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

WYANDOTTE — Friends of the Detroit River extends an invitation to get together March 31 at the Wyandotte Boat Club for the annual Detroit Riverkeeper fundraising dinner.

The goal of the dinner is to raise funds to help support the Detroit Riverkeeper program and the patrol work that Riverkeeper Robert Burns does along the Detroit River.

The dinner will be held at the rowing club’s facility in the Wyandotte Boat Club’s second-story banquet room, which overlooks the Detroit River. The facility is at 1 Pine St, east of Biddle Avenue and south of Eureka Road, across from the Portofino restaurant parking lot.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for socializing, followed by a catered dinner at 7 p.m.

Friends of the Detroit River is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the waters and habitats along the river’s watershed.
After dinner, a presentation will be given on three Great Lakes restoration projects the group is working on along the Detroit River.

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.

According to Burns, the group received $3.2 million in grants on behalf of the Detroit River Area of Concern’s Public Advisory Committee from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiate funds to do the projects. Two of them are on Belle Isle and one is along the shoreline of U.S. Steel-Great Lakes Works’ facility in Ecorse and River Rouge.

The first project on Belle Isle will be at the south fishing pier, just below the Coast Guard station, and will involve the creation of a fish habitat area behind the pier, along with some shoreline restoration.

The second Belle Isle project will be to open up the landlocked Blue Heron Lagoon lake, at the upper end of the island, to the river.

“This will allow fish from the river to be able to access this 40-acre shallow wetland lake, adding valuable fishing habitat for spawning and a nursery area for fish that hatch in the upper river,” Burns said.

The third project is between the Great Lakes Steel Boat Club and the 80-inch rolling mill on the U.S. Steel site. Burns said this shoreline has some natural features on a section of the site not being used by the facility.

“The project is currently proposing to enhance an existing 300-feet rock shoal that will provide additional fish habitat,” he said. “The shoreline will also be enhanced with emergent native vegetation, and about five acres of upland area will be replanted with native trees, bushes and vegetation to provide habitat for local wildlife and migratory birds.”

All three projects are expected to begin by this summer.

The fundraiser will include a cash bar, music, a raffle and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $50 per couple, $30 for a single ticket and $15 for children.

“Come join us for a pleasant evening of networking and socializing,” Burns said.

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, call 1-734-675-0141 or visitdetroitriver.org.By Jim Kasuba

The U.S. Secretaries of Commerce, Interior, and Agriculture have made a joint commitment­­ to work together to promote collaborative, science-based conservation of our waterways and fisheries. They will sign an agreement which will focus on partnership-based conservation efforts through the National Fish Habitat Partnership.

The agreement uses federal resources to help state and local governments, landowners, and community groups conserve the places that provide recreation and power our economy.

“Through the strategic use of limited resources—such as the Fish Habitat Partnerships established under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan—we can identify the most effective use of resources to conserve habitats vital to our coastal and marine fisheries, which contribute more than $70 billion annually to the U.S. economy,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA’s Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Conservation and Management.

“This is a big step for our federal partners, who see the value of our strategic approach to conserving fish habitat,” said Kelly Hepler, Chair of the National Fish Habitat Board. “Our coordination and involvement with federal agencies has really grown since 2006 and I think today marks a significant day in recognizing that.” 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.

The National Fish Habitat Partnership works to conserve fish habitat nationwide, leveraging federal, state, and private funding sources to achieve the greatest impact on fish populations through priority conservation projects.

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

Grant Funding is Available for Community-based Habitat Restoration Projects

The FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association, has funds available for marine and anadromous sportfish habitat restoration projects throughout coastal America, the Great Lakes region, and all U.S. Territories through its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Restoration Center.

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.

We have been working for just a few months together, but it takes no time at all to be impressed with this Top notch management firm.

Texas Pro Lake Management located in Comanche Texas specializes in aeration and fountain installations, lake stocking, and lake management throughout Texas. Texas Pro Lake Management is owned by fisheries biologist Steven Bardin. In 2005 Steve started working on a Bachelors degree in Freshwater Biology from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

 “I truly owe much of what I know about fish and pond management to Harrell and his 50 year experience he was willing to share with me.” In 2009, Steve completed his Bachelors degree and began pursuing a Masters degree in Fisheries Science under Dr. Masser at Texas A&M University.

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.

Lake Management Services:

“It is important to take a proactive approach on the management of your lake. It is not usually the case that you stock the lake with fish and never need to further maintainence. Aquatic environments change making it imperative to pay close attention to the lake and see the signs of problems before they become to severe.”

Water Quality Analysis

Why is Aeration Needed?

How Do We Aerate a Lake Properly?

Fish Stocking:

Fish can be stocked throughout Central Texas at all times of the year with few exceptions for certain temerature sensitive species. Stocking your lake is the most rewarding and important decision when establishing your ecosystem. While it’s easy to get carried away and go straight to adding Gamefish, don’t forget to start with the basics and establish your bait fish. Often times, people are impressed with how quickly they are able to see a return on their investment when they take the time to establish their food chain appropriately from the beginning.

For a winter that’s been unusually warm, it was no surprise when 2,000 people showed up at a frozen lake near Ladysmith, Wis., for a fishing tournament.

A young angler won the first-place prize of $1,000 after catching a 30-inch pike. (Photo By: John Thiel, Dairyland Power Cooperative)

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The Ladysmith Lions Club organized the city’s first annual Ice Fishing Tournament, which followed a major fish habitat enhancement project on Lake Flambeau.

“Since we utilize natural resources for our business, we are strongly committed to giving back to the environment through high-impact stewardship activities, such as the fish habitat project,” said Katie Thomson, senior communications specialist for Dairyland Power Cooperative.

The Feb. 26 tournament raised $25,000. Profits from the event will be distributed to local food pantries, lake-habitat projects and Lions Club programs.

Enhancing the reservoir’s fish habitat was no easy task. Led by the Rusk County Wildlife Restoration Association and supported by the La Crosse-based G&T, the multiphase project began in 2007.

The phases included rehabbing the deep-water area, improving shoreline, and closing the lake for six months. A 30-foot drawdown was set up to drain the lake, which took seven weeks to refill once the repairs were complete.

During construction workers placed more than 150 deepwater fish structures, made of rock, logs and brush, on the lakebed. Seventy-five more fish structures were built and placed along the shoreline.

Numerous pine trees were cut and anchored to the lakebed and placed on the shoreline. This winter, whole pine trees were weighted at the base and sunk vertically in deep water areas.

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.

Fishermen stocked the fish board with pike, walleye, crappie, perch and bluegill after a day of fishing. (Photo By: John Thiel, Dairyland Power Cooperative)

“Restoration really benefitted the lake’s health, which will in turn benefit sports enthusiasts,” said John Thiel, senior environmental biologist for Dairyland.

“The panfish species are becoming more abundant and thriving and the lake’s ready to be fished,” he said. “We provided some real quality recreational activities with the hydro reservoir.”

In addition to the major fish habitat project, Dairyland has established and owns five parks around the 2,000-acre Lake Flambeau. Three of the parks have boat landings and one is equipped with a handicap-accessible fishing pier. The parks are maintained by Rusk County.By Marcia Gaysue | ECT Staff Writer

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