Thread: Building Fish Habitat on Lake Degray & Lake Greeson in Arkansas

Thought I'd give an update.

We've collected somewhere between 60-80 buckets so far. The principal is excited about the project. He wishes he could watch us put them in the lake once we get them built. He wants to make sure we get pictures and possibly a write up to the local papers.

Does anyone think that 3 gallon buckets would work instead of 5 gallon buckets? I think they would hold enough concrete, if you filled them completely full. Thoughts? Cause if we can use 3 gallon buckets too, that would speed up the process of gathering buckets. (The cafeteria gets strawberries in 3 gallon buckets.)

We're gonna start building jigs tomorrow. They will hold the 'boo buckets while the concrete sets up. We don't want any of these falling over while we make them!

they should work just fine but if you want to be extra sure you can poke holes in the chambers of the bamboo to reduce the buoyancy.

AgriHawg,
Talk to the horse and cattle people. I use the mineral buckets that are much wider. I trade around a lot.

Here's some pictures of the bamboo patch we're going to start cutting from. Then when/if we run out here, I've had a few people tell me where there's more. Pictures can't show how much 'boo is really here.

Hi AgriHawg, That looks like just the right size for condos. I just wanted to mention that you guys be careful when cutting the bamboo off at the ground that someone doesn't cut one leaving a sharp point sticking up. We did this the first time we cut bamboo because we were reaching in with a pole chainsaw from shoulder height to the ground. Would have been bad if someone tripped and fell on one of them.
Just wanted to mention that. Be sure whoever cuts it leaves the stump cut off horizontal to the ground. Don't want anybody to get hurt. As Jerry Blake said beware of any overhead power lines that might be around also.
Have fun and post lots of pictures!

[QUOTE=AgriHawg;683515]The Centerpoint FFA will be partnering with the Corp of Engineers to build approximately 160 bamboo crappie condos. These condos will be placed in Lake Degray and Lake Greeson. This project has already been approved by the Corp. They will be providing the concrete, while the FFA will provide the buckets, bamboo, and manpower.

AgriHawg, I am one of the biggest fans of this project and FFA. After reading a post just this morning I would like to make sure your FFA is protected.
A post by southeasttackle that I seen this morning brings up a subject that you (as I'm sure you have) addressed with all the fine folks with the government.
After reading that post it brought me back to your project because I want it to be a big success. I think it could be a great tool in teaching ours next generation about habitat for the fisheries.

Best wishes and I'm sure you'll have the G-Man to sign off on this project to CYOA.
Great pics of the BOO and look forward to seeing the updates.
LOL

Looks like we will be dropping the first batch of 'boo in Lake Degray on March 5th. Now I've just got to cut 1600 stalks of bamboo over the next two weeks! The Corp is planning on delivering 110 sacks of 'crete to the school tomorrow.

I'm glad to hear the corp is willing to help. I guess if the government money is being spent then they can't say they didn't approve.

Look forward to seeing the pics of them going in.
Good Luck