Ohi:yo' Restoration Projects
Artificial Habitat
The exposure to weather and the water fluctuations throughout year expedite the erosion of natural habitat and shoreline and sediment accumulation. Sediment levels within the reservoir have built to the point where spawning and nursery areas are covered, leaving many of the fish species land locked when the annual drawdown for the winter months begins. Once landlocked, tens of thousands of young of year fish die because of oxygen degradation, predation, and water evaporation. Fish species affected by land locking are Crappie, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Channel Catfish, Walleye, Bullhead, Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, White Bass, Yellow Perch, and Paddlefish.As part of the many restoration projects the Nation is involved in, the Nation's Fish and Wildlife Department creates artificial habitat to provide the needed environment for fry and young of year fish, such as the Walleye, shelter and food come summer when this portion of the Allegany Reservoir is once again underwater. In addition recycled cement rubble that has been removed from local construction projects is bordered around nursery areas, again to provide shelter and food for young of year fish. The artificial habitat shown here is made from recycled Christmas trees, which are tied in bundles of three (3) or 4(4) and weighed down with cinder blocks. Christmas tree artifical habitat is placed along areas identified for spawning and nursing fish of many species, such as Yellow Perch, Crappie, Walleye, and White Bass.