A typical PA habitat improvement project usually comprises of building 20 habitat improvement structures in a year which leaves a small footprint in relation to the full lake bottom. These projects are typically limited by funding and access. In the case of Lake Nessmuk, the dam repair drawdown provided machinery access to the lake substrate and Shell provided the financial backbone to make the project come to life. This project yielded over 820 habitat improvement structures providing a broad footprint across the lake bottom. The Lake Nessmuk structures are built to last and will provide fish cover for the next 35 years or longer. Some of the installed structures also provide critical spawning habitat in areas that did not have this type of habitat.
This project has educated multiple state agencies, project partners, university/school groups, communities and fishing clubs. The project had several news articles written about it locally, statewide, and even nationally. It serves as a perfect example of how partners can work together to complete a large project to benefit the community. To further educate the public about the project a three-sided kiosk was installed at the main access of the lake. The kiosk will serve to educate visitors about the habitat project for many years to come. In addition to the fish habitat and kiosk, the facility now has a new boat launch, dock, and soccer field.
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