April 19, 2007

Inviting area anglers to participate ...
GRDA to hold first annual "Rush For Brush" on Grand, Hudson

Vinita — The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is announcing plans for its first annual “Rush For Brush” project to enhance the fish habitat on Grand and Hudson Lakes. And its inviting area anglers to participate.

The project consists of building artificial brush habitats on Friday, and then deploying them on Saturday. According to GRDA Fisheries Coordinator Brent Davis, the project, is designed to benefit both fish and fishermen alike.

“Not only will the habitats we’re constructing provide ideal cover for smaller fish to grow, but the fishermen who help build them can place them in the lakes at their favorite fishing spots,” said Davis. “That will help them increase their future success.”

Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to attend the Friday session when the structures will be built. Supplies will be limited, so participants who help build habitats on Friday will be guaranteed to deploy structures on Saturday at the site of their choice.

“GRDA will be supplying the materials for the project,” said Davis. “All we need is some fishing enthusiasts to come and lend a hand on this project designed to benefit the fishery.”

Workshop locations and dates are as follows. All Friday sessions are 10 AM to 6 PM and are reserved for building the habitats. On Saturdays, all session are from Noon to 6 PM (or while supplies last) participants can pick up habitats for deployment in the lake:

Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, Snowdale State Park on Lake Hudson
Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, Martin’s Landing on Grand Lake
Friday and Saturday, June 1-2, Basshaven on Lake Hudson
Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, the area between spillways on Grand Lake (east of Disney)

For more information, contact the GRDA Office of Ecosystems Management at (918) 256-5545, or email Davis at bdavis@grda.com.

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More artificial fish habitats, like this one being deployed in Grand Lake by the GRDA Ecosystems Department, will be built and deployed during the GRDA "Rush For Brush" event in May and June. GRDA is inviting area anglers to help build the habitats and then deploy them across the lake. According to GRDA Fisheries Coordinator Brent Davis, the habitats will not only provide cover for small fish, but also increase future successes for anglers.