Howell Island Conservation Area

{{Short description|Protected land in Missouri, U.S.}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox protected area | name = Howell Island Conservation Area | iucn_category = IV | image = | image_caption = | map = Missouri | map_caption = | coordinates = {{coord|38.663|-90.709|display=inline, title}} | location = Boone Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, USA | nearest_city = Chesterfield, MO | area = {{convert|2547|acres|km2|1}} | established = 1978 | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = Missouri Department of Conservation | url = [https://web.archive.org/web/20130317001648/http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=7808 Official website] }}

'''Howell Island Conservation Area''' protected area covering {{convert|2547|acre|km2}} and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation on Howell Island located in the Missouri River in Boone Township, St. Charles County, Missouri, although the MDOC land surrounding the parking area is in St. Louis County. The island is bounded by the Missouri River on the north side and Centaur Chute to the south. The island is mostly forested in bottomland trees such as sycamore and cottonwood.<ref name=MDC>{{cite web |title=Howell Island Conservation Area |publisher=Missouri Department of Conservation |url=http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=7808 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317001648/http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=7808 |archivedate=March 17, 2013 }}</ref>

== History == The island was named for either Thomas or John Howell, who were early settlers in the area.<ref name=UM>{{cite web |url=http://whmc.umsystem.edu/exhibits/ramsay/ramsay_saint_charles.html |last=Harrison |first=Eugenia L. |title=Place Names Of Four River Counties In Eastern Missouri |publisher=University of Missouri-Columbia |date=1943 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925103522/http://whmc.umsystem.edu/exhibits/ramsay/ramsay_saint_charles.html |archivedate=2010-09-25 }}</ref> The island was purchased by the Department of Conservation in 1978.<ref name=MDC/> The island was submerged during the Great Flood of 1993.<ref name=GF>{{cite web |url=http://www.missourigameandfish.com/hunting/bowhunting-hunting/MO_0806_01/index1.html |title=Game and Fish Magazine |publisher=Missouri Game and Fish |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106234203/http://www.missourigameandfish.com/hunting/bowhunting-hunting/MO_0806_01/index1.html |archivedate=2009-01-06 }}</ref>

== Geography == This is a low lying, tree-covered island in the Missouri River. When the river is about {{convert|16|ft|m}} at the St. Charles gauge (about 17.8 miles downstream), the Centaur causeway, which provides land access, is flooded. The island is covered by {{convert|2336|acre|ha}} of forest and woodland, {{convert|94|acre|ha}} of old fields, and {{convert|117|acre|ha}} of crop lands.<ref name=MDC/>

== Recreation == The area provides a limited amount of recreational activities. Camping is permitted by boaters who are traveling the Missouri River between April 1 and September 30, so long as they camp within {{convert|100|yd|m}} of the river. There is an {{convert|8.0|mi|km|adj=on}} multi-use trail on the island open to hiking and biking. Horses are not permitted on the island.<ref name=MDC/>

===Hunting and fishing === Fishing is permitted in the Missouri River, which borders the north side of the island for {{convert|5|mi|km}}, as well as the Centaur Chute. Hunting is permitted during hunting season provided that regulations are followed. Deer hunting is permitted by archery only.<ref name=MDC/>

== References == {{reflist}}

Category:Conservation Areas of Missouri Category:River islands of Missouri Category:Islands of the Missouri River Category:Protected areas established in 1978 Category:Protected areas of St. Charles County, Missouri Category:Landforms of St. Charles County, Missouri Category:Protected areas on the Missouri River