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The objective of this project is to create additional aquatic habitat at Hammond Lake through artificial habitat structures. We will specifically use this funding to purchase 36 Short Vertical Plank Structure kits and concrete blocks to anchor the structures. The structures will also allow us to have more habitat diversity at the proposed placement site. These habitat structures will improve recruitment, species richness, and the efficiency of aquatic fish populations while providing improved fishing opportunities at Hammond Lake.

The artificial habitat improvement structures will be constructed on land by volunteers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Tioga County Bass Anglers under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). They will then be placed by PFBC’s specialized habitat boats. These structures will mimic the wood habitat at the lake that is absent from removal when building the dam or is significantly degraded from the aging of the lake. They will be constructed out of rough-cut hemlock, nails, and concrete block. Technical assistance and placement will be completed by the PFBC. The Tioga County Bass anglers are responsible for gathering volunteers for this project. We expect to complete the 36 short vertical plank structures.

The PFBC executes all planning, site selection, and installation with help from its program partners. This project is part of a five-year habitat improvement plan developed by the PFBC.

Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, Yellow Perch

The Tioga County Bass Anglers will solicit volunteers for the project through various communications, including social media, e-mail, and newspaper flyers. PFBC will advertise at related projects in the surrounding areas that will provide additional volunteer opportunities to the public in the future. PFBC will also share photos and other content with their social media pages to highlight the project.