This is my home lake where the Fishiding idea came to reality. Our sportsman’s club is a large part of this long awaited cleanup of our “Gem”

By JOSEPH BUSTOS – jbustos@nwherald.com

WONDER LAKE – It might be another year before any sediment comes out of Wonder Lake, as the $5.9 million lake dredging project remains in the permitting and design stage.

Permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources still need to be approved.

Lake manager Randy Stowe said the best-case scenario for dredging to begin is next summer, depending on the permitting process.

However, the Master Property Owners Association is looking to make a change to the project – the location of a sediment drying facility.

The MPOA is proposing an area to the west of the lake to be an area for sediment to dry. The property is 120 acres on the east side of Greenwood Road, south of Galt Airport, which is planned to eventually become Phase 2 of the Meadows of West Bay subdivision.

The area has yet to be developed because of the down economy.

The Village Board would need to approve an easement for a pipe to move water and sediment to the Meadows of West Bay area.

The MPOA is considering leaving a permanent facility to help with any future dredging.

Previously, the MPOA wanted to use 80 acres southeast of the lake, on the east side of East Wonder Lake Road, north of Route 120, as the sediment drying area. However, T.P. Mathews, who is owner of the land between the lake and the 80-acre parcel, has filed for bankruptcy. The MPOA planned to move sediment through Mathews’ land.

“We’re probably a year behind because of the issues that arose with the southeast side,” Stowe said. “Landowner issues … stalled the permitting process because we couldn’t complete the designs.”

“We have to keep things moving forward,” Stowe added.

If the new sediment site is approved, Stowe estimates that the dredging project could last three to four years rather than the original 10-year estimate.

Even though dredging isn’t expected to take place this year, residents will see some work on the lake in the fall.

Restoration work will take place on three islands. Those projects would be paid for with the help of state grants.

“These islands are literally washing away,” Stowe said.

Also, seven residents received shoreline restoration grants from the state.

Last summer, the MPOA surveyed the lake and determined how much sediment would need to be removed from the lake to help it become navigable again.

Originally the MPOA estimated that it would need to remove 1 million cubic yards of sediment, but now that estimate is 500,000 to 600,000 cubic yards, Stowe said.

He said the cost of the project has not decreased because construction costs continue to rise.

“Every delay we have, the cost goes up. But this will give us much more assurance we could get everything done,” Stowe said. “Once we get the critical area, there could be additional areas we could do additional enhancements to.”

The village took out $5.9 million in bonds last year to pay for the project. Part of the bond money is federal stimulus money.

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the industry leader and only science based, man made and artificial fish habitat, proven to provide all fish with cover they prefer to prosper.

Check out this story on placing fish attractoors with precise placement.  http://www.bradwiegmann.com/pond-fishing/pond-management/601-dont-forget-structurespot-when-adding-artificial-pvc-fish-attractors-in-your-pond-.html

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the industry leader and only science based, man made and artificial fish habitat, proven to provide all fish with cover they prefer to prosper.

Here’s another great story written by Brad Wiegmann, outdoor writer, professional angler and fishing guide. Artificial fish habitat, fish attractors, fish cover, PVC fish habitat, artificial fish attractors……..what kind do I need just to catch a few bass  or crappie?

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the industry leader and only science based, man made and artificial fish habitat, proven to provide all fish with cover they prefer to prosper.

www.bradwiegmann.com/pond-fishing/pond-management/602-artificial-pvc-fish-attractors-for-new-pond-construction-and-renovation.html

Recently, we sent an array of different fishiding products out to what may seem to be an unlikely place for fish habitat. Gretna, Nebraska, filled with flowing prairies, lush woodlands and yes, lakes and ponds. It only took a couple of e-mails to really hit off a friendship formed from a mutual love of the outdoors. We talked about fishing and hunting experiences as well as the need to promote habitat restoration for all fish and wildlife. Aaron owns a company called Premier Outdoor Properties,Inc., who specialize in large tract properties for the outdoorsman and nature lover alike. Teaming up with Cabela’s, they offer full real estate services along with knowedgable staff who love the outdoors, helping their clients achieve their individual goals. Whether it’s hunting for upland birds, or fishing for trout, these folks have what it takes to find that perfect piece of heaven.

After talking in detail about the pond and his goals, Aaron and I came up with  a habitat plan that would help the fishery and continue to allow swimming and other water activities continue as always.”My biologists brings by extra bluegill fry when he gets them otherwise only feeding is by hand.  The pond design pic is exactly what we built. On one end we have shallow bedding areas 2-3′ deep. We do have an aerator and are looking to add a fountain this summer om the other end. Depth is about 9 ft with 3:1 slopes. We treat for algae and weeds once a year. The bottom is clay and sealed with ESS13 (betonite type product.)”

We sent out a group of 19 structure units ranging from shallow water cradles, to the deepest keeper units, for the deepest section of the lake. The key to installing fish habitat is placing it continuously, from shallow to deep water. When fry are hatched, it is in the shallow, warm water in the spring. These tiny little guys need tight, dense cover to hide in from predators, being mom and dad as well. Fish will eat whatever is available to them, including their own fry. After a few months growing and hiding in the shallow cover, they explore the lake out to maybe four to six feet of water. Here they continue to grow and hide amongst the provided habitat, still vulnerable to the larger predators. Over time, they grow to the preffered size to become food for the largest predators to feed on. Without this nursery and constant renewal of fish that survive, your lake or pond cannot become completely balanced, providing a healthy year class of new fish annually.

There are many benefits to using artificial pvc fish attractors, sometimes called fish habitat or fish cover. The most obvious would be the fact that they will last forever. For years fisherman and lake and pond management companies have been installing various natural/wood products for fish habitat. This works great, but only for a short time. Depending on the water quality, they may decompose a soon after as one year, typically in 2-4 years. Only half of that time underwater, does the structure hold it’s shape and provide usable habitat. The younger generation of biologists and fisheries professionals see the added benefits to the fish, when the habitat stays for good to be used continuously.

All the products  that fishiding.com offers come with self weighted containers, with no assembly, tools or suppies needed. Just bend each limb to any shape you like and toss it in the lake. The base sinks first every time to stand the unit upright in the vertical position as it comes to rest on the lake floor. Testing has shown each unit will stand vertical on slopes up to thirty degree, with an array of lake bed material types.

The real payoff is to see the results first hand. Getting our kids involved in the outdoors, not only from an enjoyment standpoint, but also to educate. We as adults have the obligation to educate the youth of America regarding the need to restore, save and conserve the great outdoors God has given to us all to enjoy and protect. Some of that starts with recycling.

Fishiding is currently the only producer of fish habitat products of any kind, made entirely from reclaimed pvc products. Much effort has been put into gaining a network of suppliers to provide material to be used for habitat in lieu of getting dumped in a landfill. The concept seems simple enough, Allowing this new patented process and concept to explode into over 40 states and counting.

During this off season, take some time to look over the website and see all the different products, sizes and textures of artificial fish habitat attractors available for every application. Aaron promised to keep us up to date with his pond and the habitat we installed. Go Green! and help reclaim lost or degraded fish habitat today, with the most cost effective, environmentally friendly fish attractors available. Fishiding.com

See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the industry leader and only science based, man made and artificial fish habitat, proven to provide all fish with cover they prefer to prosper.

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See the dozens of unique artificial fish habitat models, fish attractors and fish cover used at fishiding.com, the industry leader and only science based, man made and artificial fish habitat, proven to provide all fish with cover they prefer to prosper.