U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ozark Plateau Ecosystem USFWS Field Stations The Ecosystem Team includes 5 National with private landowners, caving clubs, Fish Hatcheries, 3 Ecological Services conservation organizations, local gov- Field Offices, 2 National Wildlife Refuges, ernments, and others to further the 2 Law Enforcement Offices. This ecosys- protection efforts for this unique re- tem crosses the Service’s Regional Bound- source. aries encompassing portions of Regions 3, 4, and 2. ■ Conserve Unique and Rare Species The Ozark Plateau is home to numerous Partners rare and declining species, unique State agencies, including the Arkansas endemics, neotropical migrant birds, Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas and other species that are of concern to Department of Environmental Quality, the Service. In addition to conservation Arkansas State Parks, Illinois Natural and protection of these species and their History Survey, the Missouri Department habitats, the Ozarks is faced with the of Conservation and the Missouri Depart- management challenges of addressing ment of Natural Resources; Federal invasive species issues. partners including the U.S. Forest Ser- vice, U.S. Environmental Protection ■ Improve Recreational Fisheries and Agency, National Park Service, and U.S. Mitigation Hatcheries Geological Survey Biological Resources The Service will continue to address the Division, and Department of Agriculture; fisheries needs of altered environments Non-governmental conservation organi- as a result of the construction of federal zations such as The Nature Conservancy, dams. The goal is to ensure a healthy Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, the Trust aquatic ecosystem and an adequate for Public Land, and Bat Conservation sustainable recreational fisheries. International; Local Governments, Cav- National Fish Hatcheries, in partner- ing Clubs and Spelunkers; Universities in ship with state natural resource Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Okla- agencies, will stock fish species (both homa; and local landowners throughout native and non-native) ideally suited for the Ozark Plateau. these altered environments in Northern Arkansas and Southwestern Missouri. Ecosystem Description The Ozark Plateau is a dome shaped uplift Contacts of approximately 50,000 square miles in Roderick May, Team Leader, 417-451- Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. It is 0554; Lisa Mandell, Biologist, 612-713- characterized by horizontal bedrock, 5167 caves, sink holes, and natural springs. The rivers and streams in this area flow in all Web Address directions. Losing streams recharge Ozark Plateau ecosystem: groundwater. The ecosystem is rich in http://midwest.fws.gov/ecosys/ozark.htm biological diversity and includes species that are found only in the Ozark Plateau. The main vegetation is upland oak-hickory forest and bottomland hardwood forest in the floodplains of large rivers. Landscape Priorities ■ Conserve Karst System Conservation of the karst system of the Ozarks includes work to improve and protect water quality, educate the public on the effects of human activity on karst, and protection of the unique under ground species that live in karst habitat. It also involves developing partnerships Great Lakes - Big Rivers Region.