Intermittent Refuge Closures for Feral Hog Control

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection and Health Service (APHIS) will be conducting a multiple-day aerial operation to control feral hogs on Mingo National Wildlife Refuge between February 9 and February 13, 2021. This management action will involve a helicopter flying over the refuge with APHIS personnel targeting and shooting feral hogs. For public safety, the entire refuge will be closed to public entry intermittently, with all roads entering the refuge closed. This closure includes all access to the refuge including vehicle, foot, bicycle, and horseback.

The refuge will be closed for periods over the five days; however, because of numerous circumstances (weather conditions, etc.), the actual closure date(s) have not yet been determined. If planning to visit Mingo National Wildlife Refuge February 9-13, 2021, please check here for updates on this activity. You can also call the refuge office at 573-222-3589 to get updates on the timing of the closure(s).   

Ozark Highlands Auto Tour

The Ozark Highlands Auto Tour is closed for the winter December-February. A portion of the road from May Pond to the Monopoly Marsh overlook remains open through the winter and is accessible from Highway Z at County Rd. 518. The Auto Tour will reopen March 1, 2021.

Operations Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is following federal, state, and local public health authority guidance to implement a phased approach to increase public access to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. Based on this guidance and in accordance with the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is beginning to safely increase access. As of 12/11/2020, access to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is as follows:

Open:

• Refuge lands including trails (½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset-see maps for closed sanctuary areas)
• Boardwalk nature trail loop (Bridge at Ditch 11 is temporarily closed)
• Roads including Bluff Road, Red Mill Drive, and Flatbanks Road
• Pit toilets located around the refuge

Closed: 

• Visitor Center and exterior restrooms
• Ozark Highlands Auto Tour (normal winter closure December-February)
• Fee collection is currently waived for all refuge activities
• Trash cans are unavailable – please pack out your trash and Leave No Trace

We are excited to welcome you back but do ask that you follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Staff are working to maintain clean, safe, and healthy facilities in accordance with federal, state and local guidance.

Please visit this site for updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!

CDC Guidance for Recreating in Outdoor Spaces
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Please call the office at 573-222-3589 between 8:30-4:00 Monday-Friday with questions.  

Updated 1/22/21