Topographic heterogeneity (bottom scupting) of other systems has created a greater diversity in plant species. Fish and wildlife habitat diversity has been shown to increase with plant diversity, adding stability to reservoir ecosystems. With the completion of sculpting and the creation of topography, a diversity of aquatic vegetation has been established after flooding, adding quality fisheries habitat and contributing to the ecological stability of the reservoir.
Research suggests that sport fish populations will respond positively to microtopography enhancement. Distribution of young-of-year largemouth bass is highly correlated with diverse habitat which, in turn, increases the carrying capacity of young largemouth bass .
Microtopography work may also increase the recreational and economical importance of FWMA. Personnel from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission drained a reservoir in Central Nebraska in 1999 and completed several enhancement activities including sculpting/microtopography. The addition of quality habitat caused an increase in the abundance of largemouth bass by 620% and increased the amount of angler effort from 503 hrs to 11,122 hrs(2100%). Additionally, revenue generated from the fishery increased by 1400% after enhancement. We anticipate similar results for Fellsmere.