The area was acquired by purchase under authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge protects essential habitat for the Ozark cavefish, gray bat and other unique species associated with Turnback Creek Cave. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Our PurposeĮvery national wildlife refuge national wildlife refugeĪ national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Visitors to Neosho National Fish Hatchery may have an opportunity to view a video image of this elusive species.įor more information call Mingo National Wildlife Refuge at 57. Both areas are closed to public access but there is an underwater camera installed at Hearell Springs. It is adjacent to Neosho National Fish Hatchery. This parcel also contains a population of Ozark cavefish. Another 1.3-acre parcel of the refuge is located along the Hearrell Spring in Neosho, Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages the 208 acre Paris Springs Access, which is adjacent to Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge. Turnback Creek Cave Spring is located on this property and is the outlet of an underground stream known to contain a population of the threatened Ozark cavefish. The 40 acre refuge was acquired to protect a federally threatened species, the Ozark cavefish. Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1991 and is managed by the staff at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.

Mingo national wildlife refuge