Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge - Annada, Missouri - National Public Lands Passport Locations on Waymarking.com

The Clarence Cannon Refuge - named for Clarence Cannon, a former Missouri congressman - is also the headquarters for the Great River NWR. The area was formerly part of an agricultural levee district, and all but a few hundred acres is encompassed by a levee. This NWR covering 3,750 acres of Mississippi River floodplain, was established to provide a feeding and resting area for migratory birds.

Over 2000 acres of this refuge are managed for wetland plant production. In addition to water control, the wetland management units are disced, burned, mowed and cropped to maintain a diversity of plants which provide excellent forage for migratory shorebirds, marsh birds and waterfowl. Over 400 acres on Clarence Cannon NWR are annually cropped by cooperative farmers. Corn, soybeans, winter wheat and clover are rotated through the crop fields and wetland management units to maintain diversity. The hardwood trees were severely impacted by the prolonged 1993 flooding. Over 80% of the pin oaks and hickories died, but some natural regeneration is occurring. Approximately 450 acres of bottomland forest remains.

Following the 1993 flood, an 800-foot spillway was cut into the Mississippi River levee on the southeast side of the refuge. The construction allows flood waters to enter the refuge more frequently. The spillway has provided increased connectivity to the river and temporary floodwater storage, which may help reduce downstream flooding on private lands.

The refuge has many visitors who come to observe over 200 species of migratory birds, including bald eagles, waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. Many birds also nest on the refuge including the king rail (a Missouri state endangered species) and a pair of bald eagles.

A managed deer hunt is conducted annually at Clarence Cannon. Fishing by boat is permitted in Bryant's Creek along the southern refuge boundary. Portions of the refuge are seasonally closed to public entry based on peak waterfowl migrations. Cuivre River State Park, located south of Clarence Cannon NWR, offers a variety of outdoor opportunities including hiking and camping.

* Information quoted from the National Wildlife Refuge webpage: (visit link)

Address: Great River National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 88 Annada, MO 63330 Phone: (573) 847-2333 Corresponding Waymark: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Photograph of the area preferably from a new angle to show something new. Pictures can include interaction, as that is encouraged, but should be done so with the thought of inspiring further visitation of the area. No GPSr Pictures, unless there is something significant to show about the coordinates. If the stamp changes or you have a better picture of the stamp, please add that as well.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.