Lake Sharpe 

D ig D end D am 

50ating and Recreation Guide 

Prime<!, 

2004 

Photo, b\, 

South D"lOl.1 T"",ism ilnd 

U.S. Arml Co. I''' of E,,!(inC('r~ 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers ® 

Omaha District 
Table of Contents 

Welcome 

A personal note (rom the Hig lknd ProjecT Opcr~rions Manager wdeoming rOll to L1kc Sh:1Tj)C. 

General Information 

A listing of general information for Lake Sharpe and the surrounding area. 

Severe Weather Information 

A thorough listing of safeT)' procedures and information in the event of a SC\'cre weather outbreak. 

Water Safety and Reservoir Navigation 

An informative listing of " .. ater safety precautions and a gmphica! representation of the reservoir navigation marker s~tcm. 

Recreation Areas 

An illU5tr:ltivc index map and detailed matrix providing specifics on each of the public recreation facilities. 

Boating and Recreation Guide Maps 

A collection of descriptive reference maps that encompass the entire Big Bend Proj~'£t aTcn. 

I Sheet I 

Ri"t"f Miles: 985.0 fO 997.0/1014.010 1017.0 

Recreation Areas: Counselor Creek, Good SoIl!i<'T, Le[l Tailmcf, Low<'T Bm!e Campgrmm,L Low<'T Bmlf Ramp, 

North Shore, North Shore Beach, Old J-on Thompson, Right TailrCla Clnd Spill"'ClJ Dike 

Page 1 

Page 2 

Page 3 

Page 4 

Page 5 

Pages 6 and 7 

[ Sheet 2 Pages 8 and 9 

Riwr Miles: 998.0!O 1014.0 

Rccrclllion Areas: Jiggs. Narrows, North Bend and West Bend 

I Sheet 3 

Rit·<'T Miles: IOII.O!O 1012 .0/1018.0!O 1030.0 

Recreation Areas; Joe Creek, North Iron Nation and Soufh Iron Nation 

I Sheet 4 

Rit'er Miles: 1027.0!O 1038.0 

Rccrclllion Areas; CedaT Crefk 

I Sheet 5 

Rit·<'T Mile:!: 1039.0!O 1048.0 

Recreation Arel<l; DeGre)' and Fort George 

I Sheet 6 

Rit'er Miles; 1049.0!O 1061.0 

Rccrclllion Arel<l; Antelope Creek, Farm Island, Pil'TTf WIlI<'Tfront and Rousseau Overlook 

I Sheet 7 

Rit'er Miles: 1058.0!O 1072.0 

Recreation Arel1l; Farm hland, Fort Pierre Waterfront, LaFramboi~ hland and I'ierre Waterfront 

Threatened and Endangered Species 

A visual guide introducing you to ways o( protcrting threatened and cndangerc.:l spc.:ies (ound at Big Bend Projcrt. 

Historical Information 

A historical snapshot o( the Lewi,; and Clark Expedition as de:iCribed by certain members within the party. 

Pages 10 and 11 1 

Pages 12 and 13 1 

Pages 14 and 15 1 

Pages 16 and 17 1 

Pages 18 and 19 1 

Page 20 

Page 22 

Page 25 
Emergency and Information Contacts 

DIAL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES! 

or 

CONTACT the County Sheriff's Department 

Brule 

Buffalo 

Hughes 

(605) 734·6511 

(605) 293·3231 

(605) 773·7470 

Hyde 

Lyman 

Stanley 

(605) 852·2513 

(605) 869·2267 

(605) 223·2291 

For further information, please contact: 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers· Big Bend Project 

(605) 245·2255 

http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil 

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe 

(605) 245·2221 

Lower Bru le Sioux Tribe 

(605) 473·5561 

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks 

(605) 773·3485 

http://www.sdgfp.info/lndex.htm 

For maps or information on traveling 

along the Missouri River, please contact: 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Nationwide Campground Reservations 

Toll·free 1·877-444·6777 

Missouri National Recreational River 

(402) 667·2550 

http://www.nps.gov/mnrr/ 

Missouri River Information Cen ter 

Toll·free 1·866·285·3219 

http://www.nwo.usaee.army.mil/htmI/Lake_Proj/infoeenter.htm I 
Welcome! Page 1 

Welcome to Big Bend Dam and Lake Sharpe! Since the completion of Big Bend Dam in July 1964, Lake Sharpe's 

80,000 acres of land and water has provided many benefits, including hydropower production, irrigation, fish and 

wildlife habitat, and many recreational o pportunities. Fantastic walleye fishing is certainly what draws many people 

to this beautiful reservoir in the heart of South Dakota's " Indian Country." 

This Lake Sharpe Boating and Recreation Guide is a comprehensive resource for those who want more detailed 

information than provided by the standard project brochure. Whether you plan to try the fabled walleye fishing, 

or are simply pleasure boating, we hope that this guide assists you in having a better, and safer, time at the lake. 

All Lake Sharpe area activities however, are not on the water. Take time to explore area landmarks and sites to 

learn more about the area's rich Native American culture and history. 

Much of this guide is ded icated to your safety ... water safety, severe weather information, and so fo rth. Remember 

to observe all of these safety reminders, so your visit, and the visits of others, will be much more pleasant and 

enjoyable. 

Please fee l free to contact us if you need any additional information or if we may be of fu rther assistance. 

O perations Manage r 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project 

HC 69, Box 74 

Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325 

(605) 245-2255 

d II-cenwo-bigbend@usace.army. mil 

http://www.nwo.usace.army. mil 

Lake Sharpe; Location and Distance Map 

AKOTA 
General Information Page 2 

• Public use of project land and water is subject to the rules and regulations published in C hapter III, Part 327, 

Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, a copy of which may be obtained at the Big Bend Project Office and/or 

Powerhouse located nea r Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Detailed information regarding recreation areas and 

facil ities may also be obtained from these offices. 

• Don't be a litterbug. Use the refuse cans provided and help keep the areas clean for others who wish to enjoy the 

lake and the recreation fac il ities. Many areas along the lake that are Llsed by the public have no refuse facilities. 

If YOLI plan to visit one of these remote areas, take your refuse with you - if YOLI pack it in, pack it Ollt. 

• The average lake level shown is elevation 1420 mean sea level (ms!). L1ke Sharpe is held at a nearly constant 

elevation of 1420 due to the controlled water releases from L1ke Oahe upstream of Lake Sharpe. The lake level 

may fluctuate up to two feet during the course of a week in order to satisfy peak power generation. 

• Due to fluctuations in lake elevations, submerged hazards may be encountered. Boat operators should exercise 

extreme caution at all times. The downstream Powerplant Tailrace is a water release area from Lake Sharpe and 

is potentially dangerous to boaters. Observe the posted warning signs and follow directions. 

• Motor veh icle use is restricted to developed roads on project land. 

• Access to many undeveloped areas along the lake is limited and trails to these areas may pass through private 

or tribal property. Recreationists must contact adjacent land owners or tribal authorities before crossing private 

land. 

• During adverse weather, possible in all seasons, unsurfaced roads can become impassable and users should listen 

to weather reports and watch the weather to avoid becoming stuck and stranded in a remote area. The rad io 

stations listed below, as well as those farther from the project, periodically give weather information that can be 

helpful to people using the project. These stations also broadcast storm watches and warn ings. A portable radio 

should be included with a recreation ist's equipment. 

Area AM lbdio Stations Area EM Radio Stations 

KOKK 1210 AM Huron, SO 

KlJV 1340 AM Huron, SO 

KORN 1490 AM Mitchell, SO 

KGFX 1060 AM Pierre, SO 

KQKO 1380 AM Redfield, SO 

KMIT 105.9 FM Mitdlell, SO 

KQRN 107.3 FM MildlCll, SO 

KNBZ 97.7 FM Redfield, SO 

KPLO 94.5 FM Reliance, SO 

K\VYR 1260 AM Winner, SO KLXS 95.3 FM. Pierre, SO K\VYR 93.7 FM. Winner, SO 

A continuous local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather forecast is also 

available in the lake area at the fo llowing radio frequencies: 

Huron, SO - 162.550 MHz 

Mitchell, SO - 162.450 MHz 

Philip, SO - 162.450 MHz 

Pierre, SO - 162.400 MHz 

Reliance, SO - 162.425 MHz 

White Rive r, SO - 162.550 MHz 

• Swimming is permitted in the lake except in those areas closed by posting of appropriate signs. Designated sw im~ 

ming beaches are not fully developed and swimming is done at the individual's risk. Adults should supervise ch ild 

swimmers at all times. All swimmers should be mindful of abrupt drop-offs and changing bottom characteristics. 

• Excavati on and removal of archaeological and historica l materials is prohibited by Federal law. 

• Hunting and fish ing is allowed on Lake Sharpe and project land, unless posted otherwise, in accordance with 

the rules and regulations established by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and in some 

instances, the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes. These regulations may change annually, so hunters 

and fishermen are advised to review current regulations before engaging in these forms of recreation. 

• Occupancy of any campsite is li mited to 14 consecutive days. 
Severe Weather Information 

A Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch 

This means conditions are favorable for the development of a severe thund erstorm or a tornado. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning 

This means a severe thunde rstorm has actually formed and is threatening the warned area . In a severe 

thunderstorm YOLI can expect sudden wind reversals, a sharp rise in wind speed, a drop in temperatures, heavy 

rain , hail , and lightning. 

A Tornado Warning 

Page 3 

This means a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar in the warned area and that there is immed iate danger. 

YOLI should seek immediate shelter. 

Here's What To Do When You Hear a Tornado Warning 

• In Motor H omes, Camping Trailers or Mobile Homes: 

Get out immediately and seek the best available shelter. Lie flat in a ditch or ravine and shield your head 

with you r arms. 

• In Your Car or Truck: 

If time permits, move at a right angle to the path of the tornado. O therwise, leave the vehicle and seek 

shelter in a nearby ditch or ravine, und er a bridge, or in a culve rt. 

• Outdoors; 

If outd oors, with no shelter available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or ravine, and shield head with arms. 

• In a Boa t: 

Travel to the closest shore as quickly as possible. Get out of the boat, lie flat in a nearby ravine or valley, 

and shield head with arms. 

• In a Park or Recreation Area; 

Due to the large number of people who visit park areas throughout the summer months, park personnel 

may not be able to issue storm warnings to individuals camping or using the park for the day. Park rangers 

and deputy sheriffs will make every effort to inform visitors of the threatening weather situations. Tune 

your radio or TV to a local station, or your weather radio frequency, to monitor weather conditions if a 

storm seems imminent. 

Recreation areas and state park areas have no designated shelters for use in severe weather. Some protection 

may be afforded by crouching near the central interior walls of restroom and shower buildings made of masonry 

or block construction. 

However, regardless of the size of the park, these structures will not accommodate all visitors. Leaving the park 

area when seve re weather threatens may be advisable, if time permits. Please consult a park ranger for furth er 

options of protection against the threat of severe weather. 

General Tips 

Lightning is a killer. If possible, get inside a large building, and keep away from electrical appliances when the 

storm is overhead. O utdoors, get away from and avoid open water, hilltops, open field s, beaches, isolated trees in 

open areas, wire fences, metal pipes or rails. Get off of, and away from, motorcycles and bicycles. If in a forest, 

seek shelter in a low area und er a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a ravine or valley, but be alert 

for flash floods. If you are hopelessly isolated in a level fi eld of prairie and feel your hair sta nd on end (indicating 

lightn ing is about to strike) drop to knees, and bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat 

on the ground. 

Keep fresh batteries in your flashlight and portable radio at all times during the severe weather season. In addition, 

it is strongly advised that you have your radio tuned to one of the stations previously mentioned under the General 

Informati on section of this guid e. 
Water Safety and Reservoir Navigation Page 4 

Swimming 

• Never swim alone. Exhaustion, cramps or sudd en illness can overcome the best of swimmers. 

• Never swim when overheated. 

• Practice staying afloat with clothes on. Many drownings occur as a result of falling from a boat or steep bank. 

• Small children and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket and be accompanied by good swimmers. 

Skin and Scuba Diving 

• Seek instructions from qualified divers before participating in the sport. 

• Have a current medical checkup. 

• Never dive by yourself. 

Water Skiing 

• Wear a life jacket. 

• Watch the water ahead of YOLI at all times. 

• Have an extra person aboard to watch and assist the skier. 

• Run parallel to shore and come in slowly when landing. Sit down if coming in too fast. 

• Use proper hand signals to signal boat operator. 

• Do not ski at night or in restricted areas. 

Boating 

• Do not overpower or overload your boat. 

• Maintain all requ ired equipment in good working condition. Check state and federal laws. 

• The law requires Coast Guard approved life jackets. Be water wise and wear yours while afloat. 

• If your boat capsizes or swamps, hang onto it. Do not try to swim to shore. 

• Always stay alert for other boats, swimmers, fishermen, water skiers and partially submerged logs. 

• Obey all buoy markers. They are for your personal safety. 

• Fire is a serious boating hazard. Obey all fire safety rules when filling with gasoline. 

• Stay ashore in threatening weather. If you are caught in fou l weather: 

du ce speed and head into waves at a slight angle. Seat passengers on bottom of boat near centerline. 

Make for nearest safe shore and wait the weather out. 

f engine fails, trail a sea anchor from bow. A minnow bucket, pair of pants with legs knotted, piece of 

cloth fashioned as a parachute will work. 

• Equ ip your boat with a first aid kit, including a snakebite kit. 

• Carry ample amounts of gas, enough for your personal needs and to aid others. 

• Always inform another person of your boating intentions ~ where you are going and when you intend to return. 

This will be a possible means of rescue if trouble develops. 

• If you are stranded on shore at night, signal for help by bu ilding a safe fire of driftwood or dead grass. Be sure 

you do not start a prairie fire while doing this. 

General Assistance 

• Further assistance may be obtained by contacting the agencies listed on the final page of this gu ide. 

Reservoir Navigation Marker System 

Approved by the u.s. Coast Guard 

Know and Obey All Buoys and Markers 

All federa l lands at Lake Sharpe are governed by the 

regulations set forth in Title 36, Section 327. Copies 

of the "Rules and Regulations" are available at the 

project office a nd on bulletin boards on federa l la nds. 
Recreation Areas 

Public 

Recreation 

FacUities MANAGING 

AGENCY 

Lake Sharpe - Sheet Index Map 

STANLEY 

JONES LYMAN 

\ 

SOUTH 

DAKOTA 

HUGHES 

HYDE 

Miles 

Page 5 

o Ree Heights 

HAND 
• , 

• 

CROW CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION 

I L---P-----------__ . 

• 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

Counselor Creek: 

44° 01' 58" N 99° 30' 44" W 

Good Soldier: 

44° 02' 05" N 99° 26' 59" W 

Left Tailrace: 

44° 02' 29" N 99° 26' 14" W 

Lower Brule: 

44° 05' 46" N 99° 35' 08" W 

North Shore: 

44° 04' 24" N 99° 30' 10" W 

Old Fort Thompson: 

44° 03' 11" N 99° 26' 12" W 

Right Tailrace: 

44° 02' 12" N 99° 26' 20" W 

Spillway Dike: 

44° 02' 55" N 99° 26' 19" W 

0 River Mile 

c Boat Ramp 

• Lewis and Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

--- U.S. Government Boundary 

- Recreational Boundary 

- Reservation Boundary 

Township and Range 

EZJ .. . .. . . B.IA Administered lands 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 1 of 7 

Qrthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

~----
• 

) , 

CROW CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION • 

, 

,. 

CROW CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION 

Match Line Sheet 3 Match Line Sheet 1 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

North Bend: 

44" 13' 33" N 99041' 01" W 

West Bend: 

44" 10' 25" N 99° 42' 55" W 

0 River Mile 

• Baal Ramp 

• Lewis and Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

U.S. Government Boundary 

Recreational Boundary 

Reservation Boundary 

Township and Range 

[2] B.IA Administered lands 

+ 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 2 of? 

Qrthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

~----
Ma

tch Line Sheet 4 Match Line Sheet 2 

;; 

~ • 

<f) 

• 

c 

::J 

~ 

1;l 

" 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

Joe Creek: 

440 08' 44" N 990 47' 42" W 

North 

Iron Nation (a): 

44

0 06' 17" N 99° 43' 08" W 

South 

Iron Nation (b): 

440 05' 56" N 99° 42' 13" W 

0 River Mile 

c Boat Ramp 

• Lewis and Cla

rk Campsite 

River Channel 

---

U.S. Govemment Boundary 

- Recreational Boundary - Reservation Boundary Township and Range 

EZJ 

B.I.A. Administered Lands 

+ 

Lake Sharpe South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS 

Unit 

Sheet 3 of? 

Orthophoto Year: 1991 -1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

----
Match Line Sheet 5 

Lewis and Claril 

LOWER BRULE INDIAN RESERVATION 

Match Line Sheet 3 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

Cedar Creek: 

440 09' 07" N 990 55' 43" W 

o River Mile 

[] Boat Ramp 

• Lewis and Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

-

-

U.S. Govemment Boundary 

Recreational Boundary 

Reservation Boundary 

Township and Range 

B.I.A. Administered l ands 

+ 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 4 of? 

Orthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

~----
w 

0; 

~ 

~ 

'" ~ 

c 

:0 

jj 

ro 

" 

CROW CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION 

Match Line Sheet 4 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

DeGrey: 

440 16' 37" N 99° 55' 30" W 

Fort George: 

44° 17'47" N 100

0 02'06"W 

0 River Mile 

c Baal Ramp 

• Lewis and Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

--

U.S. Government Boundary 

- Recreational Boundary - Reservation Boundary 

Township and Range 

EZJ 

B.IA Administered lands 

+ 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 5 of? 

Qrthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

~----
Match line Sheet 7 

"' ;; 

~ • 

"' • 

c 

::J 

~ 

" 

• 

" 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

Antelope Creek: 

440 18' 50" N 1000 10' 19" W 

Farm 

Island: 

440 20' 34" N 1000 15' 56" W 

0 River Mile 

c Boat Ramp 

• Lewis and 

Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

--

U.S. Govemment Boundary 

- Recreational Boundary - Reservation Boundary Township and Range 

[]J 

B.I.A. Administered Lands 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 6 of 7 

Orthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 0 

~----

2000 4000 Feet 
Match Line Sheet 6 

US Army Corps 

of Engineers @ 

Omaha District 

Boat Ramp Coordinates 

Down's Marina: 

440 21' 27" N 100020' 26" W 

Farm Island: 

440 20' 34" N 1000 15' 56" W 

o River Mile 

[] Boat Ramp 

• Lewis and Clark Campsite 

River Channel 

-

-

U.S. Govemment Boundary 

Recreational Boundary 

Reservation Boundary 

Township and Range 

B.I.A. Administered l ands 

+ 

Lake Sharpe 

South Dakota 

U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha 

Corps of Engineers Omaha, Nebraska 

Operations/Regulatory GIS Unit 

Sheet 7 of7 

Orthophoto Year: 1991 - 1998 

2000 o 2000 4000 Feet 

~----
Threatened and Endangered Species Page 20 

The Big Bend Project area is home to a number of threatened and endangered species that are protected under 

the End angered Species Act of 1973. What is the Endangered Species Act and why is it needed' When Congress 

authorized the Endangered Species Act they declared that species of IIfish, wildlife, and plants are of aesthetic, 

ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people.!! The purpose 

of the Act is to provide a means whereby endangered species and their ecosystems may be conserved. The intent 

of the Endangered Species Act is not to just list species as endangered or threatened, but rather, to recover the 

population of these species to a point where they can be removed from the list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

administers the law for all inland species and certain marine species. 

What are endangered species? 

The Endangered Species Act states that the Secretary of Interior shall determine species as endangered or 

threatened based on manmade factors affecting their continued existence. 

Endangered: Species listed as endangered are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of 

their range. 

Threatened: Species listed as threatened are species that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable 

future. 

Why save endangered species? 

Many forms of plants and animals are used directly by humans. Medicines derived from plants have a commercial 

value. Scientists continue to find new plants for medi cinal purposes. For example, a tree called the Pacific Yew, 

found in the northwestern United States, is known to have properties that will aid in some cancer treatments. 

Sin ce many species of plants and wildlife are more susceptible to changes in the environment, they will often show 

detrimental effects long before humans. For example, byproducts in the pesticide DDT led to a dramatic decline 

in the numbers of bald eagles by causing a thinning in their eggshells. DDT increases in concentration 

(bi oaccumulates) as it goes up the food chain. Since bald eagles are at the top of the food chain , they were greatly 

affected by this pesticide. 

All organisms store valuable genetic material that once lost, is gone forever. So, we ask you to recognize them, 

respect them, and protect their habitat. Please remember that it is un lawfu l to ki ll , harm, or harass endangered 

speCies. 

The following are threatened and endangered species that may be seen in the Big Bend Project area : 

(Pallid Sturgeon) 

Pallid Sturgeon (Endangered) 

The Pallid Sturgeon is a primitive bottom-dwelling fish whose body is covered with bony plates with sharp scutes 

stretching along its back. This unique fish can be identified by four barbels located at the front of the mouth . 

Of the four barbels, the outside ones are much longer than the inside ba rbels. If an angler catches any type of 

sturgeon , they must immediately release the fish back to the water. 
Threatened and Endangered Species Page 21 

(Bald Eagle) 

P iping P lover (Threatened) 

and 

Interior Least Tern (Endangered) 

The piping plover and interior least 

te rn are summer residents that 

util ize sand bars for nesting and 

raising their young. These small 

birds are extremely sensitive to the 

presence of humans and even the 

smallest d isturbance can easily 

threaten the ir survivaL Therefore, 

during the nesting and brood-rearing 

season, some sandbars and islands 

are posted with signs, which close 

these areas to humans. By 

recognizing and avo iding these rare 

birds and their posted nesting areas, 

we can improve their chances of 

survival. 

Bald Eagle (Threatened) 

While many bald eagles pass through the 

area during the spring and fall migratio ns, 

these raptors may be seen throughout the 

year on Lake Sharpe. These majestic birds 

tend nests and raise you ng throughout the 

spring and summer at sites near the lake 

and river and roost in cottonwoods along 

the river during the winter. Bald eagles are 

very sensitive to human presence. Do not 

approach an active nest as disturbance by 

humans may cause the eagle to abandon the 

nest. Distu rbing an eagle in the winter will 

cause it to waste valuable energy reserves by 

forcing it to fly from the roost. To avoid 

disturbing eagles, do not get any closer than 

300 ya rds un less in a vehicle o r blind. 

I'hOlOgr..ph ""r l.cf{, C~li" u.s. Fish and Wildlife 

(Piping Plover Nest) 

(Interior Least Tern Chick and Nest) 
Historical Information , Page 22 

'\ 

, 

, , 

The Missouri River 

and 

" 

The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration 

e watershed for the Missouri River provides drainage for approximately one--sixth of the United States. 

From the headwaters in Montana to the mouth in Missouri, the "Big Muddy" flows through seven 

states. Its importance to the American economy and its history is unparalleled. 

For ove r 200 years, the United States Army has had very close ties to the Missouri River. After all, Lewis, 

\ Clark and most other explorers on the "Corps of Discovery" were men1bers of the U.S. Army. Over the 

years, the Army has removed snags, protected banks, constructed a navigation channel, built flood control 

\ levees, established fishe ries, preserved cultural reSOLirces, enhanced recreation, built dams, and developed 

wildl ife habitats. The Army's relationship to the Missouri continues through today as the Corps of 

Engineers is the primary steward of the water and land along the most famous waterway in America. 

Beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2006, the Corps of Engineers will be participating with the 

National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council, Native American Tribes and other Federal, State, and 

local governments in the Bicentennial Commemoration of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. The 

Corps of Engineers wants you to enjoy the commemoration and has assembled the following maps to 

assist in your travels along the Missouri River. Whether traveling by car along the Lewis and Clark National 

Historic Trail or by boat on the Missouri River, the Corps of Engineers hopes that you experience some of 

the same feeling of discovery that Lewis and Clark did 200 years ago. 

About the Expedition 

I , 

e origin of this great American advenrures was a product of the visionary intellect of President 

Thomas Jefferson. By the time Jefferson negotiated the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France, 

he had already arranged to send a contingent out to explore this new land. Jefferson gave command of the 

Exped ition to the United States Army. 

, , 

" 

'. 

\ 

W ith Jefferson's instructions, Captain Meriwether Lewis began what was destined to be the most significant 

exploration of the American West. Lewis' journey began in the summer of 1803 when he left Washington, 

D.C. after completing months of preparation and specialized training in medicine, botany, and navigation. 

His first stop was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to obtain the custom designed 55' keelboat. Then, with a 

limited crew, he proceeded down the O h io River to present day Louisville, Kentucky, where his partner and 

co-captain, William Clark, joined him. There the twO captains selected the initial enlisted members of the 

Exped ition before proceeding on to their first winter campsite at Camp Wood, Illinois, near St. Lou is. 

They eventually began their journey up the Missouri River and into the newly acquired Louisiana Territory 

on May 14, 1804, For the next two and a half years, the Expedition traveled the length of the Missouri 

River, crossed the Rocky and Bitterroot Mountains, and followed the Clearwater, Snake, and Columbia 

Rivers to the Pacific Ocean and back again. 

Along the way, Expedition members kept detailed journals of their activities, collected specimens of 

d iscoveries, and charted their progress. They proceeded up against the Missouri's current, rarely making 

more than 12 miles per day, to the Mandan Villages where they spent the winter of 1804-1805. The next 

spring they continued on, joined by French trapper Charbonneau and his young Shoshone wife Sacagawea. 

W ith her assistance they crossed the mountains and proceeded down the Columbia River to the Pacific 

Ocean. After spending the winter of 1805- 1806 on rhe coast, they retraced their route, eventually returning 

to St, Lou is in late September of 1806. 

Courtesy of the Corps of Engineers. Kansas City District; "Lewis & Clark Bicentennial: Lower Missouri Ritler". 

J 
Historical Information , 

Page 23 

, 

---,",-.' --""-...' 

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Pl'qjecfio 

SJu )re lin 

Stage of. 

Dista 

I 

, 

, 

, 

, , 

., 

'. 

, 

" 

The following excerpts, taken from "The Journals of the Lewis & C hrk Expedition"; Vol 3; 

G<lfY M. Moulton , editor; University of Nebraska Press, correspond d irectly to the Lewis and C lark 

campsites labeled on the map sheets within this guide. 

Up the Missouri ... 

Bllff(lk! and Elk on !he Upper Missouri 

by Kllrl Bodmer 

Joslyn An Mllscum, O maha, Ncb a~ka; 

Gift of Enron An FO\lndaTion 

September 21st, Friday, 1804 (Clark) 

September 19th, Wednesday, 1804 (Clmk) 

" ... The boat Clew killed 2 Buffa/ow Swimming the riwr, handsome Counrrey of Plains, 

I saw many trOllS of Buffa/ow & a Gangue of 30 or 40 Elk and other Sca ttering Elk 

&c a find et.cning ... " 

September 20th , Thursday, 1804 (Lewis) 

" ... at the commencement of the big bend observed a dift of black PonH rock which 

resembled Lava tho' on closer examination 1 belietre it to be calcariolls and an 

imperfect species of the French burr· presenred a specimen, it is brownish white, or 

black or yeJ/owish brown ... " 

Here Lewis probably views a weathered zone of the Pi erre shale. 

It is unrelated to volcanic activity, that is, lava. 

" ... last night or reather this morning at half past one oClock the Sand bar on which we 

Camped began to git1e wa)" which alarmed the Serjt on gllard & the noise waked me, I 

got IlP and b)' the light of the moon observed that the Sand was giving away both above 

and belay and wo1l1d Swallow ollr Peroglles in a few minits, ordered all hands on board 

and Pllshed off we had not got to the opposite Shore before pc of ollr Camp feI into the 

rlt'er ... " 

Plains Tipee by Karl Bodmer 

Sandbar Bit'OlWC by Ron [ticker 

September 22 nd, Saturday, 1804 (Clark) 

" ... near the Ilpper part of this Island on its S. Side a Tradeing fan is Situated bllilt of 

Cedar-by a Mr. LOlliselle of St L mis, for the purpose of Tradeing with rhe Teran Bands 

of SOlles abollt this Fort I saw numbers of IndiallS Temporary Lodges, & horse Stables, 

all of them rollnd and to a point at top ... " 

Clark may have seen the frameworks of tipis, "temporary" in the 

sense that they were portable, although the nomad ic Sioux lived 

in them all the time. However, he may have been looking at the 

remains of some sort of brush shelter over wh ich hides or blankets 

could be thrown. 

September 23rd, Sunday, 1804 (Clark) 

" ... Camped on the S. S. in a Wood. Soon after we landed three Soues boys Swam across to us, those boys informed liS that a Band 

of Sieux called (he Tetons of 80 Lodges wer Camped near the mouth of the next Rit'er, and 60 Lodges more a Shon distance above 

(hem, (hey had (hat day Set the praries on fire to let those Camps Know of our aPlrroach- we gat'e those boys t\l'O twim of Tobacco 

to carry to (heir Chiefs & Warriors to Smoke, with derections to tell them that we wished to Speak to them tomorrow, at the mOHth 

of (he next ritrer ... " 
Historical Information , 

\ 

September 24th, Monday, 1804 (Clark) 

" ... Came too off the Mouth of a Small rit'eT, TIu Teton of the bumt uroods is Cam/)cd 2 Miles up 

this river, this river we Call Teton is 70 Yds wide and corns in on the S W Side·' went on Shore 

and Smoked with a Chief, Called Buffa/ow Medison, who Came to See us here. The Chief Said 

he Knew nothing of the horse &c &. 1 informed them ure U'ou/J fc]a!! the grand Chiefs in Council 

tomorrow, all continued on board all night .. " 

September 25th, Tuesday, 1804 (Clark) 

", .. all well, raised a Flag Staff & made a oming OT Shade 011 a Sand bar in the mouth of Teton 

Ril'tr for the /mrpose of Specking with the Indians IIllder, the Boat Crew 011 board at 70 )'(lrds 

" 

C hi ef Buffalow Medison 

Distance from the bar The 5 Indians which we met Inst night Continued, about 11 oC/ock the J s & 2d Chief Came we gat'e them 

Some of our Protlisions to eat, they gaw us great qutlntites of meet Some of which was SjJOiled we feel much at a loss fO'r the want of 

an interpeter the one we luwe can Speek but little. ... " 

September 26th, Wednesday, 1804 (Clark) 

"". Ca/Jt. Lewis & 5 men \{lent on Shnre with the Chiefs, who a/Jpeared 

desposed to makeup & be friendly, after Capt. Lewis had been on Shore 

about 3 hours I came uneasy for fear of Some Deception & sent a Serjent 

to See him and know his treatment which he reported friendly, & thy were 

prepareing for a Dance this evening .... " 

\ September 27th, Thursday, 1804 (Clark) 

, 

, , 

" ... the chiefs Continued aI/night with us- This atlarm I as itlell as Caprn. Lewis Considered as {he Signal of their intentions (which 

was to Stop our proceeding on our journey and if Possible rob us) we were on our Guard all night... " 

I " The following excerpts are taken from "The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition"; Vol 8; 

, , 

" 

'. 

\ 

Gary M. Moulton, editor; University of Nebraska Press 

Down the Missouri ... 

August 26th, Tuesday, 1806 (Clark) 

" ... we landed a Louise/Is fort on Cedar Island, this fort is entire and e1,'ery part apears to be in the Same state it was when we 

passed it in Sept. 1804 ... " 

August 27th, Wednesday, 1806 (Clark) 

" ... at I PM we halted in the big bend and 

exhosted .. ," 

/ 

killed a fat buck elk near the ritrer , which was very timely as our meat was entirely 

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