GRDA Sponsors "Rush to Brush" Habitat Program

First two events draw large crowds … GRDA Rush For Brush lake enhancement project to continue in June

Professional Bass fisherman Edwin Evers cuts plastic pipe used to build artificial fish habitats at the Grand River Dam Authority's first "Rush For Brush" event held at Snowdale State Park on Lake Hudson in early May. Evers, along with fellow professional angler Terry Butcher, were just two of the many participants who showed up to help the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department build the habitats.	Professional Bass fisherman Edwin Evers (left) and GRDA Fisheries Coordinator Brent Davis discuss the ongoing "Rush For Brush" efforts at Snowdale State Park on Lake Hudson on May 11. In the foreground are some of the "spider block" artificial fish habitats constructed by GRDA Ecosystems Management and volunteers during the event. Two more "Rush For Brush" events are scheduled for June 1-2 and 8-9.
Phase one of the Grand River Dam Authority’s first annual “Rush for Brush” has been successful according to Brent Davis, GRDA’s Fisheries Coordinator There were a total of 96 habitats deployed in Lake Hudson and 261 at Grand Lake. GRDA supplied the materials to build the brush habitats. The artificial structures provide ideal cover for smaller fish to grow and enhance the fishery. “Our plan is to put out a total of 250 for Hudson and 500 for Grand,” said Davis. “We know these habitats are successful because of the results that we have had at W.R. Holway Reservoir. The ones that we put out there are all holding fish and not just one type, but all species use it.” The second phase includes two more workshops to be held in June. Area anglers are encouraged to attend one of these “Build-a-Brush” Workshops. Team Eco will be at Basshaven on Lake Hudson on June 1-2 and at the area between the spillways on Grand Lake (east of Disney) on June 8-9. The habitats will be built on Friday between 10 AM - 6 PM and deployed on Saturday, 12 PM - 6 PM. “The fishermen who help build them can place them in the lake at their favorite fishing spot. That will help them increase their future catches,” said Davis. The artificial habitats should not have to be replaced according to Davis and the fish will use it year round if it’s put in deep enough water. “All we need is some fishing enthusiasts to come and lend a hand on this project that can greatly benefit the lakes.” For more information contact GRDA Office of Ecosystems Management at (918) 256-5545 or email Davis at bdavis@grda.com.

Matt Watashe, a member of the GRDA Ecosystems Management Team, cuts the plastic pipe used to make the "spider block" artificial fish habitats during GRDA's first annual Rush For Brush event held at Snowdale State Park on Friday, May 11. GRDA has two more events scheduled for June 1-2 at Basshaven on Lake Hudson and on June 8-9 at the area between the spillways on Grand Lake (east of Disney).	GRDA's Daryl Bailey (foreground) and Sam Ziara help construct "spider block" artificial fish habitats during GRDA's first annual "Rush For Brush" event on May 11 at Snowdale State Park on Lake Hudson. A similar event was held at Martin Landing, on Grand Lake, on May 18. GRDA has also scheduled "Rush For Brush" events for June 1-2 at Basshaven on Lake Hudson and on June 8-9 between the spillways on Grand Lake (E. of Disney).

	Sam Ziara, a member of the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department (left) and professional bass fisherman Terry Butcher inspect the artificial fish habitats constructed by GRDA and volunteers during the first annual "Rush For Brush" event at Snowdale State Park on May 11. GRDA has also scheduled "Rush For Brush" events for June 1-2 at Basshaven on Lake Hudson and on June 8-9 at the area between the spillways on Grand Lake (east of Disney).