Donated Christmas Trees Get Second Life as Fish Habitat

By Arkansas Game and Fish

12-10-2009

Underwater structure is both cursed and praised by Arkansas anglers. Fishermen may curse those logs and branches that snag their brand new lures, but they know that structure is a key to a successful outing.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking that those leftover Christmas trees be used to help improve the state’s fisheries by dropping the trees off at several sites around the state. AGFC community fisheries biologist Clifton Jackson says that studies have shown that fish utilize underwater structure for cover. “These trees are some of the best natural forms of underwater structure. Crappie, bass, bluegills and other fish will often use the tress to hide in and around,” Jackson said.

The Christmas trees provide cheap, but quality underwater structures. They are easy to place in ponds and lakes, and they last for several years, Jackson said. “More importantly, their limbs offer something to fish of all shapes and sizes,” he explained. The Christmas tree drop-off is underway and will run through Jan. 24. Please remove all tinsel and other decorations from the trees.

Trees can be dropped off at the following locations:

> Lake Hamilton - Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery Access Area
> Lake Chicot - Connerly Bayou Access Area
> Bragg Lake – Bragg Lake Access
> White Oak Lake - Upper Jacks Landing Access
> Magnolia - Columbia County Road Dept Yard on Highway 371
> El Dorado - City recycling center drop-offs: one behind Arby’s and one on South Jackson
>Smackover - Recycling drop-off center (these will be transported to El Dorado)
> Millwood Lake - Cottonshed, White Cliffs Recreation Areas and the Millwood State Park ramp on the point
> Dierks Lake - Jefferson Ridge South Recreation Area
> DeQueen Lake - Any Corps of Engineers boat ramp
> Gillham Lake - Any Corps of Engineers boat ramp
> Lake Greeson - New Cowhide Cove and Self Creek Recreation Areas
> Arkansas River, North Little Rock – Northshore Landing Access (also known as Alltel Access below the I-30 bridge)
> Greers Ferry Lake - Sandy Beach (Heber Springs), Devils Fork Recreation Area and Choctaw Recreation Area (Choctaw-Clinton)
> Dardanelle Lake - Dwight Mission Access, Highway 64/Piney Access, Cabin Creek Slough Access
> Jack Nolen Lake - Largest access ramp on rip-rap near ramp
> Lake Atkins – Ramp at south end of dam or the ramp on the north side of lake
> Lake Conway - Lawrence Landing Access
> Harris Brake Lake - Chittman Hill Access
> Lake Overcup - Lake Overcup Landing
> Lake Barnett - Reed Access
> Jonesboro - Craighead Forest Park Lake boat ramp
> Gurdon Lake – Boat ramp and parking areas
> Cox Creek Lake – Boat ramp and parking areas