Driving DirectionsFrom Linn, take Highway 89 northeast 10 miles, then County Road 314 west to the area. HighlightsThis area contains forest and grassland. Facilities and features: boat ramp, picnic area, fishing jetty, and Ben Branch Lake (39 acres). About This AreaBen Branch Lake Conservation Area is in Osage County, ten miles north of Linn off Missouri Highway 89. The Conservation Department purchased most of this 512-acre area in 1978. Since then, additional land was purchased and the area is now 563 acres.In 1983, 39-acre Ben Branch Lake was constructed. The lake began filling in October of that year and was opened to fishing in 1985.Approximately 478 acres (83 percent) of the area is heavily wooded. Better soils on the area support white and black oak. Post oak and black oak dominate the poorer soils.Facilities on the lake include a (12-vehicle) pull-off camping area, a fishing jetty, and privy accessible to persons with disabililties, and two large parking areas.During your visit to Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area, you may view various land management practices intended to improve the forest resource and enhance the woodland and savanna natural communities. You may see that trees are being thinned or prescribed burning has taken place.  You might even notice cropping in the flatter areas below the dam. This kind of vegetation management will provide for improved wildlife habitat. All practices are implemented to maintain the water quality of Ben Branch Lake's watershed. Watch for vegetation changes over the years and you will see plant communities changing and local wildlife responding to those changes.