Upper Mississippi River System, Environment Management Program, Definite ProjectReport with Integrated Environmental Assessment (R-8). Bay Island, Missouri Rehabilitation and Enhancement. Pool 22, Mississippi River Miles 311 through 312, Marion County, Mi

摘要

The Bay Island complex, encompassing approximately 650 acres of aquatic, wetland,and terrestrial habitat, is located on the Missouri side of the navigation channel between river miles (RM) 311 and 312, approximately 1 mile north of the city of Hannibal (see plate 2). The quality, extent, and diversity of this area's wetland habitat is rapidly decreasing. The migratory waterfowl and other wetland species which currently depend upon and utilize this habitat type for resting and feeding, as well as reproduction and brooding, are being adversely affected by its declining availability. Pool 22 and its environs currently lack sufficient wetland habitat to maintain the levels of waterfowl, shorebird, and furbearer use previously experienced in this area. Prior to establishment of the extensive system of agricultural drainage districts adjacent to this pool, prime forested wetlands were readily available throughout the area during annual migrations. Recognition of an ongoing loss of quality wetlands along this reach of the river prompted the development of the Bay Island project for waterfowl habitat enhancement. (jes)