Contacting the Refuge:
Refuge Manager: Robert Cail
Complex Manager: Dick Steinbach
e-mail: Robert_Cail@fws.gov
1293 Rocky Hollow Road
Rockwood, IL 62280
Phone: 618-763-4420
Fax: 618-763-4424
TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)
Refuge Facts
-
Established: 2000
-
Acres: 4,000
-
The refuge began as a separate division of the Mark Twain NWR
-
Division was established following severe flooding in 1993
-
In 2000, the division was separated to create a new refuge in the Mark Twain NWR complex
-
Most land acquisition has been completed in partnership with the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service with Wetland Reserve Program easements, or with American Land Conservancy
Financial Impact of Complex
-
Two person staff
-
FY 2006 Budget: $166,727
Natural History
-
The Mississippi River is internationally significant as a corridor for the movement of migratory birds, people and cargo
-
The “Middle Miss’” is the only free-flowing portion of the Upper Mississippi River system managed for navigation. Endangered pallid sturgeon are a major management concern in this river reach.
Refuge Objectives
-
Provide food, water and protection for waterfowl and other migratory birds
-
Provide habitat for fish and wildlife
-
Refuge area will restore natural floodplain functions by allowing floodwater connections
-
Reforestation will provide habitat for neotropical bird migration
Highlights
-
The primary management goal for newly acquired floodplain lands on the Middle Mississippi River is to restore habitats lost or degraded as a result of modifications to the floodplain and river. Primary habitat components are floodplain forests, riverine wetlands of various types and riverine aquatic habitat.
-
Sixteen federal, state and nonprofit organizations have formed the Middle Mississippi River Partnership, a collection of state, federal and non-governmental organizations focused on enhancing the Middle Mississippi Corridor.
Priorities
-
Establish new refuge through acquisition of 14,000-acre parcel
-
Establish land management and interagency river restoration program
Public Use Opportunities
-
Hunting and fishing
-
Wildlife observation and photography
