| Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 Jameson Island unit of Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, October 2012 | |
  Map of theUnited States | |
| Location | Missouri River,Missouri,United States |
| Nearest city | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Coordinates | 38°38′00″N91°47′00″W / 38.6333°N 91.7833°W /38.6333; -91.7833 |
| Area | 16,700 acres (68 km2) |
| Established | 1994 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge |
TheBig Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994, and has grown to over 16,700 acres (68 km2). Like pearls on a string, these acres are spread out as individual units along theMissouri River betweenKansas City andSt. Louis. These pearls of habitat benefitfloodplain-dependent fish and wildlife species. The Big Muddy Refuge is planning to grow to 60,000 acres (240 km2) by buying land from willing sellers who want to see their properties set aside for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of all.
The pre-development Missouri River as documented byLewis and Clark was considerably different from today's river. The historic Missouri was a broad, slow-moving, shallow river with braided channels. These past river conditions created a haven for wildlife, which included vastfloodplain forests of giant trees, marshes, and even wet prairies. Today's river is channelized. It is deeper and faster, and controlled bylevees,dikes, and other containment structures. These controls make the river more navigable and the surroundingfloodplain ideal for agriculture.
The Big Muddy Refuge is allowing the Missouri River to be a river again, to enter its floodplain. This occurs during minor flood events. Management has created side channels, cut down levees, and allowed the floodplain vegetation to return. Currently, in many places the refuge is an impenetrable thicket of young trees and vegetation, but, as the trees grow and the refuge matures, its appearance will change. The process may take decades or even centuries.
This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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