Thread: Come on members, check this out and please help if you can!

This is a email received by our secretary Bret Cunningham. He has been speaking with the fisheries biologist and the DNR about the desire that crappie fisherman have to add habitat to our lakes. Check the email below. I have also included the photos that she sent. I am hoping to get some volunteers together to help plant these bald cypress trees and begin to work with the DNR and show our passion to improve our lakes and fisheries. Let us know if you would be able to assist in this project



Hello,
Some of you I have had the pleasure of speaking but several of you I have not, so let me introduce myself. I am the Southern Fisheries Research Biologist for the Division of Fish and Wildlife. I currently work on several projects around the state but my newest assignment is to create and implement an aquatic habitat creation program for impoundments in Indiana. This is a huge undertaking that will require a lot of learning on my part about permits, protocols, and techniques. Luckily, many states have been doing this work for years so we are not creating the wheel but figuring out what kinds of projects and programs we can implement here in Indiana based on our conditions, resources, and expertise. I have several projects in mind that over the next year I will be working to implement but one I have to complete now is a tree planting project at Monroe Lake. I have 500 bald cypress trees that need to be planted in the next couple weeks at the area near Fairfax boat ramp. I launch frequently at this ramp and the erosion issues are hard to witness and I am hoping these trees will help stabilize the area. The Monroe Lake property has many bald cypress plantings around the lake and we will be building on their good work. I am looking for volunteers to help plant these trees. If your organization would like to help please let me know. I am hoping to do this the week of June 22nd and would be willing to do it in the evening or weekend if that works better for folks. Attached is a map of the location mention and some photos of the erosion.
Thanks

Sandy Clark-Kolaks
Southern Fisheries Research Biologist
Bloomington Field Office
5596 East State Road 46
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 287-8300