The Conservation Department purchased this 4,318 acre area in 1997 to create an urban conservation area. A flood protection levee protects most of the bottom from minor floods. Major floods such as those that occurred in 1993 and 1995 have overtopped this levee and left behind sand deposits and other flood debris. The area will continue to be prone to occasional flooding. The area is currently open to public use.
Access is limited to a single parking lot near the area entrance.
Hiking and biking are permitted on marked trails and service roads throughout the area. A half mile trail that goes north from the parking lot will take area visitors to the Missouri River and a four mile trail that follows a service road through the center of the area will take visitors to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Many other activities such as fishing and regulated hunting are also permitted. For more information please refer to the information and regulations posted at the area or call the St. Louis Regional Office. This conceptual plan is the first major step in initiating development and management of the area.