Home

The objective of this project is to create additional aquatic habitat at Pymatuning Lake through artificial habitat structures. We will specifically use this funding to create 30 additional Short Vertical Plank Structures which will be part of the annual 100 Porcupine Crib project. These structures will also allow us to have more habitat diversity for fish at the proposed 2022 project placement site. These habitat structures will improve recruitment, species richness, and the efficiency of aquatic fish populations while providing improved fishing opportunities

This project will add additional structures to the annual project at the lake. Artificial habitat improvement structures will be constructed on land and then will be placed by 4 specialized habitat boats. These structures will mimic new natural habitat at the lake. The natural habitat at the lake has been degrading over the past decade and new habitat structures help replace this loss. The structures will be constructed out of rough-cut hemlock, nails, and concrete block. Technical assistance, tools, safety gear, hardware, funding, and placement will be completed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The Pymatuning Lake Association (PLA) is responsible for gathering volunteers and for picking up project materials. PLA also provides lunch and coordinates local media coverage of the project. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Ohio DNR) will assist with Technical assistance, block, and placement of the structures by their boats. PA Department of Natural Conservation (DCNR) provides some staffing, an operator, and a machine for the project. The structures will be constructed by local volunteers, DCNR, PFBC, Ohio DNR, multiple local high schools, and by member of Pymatuning Lake Association. The project has always completed what it has planned, and we expect to complete the 100 PA Cribs and 30 Short Vertical Planks that we have proposed for 2022.

The project is a cooperative project between all partners. All project partners discuss site locations and are involved with the planning of the project. This plan follows both PFBC and Ohio DNR fish management plans

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, Perch, Musky

PLA plans to contact the local newspaper and other media outlets. PLA focuses on highlighting this project because it needs the support of volunteers and the local community to keep the project going yearly. PLA often produces onsite signage at different boat launches to attract local volunteers. PLA also host other related fishing events and communicates additional opportunities like this project.

PFBC will use its Facebook page, website, and its other media outlets to talk about the project. Ohio DNR, like PFBC will also uses its media outlets to highlight the project.