Columbia Bottom Conservation Area closes due to flooding; World Migratory Bird event is still on this Sunday

SPANISH LAKE, Mo. — Due to flooding from high river levels, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake is temporarily closed. The International Migratory Bird Day scheduled for this Sunday, May 5, from noon to 4 p.m. will still occur however. All activities for the event will be moved inside the visitor center and to the area immediately surrounding it. This portion is on higher ground and safe from flooding.

Portions of Riverview Drive leading to the Columbia Bottom will also likely be flooded. To avoid this section, visitors should take the Bellefontaine Road exit from I-270, then turn right (east) onto Larimore Road and proceed to Riverview Drive. Once on Riverview, turn left to get to the area.

Columbia Bottom is an important stopover point for migrating birds of all sorts, so it’s a special place to celebrate these amazing feats of mass movement. Fun and educational activities from multiple partners will help visitors discover why this area is so important for migratory birds, as well as ways they can help, too. The special International Migratory Bird Day event at Columbia Bottom is free and open to all ages, with no reservations necessary.

International Migratory Bird Day itself is officially May 11. It celebrates bird migration in America, and is also observed in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Except for the visitor center, Columbia Bottom will remain closed until flood waters recede and MDC staff can make area safe for visitors. All roads, trails, and boat ramp will be inaccessible until further notice. For the latest updates on the area’s status, go to http://bit.ly/2J7i6hE