NEVADA, MO. — The Missouri Department of Conservation continues to plan for the renovation of the wetland management pools and water control structures at the Schell-Osage Conservation Area.
This project will improve the wetlands for waterfowl habitat, improve the fishery at Schell Lake and reduce long-term flood damage. The initial start date is not yet set, but all or portions of the waterfowl hunting areas will be closed for several seasons once construction begins.
Schell-Osage is a popular waterfowl destination for hunters from Missouri and northern Arkansas. Upland fields and forests will remain open to hunting.
The department for several years has studied longterm challenges for wetland management at Schell-Osage. The department in 2004 kicked off a Golden Anniversary Wetlands Initiative to make improvements on the state’s five oldest wetland management areas. Schell-Osage is the last wetland on the list to receive renovations.
Hunters can follow plans and work progress via a web page that will be periodically updated by MDC staff. Also, those interested in the project can sign up for updates via email by visiting https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z5C.