Fish Biologist Andy Starostka and Technician Lee Erickson, of the Columbia FRO provided a Missouri River outing for Cub Scout Troop 708, Den 10. The scouts completed most requirements for the Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop and Pin. 

Scouts learned many important facts about: the Missouri River; the animals, fish and plants it sustains; and impacts of changes made to the river.  We taught them about invasive species, habitat, endangered pallid sturgeon and what is being done to protect them. 

The trip began at Franklin Island Conservation Area near Booneville Missouri and included several units of Big Muddy NFWR to examine the effects flooding has on the River.  The volumes of trash in the flooded waters provided evidence of why it is important to dispose of trash properly.  Scouts scooped up larval fish from a flooded backwater and examined them. Lee Erickson taught them about river navigation; he explained how the depth finder and GPS unit worked.

The Missouri River field trip has been the favorite field trip of this year for Den 10.  “Awesome”, “super cool” and “the BEST trip ever!!” are quotes form the participants. The scouts are still talking about it and want to know when they can go again.