MISSOURI—Thanks to the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, nearly 6,000 acres of forestland in the Missouri Ozarks are permanently protected, ensuring the ecosystem and recreation will continue to thrive.

On April 4, the Missouri Department of Conservation held a dedication ceremony for the new Don C. Bedell Management Unit of the Peck Ranch Conservation Area, the land purchased by MDC last fall through the Forest Legacy Program. The property is adjacent to 2.5 miles of the Current River, one of the most biologically significant rivers in the Midwest. The property supports numerous unusual animal species, such as the federally endangered Ozark hellbender, and is in the center of Missouri’s 220,000-acre elk restoration zone.

Thanks in part to extensive ecological restoration work conducted by the previous landowners, The Nature Conservancy, the property boasts some of Missouri’s highest quality forestland with more than 830 plant species documented on the property. The property is also the site of a long term, landscape-scale study conducted by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with MDC, called the Chilton Creek Fire Study, which researches the benefits and impacts of prescribed fire in Ozark forest systems.

According to Missouri State Forester Justine Gartner, “The addition of this tract to the lands held in public trust by the Missouri Department of Conservation marks an enormous accomplishment made possible through partnership with both The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program. The incredible diversity of plants and wildlife found throughout the area combined with scenic streams, rugged hills and healthy natural communities create an area that will be a joy for all to explore.”

The permanent conservation of the Don C. Bedell Unit through the Forest Legacy Program also supports the local economy. The sustainable sourcing of raw forest materials from this and surrounding properties support nearly 300 jobs in the 87 sawmills located within 30 miles of the property. As one of Missouri’s most popular outdoor recreation streams, it’s estimated that the adjacent Current River draws 1.3 million visits each year, supporting the vibrant outdoor recreation economy of the region.

“Our nation’s forests provide immeasurable social, economic and environmental benefits that are lost when forestland is converted to non-forest uses. The Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program directly supports our partners in pursuing mutual forest conservation objectives for the benefit of future generations,” said Gina Owens, regional forester for the Eastern Region.

To protect the wide array of conservation values and public benefits derived from the property, the Don C. Bedell Unit will be open to the public and managed by MDC for multiple uses under certification through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Don C. Bedell, the new management unit’s namesake, served two six-year terms on the Missouri Conservation Commission and was recognized during Tuesday’s dedication ceremony for his commitment to conservation in Missouri.

The Forest Legacy Program is administered by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with designated state agencies to encourage the protection of privately-owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. It is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide public recreation opportunities.