Non-motorized boats are permitted on all portions of the Marais des Cygnes River within the Refuge. However access to the River is limited the launch point is on the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Area and the takeout is a non-maintained area at the Stateline Bridge. Check water levels since the River can fluctuate dramatically during the course of teh year. Refuge property boundaries are located at the center of the River. Where sections of the river border private property, only half of the river adjacent to public property is open to public use.
Non-motorized boat usage is also allowed on other bodies of water within the Refuge. Please make sure that your kayak/canoe is clean prior to launching in any bodies of the water so as to not transfer any invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species of mussel into those bodies.