By Blake Jackson
A large-scale effort to reduce feral swine populations is planned across nine counties in southern Missouri: Barry, Christian, Douglas, Howell, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Taney, and Stone.
The initiative covers nearly 4 million acres and includes two designated areas within the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership: Elimination Areas 3 and 5.
The project encompasses more than 112 subwatersheds in the Ozark Highlands, including portions of the Springfield and Salem Plateaus. Livestock agriculture and forestry are major land uses across the region.
The project also connects with an ongoing Arkansas Farm Bill initiative, creating an opportunity to coordinate feral swine control efforts across state boundaries.
Public agencies and private landowners are central to the project. Major landholders include the Mark Twain National Forest, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Private property represents a substantial share of the project area.
Feral swine have affected important natural resources, including several designated wilderness areas, Missouri Natural Areas, and habitats supporting threatened and endangered species.
Project partners will support feral swine removal through equipment purchases, landowner assistance, scouting, trapping, and coordination with property owners. Supplies may include traps, cellular trail cameras, bait, and related equipment.
Partners will also help landowners identify restoration opportunities after feral swine are successfully removed.
Education and outreach will be another major component. Partners will develop newsletters, articles, and other educational resources while hosting workshops to help landowners understand control and restoration opportunities.
Cooperation with neighboring Arkansas and Oklahoma will also be encouraged where additional resources are needed.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide technical expertise and retain operational control over feral swine management activities. The selected partners, APHIS, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will coordinate implementation.
Project success will be measured through standardized monitoring. Partners will document feral swine activity, trapping locations, numbers removed, and other relevant information.
Watershed occupancy will be assessed every six months to determine whether control efforts are reducing the areas occupied by feral swine and improving resource protection.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-neil-burton
Categories: Missouri, General, Livestock, Hogs