StructureSpot

Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation adds more Fish Habitat

‘Don McDowell and Chris Cantrell share a check for $12,600 for working on the state’s habitat project. A mold for a Reef Ball is in the foreground.’    Don McDowell

Reefballs are making a significant impact – Efforts to enhance Arizona’s bass fisheries with man-made habitats received a big boost, when the Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation (ABFN) was awarded a $12,600 grant. That money from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (ASWC) will be used to assist Arizona Game and Fish (AGF) in making concrete Reef Balls.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Reef Balls are the Arizona chapter’s answer to the state’s lack of habitat in its fisheries. Made of 3/4 yard of concrete, a Reef Ball looks like a half-sphere of Swiss cheese, according to Chris Cantrell, AGF fishery manager. He added that ecosystems form in and around the balls, which were popularized for marine fisheries. ‘It’s really good habitat that’s there for a long time,’ said Cantrell. ‘A Reef Ball is thought to take more than 500 years of saltwater.’

Compare that to five to 20 years for most artificial habitat.

‘Money will be spent to create additional molds to allow bulk concrete purchases to mass produce Reef Balls in one fell swoop instead of hand-mixing the concrete,’ said Don McDowell, ABFN conservation director.

‘This will allow us to build 12 additional three-piece molds,’ he continued, adding that this is the first time that the organization has provided a grant for fish habitat.

‘Looks like our fish are getting much needed new furniture much sooner than we had hoped for,’ he continued. ‘Our deepest gratitude to the ASWC.’

Sometime this fall, Saguaro Lake probably will be the next fishery to receive Reef Balls, which ABFN volunteers will help build, load, offload and place. The first was Tempe Town Lake.

Other funding so far has included a $910 donation from Midweek Bass Anglers from the club’s Holiday Open.

‘Once we’re to the production phase, we can go anywhere,’ Cantrell continued. ‘The concrete, renting the forklifts, moving the habitat, getting volunteers — all of that will be the easy part. The hard part is getting the molds created.’

Lack of habitat in Arizona waters is the No. 1 limiting factor for anglers.

‘It’s like a bathtub out there,’ Cantrell said of Arizona’s impoundments.

‘We don’t have a renewable resource,’ McDowell added. ‘We have to babysit the fish. And we have to take care of the habitat before we can have the fish.’

Bass Master website
AZ Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation website
Arizona Game and Fish website


by Robert Montgomery

Lake Norman Fish Habitat Projects succeed with TBFN

New habitats for fish and osprey at Lake Norman

By Joe Marusak
See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Jose Mundo, an employee of Lancaster Custom Dock & Lift Systems Inc., places sticks while “seeding” a new osprey nest about 25 feet above the water of Lake Norman on Thursday.

MORE INFORMATION

  • New habitat for Lake Norman creatures
  • Spotted bass, hybrids thrive in Lake Norman water
  • WANT TO HELP?

    To volunteer with Saturday’s Lake Norman buttonbush planting and other N.C. Wildlife Federation projects, visit www.ncwf.org or call Chris North, federation conservation director, at 704-332-5696. GPS coordinates for the rock reef sites are on the federation’s web site.

LAKE NORMAN Fishermen watched from boats as a trackhoe on a barge dumped 270 tons of boulders into Lake Norman Thursday, and a worker placed a manmade osprey nest 25 feet above the water on a sturdy wood pole.

The nonprofit N.C. Wildlife Federation led the initiatives in an ongoing effort to build habitat for wildlife, both fish and birds of prey.

“The more rock piles, the more habitat you put in the lake, the more (fishing) tournaments you have and the more money you generate for the local economy,” longtime Lake Norman fishing guide Gus Gustafson said. “There’s not enough rock piles to go around.”

Gustfason and other fishermen pulled nearby as trackhoe operator Ignacio Martinez of Lancaster Custom Docks and Lift Systems dumped rocks into 25 to 30 feet of water off the southern end of Brawley School Road peninsula in southern Iredell County. Other boulders were dropped farther north, near Lake Norman State Park in Troutman. The rocks came from a quarry in Denver, N.C.

The boulders are intended to create habitat for catfish, spotted and largemouth bass and other prized catches at the bottom of North Carolina’s largest lake.

By Friday morning, the fishermen knew, shad, herring and other bait fish would cluster at the rocks for protection from the larger fish, which in turn become unsuspecting catches for rods and reels.

“It’s the same as how people congregate at the opening of a new mall,” Gustfason said.

The federation led the rock dumping for the second year in a row. In 2011, Lancaster trackhoes plopped 270 tons of boulders at two other locations on the lake, creating fish habitat on the lake’s otherwise sandy bottom.

Fishermen previously established habitat by tossing Christmas trees into the lake, but the trees rot in a year, they said.

In 2009, federation volunteers also placed 200 porcupine-like “fish attractors” in the waters north of the N.C. 150 bridge and 100 attractors in Mountain Island Lake. They’re still there, attracting fish and anglers, said Tim Gestwicki, federation executive director.

On Thursday, volunteers from the federation and its Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists chapter also peered skyward as a harnessed-in Jose Mundo placed sticks on a platform made of chain-link fencing and galvanized steel tubing to form an osprey nest.

“The birds will drop their own sticks onto the platform and then weave them all together,” said Stephen Turley, a federation board member who built the nesting platform at his Lake Norman home and six other platforms to be placed on the lake this year.

The federation has placed nearly 50 osprey platforms over the years at lakes along the Catawba River chain, from Lake James to Lake Wylie, Gestwicki said. He said a 2011 survey revealed 50 pairs of osprey nesting on Lake Norman alone.

The federation also plans to add two great blue heron rookeries on Lake Norman this year. On Saturday, its volunteers will plant 1,000 buttonbush plants at seven locations on Lake Norman islands, wetland areas and shoreline to slow erosion. The plant’s white flowers benefit hummingbirds, butterflies and honey bees, and its seeds provide food for wood ducks, mallards and migratory teal.

In 2011, the federation provided $100,000 for Mecklenburg County to preserve land at Mountain Island Lake.

Duke Energy’s Habitat Enhancement Program fund paid for the federation’s initiatives. Proceeds from dock and other fees help pay for the program, which has awarded $433,000 to projects in the Carolinas since it began in 2007.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/19/3185556/new-habitats-for-fish-and-osprey.html#storylink=cpy

NFL Player Chris Kelsay Tackles Fishing Lake Project in Nebraska

Kelsay lake
New home for big bass

What kind of habitat helps the fish grow large and the water stay clear? Can you actually dictate where to cast your lure to find a bass lurking in the shaded cover like a defensemen reads a quarterback?

If you spend the time and effort to plan the design of your lake or pond from start to finish, you can achieve these goals and much more. Chris Kelsay, veteran linebacker/defensive end of the Buffalo Bills has a passion for more than just football. Chris not only loves to tackle running backs and wide receivers, but big bass are also on the hit list. Growing up in Nebraska, Chris has loved the outdoors all his life. When he’s not playing ball, he’s often talking fishing and hunting with his family and friends, planning his next adventure with his bow, firearms or fishing rods.  Chris plays off the field with as much intensity as he does at work, stalking, sneaking and outsmarting his opponents with hard work and dedication.

Another NFL great that is no stranger to the outdoors is Aaron Graham, former Center for the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders and finishing up his career with the Tennessee Titans. These two guys have quite a bit more in common than playing ball in the NFL. Not only are they neighbors near Gretna Nebraska, but they both love to fish and hunt, having their own private lakes that they enjoy with their families and friends. Both these guys played college ball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, as well as Chris’ brother Chad. Retiring from the NFL, Aaron now owns and operates his own company called “Premier Outdoor properties”, which specializes in large tract farm, ranch and recreational real estate throughout Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. Participating with Cabela’s Trophy Properties, his firm can help you find your dream  hunting and fishing, farm and ranch, lake or river frontage, and large tract acreages, to meet any needs you may have.

Premier properties owner Aaron Graham provides fishing and lake property advice

Aaron has had his lake stocked with an exceptional strain of bass, with catches to date over eight pounds by his son Cooper. With the lake being about seven years old, Aaron has a jump start on Chris with some experience in habitat, stocking and water quality. We met Aaron over a year ago, providing him with some of our artificial fish habitat products for his lake. Follow this link to read about aaron’s habitat project. The success he has had with our products, encouraged him to put Chris in touch with the team at Fishiding.com to discuss a plan for his first of two lakes, as it was getting ready to be filled to full pool. With a large well, levelor system, aeration and a stocking plan in place, we came up with a plan and design to meet Chris’ desire to create a personal, one of a kind fishery. The first  lake Chris has on his property, at just over six acres, needs  plenty of cover for the fish to spawn, hide and hunt within. A well known and respected fisheries biologist Bob Lusk of Pondboss.com, recommends at least 20% of the surface area of a lake or pond be provided in habitat.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

With plans to include aquatic plants, wood and rock, we came up with an array of artificial habitat models to make up about 25% of the needed habitat for Chris’ first lake. We have always felt that a variety of natural and artificial habitat provides the diversity, all types of fish species need to utilize throughout the year. Like most things in life, everything in moderation seems to achieve the maximum efficiency and ultimate benefits for a fishery.

Kelsay lake habitat plan

The plan we came up with provided an array of structure textures, sizes and shapes to best provide cover for fish spawning and growing habitats. A total of 350 individual habitat units were hand selected to best achieve Chris’ goals to create a trophy bass fishery. A key element to any habitat plan is to create a line of structure from shallow water spawning areas out to mid depth and ultimately deep water cover. This allows young fry to hide in fine, dense cover immediately after hatching, in the shallow water they are spawned in. As these young of the year fry develop and explore out to mid depth ranges, they need to have cover to utilize as they progress deeper. If this cover is not available, they get eaten before reaching preferred size by predator fish. It is imperative that these small fish are able to hide and grow larger to the 3″-5″ size before becoming forage for the game fish. A bass for instance, needs to eat 10 pounds of forage to put on just one pound in weight. If that bass eats the fry before they get large enough, he will eat them all up just to satisfy his hunger and desire to put on weight.

Lake before Fishiding habitat installation

We put our plan together to deliver the structure and help Chris with the installation. Although artificial habitat only needs to be installed once, this was a large amount of structure to ship and install at one time. It was decided we would drive the almost 7200 pounds of habitat out in our own truck and trailer from our facility in northern Illinois. The 475 mile trip had us arriving by lunchtime on a Friday, with the hopes of finishing the installation late Saturday evening, for the return trip on Sunday.

Three of us set out at 4:00 a.m. Friday to achieve our goal. Our son Graham, an electronic media/photography major at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, came to capture the project in high definition pictures and video and help with the installation process. Also along was our nephew Josh Fick, a starting player for the North Central college football team, over excited to meet and work with the NFL players. Meeting us there was Josh Milczski, a Nebraska native, writer for recycled fish.org, a pond boss moderator and Nebraska Fish and Game board member to lend a hand and share his knowledge. Also on hand to help was Chris and Chad Kelsay, as well as Aaron and Cooper Graham.

We unloaded all 350 units and spotted them around the lake per plan Friday afternoon and then when out for a well desreved Nebraska steak dinner to re-fuel for the big push on Saturday.

The weather was un-seasonably hot, with temps. in the low 90’s and full sun. None of us expected to be getting sun burn in march, let alone starting to find Morel mushrooms already. The turkey were gobbling on the roost as we set up for a long day of work, unfolding each unit and stocking them on the bank near their final resting place. Geese and ducks of all varieties, came in and out of the lake all day, giving us a show of the abundant wildlife in the area. There was about 2 feet of water existing in the lake from runoff and ground water level, an ideal situation to put our plan into motion.

Three Nebraska Boys and one flatlander plan the attack

The “Kelsay express” saved lots of time

One huge advantage of Fishiding artificial fish habitat is the ability to grow bio film or periphyton. This “super food” is the best possible fish food available, occurring naturally. It sticks to the inert substrates or PVC limbs, and removes over abundant nutrients brought in from run off, like phosphorus. These nutrients brought in from farming practices, cause excessive weed and algae growth, choking many lakes and ponds. The fish in turn, eat this film and grow to maximum potential. Unlike natural materials, the PVC does not decompose, thus removing needed dissolved oxygen as it rots away. This process allows the water to become clear and feeds your fish naturally, the way nature intended. Inert substrates are used in aquaculture and fish “brush parks” to speed up the growth rates of desired species for market. A leader in this technology is a company called Floating Islands international, based in Montana. Their islands consisting of woven recycled plastics, are being used all over the world to help not only lakes and ponds, but water treatment plants and purification as well.
 
Shallow Cradle cover for fry.
75 Cradles were placed in shallow water in the pre- designed flat for spawning habitat. These units will help the fry survive the important first months of life. When opened, a cluster of hundreds of strands of PVC create a safe haven for fry and each unit consists of over 22 square feet of surface area to grow bio film and algae to feed them. After they reach the size of about 2″, they venture out a little deeper into the 100 Safehouse models, spread throughout the lake. This mid depth structure adds over 44 square feet each of wide limbed surface area. The limbs in the Safehouse range from 1-1/2″ up to 4″ in width. Each unit stands a minimum of 42″ tall and opens to over six feet in diameter.
Safehouse and keepers ready for installation.

The Fishiding fish habitat products are all made from reclaimed PVC vinyl siding that was destined to be put in landfills. Over 50% of the material  acquired has never been used on buildings and will last for many generations to come. This safe, inert substrate, works perfectly for underwater applications in fish habitat. Our main supplier of  discarded siding comes from  K. Hoving companies. This state of the art waste removal operation currently recycles an astounding 75% of the trash they collect. Re-use is the term they use to explain their company goals. See this story about their firm and the great things they are doing to help our environment. Add the cover and your fish will prosper, Go-Green and save the environment all at the same time.

All fishiding units come complete, ready to sink with no assembly or additional parts/tools needed. Simply open the box, bend to any desired shape and toss in the lake. Each unit sinks upright with the included “stump like” base. There is no incorrect or wrong shape, as diverse as Mother Nature. Artificial habitat products are being used all around the country, as biologists learn more about the many advantages they offer. Years of use from these structures allow anglers and pond/lake owners a snag free habitat for fish to utilize. Saving the environment, these fish attractors help conserve energy with no manufacturing process involved.

Cleaned, cut into various shapes, widths and sizes then cemented into just about any type of safe container, fishing groups are getting involved in creating new habitats lost from degradation and development. All of the fishiding models are available shipped loose as well as in a completed form. Customers can save money by purchasing loose pieces of the PVC in all varities and create their own custom designs by using their own container and cement. A special mixture of cement is also available to ensure a tight, fool proof bond to the vinyl. The pieces and models come in an array of colors, just like the colors available when siding your new home. After the algae and bio film begins to grow, they all take on a greenish/brown appearance.

Habitat project completre
Kelsay lake artificial habitat at sunset

Groups like the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation have begun to incorporate Fishiding habitat products into their ongoing conservation efforts. Projects in West Virginia were recently completed with great success. Plans to work in New Mexico, South Dakota,Virginia and Texas are being put together currently with the conservation directors in those states. The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation  leads the industry by example in conservation work with groups in all states and Canada promoting conservation and water quality issues world wide.

Lake and pond owners enjoy the ease of installation, with no need to ever replace. The limbs all have any holes or notches removed to make each unit  snag resistant,unlike brush and Christmas trees. By providing shallow habitat for fry and forage fish, mosquitos can be almost eliminated in the area, as they feed on these pesty critters. Shallow habitat is the key to growing your own forage base, thus eliminating the need to constantly restock minnows to feed your game fish.

Cribs ready for the fish

100 Keeper models were incorporated into the plan for deep water structure. These large units each boast over 62 square feet of surface area  and allow predator fish to hunt and hide around. When opened and bent to shape, they cover a seven foot diameter and are best installed with about a foot of space in between. This allows fish to navigate through them, feeding and resting in the shade they produce. Bass prefer the dense cover and shade that these fish attractors provide.

Also part of the plan was to install 25 Stakeout structures, which are  artificial stake beds, crappie and bluegill fisherman use a great deal in the south. These units stand 48″ tall and have an open grouping of individual “sticks” that the panfish prefer. Another 50 smaller prototype versions of these were installed in shallow areas for young of the year fish to navigate through as well.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Bass Hot spot
                      Fishiding hot spot for bass
      Fishiding habitat for big bass

With all the help and planning, we were able to meet our goal and finish installing all 350 Fishiding habitat units by sundown on Saturday. Chris welcomed us into his beautiful home and surrounding landscape. Although we had no time to hunt or fish while we were there, plans are being made to come back to install our habitat products in his second, five acre lake. With common goals of preserving our natural surroundings and creating a fantastic fishery, we are planning to spend some time together in the great outdoors with bows, guns and fishing rods in hand. New friendships have been made, stories of the hunt continue to be shared and the love of the great outdoors continue to be the catalyst for a common bond between men from all walks of life.

Kelsay lake ready for the water and the fishBefore and After habitat
“My experience with David Ewald and fishiding.com was amazing to say the least. His passion for lakes and fish habitat was very evident from the beginning.  David and his crew are able to help turn your expectations and dreams into reality.  We are confident that between the artificial structures from fishiding.com, and the natural habitat we have in place, we will be able to grow and harvest many great fish for a very long time.  I highly recommend fishiding.com for your habitat needs.”  Chris Kelsay,owner
Installation and bending video:
For questions about Fishiding products or to request a quote and design for your lake or pond
call David@ 815-693-0894 or e-mail: david@fishiding.com

WVBFN leads by example for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation with Fishiding artificial fish habitat

If you want to grow and sustain your fishery, then you have to expand the habitat for fish to reproduce and grow large. This is nothing new for the fisherman involved in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation of West Virginia. These guys have been involved in habitat restoration projects from the beginning, leading the way for future generations of fish and fisherman to grow and prosper.

A few short weeks ago, Jerod Harman,  Conservation Director for the West Virginia B.A.S.S.Federation Nation, contacted the owner of Fishiding artificial habitats. Jerod saw the benefits of these reclaimed PVC structures and asked about working together to help them in their ongoing efforts to improve fish habitat on a few of their local lakes.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Fishiding habitat products had been recently been awarded at the Bassmasters Classic Conservation Summit in Shreveport,LA.  Jerod, a long time steward of B.A.S.S knew these reclaimed structures would help achieve their habitat goals, complimenting the “Spider Blocks” he is so well known for installing.  Jerod has a long time relationship with local Corps of Engineer leaders and the DNR in his outstanding state. Having worked with them for many years on multiple restoration projects, his reputation is well known for rounding up the troops and getting the job done in an utmost professional and timely manner. Field and Stream magazine has also highlighted his work in a recent issue, honoring him as one of our Nation’s “Hero’s of Conservation” for his habitat work.

When the local lakes are drawn down for the winter, Jerod and his dedicated team of volunteers spring into action when most of us are sitting by a warm fire. The exposed lake bed gives them the opportunity to get right into the fishes’ favorite breeding grounds and begin to work their magic. In past years, the group has braved snow, ice and freezing temperatures to work on structures to provide habitat that is either lacking, has deteriorated or washed away by flooding. The group typically works with artificial structures that will last for many years to come, since they never rot or decompose like other types of natural products. They also install native plants and protect them from predators until they have a chance to take hold.

Jim Summers is another name synonymous with habitat. Jim has worked on these types of projects for many years and now takes credit for the fine photos we have to enjoy. Jim is always on hand to help, as well as get the shots as the work progresses. Some of the WVDNR staff put on their wet suits on their own time to get the underwater pictures of the spider block structures after they had time to age. The proof is in the pictures, showing not only bass, but forage species utilizing the new habitat the group has provided and installed.

The key to the effectiveness of artificial fish habitat, is the ability to grow bio film or periphyton. This film forms on inert substrates and begins the cycle of life which attracts invertebrates and larger fish to feed on. Other aspects that hold these types of structure units above the rest is that they don’t decompose, therefore not using up important dissolved oxygen from the water column as they rot. Bio film is proven to be the highest form of fish food, better than any commercial feeds on the market today. The bio film consumes over abundant nutrients like phosphorous, brought in by runoff which causes excessive algae growth in many lakes and ponds. The fish then eat this high energy food and grow even larger, at an unmatched rate to boot! A company leading this  technology is  Floating Islands International,Inc out of Montana. These islands made from recycled plastics form a matrix of fibers, creating maximum surface area to grow this bio film. Not only do these products feed the fish, but they cleanse the water and drastically improve water clarity.

Generally, the group of volunteers will install 50-75 habitat units per outing. Much of the supplies are donated by local companies, providing pipe, cinder blocks and cement. Some of the funds are received from state and federal grants, to provide plant stock and professional help as well. The bulk of the effort comes from volunteer labor, provided by Jerod and his dedicated group of conservation minded members. Without folks like these,  our grand kids would not have the opportunity to enjoy what we have been so blessed to enjoy for so many years.

The most recent projects involving the donated fishiding structures were put in Lake Summersville and Sutton Lake. These two area lakes will benefit in many ways from the Federation’s efforts. Spider Blocks, along with Keeper, Safehouse and shallow Cradle models all work together near new bullrush and arrow anum plantings to provide ultimate spawning areas.
 1800 plants were added to Sutton lake by volunteers from the WVBFN as well as local DNR officials and staff. David Truban, a West Virginia DNR commisioner was also on hand to bend a few Fishiding structures too. Jerod told Dave, “Just think like a fish and have at it” He was pleased to put his twist on making one into a fantastic looking block! ” I honestly believe that this project will make huge a difference in this area of the lake because of the diversity of habitat that they will have at theit disposal. “If I were a bass, this is where I would want to call home”

“I really don’t see us doing projects in the future without artificial structures mixed in. No matter what the weather conditions are, they are an investment that will be there through freezing, drought, high water, just about anything barring a massive flood in which they would be washed out. And even then, they will just be redistributed for cover somewhere else. ” Jerod Harman.

Working with the WVBFN has been an absolute pleasure. Cribs were sent out to the guys early in the week and by the weekend, they were in place ready for the water to rise. Others can take note of the dedicated members, the communities involvement and the ongoing positive relationship formed with the local governing agencies. These fish will prosper from their combined efforts, ultimately providing fisherman with a vast variety of cover and species to target.

For more information about the WVBFN  and it’s affiliates you can go to their website at http://www.wvabassfederationnation.com . To get involved in their habitat efforts you can contact Jerod Harman at jharman12@cebridge.net

Trading Nutrients for Fish « Floating Island International

The concept of including fisheries management in strategies for water quality improvement is not new, but floating islands give the notion a boost. The simple concept is, add lots and lots of substrate and the fish will come! Catch plenty of fish and you will sequester the unwanted nutrients in a more appropriate part of the eco-system – lunch!

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

In a recent article published in Pond Boss (www.pondboss.com) Bruce explores the concept of turning Phosphorus into fish to improve water quality. Here’s a quick link to the article:http://www.floatingislandinternational.com/wp-content/plugins/fii/news/37.pdf

Fish Habitat Key Part of B.A.S.S.Summit

B.A.S.S. News Announcement: Conservation Summit Deemed ‘Huge Success’

Awesome. Tremendous. Terrific.  That’s the way that state conservation directors (CD) for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation summed up their experience at the recent Conservation Summit in Shreveport, La.

Staged during Bassmaster Classic Week, the event featured 2 ½ days of presentations and discussions on issues of concern to bass anglers nationwide. Fisheries experts from universities also attended, as did fish chiefs and biologists from state and federal agencies.

“The Conservation Summit was terrific,” said Scott Sowell, veteran CD from Maryland. “Noreen (National Conservation Director Noreen Clough) did a fantastic job putting it together, and I left fired up to spread the word on keeping bass alive!

“It was great interacting with CDs and fisheries biologists from all over the country. I learned quite a bit about conservation issues and practices in other states and steps they take to protect the fishery.”

Clough called the Summit “a huge success,” but wanted no credit for it being so. “I was impressed with the number of states who recognized the value of this and attended,” she said.

“And it was capped off by a variety of academics like Dave Philipp from the University of Illinois, Mike Allen from the University of Florida and Jeff Koppelman from the Missouri Department of Conservation. They stimulated thought and conversations.”

Those three joined Gene Gilliland from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and others as presenters on Day 2 of the event, billed as a Fisheries Management Workshop.

“We talked about the state of the science on black bass issues,” Gilliland said. “We made presentations on some of the more controversial issues, such as fishing for spawning bass, to give the CDs a feel for what is going on, and then we had question-and-answer time.”

Based on the presentations and follow-up breakout sessions, attendees then identified major management issues for black bass fisheries. They include the following:

  • Fish care during tournaments, with pro anglers serving as role models.
  • Introduction of native and non-native species, including anglers who illegally move fish.
  • Large-scale habitat projects, with federal involvement.
  • Current and future water wars, and the need for anglers to partner with U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the states to ensure allocations for fisheries.
  • Fostering better relationships with fisheries agencies.

The Summit also included national and state legislative updates from Gordon Robertson of the American Sportfishing Association and Chris Horton, Mid-States Coordinator for the National Assembly of Sportsmen Caucuses. The two also led a discussion on working with legislators.

“You have to engage politically because management of our natural resources often is political instead of biological,” Horton said.

On the Summit’s final day, Gilliland explained the process behind fisheries management, and fish chiefs provided the “state perspective” on building partnerships.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Additionally, representatives from the FWS talked about that agency’s programs and the 75th anniversary of the Sportfish Restoration Program (also known as Wallop-Breaux), which provides millions of dollars annually for state fisheries management through excise taxes on fishing gear.

2012 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2012 Bassmaster Classic Supporting Sponsor: Carhartt

About B.A.S.S.

For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.By Staff Writer

Volunteers brave the cold to create fish habitat

A large group of volunteers braved the bitter cold on Saturday, February 25, to anchor 400 live-cut Christmas trees to the bed of Tygart Lake. Volunteers from the WVU Fishing Club joined with the regulars from Grafton Boy Scout Troop #6 and the Save The Tygart Watershed Association. Volunteer Ashley Akers zip-ties a tree to a concrete block, this was just one of 400 trees that were anchored in Tygart Lake on Saturday, February 25. Volunteer Ben Flohr heaves one of the trees down over the hill to the staging area below.

GRAFTON — A large group of volunteers faced the bitter cold Saturday morning as they gathered at Tygart Lake to anchor recycled live-cut Christmas trees for future fish habitat.

The program started in 2007, as the United States Army Corps of Engineers at Tygart Lake sent out the call for Christmas trees in December. Each year since, the number of donated trees, and the number of volunteers to anchor them, has grown substantially.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in proven science based, fish protection.

Residents are encouraged each year to drop their live-cut Christmas trees off at the Grafton City Garage after the holiday season. The city then transports the donated trees to the lake, where they are distributed by volunteers.

“This has been a record year for trees and for volunteers,” stated April Hawkey, Tygart Lake Corps of Engineers Park Ranger. “I had an assistant from WVU (West Virginia University) hand out fliers on campus for volunteers. The WVU Fishing Club called and asked ‘how many people do you need?’ that was great, in calling for volunteers, you never know just how many you will get.”

Hawkey stated that 15 volunteers from the club came out to assist with the effort. Along with the fishing club, regular volunteers, who have made this a regular project since the beginning, showed up in force. These regulars are from Boy Scout Troop #6 from Grafton, and the Save The Tygart Watershed Association.

In all, 45 volunteers helped place the trees near the site of last year’s donations.

During what was obviously one of the coldest mornings in February, these brave volunteers met for orientation at the Corps Park Office at 9 a.m.

From there they traveled down to the gravel lot launching area where 400 donated trees awaited. Each tree had to be anchored to concrete blocks strategically located to put the trees about15-20 feet underwater at summer pool levels. Each tree had to be drilled at its base to allow for the zip tie used to attach it to the block.

Volunteers arrived to find the trees awaiting at the top of the launching area. Together they threw, rolled and dragged the trees down over the hill to the staging area below. With Fish Attractor buoys attached, anglers will know where to go to take advantage of these efforts.

The donated trees are anchored along the Tygart Lake shoreline in February, while the lake level is low, so that when the lake returns to its summer levels the trees act as artificial reefs, providing advanced habitat for the lake’s fish and improved fishing opportunities for anglers. Once secured on the lake bottom, the Christmas trees provide shade and a hiding place for fish.

As Hawkey ran the crew up top, making many journeys up and down the steep hill, US Army Corps of Engineers Tygart Lake Resource Manager, Mike Estock handled the efforts down the hill at the staging area.

The success of this program has been noted in various fishing publications. One such mention comes from an April 25, 2010 report at sportfisherman.com, which expands upon the success of the project. “The lake (Tygart) is near the summer pool level. Target largemouth and smallmouth bass by casting crankbaits along the shoreline. Crappie are now concentrated around Christmas tree fish attractors. There are lots of walleye and trout in the tailwater and this is the best place in northern West Virginia to fish for them.”

Trees were donated by Lowe’s, Home Depot, Barbour County, and the cities of Grafton, Nutterfort and Morgantown. The Corps’ staff at Tygart Lake would like to thank those who donated the trees, WV DNR for their cooperation, and all of the volunteers for assisting in the construction of the fish attractor.

After the event, all of the volunteers were treated to pizza. Hawkey also stated that a volunteer appreciation day is in the works, for everyone who helps make Tygart Lake State Park a wonderful place to visit.BY: Matt Trout

Growing plants and installing artificial fish habitat to grow more fish in reservoirs

UNDERWATER RE-EVOLUTION

By Larry D. Hodge

A revolution is brewing among biologists managing freshwater fisheries in reservoirs. Or, put another way, a
re-evolution of fisheries management is taking root.

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Rather than applying a top-down approach to fisheries management by stocking fish, biologists are going bottom-up by stocking plants and putting in fish attractors to create habitat, sort of an “if we build it, they will come” approach. The movement to improve fish habitat in reservoirs falls on particularly fertile ground in Texas, where hundreds of constructed reservoirs dominate the landscape in a state that has only one natural lake of significant size but more inland water than any other state (except Alaska).

Dave Terre, chief of research and management for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division, is a leader in the nationwide movement to improve fish habitat in reservoirs.

“About four years ago people from state wildlife agencies across the United States had the idea of creating a habitat partnership focused on reservoirs,” he explains. “That movement became the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP). The goal is to improve fish habitat in reservoir systems, including the river above and the tailrace below, recognizing that you can’t always just do something in the reservoir and expect a positive change.”

Reservoirs are unnatural systems, often lacking in native aquatic plants. Damming a stream and flooding the terrestrial habitat around it creates a bizarre submerged waterscape of dead trees, brush, old roadbeds and whatever else was built on the land. Decaying vegetation releases nutrients into the water that jump-start the fishery and maintain it for a time, but reservoir fisheries typically decline over time as the flooded vegetation degrades. Stocking fish into this alien world creates a fishery, but one not likely to be sustainable or able to reach its full potential.

The importance of plants in reservoirs is difficult to overstate.

“The function of plants is to capture sunlight and turn it into food,” says Richard Ott, a fisheries biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Everything starts with aquatic plants. Some are food for fish directly, but more importantly, they are also food for insects and invertebrates that are eaten by small fish that are eaten by big fish and then by us. Plants provide cover for small fish to hide in and grow. They generate oxygen, buffer changes in pH, slow wave action and filter water.”

Plants do much more for reservoirs, their watersheds and the people who live there than just provide for the needs of fish.

“Tying down the shoreline and reservoir bottom with native vegetation reduces erosion and the amount of suspended sediment in the water,” TPWD fisheries biologist Mark Webb points out. “Because plants are taking nutrients out of the water, algal growth is reduced, which helps improve the quality of drinking water. Once well-established, native plants give a great amount of benefit for low cost.”

Native plants also help fight invasive nonnative species such as hydrilla.

“We try to fill a niche,” says Ott. “If you have a bare piece of ground and want to keep it that way, you have to be doing something all the time to kill stuff trying to fill that open niche. If we can fill that niche with native species, it makes it harder for exotic species to get established. Waterfront property owners may object to having any plants, but they should understand that plants outside a bulkhead area dissipate wave energy, which means they don’t have to replace expensive bulkheads as often. Once they see native plants as being a lesser evil than exotic species, they get on our side.”

Partnerships are key to the effort.

“Funding these projects is a huge problem for many states,” Terre observes. “The only way we can do that is through partners. We created a 501(c)3 corporation, Friends of Reservoirs, to be the financial arm of the RFHP. We are reaching out to organizations such as bass clubs, watershed groups, homeowners associations, individuals — anybody who is interested in improving fish habitat to benefit water quality, fish and the quality of life of the American people.”

Ott and Webb have been in the forefront of efforts to introduce native aquatic plants into Texas reservoirs, following the lead of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Michael Smart, head of the Lewisville Aquatic Eco­system Research Facility.

“When Dr. Smart suggested that we should stock native aquatic plants for the same reasons we stock fish, we wanted to kick ourselves for not having seen the obvious,” Ott smiles. “You have to ask yourself when you stock fish: Where will they live and what will they eat?

“There are aquatic plants native to Texas that will survive in reservoirs,” he continues. “These plants lived in wetland areas and backwaters of streams. But you can’t plant them just anywhere. In reservoirs you have to deal with fluctuations in water levels. Plants have to be matched to the water depth and clarity they need. They have to get sufficient sunlight to grow, but they can’t be planted so shallow they will be dry at the times they need to be growing.”

Using plants from Smart’s Lewisville facility, Webb and Ott experimented on seven Texas reservoirs that represent a cross-section of conditions across the state to develop a list of native Texas plants that will survive under a variety of conditions. They also experimented with techniques to aid survival of these plants under reservoir conditions different from those of natural lakes.

Like Smart, they decided that a founder-colony approach works best. Plants are raised in a nursery in plastic pots before being transplanted to a reservoir, where they are enclosed in a wire cage to prevent being eaten by turtles, fish or land-based herbivores. Over time the plants spread outside the cages.

After this first phase, biologist made plantings in Lake Bellwood, a former water-supply lake for the city of Tyler, to demonstrate what they had learned.

Stocking plants in reservoirs throughout Texas presents a tremendous challenge. The first hurdle to overcome is establishing a reliable and affordable supply of plants. Nursery facilities have been set up at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, at the Lake Waco wetlands and on San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) property at Lake Conroe. The latter furnishes the model for how the Friends of Reservoirs process is envisioned to work.

“The Seven Coves Bass Club on Lake Conroe has been one of our major partners,” Webb says. “Seven Coves members approached me to ask about stocking fish, and I steered them toward native vegetation. It was not a tough sell. They are really conservation-minded. I explained that the lake has good water quality, good nutrients and good spawning areas, but it did not have good habitat for small fish to hide in. Club members saw we had a huge increase in our bass production after we planted some shoreline vegetation, and they really got excited.”

Former Seven Coves President Ron Gunter recalls: “We got a grant through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation that let us create a native aquatic plant nursery at the SJRA Lake Conroe property. The SJRA donated the land. We purchased the construction materials and built raceways for the nursery and got plants from the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility. We put half the first shipment of plants in the lake and kept the second half for seed stock.”

Involvement with the project brought public exposure that helped increase Seven Coves membership from 17 people in 2005 to nearly 70 at present. Seven Coves Bass Club is now the first organization in the nation to be granted chapter membership in the Friends of Reservoirs.

“We intend to continue with the native plant restoration project in hopes we can sustain what we consider to be an excellent fishery in Lake Conroe,” Gunter says. “The payoff is knowing that we’ve done something that can make a change for future generations. We’re not looking for immediate dividends; we’re trying to make it possible for our children and grandchildren to enjoy Lake Conroe like we’ve been able to.”

Other projects carried out by the Seven Coves Bass Club include a grass carp removal tournament with the assistance of the Texas Bow Anglers Association, the installation of more than 700 cinder-block-and-bamboo fish attractors and the introduction of native plants along miles of shoreline.

The fish attractors and the plants are two sides of the same coin. “The spider blocks are the temporary habitat; the aquatic plants will be the permanent habitat,” Gunter says.

Funding projects through the Friends of Reservoirs allows local groups to raise money under the organization’s 501(c)3 umbrella, making it easier to attract corporate donors. All funds raised by a group are earmarked for the group’s projects and are not shared with anyone else, which helps maintain local control.

“The Friends of Reservoirs is a great deal in that regard,” says Gunter. “Check it out and then get out and beat the bushes for funds.”

It’s often said that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” but with water, what happens in a watershed ends up in a reservoir. Friends of Reservoirs projects will coordinate programs targeting land management practices in watersheds to improve the quality and quantity of runoff into reservoirs.

“Re-establishing native vegetation in Lake Conroe will have some beneficial effect from the standpoint of water quality,” says SJRA Lake Conroe division manager Blake Kellum, “but primarily what we recognize is benefit to the ecology of the reservoir. We view ourselves as stewards of the reservoir and want to take a balanced approach to the management of that resource. We are trying to put as much effort into native plant restoration as we did trying to control invasive species on the front side.”

It’s a team effort. “Scaling up for big projects will require more equipment and labor,” says Ott. “That’s where volunteer groups can really help out. If a group wants to take on a project, we have the expertise and the plants. If they can provide the people, it becomes fairly simple. Historically, that’s how we’ve manipulated fish populations, by regulations directing harvest to the size fish we need to have removed. All along, anglers have been the ones pulling the plow while we walk along behind directing where the plow should go.”

The Friends of Reservoirs program makes it possible for everyone interested in a lake to help pull the plow. Anglers, boaters, area property and business owners, water utilities and consumers and anyone involved in water-based industries will benefit from improved water quality, control of invasive aquatic species and reduced maintenance and operation costs from lower rates of erosion and sedimentation.

“There are already lots of groups out there working with their fisheries biologists planting native vegetation or placing brush piles,” Terre says. “All of those could be a Friends of Reservoirs chapter. This is not a governmental organization, but rather partners from across the United States who are interested in improving fish habitat. Reservoir partnerships are the way all those people will connect to work with each other. I really believe we can make a difference.”

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Jerry Wolford (News & Record)

Photo Caption:Eddie Bridges and his North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation helped raise money to build the Frank A. Sharpe Jr. Wildlife Education Center at Bur-Mil Park. This month, “Field & Stream” magazine named Bridges one of its “Heroes of…

What do you think?

 

GREENSBORO — There is no conference room.

No expense account.

No staff.

No office.

Just a phone number and a website.

If you call the number, that sonic boom of a voice on the other end means you’ve reached the right place: the home of Eddie Bridges, which doubles as the headquarters of the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation.

“We put our money in the dirt,” Bridges says with pride.

Of course, calling it a foundation is something of a misnomer.

This “pocket-change outfit,” as Bridges describes it, is pretty much all him. And a few, well-connected friends.

For 19 years, this Greensboro-based nonprofit has been doing what it can to acquire and protect open space for North Carolina wildlife.

In the beginning, about eight people showed up at a local library — “We didn’t have anywhere else to go,” Bridges says — for the first meeting. They had $38 to get the word out.

Since then, from yard sales to shilling for donations to an annual blowout party, Bridges and 18 board members have raised green to save green — more than $1 million toward an array of initiatives.

A Caswell County marsh project. An N.C. State black bear study. A Jordan Lake bass habitat project. The Frank A. Sharpe Jr. Wildlife Education Center at Bur-Mil Park.

There are others, but those are the ones that make Bridges smile.

“Who’s going to take care of our natural resources if you don’t have groups like this?” asks Bridges, 78, a lifelong outdoorsman and father of three. “We’re not a group that can do everything in the world. We just move along at a comfortable pace. We do what we can today and leave the rest for tomorrow.”

Haven’t heard of these guys? It’s OK. By now, Bridges is used to it.

Most licensed hunters and fishermen “don’t even know we exist,” to say nothing of the general public, Bridges believes.

But then, he didn’t get into this for the notoriety, although he can’t escape it.

In 1993, he was named the North Carolina Conservationist of The Year.

He’s a member of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation Hall of Fame and the Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame.

A number of groups have included Bridges among the nation’s most outstanding conservationists.

So this month, when “Field & Stream” recognized him as one of their “Heroes of Conservation” — look for him on page 27 — it simply got added to the list.

“But I’m not going to downplay that,” Bridges says.

Besides, the distinction comes with a $500 check that Bridges says will go to the group’s latest cause: quail restoration.

And just when he thought he couldn’t win anything else, along comes Wednesday.

That’s when Bridges will be honored by the North Carolina Chapter of American Fisheries Society.

Then, finally, it’s back to saving the planet.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in  science based, proven, fish protection.

“There’s the need to get it done … for the future of my children and grandchildren. It’s my thing.”By MIKE KERNELS
Staff Writer

B.A.S.S. Summit Awards Fishiding Artificial Fish Habitat

Conservation Summit Emphasizes Fisheries Management  

SHREVEPORT, La. — B.A.S.S. will renew an old tradition at this year’s Bassmaster Classic, when it plays host to a 2 ½-day Conservation Summit.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the leader in  science based, proven, fish protection. This something that I promised to do when I came back to B.A.S.S. last year,” said National Conservation Director Noreen Clough, who added that she is “very excited to bring back an historic event unique to B.A.S.S. Conservation.”
Federation Nation conservation directors, state fisheries managers, academics, “and other notables in fisheries and aquatic resource conservation” will attend.
An inaugural Fisheries Management Workshop on Saturday will be one of the summit’s highlights, as will a keynote address by Jim Martin, Berkley Conservation Institute director, at Saturday night’s awards banquet. Martin also will give closing comments on Sunday.
“Jim is a great partner with B.A.S.S. and an awesome motivational speaker in the conservation world,” Clough said.
Saturday’s workshop will feature Dr. Mike Allen from the University of Florida, Dr. David Philipp from the University of Illinois, and Gene Gilliland from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, three of the nation’s foremost experts on fisheries management.
“We’ve been able to bring together fisheries scientists from universities and states around the country to share with us the latest in black bass management,” said Clough.
Among other topics, Philipp will provide “the Northern perspective” on fishing for nesting bass, and Allen will offer the Southern perspective. Gilliland will talk about tournament mortality issues, catch-and-release impacts on growth, and advances in techniques and tools, including the Alabama Rig.
Conservation directors also will learn about trends in fish culture and stocking, illegal stocking, and spatial patterns in bass habitat use and angling. They then will move to breakout sessions to discuss management and science/outreach needs for bass fisheries.
Following a welcome from B.A.S.S. co-owner Jim Copeland, Friday’s agenda will feature mentoring sessions, legislative updates, and news from the conservation directors. The latter will include the latest on ReBaits, the popular program initiated by Florida’s Eamon Bolten to encourage anglers to recycle or properly dispose of their used plastic baits.
Gordon Robertson, vice-president of the American Sportfishing Association, and Chris Horton, mid-states coordinator for the Assembly of State Caucuses, will discuss federal and state legislation related to fisheries, as well as offer insights about working with legislators and getting involved politically.
Allen and Dr. Mike Netherland from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will discuss aquatic vegetation management and related issues, including the likelihood that herbicide application changes the behavior of fish.

Sunday’s half-day program will offer insights on how to partner with state agencies from a panel of fisheries chief, a look at the process behind fisheries management from Gilliland, and federal updates on the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program (Wallop-Breaux) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fisheries program.

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