Entry ID1091
Friends of Reservoirs Member/Group Sponsoring the ProjectHendricks County Parks and Recreation
Project Leader Contact InformationRyan Lemley
Phone(317) 718-6188
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Address955 East Main Street
P.O. Box 463
Danville, Indiana 46122
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Project Information
Reservoir NameW.S. Gibbs Memorial Park Lake
Google Maps Locationgoo.gl
Please describe the project objective(s).

To house a public consumptive fishery within the newly developed 3.8-acre lake, along with a connecting 1.1-acre lake at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park located within Hendricks County and near the high-density populations of Avon, Plainfield, and Danville. With the lack of public consumptive fisheries within Hendricks County and central Indiana, the habitat will provide such opportunity for the public to fish for consumption free of charge. The fishery will house bluegill, largemouth bass, red ear, and channel catfish to be provided and maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Division of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Please describe the project methods. Will the product be used in conjunction with existing habitat restoration efforts on the reservoir? Will the product supplement natural brush, rock, or other materials being added to the reservoir?

During development and construction of the lakes at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, the awarded contractor, John Hall Construction, installed 20 rip rap habitat piles using recycled concrete slab pieces and natural boulders. Additionally, a local eagle scout troop built 20 porcupine cribs made of PVC and strategically placed them around the 20' x 35' ADA accessible fishing pier and the 40-foot connecting bridge. If awarded the grant, additional fish habitat products will be utilized to further enhance the existing habitat to encourage an optimal fishing environment.

Will state fish and wildlife agency staff be directly involved in the project? How so (planning, site selection, participation in installation)? Is there an associated lake or habitat management plan that states the need for structural habitat enhancement?

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is in support of Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Department to receive grant funding to purchase habitat for the lake and will be invited to further participate. Indiana Department of Natural Resources District 4 Fisheries Biologist, Corey DeBoom, has provided professional recommendations during development and construction of W.S. Gibbs Memorial Lake. Furthermore, Indiana DNR will maintain the consumptive fishery and enforce regulations such as implementing more restrictive daily bag limits, fishing licenses, etc.

List the species that the project is expected to benefit:

The lakes will be stocked with fingerlings provided by Indiana DNR in the fall of 2021. The stocked species include bluegill, largemouth bass, red ear, and channel catfish.

How do you plan to conduct outreach and advertise the project? (Examples: on-site signage, press releases, websites, message boards)

The Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Department will implement permanent interpretive signage surrounding the lakes and shelter structures along with posting information at the message board locations placed throughout the park. Signage will communicate habitat and species information as well as bag limits and additional regulations. Additional outreach communication will be provided through the department website, social media sites, and through publication of the Explorer magazine. The Department will invite local youth groups such as Eagle Scouts, the opportunity to participate in implementation of such habitat(s).

Partnership and Budget
Does the project involve one or more youth groups?Yes
Please list all partners involved in the project:
Partner Name Type of Partner Cash Contribution ($) In-Kind Contribution In-Kind Value ($)
Eagle Scout Youth Group 2 participants for 2 hours of labor $40.00
Partner List Upload (Optional)HCPR-Agency-Partner.docx