Access to the area as of September 8th 2011 is limited. Many roads in the Benedictine Bottoms Wildlife area are impassable due to the flooding in the Missouri River area. Access is possible from the city of Atchison, but only to the levee along Independance Creek on the west. It is also possible to access the area from the north, south of the town of Doniphan. As of this time approximately 70% of the area has water on it or is very wet, most internal roads including the road to the main parking area are underwater. The area is a 2,112 acre wildlife area in the flood plain of the Missouri River. The river borders the area on the south and east. This site is managed for 3 habitat types that existed in the area before development, timber, native grass and wetlands. During construction more than 175,000 trees were planted, 550 acres of native grass were planted and 450 acres of wetlands were developed. Construction on the area started with tree planting consisted of a variety of hardwoods and shrubs. These varieties will provide mast as well as escape and winter cover for many wildlife. Though most of the hardwood trees are still small many Cottonwood trees are mixed in and are doing quite well. The grasslands were created from a mixture of big bluestem, Indian, eastern gama and switch grasses along with wildflowers and legumes. Most of the grasslands have done very well and is providing valuable nesting and escape cover as well as a source of food. The 450 acres of wetlands were built using low-profile earthen berms and using the natural contour of the land. Three well and distribution pipe provide water to approximately 120 acres. Water control structures were placed on the wetlands to allow for control of water depth. Currently the area has a great variety of wildlife. Many species of song birds use the area and can be seen throughout the year. Many water birds also use the wetlands including shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. Many game species are common to the area. Good numbers of deer stay on the area with several large bucks seen every year. A large population of pheasant are found on the area and is a favorite of the locals. Good numbers of quail and rabbits can also be found.