Recently the U.S. Forest Service Salem Office authorized the removal of a beaver dam at Blair Creek raised fen in northern Shannon County. The deep muck fen has been in the Missouri Natural Areas system since 1985, protecting the only known raised muck fen in the state. A raised fen is one where groundwater pressure keeps the soil perpetually moist and inflated above the normal land surface. Recently, beavers backflooded the fen, threatening rare and relict plant species found few other places in the state.
In addition to removing the beaver dam, the USFS intends to improve open woodland habitat near by and protect the fen from ORVs and wild hogs. Prescribed burning and other management tools will be used to improve both plant and animal habitat.