Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area - St. James, Missouri
Posted by: BruceS
N 37° 56.947 W 091° 30.427
15S E 631165 N 4201220
Large conservation area with access to Meramec River on Mo Hwy 8 between Steelville and St. James.
Waymark Code: WM3TY7
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 05/18/2008
Views: 94
From the area brochure:
"Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area, located off Highway 8, near St.
James, is one of the most beautiful state-owned properties in Missouri. The area
consists of 5,600 acres in Crawford and Phelps counties. The Maramec River and
Dry Fork Creek and their tributaries have cut scenic valleys through the area's
rugged Ozark hills. The area was purchased in 1971 with funds from the
Conservation Department, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, and the James H.
Woods Foundation. Fishing opportunities abound at Woodson K. Woods. Rainbow and
brown trout lurk in the cool waters of the Maramec River and bluegill, catfish,
largemouth bass and other warm-water species can be caught from the slow, murky
waters of Dry Fork Creek. Access to the Maramec is at Highway 8; the next public
access is at Scotts Ford, located 9 miles downstream. Deer, turkey, squirrel,
rabbit, quail, great blue herons, eagles, ruffed grouse and many other wildlife
species frequent the area, 80% of which is forested. The forest is managed to
provide food, cover, and water for wildlife and to maintain a healthy forest.
Much of the history of Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area is tied
directly to the Maramec Spring Ironwork. The area borders the James Foundation
Maramec Spring Park, which houses the relics of a once-thriving community of
Shawnee Indians. Those Native Americans collected hematite, a red-colored iron
ore, for cosmetics, ornaments and trade. In the early 1800s, European settlers
started mining the iron ore, cutting away much of the timber around Maramec
Spring to fuel the smelters."
The coordinates given above are for the Meramec River Access.
Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 5,600 acres
Is there a trail system?: No
If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: No established trail system however there are several interior roads and trails which are closed to vehicle traffic which are great for hiking.
What points of interest are there?: Meramec River
Hardwood Forests
What activities are available?: Bicycling
Fishing
Canoing
Hiking
Hunting
List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Wooded area in Ozarks, will have a variety hazards including snakes, cliffs, assorted bugs and poison ivy.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: No
Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]
Hours of accessibility?: Not listed
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed
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Visit Instructions: Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
Recent Visits/Logs:
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