Clarksville Refuge Habitat Rehabilitation Project                                                                                              

St. Louis District

Pool 24, Upper Mississippi River, Miles 274 - 277, Pike County, Missouri

Partners

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
• Missouri Department of Conservation 

Description

The Clarksville Refuge consists of approximately 325 acres of Federal land, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.  The site is located along the right descending bank of the Mississippi River in navigation pool 24, between river miles 275 and 276.  The habitat of the refuge had deteriorated due to flood-induced sediment deposition.  Waterfowl usage at the refuge had dropped from heavy use to only 500 ducks per day by 1983.

The overall goal of the project is to enhance wetland habitat for migratory wildlife.  The objectives included: (1) decrease sedimentation into refuge wetlands; (2) provide a means to control water levels on refuge independent of river stage; (3) increase reliable food production for wildlife; and (4) increase total wetland values for wildlife.

Quick Facts

• Approximate Acres: 325
• Congressional District: MO - 6
• State(s) Covered: MO
• Land Ownership: USFWS
• Management Agency: MDC
• Management Authority: Cooperative Agreement 

Features

• Construct a low levee, 3 to 5 feet high, to keep out sediment-laden flood waters up to a 20-year frequency.
• Provide new gated drains and two portable pumps for interior water level control.
• Gated drains 

Milestones

• The Definite Project Report was completed in May 1987.
• Construction was completed in April 1990.
• The Operation and Maintenance Manual was completed in November 1989.
• The Initial Project Evaluation Report was completed in July 1996.