Arthur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area

Arthur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area is in Buchanan County, west of St. Joseph. The Missouri Department of Conservation received an initial donation of 145 acres in 1992. In late 1994, a second donation expanded the area to its current size of 236 acres. The area offers 1.75 miles of Missouri River frontage and a parking lot. The area was cropland until it was transferred to the Conservation Department. It has been allowed to re-vegetate naturally and was planted to supplement the development of a riparian corridor (the area adjacent to the waterway). A healthy riparian corridor helps improve water quality and stabilizes the riverbank. Riparian vegetation slows runoff, reduces erosion, traps sediment, filters pollutants, and provides food and shelter for wildlife. The area is available for a variety of activities. Camping is permitted in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Groups of 10 campers or more must obtain a special use permit. Persons traveling the Missouri River by boat may camp on any suitable site within 100 yards of the river and moor overnight adjacent to camp but outside the navigation channel between April 1 and September 30 Boats may be used for fishing and wildlife-related activities only and may not be stored or left unattended overnight.