by Kim Knowles
For nearly ten years, Prairie Rivers network has been working on
strengthening our state’s antidegradation law. This law was designed to prevent degradation of clean waters through the promotion of new and innovative water pollution reduction technologies. Prairie Rivers network was involved in the passing of the law in 2002, and since that time has been helping Illinois communities develop creative solutions to keep pollution out of their waterways.

One form of assistance we offer is education. Prairie Rivers network has developed several tools for the lay person and the professional. Our guide books are accessible to all, with illustrations, examples, and simple explanations of technologies for reducing pollution from sewage treatment plants and polluted runoff from cities. For professionals, we developed a technical document that provides vital information on state-of-the-art sewage treatment methods. you can visit prairierivers.org/resources/downloads to view these documents.

Prairie Rivers network is also working hand-in-hand with communities
that are building new or redesigned pollution treatment plants to achieve a variety of advances in clean water.

For instance, we worked closely with the villages of Chatham and new berlin on the site plans for a new drinking water treatment plant in the sangamon River Valley. because the sangamon River is already polluted by too much sediment carried to the river by stormwater and erosion, we developed a plan to keep sediment on the site by using landscape features that allow stormwater to soak into the ground. The plan includes use of
porous pavement, bioswales, a bioretention area, native plantings and nomow areas, as recommended in our stormwater management guidebook.

A riot of crocuses appeared in my back yard not long ago, stimulated, no doubt, by some roto-tilling as part of a landscaping project last year. by the time you read this, they will have faded, replaced by tulips and bluebells; the magnolias will be in flower, and everywhere, our native redbuds will be starting their spring display. The transformation of our landscape, of drab patches of earth and muddy riverbanks feels to me like a miracle every year. And the transformation of our daily lives can feel miraculous too, as we unfurl and un-layer our protections against the cold, and like the flowers, stretch out a bit in the sun and embrace the warm breeze.

With Spring finally here, I hope you are able to find joy and optimism in your life, despite natural disasters and political upheaval in so many places.in this spring edition of Prairie River Notes, you will find many reasons for optimism in our shared effort to improve the health of illinois rivers for ourselves and for future generations. stacy James writes about our efforts to improve the laws and institutions that regulate factory farm pollution that leads to fish kills and contaminated drinking water.

Kim Knowles writes about victories we have achieved by working with industrial polluters and sewage treatment plants, helping them adopt innovative ways to reduce pollution from their facilities.

Brian Perbix tells us about his work with people living near polluting coal mines and coal ash disposal sites, and how we are helping them have more of a say in the decisions that are af- strives to protect the rivers and…streams of Illinois and to promote the lasting health and beauty of watershed communities.By providing information, sound science, and hands-on assistance, Prairie Rivers network helps individuals and community groups become effective river conservation leaders.

And finally, Traci Barkley tells us about the newly-formed Heartland Coalfield Alliance, a regional coalition supporting a transition away from polluting coal-based energy – the Alliance will provide a counter balance to the extremely well-funded and influential coal industry lobby (p 4). you will also see, in our 2010 Annual Report, cause for optimism in Prairie Rivers network – a strong organization, in good financial shape, with a strong base of loyal supporters, a great track record and plans for even better things in the future.Thanks to all of you — your support makes what we do possible.with best wishes,Glynnis Collins,executive Director

Warmwater Lake and Pond Habitat Initiative

The Department’s fisheries biologists recently discussed the feasibility of installing fish habitat structures to mitigate for the absence or loss of physical fish habitat in some New Hampshire water bodies. This discussion was initiated because of the potential opportunity that exists to enhance warmwater fisheries through fish habitat improvement projects.

The overall goal of these habitat projects is to improve warmwater fish populations and the opportunities to fish for these species. An additional objective of installing shoreline habitat structures would be to increase youth fishing opportunities.

Improving fish habitat by installing structures has been a successful management strategy in use for many years in states across the U.S., as these structures can benefit both forage and sport fish populations in a number of ways. Habitat structures have been shown to provide important nursery areas for many fish species and can act to increase fish growth and survival. The abundance of forage fish species is often enhanced in areas with habitat structures, which in turn can increase the abundance and growth of sportsfish (this is especially relevant in some NH lakes and ponds where a decline or lack of forage fish and/or crayfish may be the result of the absence or loss of appropriate habitat). Additionally, studies have shown that habitat structures can increase nest density, spawning success and juvenile survival of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Using fish habitat structures in New Hampshire waters is currently in a conceptual phase and there is no firm timeline for when, where, and what types of structures will be used. Before formulating a specific plan, the Department’s fisheries biologist will first thoroughly review the existing scientific literature, inventory current habitat quality and quantity on various lakes and ponds, and communicate with anglers in an effort to better understand their interest in this type of initiative.

The Department is also actively pursuing a feasibility analysis of using fish habitat structures. The feasibility analysis will answer the following questions: Will fish habitat structures provide habitat for the fish species of interest? What types of structures have been used elsewhere and for what purpose? What types of structures (artificial or natural) are allowed under current regulations? What are the potential problems (maintenance, ability to obtain permits from NH DES, potential navigation issues, potential effect on other fish species such as invasive species) in using fish habitat structures? What are the costs of building, deploying and maintaining such structures? How will anglers use the fish habitat structures (i.e., how will they access them)? What monitoring efforts would be best suited for evaluation purposes?

Warmwater fish habitat projects offer an exciting opportunity to improve fish habitat and warmwater fisheries in New Hampshire lakes and ponds. Additionally, involving anglers in this process presents an excellent opportunity for the Department and anglers to work together towards the common goal of improving and sustaining our state’s fisheries resources for current and future generations.

CONTACT:
John Magee, Fish Habitat Biologist
Gabe Gries, Region 4 Fisheries Biologist and Warmwater Project Leader

Foreign Light Bulb Fiasco, New Products, Sale

I grew up in the heartland, but eventually moved to California because of working in the technology industry. Several years ago, I felt aghast as the state of California faced brownouts and even blackouts due to the inability to produce, or even import, sufficient electricity. The answer pushed by the state government and utilities was that we had to use less, a lot less, electricity as citizens.

Normally, I am all for using less imported energy, as goodness knows we need to buy less oil from those countries that hate us. Just to let you know, I do put my money where my mouth is and therefore drive a Ford Escape Hybrid. Additionally, using less energy is by and large easier on the environment. The backbone of the supposed plan to reduce electricity usage in California was an aggressive, early adoption of florescent bulbs shaped into the size of regular light bulbs. This plan was pushed into law a year ahead of the rest of the nation.

Conceptually, these bulbs must have looked good on paper as they are supposed to use a lot less electricity and last ten years. The facts are very different.

First of all, these new florescent bulbs contain the dangerous element mercury.

Secondly, it is my personal experience that they are in fact lasting much less than ten years. We replaced ten old bulbs with the new bulbs in our house one year ago to comply with the upcoming law. The fourth new bulb just burned out. Nearly half are gone in barely a year!

Thirdly, since they were supposed to last so long, there is no state or local plan in place to deal with disposal or recycling of these bulbs. Clearly many thousands have already made it to the landfill and that mercury they contain will eventually become exposed to our air and water.

Fourthly, my kids managed to break one, so how do we safely clean up the mercury? California’s official poison control center told me “It is somewhat like breaking an old style mercury thermometer” (except that those are no longer sold, but we have these bulbs all over the house) and to clean it up we should “Open a window while sweeping up the glass”. Somehow I don’t feel safer…

Fifthly, the energy savings are a joke because these bulbs are in fact dimmer. Most of the time, we end up turning more lights on. My electric bill shows our usage is actually up!

Finally, and certainly not the least important all of the new bulbs are made in China. Meanwhile, we are closing American factories that produced Edison’s version for so many decades to chase after this half-baked plan!

Personally, I do not care what the state says. We are going back to the old bulbs. Illegal or not in this house we will use Mr. Edison’s bulb.

New Products:

Vintage Body Spa has created a number of new natural skin care products. Vintage Body Spa offers paraben-free spa products and natural product skin care that seamlessly blend classic style with a modern approach to healthy skin. Their bath and body line helps you create your own natural and indulgent spa experience. Family owned and operated, all of their products are cruelty-free. Proudly made in the USA.

Atrix International, Inc. is a premier USA manufacturer of vacuums and filters. They are the leader in industrial and commercial vacuums. Vacuum types include: HEPA vacuums; ULPA vacuums; Electronic vacuums; Toner vacuums; Office vacuums. Some applications/industries are: Office Equipment-Laser Toner, Electronics, Cartridge Recycling, Large Volume Printers, Manufacturing, Banking, Metallurgy, Food Processing, Gaming, RRP, Renovate, Repair and Paint, Lead Paint Dust and Chips, Window Installation, Painter, Electrician/Plumber/HVAC, Hazardous Particulate, Abatement, Mold, Lead, and Hazardous Particulate. Made in USA.

Please take a look at these great products by clicking here:

http://madeinusaforever.com/newitems.html

Sale/Feature Product:

Speaking of a green product that is truly safe for the environment and great for kids, check out all the products I have on sale from Green Toys. Please click here: http://madeinusaforever.com/todayonlysale.html

Sincerely,

Todd

Todd Lipscomb
Founder
www.MadeinUSAForever.com

Link to MadeinUSAForever.com on Facebook

Ohio Pond Management
Increasing Fish Production
Methods of Increasing Fish Production
Fertilization
Artificial Feeding
Adding Fish Habitat Structures

Pond owners should view their ponds as selfsustaining bodies of water that are capable of providing all of the ingredients necessary for good fish production. The amount of fishes that can be harvested depends upon a pond’s ability to produce them, and this amount varies from pond to pond. Ohio ponds can often support up to 250 pounds of fish per acre, although this amount is generally less for ponds that are smaller than one acre. If a pond’s normal fish production is less than what the pond owner deems acceptable, it may be possible to enhance production.

The most effective methods to artificially increase fish production are pond fertilization and fish feeding (pellet feeding pictured). However, each of these methods can also cause pond problems, so pond owners should consider them only after carefully weighing the trade offs associated with trying to increase fish production.

Fertilization
Fertilization can improve fish production by increasing the production of tiny plants and animals at the bottom of the food chain, the phytoplankton and zooplankton. This increase in production at the bottom of the food web may ultimately translate into improved growth and production of sport fish. However, negative impacts from fertilization can also result if the added nutrients stimulate growth of undesirable types of aquatic vegetation and algae. Whereas excess vegetation can be a problem to anglers and swimmers during warm weather months, it can also make the pond more susceptible to fish kills due to a build-up of dead and decaying plant material. The pond owner may find that the cost of fertilizer, effort to maintain a fertilization program, and risk of fish kills outweigh the benefits of the increase in fish harvested.

Most ponds in Ohio are adequately supplied with nutrients from the surrounding watershed and should not require artificial fertilization. In fact, many ponds receive so many nutrients from the watershed alone that problems develop with growth of excess vegetation and reductions in water quality. The following criteria should be met if a pond is to be considered for fertilization: 1) the watershed to pond ratio is less than 20 acres of watershed per surface acre of pond, 2) the watershed consists primarily of woodland acreage with soils that are low in fertility, and 3) the pond has a minimal amount of shallow water and most of the shoreline has the recommended 3:1 slope to discourage the growth of aquatic vegetation. Ponds without these characteristics should not be fertilized.

If fertilization is appropriate, then the pond owner needs to proceed with the proper treatment applied on a careful schedule. The recommended procedure is monthly applications of liquid fertilizers 10-34-0 (N-P-K) applied at the rate of two gallons per surface acre. Treatments should begin when water temperatures reach 60°F in the spring, and stop when water temperatures drop below 60°F in the fall. Fertilization should be temporarily halted when water temperatures exceed 80°F during the summer. Dilute each gallon of fertilizer with 10 gallons of water and spray the mixture evenly over the pond surface. Water clarity is a simple and convenient way to measure the progress of a fertilization program. The water clarity should be monitored twice each month throughout the fertilization season. This is easily accomplished by simply lowering a white object into the pond, such as a coffee mug on the end of a string. The white object should be visible to at least 18 inches below the water’s surface. If the object is not visible down to 18 inches, overfertilization may be a problem. In this case, postpone the next fertilizer treatment until the water has cleared somewhat and remeasure water clarity.

Artificial Feeding
Feeding is the most direct and reliable method to increase production of bluegills and channel catfish in ponds that are less than five acres. Proper artificial feeding will increase fish growth and provide larger fish for anglers. Unlike fertilization, with artificial feeding all of the nutrients go directly into fish production rather than the complex food chain. For ponds less than five acres, feeding is a feasible way to increase fish production. Bluegills and channel catfish will readily eat pelleted feeds that are available at agricultural feed stores. Pellet feed containing at least 25 to 32 percent protein will produce the best growth. Largemouth bass prefer live natural foods and will seldom eat pelleted feed.

Training fishes to accept artificial pellets may take a few days. When bluegills are feeding on the surface in the evening, tossing a few floating pellets into the areas where they are feeding will teach them to eat pelleted food. Begin an artificial feeding program by feeding fish about two pounds of pellets per acre per day. This amount may be increased to 15 pounds per acre per day after they have become accustomed to being fed. The feeding rate should be adjusted in the summer according to how much the fish are eating. Feeding may slow or even cease during the summer if water temperatures get above 85°F.

The best guide to feeding fishes is to give them no more than they can eat in 15 to 20 minutes. Using floating pellets in a feeding ring is a good way to monitor how much food they are eating. A feeding station approximately three feet in diameter can be constructed by sealing the ends of a piece of corrugated field tile. Connect the ends after sealing to form a three-foot circle and place the tile in an area of the pond that can easily be reached to fill with food (pictured right).

A pond owner should be willing to make a long-term commitment to continue feeding before a feeding program starts. Feeding should begin in the spring when water temperatures reach 60°F and should stop in the fall when water temperatures drop to 60°F. Fish should be fed daily at approximately the same time and in the same place. Missing a few days of feeding while on vacation will not cause problems if feeding is consistent during the remainder of the summer. Overfeeding fish can cause many of the same problems as overfertilization. Food that is not eaten by fish will decompose and use up the pond’s dissolved oxygen (see fish kills). Decomposing food can also release nutrients into the water that may promote the growth of aquatic vegetation and algae.

Adding Fish Habitat Structures to the Pond
Habitat structures –“fish shelters,” or “fish attractors”– are primarily designed to concentrate fish and increase an angler’s chances of success. Depending upon the size and type of materials used, structures can provide cover, resting areas, and feeding areas. Habitat structures can act as substitutes for natural cover in ponds where these types of areas are lacking.

Habitat structures can be constructed from many different natural and man-made materials. Easily obtained materials such as discarded Christmas trees can be banded together, weighted and sunk, although trees such as oak, hickory, and cedar work best due to their resistance to decay (brush pile picture right) . Man-made materials such as PVC pipe, field tile, concrete block, and wooden pallets can also be fashioned into fish attracting devices. Habitat structures can be placed into the pond from the bank if the structures are not too large and there is relatively deep water near the shore. Larger structures can be placed from a boat to allow access to deeper water.

Winter ice cover provides an excellent opportunity to build and place structures too large to install from the shore or by boat. These structures can be built on the ice, or built on shore and dragged out onto the ice. In either case, the structure is placed on the ice and allowed to fall into the desired location when the ice melts (see brush piles on ice to the right).

Fishes & anglers alike will make the best use of habitat structures that are distributed carefully in the best locations. These structures are best placed in water that is within reasonable casting distance from shore & two to eight feet deep to allow consistent fish use. Habitat structures should not be placed in the deepest part of the pond where low dissolved oxygen levels (common during summer) make them inaccessible to fish.

How to Build Fish Cribs for Habitat
The approximate cost of a crib is about $10.00 each, and now there is a new way to help purchase cribs for Lake Chippewa Flowage. In the summer of 2002 friends of the flowage will have the opportunity to purchase $10.00 raffle tickets. A drawing will be held in October and the lucky winners will be able to schedule a free day with a local fishing guide for 2003.
The Chippewa Flowage was created over 75 years ago. In those 75 years many trees and stumps that harbored food and shelter for fish have disappeared through natural decay. Realizing the structure must be replaced for a healthy fishery, the Lake Chippewa Resort Association, along with the Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association started building and placing fish cribs in Flowage waters. Since March 1996 over 2500 cribs have been built and placed by volunteers from these associations. Building Cribs:

The first step is to accumulate wooden pallets. Pallets are donated by various companies in Wisconsin and trucked to the flowage at our expense. Cinderblock, clips and strapping must be purchased to build cribs. Cribs are constructed by layering pallets separated by cinderblocks on each comer until it is 3 or 4 pallets deep. Then the “sandwich” is strapped together. At this point the cribs are loaded by tractor-forklifts onto special pontoon boats that have been totally stripped down to just bare decks. Workers then turn the pallet/cribs on edge to stuff in brush. It takes a lot of brush to fill each crib. Accumulating brush and stuffing the cribs is actually one of the hardest parts of the job. Finally , when the pontoon is totally loaded, the captain and workers shove off and the cribs are dropped off into new crib locations.

Meanwhile other volunteers are cooking and serving food and beverages to the hungry workers. A master map is kept by the associations, but not published. After all, the cribs are for the fish, not the fishermen!

Crib building is an on-going project. Members of both associations are committed to preserving and enhancing this great fishery for current and future generations. If you are interested in supporting this effort, look for Crib Program Raffle Tickets on your next visit or mail donations to: CFAPOE Adopt-a-Crib P.O. Box 555 Hayward, WI 54843-0555