07-21-2007, 04:10 AM
The Colorado Division of Wildlife will hold an informational meeting to discuss the Summit Lake fish improvement project at the Dolores Public Lands Center, July 26 at 6:30 p.m.
On Aug. 27, the DOW will treat the lake with a chemical to kill the non-native white suckers that are the dominant fish species in that body of water. The white suckers are so dominant that few other fish are able to survive in the lake and fishing opportunities are poor. Also, because the fish is a non-native species, DOW biologists are concerned that the fish could be transferred to other waters in the San Juan River Basin.
"Our goal is to improve fishing opportunities and to protect other native species in the basin," said Jim White, aquatic biologist for the DOW in Durango.
Next spring the lake will be restocked with trout, large mouth bass, catfish, black crappie and blue gill.
Summit Lake is located about 10 miles northwest of Mancos just off Colorado Highway 184.
At the meeting White will explain how the chemical, Rotenone, is applied. Rotenone has been used for many years throughout the country and its effects have been studied thoroughly. The research shows that when applied properly the chemical is harmless to humans, other wildlife and plants.
White will also talk about the fish stocking plan and other lake management issues. There will be time allotted for questions and answers.
The Dolores Public Lands Center is located at: 29211 Highway 184 just south of Dolores.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us
On Aug. 27, the DOW will treat the lake with a chemical to kill the non-native white suckers that are the dominant fish species in that body of water. The white suckers are so dominant that few other fish are able to survive in the lake and fishing opportunities are poor. Also, because the fish is a non-native species, DOW biologists are concerned that the fish could be transferred to other waters in the San Juan River Basin.
"Our goal is to improve fishing opportunities and to protect other native species in the basin," said Jim White, aquatic biologist for the DOW in Durango.
Next spring the lake will be restocked with trout, large mouth bass, catfish, black crappie and blue gill.
Summit Lake is located about 10 miles northwest of Mancos just off Colorado Highway 184.
At the meeting White will explain how the chemical, Rotenone, is applied. Rotenone has been used for many years throughout the country and its effects have been studied thoroughly. The research shows that when applied properly the chemical is harmless to humans, other wildlife and plants.
White will also talk about the fish stocking plan and other lake management issues. There will be time allotted for questions and answers.
The Dolores Public Lands Center is located at: 29211 Highway 184 just south of Dolores.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us