Lakes Benefit from Habitat Projects in New Jersey
September 24, 2008
The Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries completed four artificial habitat projects in 2007 and 2008 at Union Lake, Lake Lenape (Atlantic County), Hammonton Lake, and Penbryn Lake. These projects were made possible through partnerships with the Boy Scouts, South Jersey Bass Club Association, Hammonton Lake Water Quality Committee, and Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation.
Artificial habitat projects are well documented to be effective in increasing angler catch rates as a result of improved habitat. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has cooperatively worked with local-fishing organizations to enhance the habitat in many of New Jersey’s lakes, ponds, and reservoirs for years. The locations of artificial habitats have been mapped with GPS coordinates.
Other projects recently completed at Assunpink Lake, Stone Tavern Lake, and Mercer Lake (2006) were highlighted in the feature article, “Local Lakes Get Home Makeover.”
Descriptions of the most recent projects are as follows:
A lake habitat enhancement project was completed at Lake Lenape, Atlantic County on February 22, 2008. A total of thirteen individuals comprised of Atlantic County Parks staff, members of the Cedarwater Bassmasters and Bucketmouth Brigade Bass Club, and a volunteer from the local rowing association completed the project on a cold winter day. Park staff and the rowing association provided boats to deploy the habitat structures. Structures were placed in eight locations in the deeper section of the lake near the dam, which had the least amount of cover. A total of 300 discarded evergreen trees were dispersed at the six locations.
| Lake Lenape | ||
| Site # | Habitat Coordinates | |
| 1 | 39° 27′ 24.0″ N | 74° 44′ 01.7″ W |
| 2 | 39° 27′ 24.6″ N | 74° 44′ 10.8″ W |
| 3 | 39° 27′ 23.0″ N | 74° 44′ 14.7″ W |
| 4 | 39° 27′ 20.0″ N | 74° 44′ 16.0″ W |
| 5 | 39° 27′ 15.7″ N | 74° 44′ 17.3″ W |
| 6 | 39° 27′ 15.9″ N | 74° 44′ 16.2″ W |
| 7 | 39° 27′ 40.7″ N | 74° 44′ 23.8″ W |
| 8 | 39° 27′ 44.4″ N | 74° 44′ 25.4″ W |
UNION LAKE
Tom Ritterhoff, a Boy Scout from Cape May Court House, NJ, was instrumental in the Union Lake project. The structures were deployed by fisheries biologists from the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries. Tom obtained all materials and built the structures with the assistance of members from Troop 65.
A total of 25 structures were deployed at two existing habitat structure locations in Union Lake. The structures were constructed from PVC pipe and plastic buckets and were placed in 10 - 12 feet of water. Warmwater fish species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and chain pickerel will greatly benefit from this
| Union Lake | ||
| Site # | Habitat Coordinates | |
| 1 | 39° 25′ 01.9″ N | 75° 03′ 53.8″ W |
| 2 | 39° 24′ 25.5″ N | 75° 03′ 51.5″ W |
| 3 | 39° 24′ 42.4″ N | 75° 3′ 52.5″ W |
| 4 | 39° 24′ 58.7″ N | 75° 3′ 56.4″ W |
| 5 | 39° 24′ 58.7″ N | 75° 3′ 32.6″ W |
| 6 | 39° 24′ 45.5″ N | 75° 3′ 23.2″ W |
| 7 | 39° 24′ 20.6″ N | 75° 3′ 29.4″ W |
| 8 | 39° 25′ 27.4″ N | 75° 3′ 42.8″ W |
| 9 | 39° 25′ 29.7″ N | 75° 3′ 56.8″ W |
| 10 | 39° 24′ 8.8″ N | 75° 3′ 39.6″ W |
| 11 | 39° 24′ 26.4″ N | 75° 3′ 54.0″ W |
| 12 | 39° 24′ 19.9″ N | 75° 3′ 14.3″ W |
| BOLD indicates locations of new structures | ||
A lake habitat enhancement project was completed at Hammonton Lake, Atlantic County on May 13, 2008. Structures were placed in three locations in the deeper section of the lake. A total of 35 discarded evergreen trees were dispersed at the three locations. Phase two of this project, consisting of 30 additional structures constructed by a local fishing organization, will be completed during the fall of 2008.
| Hammonton Lake | ||
| Site # | Habitat Coordinates | |
| 1 | 39° 37′ 46.4″ N | 74° 46′ 41.8″ W |
| 2 | 39° 37′ 46.9″ N | 74° 46′ 36.0″ W |
| 3 | 39° 37′ 50.5″ N | 74° 46′ 22.0″ W |
PENBRYN LAKE
A fisheries management plan was completed in 2005 for Penbryn Lake, and recommendations were made to deploy artificial habitat structures to improve the largemouth bass and black crappie fisheries. The Penbryn Lake project was completed through a partnership with Patrick Fuzer, an Eagle Scout from Mount Laurel. The project was completed on April 12, 2007. Eight scouts and three parents assisted with the project. The scouts provided all materials including evergreen trees, concrete block and rope. More than 190 trees were deployed in the lake. Locations were predetermined utilizing a bathymetric map, GPS, and depth finder. Structures were placed in 10 to 25 feet of water.
| Penbryn Lake | ||
| Site # | Habitat Coordinates | |
| 1 | 39° 45′ 59.3″ N | 74° 56′ 16.5″ W |
| 2 | 39° 45′ 57.9″ N | 74° 56′ 32.3″ W |
| 3 | 39° 45′ 53.6″ N | 74° 56′ 31.7″ W |
| 4 | 39° 45′ 54.7″ N | 74° 56′ 21.0″ W |
| 5 | 39° 45′ 55.0″ N | 74° 56′ 16.2″ W |
| 6 | 39° 45′ 58.1″ N | 74° 56′ 14.3″ W |
| 7 | 39° 45′ 59.1″ N | 74° 56′ 21.6″ W |
| 8 | 39° 45′ 58.4″ N | 74° 56′ 32.5″ W |
| 9 | 39° 45′ 57.8″ N | 74° 56′ 25.0″ W |
The staff of the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries is continually working to improve fishing opportunities throughout the state of New Jersey and welcomes the input of independent anglers and of organized clubs.
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Volunteer Campground Hosts Recognized For Their Service
September 18, 2008
BRIGHTON - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said “thank you” to a group of important volunteers at a celebration event last week. The sixth annual Campground Host Appreciation Event took place at Lake Darling State Park Sept. 9.
Roughly one-third of Iowa’s 110 campground hosts attended the celebration that honored them for the invaluable services they provide to Iowa’s state parks. DNR park staff, along with Natural Resource Commissioner Janelle Rettig, were also in attendance to recognize these outstanding volunteers.
“I used to think I had missed the great moments in U.S. history of volunteerism,” noted Jeff Hildebrand, Lake Darling Park Ranger, “but then I work with folks like you I know that I haven’t missed a thing. You are the answer to our state parks’ prayers.”
Campground hosts offer assistance as greeters, informational aides and maintenance support at state parks. Hosts live and work on campgrounds during the busy summer camping seasons, most of them volunteering hundreds of hours each summer.
“For me it’s all about loving Iowa’s state parks and wanting to take care of them,” said Mike Orgazan, who hosts at Lacey-Keosauqua with his wife Regina. “It’s really rewarding to help visitors have an enjoyable experience and gain a new appreciation for their parks.”
The appreciation celebration kicked off Sept. 8, with free camping, a potluck dinner at the park’s new four-season lodge and live music provided by Ed Bruegge and Friends of Fairfield. The following day DNR officials treated hosts to a catered lunch, certificates of appreciation and a presentation on Iowa’s Peregrine Falcons by Kay Neumann of Saving our Avian Resources (SOAR). Volunteers also were given the opportunity to assist in the release of a rehabilitated great horned owl.
Last year, volunteers across Iowa donated more than 230,000 hours of service to the DNR. Parks volunteers - including campground hosts - account for about 40-percent of that.
For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or at Merry [dot] Rankin [at] dnr [dot] iowa [dot] gov
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Exploration and Music on Tap at Fort Delaware
June 3, 2008
PEA PATCH ISLAND, Del. - Fort Delaware State Park welcomes the public to Pea Patch Island on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 to explore both 19th century archaeological records and enjoy the music of the time in a series of programs designed for all ages.
Visitors may explore the Fort and enjoy Civil War-era music performed by members of the Don Hubbard Field Music School, who will be plying their craft all weekend. Buglers, drummers and more will perform on both Saturday and Sunday.
Also on Saturday, visitors are encouraged to join park staff in Digging Fort Delaware, a hands-on adventure in archaeology. Participants will search for the cornerstone of the 1863 chapel that once stood on the island and the time capsule that was installed at the dedication 145 years ago, and examine some artifacts from the 19th century.
Fort Delaware State Park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all weekend. Tour reservations can be made in advance at www.destateparks.com or by calling 877-987-2757.Â
For more information on these and other programs, call the park office at (302) 834-7941.
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Baraga State Park Hosting Free Fishing Pond for Kids on June 7
May 29, 2008
Baraga State Park will host a free fishing opportunity for children on Saturday, June 7, from noon until 5 p.m. to celebrate Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan.
“This is a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors, away from the electronic games, and enjoy the Baraga County Lake Trout Festival at the same time,” said Dan Dowdy, supervisor of Baraga State Park. “All fishing equipment and bait will be on hand, and the kids will be able to catch and keep rainbow trout supplied by the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Hatchery.”
The Quincy-Franklin Fire Department provides the pond, the L’Anse Fire Department assists with filling the pond, and Baraga State Park staff will be present to help the children catch fish and answer questions.
The fishing pond is just one part of this annual event. This event combines a classic fishing tournament with food, music and fun. The event features a half marathon, comedy show, arts and crafts, street dance, lake trout and salmon cook-off, a pancake breakfast, kids carnival, volleyball tournament and a Ducky Race.
The third annual Baraga County Lake Trout Festival will be held at the Waterfront Park and Marina in downtown L’Anse, located on US-41 on Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay. Information about this event can be obtained by calling 800-743-4908. For the fishing tournament, call 906-524-6518.
For more information about Baraga State Park, contact the park at 906-353-6558. Camping reservations for Baraga State Park can be made by calling 800-44PARKS (7-2757), or on-line at www.midnrreservations.com.
All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.
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Kansas State Parks Join “What’s Your Mile” Campaign
May 29, 2008
Signs on trails encourage healthy lifestyle
PRATT — What’s your cholesterol? What’s your blood pressure? What’s your weight? What’s your blood sugar? These and other health-related questions are addressed at the Kansas state government’s Healthy Kansas website, healthykansas.org/whats_your_mile.aspx. The Healthy Kansas website includes a program entitled “What’s Your Mile?” This program helps visitors to the website tailor a walking/hiking program to improve personal fitness.
To promote this effort, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is helping turn information into action at state park trails throughout the Sunflower State. Helping park visitors stay fit, park staff answer the “What’s Your Mile?” question and provide exercise incentives on park trails by posting signs that help hikers gauge their fitness level. At the beginning of most trails, signs are posted reading, “This trail leads to better health.” Included on the signs is information about how to increase health and fitness, including hiking’s role.
Every person’s metabolism is different, but certain benchmarks apply to all. The benchmark for this “exercise” is that if you can complete one mile in 14 minutes or less without discomfort, you are achieving a good level of fitness. To help hikers know just how well they are doing, park staff have also posted markers at one-mile intervals along each trail that is a mile or longer.
The “What’s Your Mile?” campaign includes the following HealthyKansas Pledge:
- get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily;
- eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables; and
- avoid tobacco use.
This summer, use Kansas state parks to help fulfill the first part of this pledge. You’ll have fun and feel better in the process.
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Eagles Forest Takes Root At Neshaminy State Park
May 6, 2008
BENSALEM, Bucks County (May 2, 2008) — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis and Philadelphia Eagles owner Christina Lurie today cut the ribbon on Eagles Forest, a 6.5-acre site at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Bucks County, to help offset the team’s carbon footprint, restore wildlife habitat and enhance public recreation areas.
This spring, volunteers and state park staff planted 1,200 trees and shrubs in Eagles Forest, including 58 trees that were purchased by Eagles fans.
“Forests score big in promoting physical and mental health for people,” DiBerardinis said. “Not only will visitors benefit from the beauty of the new forest at Neshaminy State Park, but a trail that winds through the area and four attractive new interpretive signs will help them understand the benefits of trees, and how our personal actions affect our environment.”
DiBerardinis said the tree plantings also are a part of the TreeVitalize initiative to restore tree cover in the southeastern part of the state. From the edge of the forest, visitors can see the Philadelphia skyline.
Eagles Forest is one example of the team’s commitment through its GO GREEN initiative to better the planet through responsible business practices. The GO GREEN program, launched in 2003, incorporates green initiatives, sustainable business practices and educational outreach as core operating principals of the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The Eagles Forest is another opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and involve our fans in taking steps to reduce their impact on and improve our planet,” said Lurie. “We appreciate the support that DCNR has provided to make this forest a reality.”
Two of the acres within Eagles Forest were planted in partnership with The Conservation Fund’s Go ZeroSM program to offset the carbon emissions that resulted from the team’s away-game air travel during the 2007 season. Dubbed the “Go Zero Grove,” the 870 native seedlings planted here will trap 565 tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetime.
Additional plans for Eagles Forest include the team’s commitment to continue planting trees to help offset its carbon footprint. Eagles’ corporate partner Pulte Homes recently announced a $5,000 donation to help achieve this goal. At least 200 trees will be planted in the forest this fall. Among the native trees and shrubs planted at the park are Redbud, Red Oak, Willow Oak, Sugar Maple, Black Gum, Sycamore, Swamp White Oak, Flowering Dogwood, Viburnum, Red Maple, Serviceberry and Sweet Gum.
Neshaminy is a 330-acre state park along the Delaware River that includes a slip marina, fishing access to the river, hiking trails, picnic facilities, boat launching ramps and a large swimming pool with spray water features. The park gets approximately 250,000 visitors annually.
For more information on state parks, visit: www.dcnr.state.pa.us. To learn more about the GO GREEN effort, go to www.PhiladelphiaEagles.com./gogreen. More information about Go Zero can be found at www.conservationfund.org/gozero.
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Bewabic State Park Hosts a ‘GO-Get Outdoors’ Explore the Outdoors Event
May 6, 2008
Bewabic State Park will host a “GO-Get Outdoors” Explore the Outdoors event on Saturday, June 7, beginning at 12 p.m.
This event is designed to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get outdoors and try something new. Activities are planned to introduce visitors to new outdoor experiences such as orienteering and the basics of camping. There will also be a guided hike, a muskie fishing demonstration, a nature scavenger hunt, and more “fishing in the parks.”
June 7 and 8 is Free Fishing Weekend across Michigan. This event will give visitors a chance to try their hand at fishing without having to purchase a fishing license.
Presenters will include volunteers from Crystal Bait Marine, Lake Superior State University and park staff.
More information about Bewabic State Park can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnr, or by calling the park at 906-875-3324. Bewabic State Park is located four miles west of Crystal Falls on Highway US-2. Reservations for camping can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling 1-800-44PARKS (7-2757).
All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
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