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Destruction of fish habitat brings hefty fine


Those responsible for the construction of a marina will have to pay heavy fines for damaging important fish habitat. (Photo: Stock File)

Click on the flag for more information about CanadaCANADA 
Wednesday, February 01, 2012, 22:40 (GMT + 9)

On 26 January 2012 in the Provincial Court of Alberta, RJ Williscroft Contracting Ltd pled guilty to one count of a violation of subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act for “the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat”. The defendant was ordered to pay a fine and penalties totaling CAD 90,000 (USD 89,920).

The charge related to a project proposal by Shadow Creek Resort Inc (owned and directed by Mr RJ Williscroft) to construct and connect an inland marina and approaches in the community of Joussard, Alberta to Lesser Slave Lake, via a dredged channel.

The Court heard that on 15 September 2008, an environmental consultant sent applications on behalf of “Shadow Creek Resort Inc c/o RJ Williscroft Contracting Ltd” to various federal and Alberta government departments, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for approvals related to the construction of a proposed inland marina development on the south shore of Lesser Slave Lake. Fisheries and Oceans Canada concluded that the proposed works would likely result in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, thus an authorization and environmental assessment would be necessary.

The environmental assessment began in October 2009. Aboriginal consultations with potentially affected First Nations and Métis groups began in December 2009.

In the spring of 2010, Fisheries and Oceans Canada was notified of alleged works being conducted in the lake by the defendants prior to the environmental assessment and consultation process being complete, and prior to a Fisheries Act authorization being issued. The excavation of the lakebed removed aquatic vegetation and its substrate, and damaged spawning and rearing habitat for many Lesser Slave Lake species of fish, including Northern Pike, Walleye and Yellow Perch. Lesser Slave Lake sustains a valuable commercial, recreational and Aboriginal subsistence fishery.

At the request of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Court ordered a fine of CAD 8,500 (USD 8,492) to be paid under subsection 40(1) of the Fisheries Act. Two penalties were also ordered by the Court.

An amount of CAD 500 (USD 499.56) will be paid to the Alberta Conservation Association for the creation and installation of a sign to educate the public about the fish species in Lesser Slave Lake. A total of CAD 81,000 (USD 80,928) will be paid to Environment Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund and will be used to hire an environmental consultant to consider ways to enhance fish habitat and to conduct a monitoring project in the inland marina. The remainder of the penalty will be used to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat in the Lesser Slave Lake watershed.

Prior to undertaking work in or around water, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages the public to avoid potential harmful impacts to Canada’s fisheries by ensuring they have obtained and are in compliance with all necessary permits, approvals or authorizations from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and authorities. 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.

editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

Diamond mines clash with the fish habitat

Diamond mining company De Beers lobbied government officials to allow them to drain a lake in the Northwest Territories, decimating local fish habitat, in order to move forward with its Gahcho Kue diamond mine. 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.

http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/4337

$90,000 Fine for Damage to Fish Habitat

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

January 31, 2012 12:00 ET

Court Imposes Significant Fine for Damage to Northern Pike Habitat

HIGH PRAIRE, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – Jan. 31, 2012) – On January 26, 2012 in the Provincial Court of Alberta, R.J. Williscroft Contracting Ltd. pled guilty to one count of a violation of subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act for “the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat“. The defendant was ordered to pay a fine and penalties totaling $90,000. The charge related to a project proposal by Shadow Creek Resort Inc. (owned and directed by Mr. R.J. Williscroft) to construct and connect an inland marina and approaches in the community of Joussard, Alberta to Lesser Slave Lake, via a dredged channel.

The Court heard that on September 15, 2008, an environmental consultant sent applications on behalf of “Shadow Creek Resort Inc. c/o R.J. Williscroft Contracting Ltd.” to various federal and Alberta government departments, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for approvals related to the construction of a proposed inland marina development on the south shore of Lesser Slave Lake. Fisheries and Oceans Canada concluded that the proposed works would likely result in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, thus an authorization and environmental assessment would be necessary. The environmental assessment began in October 2009. Aboriginal consultations with potentially affected First Nations and Métis groups began in December 2009. In the spring of 2010, Fisheries and Oceans Canada was notified of alleged works being conducted in the lake by the defendants prior to the environmental assessment and consultation process being complete, and prior to a Fisheries Act authorization being issued. The excavation of the lakebed removed aquatic vegetation and lakebed substrate and damaged spawning and rearing habitat for many Lesser Slave Lake species of fish, including Northern Pike, Walleye and Yellow Perch. Lesser Slave Lake sustains a valuable commercial, recreational and Aboriginal subsistence fishery.

At the request of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Court ordered a fine of $8,500 to be paid under subsection 40(1) of the Fisheries Act. Two penalties were also ordered by the Court. An amount of $500 will be paid to the Alberta Conservation Association for the creation and installation of a sign to educate the public about the fish species in Lesser Slave Lake. A total of $81,000 will be paid into Environment Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund and will be used to hire an environmental consultant to consider ways to enhance fish habitat in the inland marina and to conduct a monitoring project in the inland marina. The remainder of the penalty will be used to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat in the Lesser Slave Lake watershed. 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.

Prior to undertaking work in or around water, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages the public to avoid the potential for any harmful impacts to Canada’s fisheries by ensuring they have obtained and are in compliance with all necessary permits, approvals or authorizations from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and authorities.

FOR BROADCAST:

Fines were handed out in provincial court today after R.J. Williscroft Contracting Ltd. of Alberta pled guilty to damaging fish habitat in Lesser Slave Lake. The defendant was ordered to pay a total of $90,000 in fines and penalties for violating the federal Fisheries Act. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has requested that $81,000.00 of the penalties be directed to Environment Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund for fish habitat enhancement and monitoring in the inland marina and area.

Contact Information

  • Alicia McTavish
    Regional Communications Manager
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    Central and Arctic Region
    403-292-6599

Kansas Seniors expected to pay for fish habitat improvements

Outdoors: Older outdoorsmen may face fee

KDWPT wants to do away with ‘fish, hunt for free’

Posted: January 28, 2012 – 8:39pm
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will ask the Kansas Legislature to remove the exemptions that allow Kansas residents 65 years and older to fish and hunt for free. These free licenses were implemented in 1971 and the KDWPT is looking at broadening its funding base as a growing number of Kansas baby boomers, like Gene Brehm, are nearing this age.  PHOTOGRAPH BY MARC MURRELL

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARC MURRELL
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will ask the Kansas Legislature to remove the exemptions that allow Kansas residents 65 years and older to fish and hunt for free. These free licenses were implemented in 1971 and the KDWPT is looking at broadening its funding base as a growing number of Kansas baby boomers, like Gene Brehm, are nearing this age.
SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Since 1971, Kansas residents who are 65 years of age or older haven’t had to purchase a Kansas hunting or fishing license. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is asking the 2012 session of the Kansas Legislature to consider removing these license exemptions for people 65 years of age or older.

According to KDWPT officials there are several reasons for this request. The KDWPT operates its fisheries and wildlife programs without the aid of Kansas state general fund tax money. These programs are paid for by licenses and permit fees charged for various hunting and fishing activities. In addition, for each license sold in Kansas the state receives federal money as a match from excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.

This money is allotted to each state based on the number of licenses sold and divided accordingly. Fifteen percent of the KDWPT budget for fisheries and wildlife programs comes from the federal funding matching money.

Fishing and hunting programs in Kansas are supported by license and permit sales. According to the KDWPT, removing the senior exemptions will assist the agency to continue providing a variety of outdoor opportunities. One popular example includes the Kansas Walk-In Hunting Area program which has opened more than a million acres of private land for public access. Another is the Community Fisheries Assistance Program which has opened more than 200 community lakes for fishing.

Additionally, license money is used to pay for fisheries management and fish stockings in 24 federal reservoirs and 40 state fishing lakes. In addition, license fees aid wildlife-related law enforcement, wildlife management on 100 public wildlife areas, boating access, fish habitat programs, research, education and wildlife population and health monitoring.

The KDWPT recognizes the changing demographics of Kansas residents. More people in the Baby Boomer generation will be reaching their 65th birthdays in the coming years. For example, the number of deer hunters 65 years of age and older that purchased deer permits has increased 25 percent in the last five years. Concern is that without a broadened funding base when many of these users leave the system others still paying for annual licenses will have to carry a heavier burden for fish and wildlife programs. The KDWPT said the elimination of the senior license exemptions will spread the cost among those that use the resources, keeping them equal and affordable for all.

Individual hunting or fishing licenses cost $20.50 for the calendar year. A combination hunting/fishing license is $38.50 which amounts to 11 cents per day. The KDWPT points out that the cost of a yearly license is a bargain compared to other forms of entertainment like dining in a restaurant, watching a movie or playing a round of golf. In addition, they point to the cost of the license as but a small percentage of the overall cost of other expenses relating to a hunting or fishing experience.

The KDWPT estimates the lost revenue from the senior license exemptions are considerable. Calculations used based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) 2006 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-related Recreation in Kansas (survey results from the most recent USFWS survey will be available this summer) estimates that 20,000 Kansas residents 65 years of age and older hunted in Kansas that year.

The KDWPT receives $18 from each license (after vendor and convenience fees) which would amount to $360,000. Matching federal money for each hunting license is $16.15. Subtracting 7,696 (the number of seniors who purchased a deer or turkey permit which can be counted for federal aid matching funds) that amounts to $198,709 in federal matching money for hunting licenses for a total of $558,709.

Using similar formulas and information, the KDWPT estimates lost revenue from annual fishing license exemptions for seniors amounts to $847,289. This is based on 33,000 anglers 65 or older at $18 for a total of $594,000. Federal aid ($8.31 is available as a match for each fishing license) from the sales of these licenses would amount to $253,289 (subtracting 2,520 anglers who purchased third pole or trout permits which can be used for federal aid reimbursement).

The KDWPT says it doesn’t want to unfairly target seniors who enjoy hunting and fishing. However, more than $1.4 million in lost revenue is substantial. They believe the elimination of the exemptions will make the license fee structure more equitable for all hunters and anglers and help to continue programs and services they enjoy.

Individuals wishing to express their concerns or questions are encouraged to contact their elected officials, or they can contact the KDWPT Office of the Secretary, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Ste. 200, Topeka, KS 66612, or call (785) 296-2281.

HEARING SET FOR WATERCRAFT TAX

House Concurrent Resolution 5017 will have a hearing at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 2 in Room 152 S in the State Capital. This addresses the current rate of taxation on watercraft in Kansas.

Currently, watercraft are taxed at 30 percent of assessed value which is considerably higher than cars, trucks, recreational vehicles and motor homes. The House of Representatives passed HCR 5017 in 2011 by a vote of 121 yea, 2 nay. It now must be approved by the Senate before it can be voted on by the public as a change in the Constitution.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) estimates as many as 10,000 boats and other watercraft are registered in other states to avoid paying Kansas property taxes. As a result, counties lose considerable revenue and the KDWPT loses revenue as well as federal aid reimbursable matching monies for improvements in boat ramps, safety markers and buoys, boating access, boater education and enforcement. The KDWPT supports this resolution.

If passed by the Senate, the resolution will go on the ballot to be voted on by the public as a change to the Constitution in the November 2012 election. If approved by the public, the 2013 session of the Kansas Legislature will determine how much to lower the current rate of taxation on watercraft personal property. This process already has been completed for vehicles, camping trailers and other recreational vehicles.

Anyone wishing to participate in the hearing and provide comments can contact Mary Jane Brueck, Committee Assistant at (785) 296-2713.

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.

Marc Murrell can be reached
at mmoutdoors@cox.net.

Pot Grows Destroy Fish Habitat

Brad Job: Rapacious Grows Destroy Habitat, Undo Restoration Work – January 29, 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Nightmare mosaic photo from a raid in the King Range National Conservation Area. Photo courtesy Brad Job

I’ve been fascinated by water and the organisms that live in it since I was a child. When three years of sea duty made me fall in love with the ocean, I decided to pursue a degree from HSU in Environmental Resources Engineering, which I completed in 1993.

Since then, my career has focused on water quality and water resources. For the past 10 years I have had the honor and privilege of being part of a team of professionals that steward some of our nations’ most spectacular public land. In this occupation I have also been witness to many environmental sins that have occurred as a result of marijuana cultivation.

As a pragmatic environmentalist, it is not my job to deride marijuana or its use. But, similar to the environmental effects of logging, the problem is not necessarily that one grows pot, it’s about how one grows pot.

Regardless of how one feels about marijuana and its legal status, anybody that understands just a little about aquatic ecosystems has to admit that widespread cultivation has bad consequences for fish. It degrades the quality of our rivers and streams, which to me, are the core of what makes northwest California special. 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.

In reference to one of last week’s cover stories about illegal excavation and un-engineered fill(‘Shocking’ environmental damage from outdoor grows, Eye, Jan. 18) I can attest that the additional input of sediment eroded from grow-related excavations permanently damages habitat for imperiled salmon and trout populations and undoes the benefits of millions of dollars’ worth of watershed restoration work.

However, increased sedimentation is not the only or necessarily the worst environmental consequence of rapacious pot growing out in the hills.

The giant hunk of failing fill is located right above Bear Creek where it exits the King Range NCA could not be in a worse spot as far as fish habitat goes (notice the clear creek in the upper right corner).

Recent research has shown that 80 to 90 percent of the nitrogen in coastal watersheds historically came from the ocean, much of it in the form of return runs of salmon and steelhead. However, dwindling fish populations and environmentally oblivious pot growers have turned that dynamic on its head.

Now, growers dump hundreds of tons of excess fertilizer into these watersheds annually. The most obvious consequence of fertilizer overuse is increased algal growth, which is most likely why toxic concentrations of blue-green algae have been observed in the Eel River in recent summers. Excessive algal growth kills fish and the organisms that they feed upon.

In addition, outdoor grows frequently discharge rodenticides, insecticides and fungicides into the environment; divert springs and creeks for long distances; and leave vast quantities of trash and black poly-pipe behind.

And then there are the diesel dope grows. These operations often improperly and illegally store large quantities of diesel in plastic tanks that are prone to failure. And those that do use metal tanks almost never have secondary containment and often have leaks and spills.

A pile of dumped cannabis root balls, surely laden with fertilizers and other soil amendments, cascades down the banks of Liscom Slough into sensitive marine habitat last week. Photo courtesy Ted Halstead

It is worth noting that fuel distributors that dispense fuel into such tanks are also committing a felony. If anyone wants to observe the environmental consequences of petroleum spills in aquatic ecosystems, they need only to travel to an urban stream to witness the reduced abundance and diversity of invertebrate species, which are the base of most aquatic food webs.

Then consider the water diversions, air and noise pollution from inefficient generators, and the random dumping of fertilizer-laden potting soil. And I can hardly bear to ponder the sad irony of burning fossil fuel to make light to grow plants in a manner that is literally 99 percent inefficient, all while it is warm and sunny outside.

As long as the marijuana status quo and large profit margins remain, it appears inevitable that some of the worst crimes at marijuana gardens will be environmental ones.

The citizen’s suit provision in the Clean Water Act might be a big enough hammer to change some landowners’ behavior if a motivated team of attorneys and environmental scientists were to respond to a specific incident.

However, the sad fact remains that the underground economy is creating really bad consequences for the increasingly fragile ecology of our rivers and streams. But, if this letter makes only one grower reduce their fertilizer and agricultural chemical use or cause less erosion, the time it took to write it will have been well spent.

Sincerely,

Brad Job, P.E.

Environmental Engineer

Arcata

Conservation effort sets priorities for habitat

By DOUG WARNOCK

For the Capital Press

Forest resources, arid lands habitat and Puget Sound health were the areas selected as priorities for the Washington State Coordinated Resource Management program.

Washington’s CRM Executive Committee and CRM Task Group met together to establish program priorities. Reduced funding and loss of a full-time program coordinator precipitated the need to streamline activities and focus on high-priority needs.

The three areas deemed of greatest need were:

* Forest resources, emphasizing water issues.

* Arid lands habitat, focusing on sage grouse and endangered fish.

* Puget Sound health, emphasizing improved water quality.

The CRM Task Group is implementing a plan to assist new groups organized to address issues in the three priority areas, while continuing to support existing CRM groups across the state. The Task Group is led by Kevin Guinn, Natural Resources Conservation Service range management specialist, and facilitated by Ray Ledgerwood, Washington Conservation Commission Program Facilitator.

Coordinated resource management is a collaborative approach to resolving issues and improving management of land and water resources. The approach has been in existence in Washington state for over 50 years and has resulted in improved health of soil and water resources across the state.

A group in the Tenmile Watershed of Whatcom County stabilized stream banks and improved fish habitat. It involved local dairies, poultry producers, fruit and vegetable farmers and many community members.

A program in Klickitat County resulted in the development of 30 springs as water sources for wildlife and livestock, installation of 50 miles of fence to protect riparian areas and trees planted on 100,000 acres for forest renewal.

These are just two examples of successful programs. 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.

Planning for any program is done by the local people who are responsible for managing the land and who have the best knowledge of the situation. Resources of the State CRM Executive Committee and the state CRM Task Group are available to support local groups as needed.

The program planning process empowers local people to solve land use and natural resource issues through collaboration. It brings people together, enhancing communications and reducing conflicts, to help find common ground while working toward the achievement of mutual goals.

Consensus is the basis for success in planning. The approach works because planning together across ownership lines and management boundaries results in better resource health, helps people meet their objectives and minimizes conflict among participants. While there may be a difference in how individuals view a problem or situation, all have an interest in the land’s well-being and can find mutual objectives for its benefit.

The CRM Executive Committee is composed of the heads of the state and federal agencies associated with land and water resources. The CRM Task Group includes representatives of the same state and federal agencies involved in the Executive Committee, as well as several members at large. All are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of natural resources in the state.

Doug Warnock, retired from Washington State University Extension, now lives on a ranch in the Touchet River Valley where he consults and writes on ranch management.

Information

Keswick beaches get $215K for cleanup and fish habitat restoration

“The Elmhurst Beach project showcases how effective partnerships are contributing to the health of the lake. We are very happy to see that this project will be completed on time and will allow for many to enjoy the beach now and into the future.”

The project will remove failing concrete breakwalls and replace them with boulders in an effort to re-naturalize the shoreline and prevent its further erosion. It will also introduce a natural buffer strip to reduce phosphorus loading and improve fish habitat.

Two Keswick beaches will get the last trickle of federal funds under a four-year, $30-million program that has all but dried up.
The six-figure shoreline restoration project at Elmhurst and Bayview park beaches in south Keswick will be one of the last to get federal funding under the Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund, which ends in March.
Government house leader and Conservative York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan donned an umbrella, tip-toed through mucky construction and braved the rain for this morning’s announcement of $215,500 in federal backing for the estimated $300,000 project that will re-build crumbling breakwalls along 1,000 feet of Lake Simcoe shoreline in Georgina.
The project will remove failing concrete breakwalls and replace them with boulders in an effort to re-naturalize the shoreline and prevent its further erosion. It will also introduce a natural buffer strip to reduce phosphorus loading and improve fish habitat.
The announcement comes as part of the seventh round of projects approved under the $30-million federal program, which was launched in the fall of 2007.
Mr. Van Loan praised Patti Dawson, the president of the Elmhurst Beach Association, who put forward a proposal in 2010, as well as the numerous volunteers, environmental groups and concerned residents for their extensive co-ordination and fundraising efforts.
“The Elmhurst Beach project showcases how effective partnerships are contributing to the health of the lake. We are very happy to see that this project will be completed on time and will allow for many to enjoy the beach now and into the future,” said Mr. Van Loan.
He also pointed to other partners, most notably the environment ministry and conservation authority, that have come on board since the clean-up fund was announced that has allowed the initial $30-million investment to lead to around $100-million worth of projects, which have greatly improved the health of the lake and its watershed.
Of the 300 proposals submitted under the fund, 160 projects have been approved for funding said Richard Simpson, the chairperson of the Protect and Preserve the Environment of Lake Simcoe Committee (PROPEL) — the advisory committee charged with assisting and administering funding under Environment Canada.
“Projects completed to date represent five times more money than what was left in the fund,” said Mr. Simpson. 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.
While some of the approved projects have yet to be announced, the original investment, however, is all but spent and no future clean-up funding should be expected, Mr. Van Loan added.
He said the “one-time commitment” from the federal government has produced real results, but there is plenty left to do with respect to the health of the lake and local municipalities and the province will have to step up to ensure the valuable work continues in the future.
Michelle Rempel, the parliamentary secretary to the environment minister, was pleased to be a part of this morning’s announcement and said the fund highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and local economic growth, especially since Lake Simcoe generates roughly $200 million of economic activity annually.By Heidi Riedner

Medard Park reopens with fortified embankments, fish and fish habitat

 

By GEORGE WILKENS | The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 23, 2012
TURKEY CREEK –The water at Edward Medard Park and Reservoir is back – along with the fish, and the anglers.The 1,284-acre Hillsborough County park remained open nearly two years after the reservoir was drained to allow repairs to its crumbling shoreline. After sufficient accumulated rainfall, the 750-acre reservoir was reopened to boating and fishing on Dec. 31.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.

The lengthy period without fishing at the popular park adversely impacted attendance, said Kent Newcomb, the senior manager of the park south of Plant City and east of Valrico.

“These people want to go fishing,” Newcomb said. “A couple of years of no fishing is not what people want.

Now it’s time to get the word out: Anglers can cast a line again at Medard Park.

“It’s been stocked with bass bluegills, specs and catfish; we’re talking hundreds of thousands,” Newcomb said.

One change for anglers: The reservoir’s fish management plan allows catch-and-release fishing only, at least for now. Newcomb said he thinks the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may rescind that in a year or so, once the new fish population has stabilized.

Boat ramps, of course, have reopened. The daily launch fee is $5 per boat, and annual passes are available.

New at the park are canoe and kayak rentals, $25 for as much as four hours.

Additionally, the observation tower and boardwalk leading to it — popular vantage points for bird-watchers have been rebuilt — Newcomb said.

More than 30 years had passed since water of any magnitude had been drained from the enormous reservoir at the park off Turkey Creek Road. But deteriorating sandbags along the banks signaled it was time, and water levels began dropping after the dam was removed in November 2009.

Construction, begun in January 2010, was by a contractor for the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

“They just about drained it all the way out,” leaving only isolated pockets of shallow water, Newcomb said.

Then, 3,000 feet of concrete mats were strung across a berm to help form the shoreline. The rocks that previously lined the shoreline will become fish habitat — artificial reefs to help transform the manmade lake into a more natural habitat.

Keeping the shoreline intact ensures residents to the south will not get flooded if the berm breaches.

The project was intended to fortify reservoir embankments to protect against erosion and provide flood control, said Amy Harroun, a spokeswoman for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which owns the reservoir.

Medard Reservoir provides flood control, as well as groundwater recharge and recreational benefits, she said.

“The project was a success; construction was complete in June 2010, and then we waited for rainfall to raise the water level,” Harroun said.

The project provided additional benefits.

At the urging of state Sen. Ronda Storms, the tons of tilapia and catfish removed from the reservoir were filleted and distributed to America’s Second Harvest, which provided it to local food banks to feed the hungry.

Additionally, fisheries biologists from the University of Florida removed and tagged large bass, which were relocated to other Florida lakes.

Newcomb, who has managed the park for 20 years and lives onsite, is as happy as anyone to have the reservoir reopened, as it attracts more than those who want to fish or boat.

“The water reflects on everything else,” including attendance by campers and picnickers, Newcomb said.

After the reservoir was drained, the park saw a sharp drop in attendance, which normally is close to 500,000 visitors a year.

“It’s still not back to what we hope it will be,” Newcomb said. “(But) I’m sure it will come back.”

Edward Medard Park and Reservoir

WHERE: 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City

HOURS: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (winter hours)

ADMISSION: $2 per vehicle (eight people or fewer)

BOAT RAMP: $5 per launch

CAMPING: 42 sites with electricity, $24 nightly; $18 for ages 55 and older

CANOE/KAYAK RENTAL: $25 for four hours

INFORMATION: (813) 757-3802

gwilkens@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7124

New reefs for fish habitat in Maryland

Artificial reefs for fish habitat
fish attractors

The new fishing season might seem like a long way off but we’re really only a couple months away from when folks will begin extracting fishing rods from attics and sheds, pulling winter tarps from their boats, and reviewing their charts, just to make extra sure they’re set and ready for the fun times ahead. The natural optimism found in most anglers may foster aspirations for a new fishing season filled with beautiful weather and stringers full of big fish. But in these times when it seems fishermen are so often hampered by political, environmental, and economic issues, even the most optimistic angler can sometimes have trouble keeping a smile on their face when the winter news carries so many headlines of “doom and gloom.” So it’s always refreshing to hear some good news about positive developments within the fishing industry. On that note, let me reintroduce to you the Ocean City Reef Foundation and MARI. 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.

Its activities may not always capture front-page headlines, but since 1997 the Ocean City Reef Foundation has been busy creating and enhancing offshore fish habitat through an ever-expanding network of artificial reefs. From boats to barges, cable to concrete, tanks to trains, in recent years Reef Foundation administrators have strategically submerged so much material off our shores that give fish traveling through Maryland waters a reason to reside and reproduce off our coast.

There have always been artificial reefs off Ocean City. But, until the Reef Foundation got to work, offshore structure was restricted to a small handful of boats and ships that accidentally sank, or structure that was intentionally put down by a few well meaning anglers on a very limited basis. Consequently, local wreck fishing used to be practiced by a relatively small segment of local anglers who, through years of trial and error, acquired the coordinates to the bulk of offshore structure. Since no one wants to schedule their day around fishing a certain wreck and then find someone else already anchored over it, once obtained these coordinates were very seldom shared with other fishermen. With such limited opportunities, local wreck fishing was destined to remain one of Ocean City’s best-kept secrets.

Not any more. The OC Reef Foundation has been so successful at seeding the waters that fishermen no longer have a need to keep a good thing to themselves. There’s plenty of places to fish, and plenty of fish once you get there.

When structure goes down it immediately begins to provide safe habitat for aquatic life. In relatively short order, entire living communities can establish themselves on, in, and around the structure. In areas where the ocean floor was little more than smooth bottom there becomes a living reef and complete food chain, from tiny microscopic plants and animals to large predators. The Reef Foundation is just getting warmed up; they sink structure all year and have lots more on the agenda.

A few years ago Maryland also got into the reef building business when they kicked off the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI), which includes over 60 private, state, and federal partners, and acts as a funding mechanism (using private and corporate donations) for reef development in Maryland. It’s a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and creating fish habitat in tidewater Maryland. Funding for MARI comes from the Coastal Conservation Association, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the coalition of donors and partners. MARI brings together a coalition of diverse stakeholders to accomplish meaningful and measurable goals that not only benefit the sport fishing industry, but also provide priceless marine habitat. Last summer, MARI had a hand in the offshore sinking of the 564-foot warship Radford which is now in striking distance of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey fishermen.

Though spring is still few months away, sooner or later it will be here and happy anglers will once again put to sea in hopes of enjoying their best fishing season ever. Fishermen should take comfort in knowing that the Ocean City Reef Foundation and MARI are working hard to ensure that such hopes can indeed become reality. For more information about the Reef Foundation visitwww.ocreeffoundation.com, or see www.dnr.state.md.us for details on MARI.

Written by
Mark Sampson

Kids learn to improve and protect habitat

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.
California, Nevada and Klamath Basin

Photo: USFWS

Schoolyard Habitat Program

Schoolyard Habitat ProgramThe Schoolyard Habitat Program helps teachers and students create wildlife habitat at their own schools. Typical projects include: wetlands, meadows, forests and variations based on specific ecoregions.

Many projects are planned through multiple phases and change over time as children from various classes build upon the existing work of past students.

We work with your school to provide:

  • technical assistance and project guidance
  • teacher training,
  • develop written materials

Our goal is to provide technical and organizational assistance to school, so they can create outdoor classrooms that are effective as educational tools in addition to being a sustainable habitat for many years to come.

Please download the following Fact Sheet for more information on the Schoolyard Habitat Program:
Schoolyard Habitat Fact Sheet (.pdf)

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