VICKSBURG, Miss., Jan. 8, 2013 - The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (Corps) will host the 2014 fish habitat day at Arkabutla Lake on Saturday, 22 February at 7:00 a.m. Volunteers should report to the Arkabutla Lake Field Office located at 3905 Arkabutla Dam Road in Coldwater, Mississippi 38618.
The Corps and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) partner to select areas each year around the lake that will benefit from habitat improvement. Volunteers donate their time and equipment to construct and place fish shelters from discarded cedar and Christmas trees. They will use all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) to drag the trees to designated locations and then anchor them with concrete weights along creek beds and other areas. Volunteers should bring ATV’s, gloves, and wear clothing suitable for work in muddy lake bottom areas. Lunch will be provided by Enid Lake volunteers.
Restoration of fish habitat is important to future fisheries and provides continued benefits to sportsmen and visitors. According to studies performed by MDWFP, the restoration program has provided enormous benefits to fish habitat.
Arkabutla Lake is located near Coldwater, Mississippi, and is approximately 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tennessee. Approximately 5.5 million visitors per year spend over $130 million with 60% being captured by local economies. Visitor spending also supports the addition of 1,500 jobs. The Corps offers an array of recreational opportunities that include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and photography.
As stewards of public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to providing a safe, quality recreational experience for all visitors. For more information about volunteering, contact natural resource specialist, Dave Funderburk, at the Arkabutla Lake Field Office 662-562-6261 Ext. 14589. To learn more about the Vicksburg District, visit www.mvk.usace.army.mil .