Roughly 50 cedar trees were dumped into Ada Hayden Friday. Find out how it'll aid fishing:
A new home plush with vegetation and protection awaits.
Roughly 50 cedar trees were dropped as fish habitat in the northern part of Ada Hayden Lake on Friday, March 29. The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries and the Ames Anglers.
The Iowa DNR operated two boats and transported the trees to specific areas along the north shore of the north lake. Members of the Ames Anglers, as well as a few athletes from the Iowa State University football team, helped load the trees onto the boats.
More: Low-income housing and a Boys & Girls Club expansion: Highlights from the Ames City Council.
An improved fishing experience
Ames Parks and Facilities Superintendent Joshua Thompson said the trees and habitat are designed to enhance local fishing. The vegetation will help expand the fish population within the lake.
“The park was formerly a quarry, and the steep lake banks and lack of underwater habitat aren’t productive for growing fish,” Thompson said. “Adding trees to the lake provides areas for the fish to hide frompredatory fish. Over time, when individuals go fishing at the lake there is a better chance for catching larger fish.”
Fishing is allowed year-round at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, though anglers must have a valid fishing license.
More: Low-income housing and a Boys & Girls Club expansion: Highlights from the Ames City Council.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Find out why 50 trees were dumped into Ada Hayden Park in Ames
