Jasper Parks say weeds good for health of Beaver Lake

A state biologist is recommending the weeds in the exposed bottom of Beaver Lake be left alone.

Beaver Lake was drained to complete federally required repairs and upgrades to the dam. With the lingering drought the lake is not refilling and the exposed bed of the lake is sprouting a healthy field of weeds.

Jasper Parks Department has fielded some complaints from residents around Beaver Lake about the weeds, but according to 20-year State Fisheries Biologist Dan Carnahan this vegetation will create a good environment for the fish once the lake fills back up.

He told Parks Superintendent Ken Buck the vegetation will be used as a spawning area and a safe haven for young fish.

Buck and the Jasper Park Board want the public to know they are acting with the guidance of the state biologist to create a good environment for the healthy return of the lake.

Currently plans call for restocking of the lake to occur in November of this year if the drought lifts. The lake remains nearly empty and unusable at this time.