Wolf Lake 
This lotus-margined ancient oxbow of the Mississippi River con- 
tains several of the species that occur in the Pine Hills swamp. 
In addition, it contains the still undescribed and unnamed lotus 
shiner and may harbor other rare organisms. The study of the 
biota of Wolf Lake to date has been minimal. The ecology of 
Wolf Lake is probably more stable than that of the Pine Hills 
Swamp because the lake is less dependent upon spring flow. The 
most important recommendations revolve about keeping it in its 
present state and avoiding contamination by pollution and nonna- 
tive organisms. 
1. If the Forest Service plans’to conduct or contract for 
additional studies on the biota of the lake, it might consider 
constructing a new access road from Highway 3 to the lake edge 
and a small boat-launching ramp. This road and ramp should be 
restricted to authorized personnel only. 
2. The presence of the lotus shiner in the lake should not 
be advertised lest the news entice collectors to the lake. After 
the species has been formally described, it should be placed on 
the list of species that may not be collected even by permit. 
3. Regulation of collecting in Wolf Lake should be like that 
presently in use in the LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area. 
4. When feasible, the Forest Service should attempt to acquire 
the entire lake and surrounding land, 
5. The Trojan Powder Plant on the east bank of the lake 
should be inspected to discern if it is discharging toxic materi- 
als into the lake, and the Plant should be monitored for evidences 
of pollution discharge. 
6. If public fishing is to be permitted, live minnows should 
be prohibited asmDa 1. 
7. An appeal should be made to the proper officials that the 
Missouri Pacific Railroad bed be improved so that future derail- 
ments are avoided. 
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