Emerald Ash Border - The Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( USDA APHIS) team have been working together to combat and stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) since it was first discovered in the lake area in 2008.. The EAB only consume ash trees and live out their entire life cycle within this species. The timber program will reduce the overall ash tree population in Wappapello Forests, by reducing the number of ash trees in our forests we can help fight the spread of the EAB.   

Feral hogs are an invasive species, brought here illegally and have no benefit for Missouri wildlife or the landscape.  The Corps, MDC, USDA APHIS, and the USFS have been working together to formulate a plan to eliminate the Feral Hog Population.   If left unchecked feral hogs will cause widespread damage to Missouri wildlife, agriculture, and natural resources. Feral hogs cause damage to forested areas in several ways. Acorns, beechnut and other hard masts are a favorite food for these opportunistic consumers; by eating these seeds few are available for regeneration purposes .  Feral hogs also use saplings and even mature trees of both pines and hardwoods as scratching and scent marking posts. The intense rubbing can damage bark layers, leaving the tree susceptible to harmful insects and pathogens. Their rooting and wallowing are destructive to sensitive natural areas such as glades, fens and springs. The rooting and feeding behavior of feral hogs also contributes to soil erosion and reduces water quality. The improved forest health and open corridors created through the timber program will aid the Corps and its partner’s efforts by better detection and easier trapping opportunities.  Hog hunting is not allowed on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wappapello Lake. 

Many plants non-native to Missouri have a home at Wappapello Lake.  The staff work diligently to try and remove species such as Johnson Grass and Sericia Lespedeza from its landscape.   Woody plants like Autumn Olive are found throughout the area and are very challenging to remove.  Practices such as successional mowing and food plots help to keep invasive species at bay in our open lands areas.  Prescribed burns also promote successional control.