Thursday, October 30, 2014

Arkansas Commission Approves Funds for Coal Pile Fishery Habitat

LITTLE ROCK - Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission earlier this month approved a budget increase for the Coal Pile Habitat Restoration project in Desha County. The project is located along the Arkansas River and is a popular backwater fishing area.

The $70,000 increase comes from a Fish Passage Grant issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project includes dredging a passage into the backwater and restoration of fish habitat. A contractor for the AGFC will begin work on the project later this year.

Since 1970, the Arkansas River has lost an estimated 9,000 acres of backwater habitat because of sedimentation. The backwater areas are critical for spawning, rearing and growth of fish populations. Coal Pile is one of the state's most popular bass fishing areas. The 241-acre backwater is also popular with panfish and catfish anglers. The project will improve boating access to Coal Pile.