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Welcome to the Central Regional
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Regional MDC Office

Missouri Dept. of Conservation
1907 Hillcrest Dr.
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 884-6861


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:: Central Regional Notices ::

Regional notices listed for the following subjects and areas:

Reform Conservation Area is closed whenever its security level reaches high (orange). The current security level is: security level


Blind Pony Lake is closed for renovation for the next several years. Only Blind Pony Lake itself is closed. The rest of the area, including four small ponds, is open as usual.

Other nearby lakes available for fishing include: Malta Bend Community Lake, Marshall Habilitation Center Lake, Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area near Higginsville, Edwin A. Pape Lake near Concordia, and Lake Wooldridge at Van Meter State Park.

Blind Pony Hatchery is one of six locations in the nation that is hatching the federally endangered pallid sturgeon and the Department of Conservation is taking advantage of federal funds to replace hatchery water supply lines, construct an additional building, and drain and deepen the lake. Blind Pony’s capability to raise other fish for statewide stocking will also be enhanced.


Where to go: Hunting in the Central Region

Central Missouri's numerous public lands range from rich bottomland forests along the Missouri River to scenic rolling hillsides. These diverse habitat areas support an equally diverse amount of wildlife - and abundant hunting opportunities.

Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area in Randolph and Howard Counties is in the process of renovating the trail system. The goals are to increase usability, decrease soil erosion and to increase trail maintenance. Renovations began in early 2006 and will continue over the next few years.

 Special Topics:

Bow Hunting in Columbia, Missouri

The City of Columbia does not prohibit archery hunting on private property via statewide archery regulations. Additionally, The City of Columbia allows archery hunting on selected city park and utility properties. Interested hunters must contact the MDC Central Regional Office at (573) 884-6861 or the Columbia City Managers office at (573) 874-7214 in early August to find out when and where the mandatory hunter orientation meetings will be held. Hunters may not participate on the City-owned properties without first going through one of the hunter orientation meetings offered.

Interactive Fish Habitat Structure Map for Lake of the Ozarks

Find fish habitat structures with GPS coordinates (requires JavaScript; opens in new window)

"Missouri River Country"

Central Missouri has a bounty of fish, forest and wildlife resources available to the public. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages 90 conservation areas totaling 69,800 acres in the region. Fishing opportunities abound in the Central Region. Anglers can choose from numerous ponds, lakes, streams and the Missouri River, which flows 265 miles through the region. Hunters can find upland game, waterfowl and big game in good numbers on many of the conservation areas. Numerous trails are available for hikers or those interested in watching wildlife. School groups, civic organizations and the general public will enjoy a visit to the Runge Conservation Nature Center. Nature exhibits, hiking trails, scheduled programs, movies and a gift shop provide fun and educational opportunities to visitors. Check out the Central Region links for more information on conservation areas and programs.


Events for Friday, May 9 - Sunday, June 8, 2008
Event and Date Location Reserve by:
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, May 9
Little Acorns
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, May 9
Celebrate Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Walk and Talk
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Knox McCrory and Friends
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Little Acorns
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, May 14
Maramec Spring Kids Fishing Day
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Maramec Spring Park
Runge Hiking & Midweek Trekkers Overnight Trip
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Lebanon, Missouri Saturday, May 17
Puppet Show: Where are the Kids?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Story Tree
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Beginning Map and Compass
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, May 20
Little Acorns Plus
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, May 20
Walk and Talk
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Nature's Needlers
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, May 21
Nature's Needlers
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, May 21
Babes in the Woods
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, May 21
Beginning Map and Compass
Friday, May 23, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Thursday, May 22
Babes in the Woods
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, May 23
Naturalist On Call:April Showers Bring May Flowers
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Momentous Monday
Monday, May 26, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Naturalist Walk
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Babes in the Woods
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Monday, May 26
Walk and Talk
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Little Acorns Plus
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, May 28
Voices of MO's Toads and Frogs
Friday, May 30, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Thursday, May 29
Camp F.I.R.E
Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 6, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Sunday, June 1
"Reel" Time with the Kids!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center - Columbia, MO
Family Fishing Fair at Shepherd of the Hills
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Reserve your place for these upcoming events:

Events for Sunday, June 8 - Monday, September 8, 2008
Event and Date Location Reserve by:
Runge Midweek Trekkers - Van Meter State park
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Van Meter State park Tuesday, June 10
Little Acorns
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, June 11
Pond Study
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, June 13
Little Acorns Plus
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, June 13
Nature's Needlers
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, June 18
Babes in the Woods
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Monday, June 16
Little Acorns Plus
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, June 17
Nature's Needlers
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, June 18
Babes in the Woods
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, June 18
Day at the Range And Outdoor Adventure Fair
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Andy Dalton Shooting Range & Outdoor Ed Center Saturday, June 21
Little Acorns
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, June 25
Homeschool: Pond Study
Friday, June 27, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Thursday, June 26
Babes in the Woods
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Runge Conservation Nature Center Friday, June 27
Effective Wingshooting for Hunters - The CONSEP Way
Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24, 2008
Runge CNC and Charles A. Green CA Wednesday, August 20

MDC Programs in your area