Long Island Division was established in 1958 as one of the original Mark Twain NWR units. This division is located six miles north of Quincy, IL, in Pool 21. This 6,300 acre division is comprised of a complex of islands and floodplain. Major islands include Barnes, Shandrew, Flannigan, Long and LaGrange. Wildlife habitat consists of 4,670+ acres of bottomland forest, with lakes, sloughs and ponds making up an additional 600 acres. While extensive tree mortality occurred due the flood of 1993, this tract of mature bottomland forest is still the largest contiguous acreage of its type south of Rock Island, IL. The size and diversity of trees makes this area unique along this portion of the upper Mississippi River.
The last 160 acres of cropland remaining on this division are being converted to forest, following a reduction in the agricultural program over the past several years. The agricultural fields in the Bear Creek unit (124 acres) were abandoned following the 1993 flood and are in the process of natural regeneration - converting back to a floodplain forest.
Sedimentation in chutes and channels has greatly reduced depths and limited boat travel. Much of the sedimentation is due to training and closing structures needed for navigation. The quality of fishing within the complex has greatly declined due to sedimentation. A restoration project has enhanced deeper waters for fish habitat by partially dredging, then closing off one side chute to reduce sedimentation.
The Long Island Division is open to the public year round with many hunting and fishing opportunities. The Corps of Engineers manages two access areas near the Long Island Division: Canton Chute Public Access Area, which includes a boat launch; and Bear Creek Public Use Area, equipped with a boat launch and primitive campground.
Regulations
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