Howell Island Conservation Area protected area covering and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation on Howell Island located in the Missouri River in Boone Township,

St. Charles County, Missouri St. Charles County is in the central eastern part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 405,262, making it Missouri's third-most populous county. Its county seat is St. Charles. The county was organized Octo ...

, 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.

History

The island was named for either Thomas or John Howell, who were early settlers in the area. The island was purchased by the Department of Conservation in 1978. The island was submerged during the Great Flood of 1993.

Geography

This is a low lying, tree-covered island in the Missouri River. When the river is about at the St. Charles gauge (about 17.8 miles downstream), the Centaur

causeway A causeway is a track, road or railway on the upper point of an embankment across "a low, or wet place, or piece of water". It can be constructed of earth, masonry, wood, or concrete. One of the earliest known wooden causeways is the Sweet Tra ...

, which provides land access, is flooded. The island is covered by of forest and woodland, of old fields, and of crop lands.

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 of the river. There is an multi-use trail on the island open to hiking and biking. Horses are not permitted on the island.

Hunting and fishing

Fishing is permitted in the Missouri River, which borders the north side of the island for , as well as the Centaur Chute. Hunting is permitted during hunting season provided that regulations are followed. Deer hunting is permitted by archery only.

References

Conservation Areas of Missouri River islands of Missouri Islands of the Missouri River Protected areas established in 1978 Protected areas of St. Charles County, Missouri Landforms of St. Charles County, Missouri {{Missouri-protected-area-stub