Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

Tim Haller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presents on the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

The Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is a refuge with units highlighting habitats along the lower Missouri River. The historic Missouri River - nicknamed Big Muddy - because of its murky, sediment-filled waters, serves as beneficial habitat for many wildlife species. 

The Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Most wildlife found throughout the state of Missouri reside on the refuge. The Missouri river drives the floodplain and aquatic habitat of lesser-known but equally important wildlife that inhabit the refuge. The endangered pallid sturgeon swims in her waters and the refuge plays a vital role in providing shallow water habitat for survival of sturgeon young. Refuge staff work to restore natural floodplain conditions, including bottomland forests and its associated wetlands for the benefit of wildlife, and strive to provide public access to all areas for wildlife dependent recreation including hunting and fishing.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.