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Entry ID2952
Friends of Reservoirs Member/Group Sponsoring the ProjectAlamance County Bassmasters
Project Leader Contact InformationMike Powers
Phone(336) 587-1196
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Address3613 Alamance Church Rd
Julian, North Carolina 27283
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Project Information
Reservoir NameGraham Mebane Lake
Google Maps Locationapp.goo.gl
Please describe the project objective(s).

Support The NC Wildlife Resources Commission: Assist with ongoing efforts to enhance and maintain the aquatic vegetation communities within Graham-Mebane Lake by providing additional materials and providing a minimum of seven volunteer club members.

Please describe the project methods. Will the product be used in conjunction with existing habitat restoration efforts on the reservoir? Will the product supplement natural brush, rock, or other materials being added to the reservoir?

Enhance Fishing Areas: Add 10 additional artificial structures to the lake to improve fishing habitats.

Will state fish and wildlife agency staff be directly involved in the project? How so (planning, site selection, participation in installation)? Is there an associated lake or habitat management plan that states the need for structural habitat enhancement?

Since 2022, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission has been planting native aquatic vegetation within Graham-Mebane Lake. Our club began volunteering by sending members to assist with planting and constructing protective fencing. While most of the enclosures are thriving, additional funding will allow us to purchase more materials to protect and expand existing areas.
The species impacted include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and common carp. Providing enhanced aquatic habitats will offer shelter for these fish and more fishing opportunities for the public. The artificial habitats will also offer immediate areas for anglers to utilize.
Graham-Mebane Lake consists of two parts: the “old lake,” constructed in the 1960s, and the “new lake,” expanded in the 1990s to increase the surface area from 200 to over 700 acres. The habitat in both areas is aging, and sedimentation in the old lake has become a real concern. Our long-term goal is to continue supporting NC Wildlife by planting native aquatic vegetation and stabilizing the lake’s banks.

List the species that the project is expected to benefit:

Primary focus is natural habitat for Largemouth Bass. But new aquatic plants should benefit all the fish and turtles in the lake.

How do you plan to conduct outreach and advertise the project? (Examples: on-site signage, press releases, websites, message boards)

We will raise awareness about the project through social media, word of mouth, and recruiting additional helpers and labor. Prior to habitat work, we will educate volunteers on the benefits of native vegetation and how best to fish it.
Partners:
Currently, we have no official partners outside of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The city of Graham owns this reservoir, they are in full support of these efforts. Other local bass anglers frequently use Graham-Mebane Lake, but they are mostly unaffiliated unless they are members of our club. We are currently reaching out to local middle and high school FFA clubs about becoming youth partners in these efforts.

Upload at least one letter of support from a representative of the state fish and wildlife management agency:
Partnership and Budget
Does the project involve one or more youth groups?No