AGFC : Lake Conway to be drained as part of revival effort
AGFC : Lake Conway to be drained as part of revival effort
The success of the Lake Poinsett renovation proved to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that it is possible to rejuvenate Lake Conway.
On Wednesday, the Commission approved an ambitious plan to transform Lake Conway into a showcase that will provide high quality fishing opportunities not only for Conway and Mayflower, but for all of Central Arkansas.
Ben Batten, deputy director for the Game and Fish Commission, said that the plan will increase water volume in the lake from 28-46%. The average depth will increase by 1.5%, and as much as 3 feet in some areas. This will restore its water storage capacity to its 1975 level, Batten said.
As at Lake Poinsett, the commission will drain Lake Conway for 18-24 months. Exposing the lake bottom to the atmosphere and to direct sunlight will bake the soil and cause it to settle and compact. It will remain hard when the lake refills. This hard bottom will serve as fish spawning habitat.
Also, the commission will improve boat lanes by removing stumps.
Additionally, the commission will install artificial fish structures and natural brush piles. Batten said that the agency will install about 3,500 structures. That translates to a one structure every two acres. The AGFC will also install pea gravel spawning beds and stake beds. It will also plant cypress trees.