MDC seeks public input on Atlanta Conservation Area and Long Branch Lake Management Lands in Macon County

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Northeast
Published Date
06/03/2019
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ATLANTA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is in the multi-year process of updating Conservation Area Management Plans and is seeking public input on how conservation areas are important to Missourians.  A draft management plan for MDC’s Atlanta Conservation Area and Long Branch Lake Management Lands is available for public review through June 30. To preview this draft management plan and share comments online, visit mdc.mo.gov/areaplans

Atlanta Conservation Area and Long Branch Lake Management Lands include 4,809 acres in Macon County. Long Branch Lake Management Lands are leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by MDC. MDC owns Atlanta Conservation Area manages both properties to provide diverse habitat for fish and wildlife species; to protect soil, water quality, and Missouri species of conservation concern; to demonstrate sound forestry practices; and to provide recreational and educational opportunities for Missouri citizens. These areas provide seven fishing ponds (11 acres in total), eight wildlife watering holes, four wetland pools with levees, one gravel boat ramp, one rifle/pistol range, one privy, and 11 primitive campsites for public use and enjoyment.

Statewide, MDC conservation areas cover almost one million public acres for the purpose of restoring and conserving forest, fish, and wildlife resources, and for providing opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Most Missourians are within a 30-minute drive of an MDC conservation area.

Conservation Area Management Plans focus on natural resource management and public use on conservation areas. The plans do not address regulations on hunting, fishing, and other area uses, which are set by the Conservation Commission and enforced under the Wildlife Code of Missouri. MDC will consider all ideas received and will work to balance the issues and interests identified with the responsibility of managing areas for the present and future benefits to forest, fish, wildlife, and people. Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how to best incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional, and statewide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.