Old Christmas trees wanted for Wappapello Lake fish habitat

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. -- After you've gathered around the Christmas tree to share laughs and gifts with family, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Wappapello Lake is hoping you'll give one more gift -- your used tree.

Since the mid-1980s, staff members have sunken donated Christmas trees in the lake at various locations to replenish deteriorated fish habitat.

Decades ago, Wappapello Lake had numerous standing trees, submerged stumps, vegetation and other habitat used by fish, but such areas are few and far between now, according to Eric Lemons, a natural resources specialist at the lake.

"The lake needs brush and structure placed in it," Lemons said. The donated Christmas trees "are great habitat for fishing and for bait fish," and the donation program allows tree owners to dispose of them in a responsible manner. "It's a win-win situation."

Two areas on the lake will be designated as tree drop-off locations: Redman Creek Recreation Area and Chaonia Landing.

Trees can be dropped off through Jan. 15.

All trees must be live, he said, and must be cleaned of all ornaments and decorations.

"The biggest thing we've seen in the past is people sometimes don't remove the tinsel from their trees," Lemons said. "We need good, clean trees."

Depending on conditions at the lake, Lemons said, staff should start dropping the concrete-weighted trees into the water's nearly 40 designated fish shelter areas "around mid-January."

Many of the trees, Lemons said, are placed near disabled fishing piers, while others are placed near the shoreline in easily accessible locations near parking areas.

"We'll put them along several banks and popular fishing spots, so people can take advantage of the fishing opportunity," Lemons said.

In addition, Lemons said, some trees may be used along field edges on Wappapello Project lands to increase habitat for quail and rabbits.

The corps of engineers, Lemons said, also allows individuals to create their own habitat in the lake.

"At any point, if someone wants to put native woody brush in the lake for habitat, we allow that with a special- use permit," he said.

Pertinent address:

Wappapello Lake, MO