Area News Bald Eagles have returned to Miami State Lake! As many as 15 eagles have been observed at one time during the past several weeks. The large raptors use the tall sycamore and cotton wood trees along the Marais Des Cygnes River for feeding and loafing near the lake. Bald Eagles were a frequent winter visitor to the lake prior to the lake being drained for repairs in 2000. This is the first time large numbers of eagles have been observed since the repairs were completed.

Acquisition: Miami State Lake and wildlife area dates back to 1931, when a private sportsman group was managing it as a 90-acre duck marsh. The Forestry Fish and Game, now Kansas Wildlife and Parks, purchased the lake in 1941 to be managed as a state fishing lake.

Area Description: Today the Miami Wildlife Area about 150 acres of timbered hillsides and the Marais des Cygnes River surrounding the 101 acreState Fishing Lake. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, fourteen earthen piers, and a vault toilet are available for area users.

Wildlife common on the area includes a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, furbearers, squirrel, white tailed deer, turkey, and bobwhite quail. The steep timbered hillsides are a mix of hickory, oaks, maple, ash, and elm. Eagles frequently perch on the tall sycamores along the Marais des Cygnes River.

Special Regulations:

*Vehicles are permitted on maintained roads and parking only. *Primitive camping is permitted on the earthen piers, but please take your trash with you. *Alcoholic liquor is prohibited. Cereal malt beverages prohibited from 9pm - 6am *Fires are authorized only in provided metal fire rings and grills. *Motorized vessels on state fishing lakes shall be operated for hunting and fishing only. *Hunting is permitted by legal means during set seasons.