New electronic entrance gate at MDC’s Columbia Bottom Conservation Area to become active Dec. 13

SPANISH LAKE, Mo.— The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has installed a new electronic gate system at the entrance of Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake. The gate will be operational starting Dec. 13.

The new security gate will operate by an electronic timer system and open automatically during the conservation area’s hours of operation, which are a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. Visitors will need to make certain they have left the area prior to the automatic gate closing, approximately 30 minutes after sunset. Area users who access the Missouri River via the boat ramp will also have to leave the area before the gate closes.

The new gate system will also enhance security on the area when it is closed, accompanied by ongoing patrols of the area by conservation agents.

Access to the boat ramp on the Missouri River has been restored via the southern loop gravel road. Portions of the area were severely damaged by flooding over the summer. Visitors should note that some roads, trails, and parking lots are still closed while MDC evaluates the feasibility of making repairs to the affected infrastructure.

MDC purchased this 4,318-acre tract in 1997 to create an urban conservation area. The area has more than 6.5 miles of river frontage, about 800 acres of bottomland forest and a 110-acre island.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at 801 Strodtman Road in north St. Louis County. The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.