The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. MDC is in the multi-year process of updating management plans for the Dave Rock and Lichen Glade conservation areas in St. Clair County. Plans for the areas will be available for public comment through Aug. 31.
To preview draft management plans and share comments online, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.
The Dave Rock Conservation Area offers 133 acres south of Lowry City. A 44-acre sandstone glade anchors the ecology and is designated as a Missouri natural area. This glade has large sandstone rock outcrops and hosts numerous species of mosses, lichens and plants adapted to dry conditions.
Lichen Glade Conservation Area west of Osceola is also designated as a natural area. Sandstone outcrops are found on the 26-acre area and they host wildflowers, ferns and trees adapted to dry, rocky soil. The area is owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by MDC.
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 state-wide context and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.
LICHENS – Rocky glades are often havens for colorful lichens and mosses, as well as plants, that can survive in dry, rocky conditions. Photo by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation.
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