Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest is a United States Forest Service forest located in the Ozark Plateau region of southern Missouri. The forest is named after the famous American author Mark Twain, who was born in Hannibal, Missouri, and is known for its diverse landscape, which includes rivers, lakes, and mountains. The forest is situated near several notable cities, including Springfield, Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear. The forest is also close to several notable National Park Service sites, including Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site and Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.

Geography

The forest covers an area of approximately 750,000 acres, making it one of the largest forests in the United States. The terrain is characterized by hills, valleys, and caves, with several notable rivers and streams, including the Current River, Jack's Fork, and Eleven Point River. The forest is situated near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which is a National Park Service protected area, and is also close to several notable lakes, including Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake. The forest's diverse landscape is also home to several notable mountains, including Taum Sauk Mountain and Bell Mountain, which are part of the St. Francois Mountains range.

History

The forest has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mississippian culture period. The forest was also home to several Native American tribes, including the Osage Nation and the Quapaw Nation. The forest was established on September 11, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was named after the famous American author Mark Twain, who was born in Hannibal, Missouri. The forest is also close to several notable historical sites, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri.

Ecology

The forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several notable tree species, such as oak, hickory, and pine. The forest is also home to several notable wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear. The forest's diverse landscape is also home to several notable ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The forest is close to several notable conservation areas, including the Ozark National Wildlife Refuge and the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, which are managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Recreation

The forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forest has several notable trails, including the Ozark Trail and the Mark Twain National Forest Trail, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The forest is also home to several notable lakes and rivers, including Lake Taneycomo and the Current River, which offer opportunities for boating and fishing. The forest is close to several notable tourist attractions, including the Silver Dollar City theme park and the Branson, Missouri entertainment district.

Management

The forest is managed by the United States Forest Service, which is responsible for maintaining the forest's diverse landscape and ensuring the sustainability of its natural resources. The forest is also managed in cooperation with several other federal agencies, including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. The forest has several notable management plans, including the Mark Twain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, which outlines the forest's management goals and objectives. The forest is also subject to several notable laws and regulations, including the National Forest Management Act and the Endangered Species Act, which are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of the Interior.

Category:Protected areas of Missouri