On Saturday, February 8, volunteers are invited to help improve fish habitat in Ocean Lake, near Pavillion. This project is a partnership between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Fremont County Solid Waste Disposal District, and North Platte Walleyes Unlimited. 

The project provides an opportunity to recycle Christmas trees while improving the structure of the lake. Fresh Christmas trees are being accepted for free at the Lander and Dubois Landfills and Riverton Transfer Station through Thursday, January 30. 

At Ocean Lake, volunteers and staff will wire the trees together and attach concrete blocks to weigh them down. When the ice melts in the spring, the weighted trees will sink and provide structure for fish. The resulting formation creates the inland equivalent of an artificial reef. 

According to Fisheries Biologist Paul Gerrity, “Over the years, volunteers have been essential to the success of this project. There have been many years that we would not have finished without their help. We would love for volunteers to come out, enjoy the day, bring the family and help increase fish habitat at Ocean Lake.”

Volunteers should meet at the boat landing on Long Point of Ocean Lake at 9:00 am and bring pliers or wire cutters, work gloves, and warm clothes. Volunteers are welcome to show up for any portion of the time, and the project should be completed by the early afternoon. 

For more information call the Lander Regional Office at 307-332-2688. And a thank you to all additional partners: Wyoming Demolition (Sheridan) U.S. Forest Service (Washakie Ranger District in Lander), General Shale (Casper), and Drake’s Landscaping (Mills) for donating concrete block and Geotec (Mills) for donating wire, and to Brian Woodward (Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, Casper).