Objective 1 – Spider Piles will be consolidated in the lower third to lower half of the reservoir focusing on areas that will ultimately fall within 15 to 30 feet of water at the future conservation elevation. Spider piles will be consolidated in multiple large areas, 50 to 150 acres in size, placed 50 to 100 feet apart.
Objective 2 – Bay Ball Reefs will be consolidated linearly around all major lake points in the lower third of the reservoir. Between 100 and 200 reef balls (2’x3’) will be placed into the reservoir. Structures will also be stacked to increase the volume of habitat provided creating diverse habitat structures.
Objective 3 – Spawning beds made of pea gravel will be spread at approximately five locations of 10,000 square feet each in protected littoral areas in the lower portion of the reservoir.
Objective 4 – Native aquatic vegetation will be planted in littoral wetland areas of the reservoir to promote future expansion of the species around the reservoir perimeter. The aquatic plants and trees will provide extensive fish habitat and reduce shoreline erosion over time. Native species introduced will include Button Bush trees, American and Illinois Pondweed, Wild Celery, Water willow, and Giant bulrush.
Objective 5 – A 250’ to 500’ fishing jetty will be constructed adjacent to a boater access site. The jetty will be protected with large riprap and provide a paved surface for shore-based anglers to access, and lighting will be added for night access. Concrete culverts (~18” diameter) will be incorporated into the base of the jetty to provide catfish spawning cavities. Artificial fish habitat structures will also be placed near the jetty to provide fish habitat, consolidate fish, and improve angler success.
Objective 6 – Tree/Brush piles will be consolidated in the lower third to lower half of the reservoir focusing on areas that will ultimately fall within 15 to 30 feet of water at the future conservation elevation. Tree/Brush piles 50 to 100 feet in length and 30 to 50 feet wide will be placed in areas where timber is felled in the lower reservoir reaches.