Driving DirectionsFrom Hayti I-55 exit, take Highway 84 east, then County Road 337 north, and County Road 338 east to the area. HighlightsThis area currently consists of an abandoned river channel that was reconnected to the Mississippi River. There are two wetland pools that will serve as a backswamp system. There is a graveled parking boat ramp that enables access to Gayoso Bend Conservation Area. About This AreaThe Stephen C. Bradford Unit of Black Island Conservation Area is enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), which is a program through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), which is designed to restore and protect wetlands.The Stephen C. Bradford Unit consists of a recent abandoned river channel of the Mississippi River. Two wetland pools were created, and will be managed for waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds. The remaining portion of the area is agriculture fields that will be converted to riverfront forest.All public use is prohibited, except fishing and waterfowl hunting by boat only, when the Mississippi River water level is at or above twenty eight  (28) feet on the Caruthersville gauge.