Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge

Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1991 and is managed by the staff at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. The 40 acre refuge was acquired to protect a federally threatened species, the Ozark cavefish. Turnback Creek Cave Spring is located on this property and is the outlet of an underground stream known to contain a population of the threatened Ozark cavefish. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages the 208 acre Paris Springs Access, which is adjacent to Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge. Another 1.3-acre parcel of the refuge is located along the Hearrell Spring in Neosho, Missouri. This parcel also contains a population of Ozark cavefish. It is adjacent to Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Both areas are closed to public access but there is an underwater camera installed at Hearell Springs. Visitors to Neosho National Fish Hatchery may have an opportunity to view a video image of this elusive species. For more information call Mingo National Wildlife Refuge at 573-222-3589.

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