Oak Tree Species

Endangered species takes over section of floodway

The Birds Point New Madrid Floodway is living up to its name. Birds are taking over part of it near Big Oak Tree State Park.

"It's prime farm ground, just have sand about 4-5 foot deep," said Milus Wallace-Mississippi County Farmer. Milus Wallace owns land inside the floodway near Dorena.

He's able to start farming again in some areas, but definitely not in one spot.

"They're nesting on probably 30 acres," said Wallace. 

Interior Least Terns are taking over. They're nesting on what's now a sandbar brought in from the Mississippi River after the Corps of Engineers blasted the levee in late April.

"This is a refugee of the flooding," said Bob Gillespie-Natural History Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

When the Corps activated the floodway, it certainly affected wildlife. Many were stranded with little to nothing to eat.

Conservation agents brought in food. Now that the water is down, there's a new concern.

"They used to utilize sandbar islands which were much more prevalent on the historical Mississippi River," said Gillespie. 

Habitat is already a problem for the Interior Least Tern.

"When we have a major flood event like this Spring they have no choice but to move inland," said Gillespie. 

Farmer Milus Wallace says he's counted about 50 terns, and found about 21 nests.

The nesting ground is visibly protected with yellow signs.

"They're federally endangered which means they are protected under the endangered species act, and also are state endangered," said Gillespie. 

Now it's just a waiting game.

"We're looking at another 40 days before we can do anything with the piece of land," said Milus Wallace. 

Wallace doesn't mind though because he too understands first hand what it's like to be displaced by flooding.

"I lost everything," said Wallace.

To prevent any more stress on wildlife, conservationist will do what they can to protect this species.

"It's just a sign of devastation and a change in our landscape," said Gillespie. "It shows what a flood can do to things."

The Interior Least Terns are positioned right outside Big Oak Tree State Park. It's not easy to get to, but bird watchers with a good spotting scope should be able to catch a glimpse of the birds from the road.

Almanac Online : Guest opinion: 'Granny' oak worthy of saving

A 2008 McClenahan arborist's report noted her condition to have "good vigor with normal shoot growth." A few old holes indicate possible nesting places for species such as the Acorn Woodpecker, a cavity nester. She provides safe nesting sites, food, and refuge for mammals and a myriad of bird species. On any early morning or evening one can see birds flying in and out of the tree. How old is 300 years? The Pilgrims had arrived on our eastern shores only 80 or so years prior to when, as an infant, Granny sent her new tap roots deep into the soil. In her youth, at the age of almost 100 years, this country had a new president, and the Bill of Rights was adopted. California was admitted into The Union and gold was discovered when she was a mere 150 years old. McClenahan Tree Service has suggested three workable options in order to save "Granny" and at the same time build the water system. With all the expertise and ingenuity in our area, I am sure we can preserve this magnificent specimen so that future generations will recall that people of today, living in difficult economic times, were willing to put the money and effort into saving this precious resource. Additionally, preservation gives the Water System Improvement Program of the SFPUC a great opportunity to set a precedent, proving they are responsible stewards of our environment. Posting an item on Town Square is simple and requires no registration! Just complete this form and hit "submit" and your topic will appear online. Please be respectful and truthful in your postings so Town Square will continue to be a thoughtful gathering place for sharing community information and opinion. All postings are subject to our TERMS OF USE , and may be deleted if deemed inappropriate by our staff
 
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