Lake Wappapello needs Christmas trees for fish habitat

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at Lake Wappapello are seeking used Christmas trees from area residents to replenish the lake's nearly 40 fish shelters and to provide additional habitat for upland game animals.

"We've been doing this since the 1980s," said natural resource specialist Andrew Jefferson. "We use the trees to serve as fish shelters submerged in the lake."

Much of the original fish habitat in Wappapello Lake, like stumps and other brush, has deteriorated, according to project manager Cynthia Jackson, so the Christmas trees are used to replenish it.

The trees provide good cover for a variety of fish species, Jackson said.

"The trees attract smaller fish and minnows, which attract crappie and bass," she said. "The trees also provide shady habitat."

The placement of the trees, Jackson said, often provides good fishing opportunities.

The Chaonia Landing boat ramp and the Redman Creek boat ramp, Jefferson said, are this year's designated tree drop-off locations.

Trees will be accepted through Jan. 15, after which corps officials will use a habitat barge to place them in strategic locations in the lake, such as the People's Creek and Redman Creek fishing piers.

The preferred use for the trees is fish habitat, but if water conditions aren't right, Jackson said, the trees will be used on land for upland game habitat.

Only live, clean trees will be accepted, according to Jackson.

'Volunteers also are needed to help place the trees in the lake in January and February," she said, noting several local bass clubs have helped in the past.

Individuals, Jackson said, also may place their own trees in the lake or on Corps of Engineers property, provided they procure a special-use permit from the project office on Route T.