Schell Osage Wetland Renovations To Begin This June

Schell City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation is taking the first steps toward a major renovation of wetlands, levees, and Schell Lake at the Schell-Osage Conservation Area.

On May 25, 2018 the Conservation Commission approved MDC’s budget for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes funds to begin the Schell-Osage renovation. In preparation of funded construction work, Schell Lake will begin to be drained June 1.

A fish salvage is authorized during June. Most of the fish in the lake are expected to be released into the Osage River. But some fish may be stranded in pools of standing water. The emergency fish salvage order will allow anglers to use both regular and alternative methods to harvest fish. Anglers must still abide by other statewide regulations including daily and possession creel limits.

All boating will be prohibited beginning June 1, 2018 on Schell Lake. Fishing of any kind will be prohibited at the lake starting July 1 until lake renovation and fish population stockings are completed. All or portions of the wetlands, including waterfowl hunting areas, will be closed once construction begins, until completion of the project.

Some work on tree clearing and other site preparations will occur this fall. All or portions of the wetlands, including waterfowl hunting areas, will be closed once construction begins, until completion of the project. The upland areas, Atkinson Lake, and ponds at Schell-Osage will remain open to normal birding, hiking, hunting, and fishing activities during the project.