Howell Creek is a freshwater stream located in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is a tributary of the Eleven Point River, which in turn drains into the Spring River, the Black River, and ultimately the Mississippi River watershed.
Geography
- Source: The creek originates in Oregon County, Missouri, near the community of Howell.
- Course: It flows generally southeast through a largely forested and rural landscape characteristic of the Ozark Plateau.
- Mouth: Howell Creek joins the Eleven Point River within the confines of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Physical Characteristics
- Length: Approximately 15 – 16 miles (≈ 25 km).
- Drainage Basin: Part of the larger Eleven Point River watershed, contributing to the Black River system.
Ecology
The stream supports typical Ozark aquatic habitats, including populations of smallmouth bass, sunfish, and various macroinvertebrate communities. The surrounding riparian zones are dominated by oak‑hickory forest and provide habitat for a range of wildlife species.
Human Use and Management
- Recreation: The creek is utilized for low‑intensity recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation, especially within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
- Conservation: Management of water quality and habitat integrity falls under the jurisdiction of the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. National Park Service, which oversee the broader Eleven Point River system.
References
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps.
- Missouri Department of Conservation watershed reports.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways management documentation.
No additional notable streams named “Howell Creek” have been identified in major encyclopedic sources.
