11-24-2006, 06:10 PM
Dredging project near the dam that might have a temporary impact on distribution patterns for local birds.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced plans to explore a dredging project from late November thru December.
The initial phase of the project is to dig some test holes near the dam to decide the nature of the sediments. This will determine what the next steps will be.
The current plan is to put equipment in place Nov. 28, and start digging Nov. 29. The length of time involved will depend upon the sediments and weather. Estimates for the current phase are about three weeks.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has long maintained a seasonal winter closure at the east end of John Martin to provide waterfowl with a resting zone as a measure to hold birds rather than have them leave the area. The dredging work-site will be inside of the waterfowl closure near the dam.
According to Steve Keefer, DOW District Wildlife Manager out of Las Animas, the operation might have some effect but should not present a full-scale interruption for hunters. "The dredging project will only affect a small portion of the closed area. My best guess is that waterfowl will move west -- away from the equipment while it's in use -- and probably adjust to it when it isn't. There's sufficient room within the closure that birds will still have places to rest. If this does minimize the use of the lake by waterfowl it is still only temporary, and providing more long-term storage capacity for the lake should help sportsmen in the long run."
DOW aquatic biologist Jim Ramsay agrees. "Any project that created deeper pools to increase storage will have potential benefits for the fishery," said Ramsay.
The reason for dredging at this time of year is to take advantage of lower water levels. As more water accumulates during winter storage dredging will become more difficult.
"We encourage hunters and other visitors to be patient with this process," said Keefer. "This project is a step in the right direction in terms of the long-term wildlife management plans for the reservoir."
Additional Information: The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and wildlife habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation and maintaining a balance between human activities and wildlife. The Division of Wildlife's primary funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and the habitat fees collected in conjunction with those sales. The Division does not receive tax dollars from the state's general fund.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced plans to explore a dredging project from late November thru December.
The initial phase of the project is to dig some test holes near the dam to decide the nature of the sediments. This will determine what the next steps will be.
The current plan is to put equipment in place Nov. 28, and start digging Nov. 29. The length of time involved will depend upon the sediments and weather. Estimates for the current phase are about three weeks.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has long maintained a seasonal winter closure at the east end of John Martin to provide waterfowl with a resting zone as a measure to hold birds rather than have them leave the area. The dredging work-site will be inside of the waterfowl closure near the dam.
According to Steve Keefer, DOW District Wildlife Manager out of Las Animas, the operation might have some effect but should not present a full-scale interruption for hunters. "The dredging project will only affect a small portion of the closed area. My best guess is that waterfowl will move west -- away from the equipment while it's in use -- and probably adjust to it when it isn't. There's sufficient room within the closure that birds will still have places to rest. If this does minimize the use of the lake by waterfowl it is still only temporary, and providing more long-term storage capacity for the lake should help sportsmen in the long run."
DOW aquatic biologist Jim Ramsay agrees. "Any project that created deeper pools to increase storage will have potential benefits for the fishery," said Ramsay.
The reason for dredging at this time of year is to take advantage of lower water levels. As more water accumulates during winter storage dredging will become more difficult.
"We encourage hunters and other visitors to be patient with this process," said Keefer. "This project is a step in the right direction in terms of the long-term wildlife management plans for the reservoir."
Additional Information: The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and wildlife habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation and maintaining a balance between human activities and wildlife. The Division of Wildlife's primary funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and the habitat fees collected in conjunction with those sales. The Division does not receive tax dollars from the state's general fund.