oaters on the Missouri River recently discovered someplace new and unique on the Iowa side of the river on Lower Tysons Bend (MM653) - thanks to the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

	Eastward view from mid-channel of new cove entrance at Tysons Bend, 2 miles upriver from the Cottonwood Marina.

Several dredging projects completed by the corps in recent months as part of a compromise deal with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also gave boaters some new and interesting places to explore. (See Late Breaking News article "Corps and USF&WS announce river fish habitat construction completion") 

Although the purpose of these dredging projects was to create shallow water habitats for endangered bird and fish species, the higher water levels we are experiencing this year has enabled boats of just about any size to enter these newly created coves off of the river.

	Beautiful shoreline surrounds the approximately 40 acres that have been dredged to create this new cove.

Many boaters have already discovered what is already being called the 'Missouri River Party Cove' at mile marker 653.

Before anyone starts envisioning or comparing this to the famous Lake of the Ozarks party cove, we need to stress that this is simply a great gathering place for boaters to hang out together or relax in their boats without the constant strain of watching the shoreline or worrying about hitting a buoy or other floating debris.

This accessible body of water (approximately 40 acres) is surrounded by a majestic cottonwood timber line. The location of this new cove is only about 2 miles upriver from the Cottonwood Marina on the Iowa side in the

	Boaters in the cove drop anchor, safely tie-up and enjoy a cool refreshing swim on a hot day!

Tyson Bend Wildlife Management Area. It's close proximity to the marina (MM651.5) provides boaters access to fuel, beverages, ice, food and entertainment. Boaters on this stretch of the Missouri river have never been able to experience, within such close proximity, this many benefits! Cottonwood Marina has live entertainment every weekend of the summer and overnight slips are available to boaters who wish to stay the night. 

On one recent weekend, we counted nearly fifty boats in the cove. Some boats tied up together while others simply floated around by themselves. Several people tied inner tubes or other floating devices to their boats & enjoyed the

	Missouri River Party Cove!

cool, calm, clean water.

Please note that access to this area may be restricted by any change in river water levels. 

The corps is currently decreasing water releases from Gavins Point Dam from 27,000 cfs down to 25,000 cfs for 2 weeks (July 15-30). 

Boats could run into big trouble entering any of these areas without a depth finder.