mud flats hold many insects and invertebrates for the short-legged shorebirds.  Flooded dead snag trees become roost and viewing towers for the double-crested cormorants and bald eagles.

When people think of a refuge; they envision thousands of geese and ducks taking to wing from a large body of water.  A refuge is a place that provides shelter for resting and protection from danger.  National Refuges started in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt.  The first refuge was setup to protect the brown pelican population.  Refuges establish suitable habitat for nesting purpose, as wintering grounds, or as a stopover for migrants.

Waterfowl can be seen and heard in the spring and fall moving in large flocks to nesting and wintering area. After traveling thousands of miles, the migrants need to stopover to feed and rest.  Though our refuge holds waterfowl, usually species such as the double-crested cormorants, bald eagle, and white pelicans can be found there.  For more information about our refuge contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office at marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil or call 573-735-4097.

Firewood Cutting Permits Available at Mark Twain Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District has announced that firewood cutting for personal use will be allowed by permit at specified areas of theMark Twain Lake Project starting October 24, 2011.  The cutting period will be between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, beginning October 24, 2011 and will continue through February 24, 2012.

A fee of $10.00 per permit will be charged to partially recover the cost of the program.  Firewood cutting for commercial used or for resale will be prohibited.  Permits must be obtained in person or by calling between 7a.m. to 4p.m., Monday through Friday at the Mark Twain Lake Project Office.  A valid permit must be in possession before cutting. For further information, contact the Mark Twain Project marktwaininfo@uscae.army.mil or telephone (573)735-4097.

1st Year Anniversary of Mark Twain Lake’s Boudreaux Visitor Center Opening

Ribbon Cutting at M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year. On Oct. 2nd, 2010 the new M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center and Northeast Missouri Vietnam Memorial overlooking the Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake opened for the public.  Over 31,000 people have passed through the new visitor center’s doors in the past year.  Whether on a school field trip, part of a group using the community room or visitors looking for information, the center provides a multitude of opportunities.

The building itself is equivalent to a silver designation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) making it a showcase for the region.  Some of the LEED features include ground source heat, energy efficient lighting, low flow water works, and energy-efficient windows and building materials. 

Enjoying the exhibits at Mark Twain Lake's new visitor center.

Exhibits inside the visitor center explore the benefits of the Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake, such as flood risk management, hydropower electricity, water supply, recreation, environmental stewardship and navigation.  Hands-on displays help the visitor to understand the natural, cultural, historical and environmental aspects of the area as well as basic water and boating safety tips.  

Spectacular views of the lake and dam are provided by a large viewing deck that surrounds the north side of the building.  The deck is also a nice compliment to the community room that is available to be reserved for a variety of functions.

The Visitor Center Complex also includes an ADA accessible trail approximately ¼ mile in length.  The Eagle Trail meanders through an oak hickory forest past spectacular views of the lake.  If you walk around the Visitor Center and Memorial along the trail you can exercise in some of the most scenic spots on the lake.

M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center

If you haven’t explored the new M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center yet or would like to take another look, be one of the first 100 visitors to stop by this Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 between 9am-5pm and receive a commemorative tote bag to take home and show your support wherever you go.

The M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center is located on Rt. J, just south of the Clarence Cannon Dam.  If you need additional information or have questions, please contact the visitor center at 573-565-2112 or email us at marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil.