Thread: PVC Legality

Check with your game & fish and COE.

Agreed. Likely, it is not that PVC itself is `illegal, it may be the size or length. Generally COE will NOT allow us to place ANYTHING that would be a possible hazard to boats after the fall drawdown. NO metal structure, NO upright posts or trunks that will not `give` or fall over if struck by a boat...this is why taking examples of exactly what you want to place during negotiations can be very `useful`...

Then there should be a COE regulation that discusses what is or is not allowed. Personally, I don't trust anyone in the government to give me a straight answer to any question without showing it to me in black and white. I've asked questions of the FEDS on different issues several times. Sometimes I get an answer that proves to be correct, but too often I get a quick answer that turns out completely wrong. Also, I don't want to ask a question I can't afford to get a "NO" answer to.

What state are you in?

Most of my own experience with both ODNR and COE has been positive...especially after they are seeing the desired `end results` at NO cost and little effort from themselves. Considering that was banished `for life` twice, (once by COE) think our relationship has `improved`...

First of all...2 things...1st, PVC is generally considered INERT by Gov agencies....2nd, if you get caught ILLEGALLY Dumping stuff into a State owned and Army COE managed lake, the least you will get is a trash dumping $500 fine...you can receive Federal Felonies if they so desire, and if a dam is involved, you can have the book thrown at you!

Each lake is different, that's why it has a managing agency...they can tell you where it's safe to place cover, etc...you can't just put cover in areas where skiers are or where DNR nets may be placed, etc. Have a plan to tell them about and why it will benefit the lake and not only you!

I also have had ZERO problems with the Army COE or ODNR fish Biologists concerning dropping cover, ours are "ALL IN" when it comes to allowing us to drop cover, pick up trash, or any other project that benefits the lake.
We have dropped cover since 2008 and have put in a few thousand pieces with the blessing of our agencies!

Many years ago I talked to a game warden who was a family friend. I didn't ask about PVC or plastic but he said concrete blocks, trees,bamboo or anything biodegradable is OK. No metal or wire. Actually no nylon rope, use cotton rope or twine. I recently found out you cannot put anything in the marked channel. I will follow up later after I talk to warden again. Wheeler is the lake I refer to.

At 1 time we were required to use light steel cable and clamps. The Park Maint guy actually checked them several yrs to ensure there would be no `floaters"...in 7 yrs, exactly 1 block broke apart upon hitting the water; fished it out, put a BIGGER block on it, raced back and made a bigger "splash" than the 1st time. Batting 2,700+ for 2,700+...