Help construct fish habitat at Patoka Lake, March 14

You can help DNR improve fish habitat at Patoka Lake during a volunteer habitat structure build day on March 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Structures are needed because as reservoirs such as Patoka Lake age, the number and type of hiding places for fish decrease. The Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program addresses this issue and works to build fish habitat where natural structure is lacking. Building structures out of pallets is one option to improve habitat complexity.

Volunteers should meet at Painter Creek Ramp, located on the northern part of the lake off of S.R. 145. For a map of Painter Creek Ramp, see stateparks.IN.gov/files/patoka_trail.pdf.

Pallets and hardware will be provided. Volunteers should bring cordless drills, work gloves and protective eyewear, but bringing tools is not required to be able to attend. Staff and volunteers will work outside, so please dress accordingly; long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. Bring snacks and plenty of drinking water. Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire time.

Register for this event by signing up as a volunteer with the Division of Fish & Wildlife. See on.IN.gov/dfwvolunteer and follow instructions under “Sign up to Volunteer.” Once you have a volunteer account, register for the event by clicking “current volunteer opportunities in CERVIS” under volunteer opportunities and selecting Patoka Lake Habitat Build.

The Patoka Fish Habitat Enhancement Plan is available on Indiana’s Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program webpage, see wildlife.IN.gov/7665.htm for details.