Conservation

Lake Conroe Hydrilla Management News

Documents

10/3/06 - Click here to the most recent Hydrilla coverage survey map on Lake Conroe. Go to the Treatment Proposal page to see the permit to stock 1971 more grass carp.

8/24/06 - CALL TO ACTION!!!	Letter to Senator Robert Nichols

Ed Parten TBBU President, Bud Wright President of TABC, and Tim Cook Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Conservation Director, spoke to the commissioners yesterday and expressed their support for the inland fisheries Lake Conroe Hydrilla Management Plan and asked that the commissioners not be influenced by political pressure. Allow the plan to proceed based on science and not emotion. ONLY Dana Richardson spoke on the issue representing homeowners. Phil Durocher says that he does not feel any pressure from the commissioners to modify the plan at this time. Mike Bleier, the LCA president has said that despite their request for the additional 17,000 fish to be added, they have been told NO and the plan would continue to be influenced ONLY by the vegetation surveys. GREAT news! TPWD feels confident in their position in part because of the strong support from the angling community for the science based management approach that has been taken. The angling community needs to be vigilant as political pressure could increase at any time. We have contacted our legislative partners in the Texas Sportsman's Caucus and are planning to meet with them shortly.

CALL TO ACTION!!! IT IS IMPERATIVE that all anglers contact Senator Elect Robert Nichols by phone AND mail immediately. Please convey this message:

1. Homeowner association members and angling community representatives have been working together with SJRA and TPWD for the last year and have endorsed The Lake Conroe Hydrilla Management Plan. The objective of the plan reflect the needs of all users of Lake Conroe and the 2 year time frame has been agreed to by all involved stakeholders including the Lake Conroe Association, Bentwater Association, Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Texas Black Bass Unlimited, and Texas Association of Bass Clubs.

2. The desire by some radical homeowners to have their problem solved in a quick and reckless manner does not take priority over protecting the essential habitat required by wildlife. There are no quick and easy solutions to complex problems. The position you have taken threatens our natural resources and makes us question your leadership and dedication to wildlife and the sportsman of Texas.

3. We ask that you educate yourself on the Lake Conroe plan, support TPWD with the resources they need to manage our natural resources, and represent your constituents in a responsible manner."

Letter to Senator Robert Nichols

Here is his contact info.

Senator Robert Nichols
Post Office Box 2347
217 E. Commerce St., Ste. D
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
Phone 903-586-1200
Toll Free: 800-721-2755
Fax 903-586-7877
www.nicholsforsenate.com

7/24/06 - "Your Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Conservation Department has been very involved with The Lake Conroe Vegetation plan issue. The Conroe homeowners are extremely upset with the rapid increase in hydrilla and they are applying lots of pressure in the media. The July survey reported 739.31 acres of hydrilla which is up from 473 acres earlier in the year. The objective of this plan is NOT to eliminate aquatic vegetation in Lake Conroe. We are attempting to get control of the hydrilla just enough that it does not cause access problems for the lake residence. The plan that is being implemented mirrors that of the one used on Lake Austin. Several years after fish were stocked in Lake Austin, we still have hydrilla and over 30% coverage of aquatic vegetation. I firmly believe that we will be successful on Conroe as well. TPWD and SJRA have both affirmed their commitment to maintaining the existing native aquatic vegetation program and monitoring of the fish population. If anyone has further questions or would like to get involved with our conservation efforts, please send me an email."

Tim Cook
State Conservation Director
Texas BASS Federation Nation
tim@cookssharpening.com

12/12/05

The revised version of the Lake Conroe management plan is available in the downloads section. I am extremely pleased with how it is written. Many of our suggestions are in the plan such as detailing what steps will be taken to sample and evaluate the effects of the plan on the fish population and a written committment to maintaining, enhancing, and growing the native plant population. I truely believe that we have the best plan possible under the circumstances, and the continued expansion of vegetation on Lake Austin is very reassuring.

Tim Cook
State Conservation Director
Texas BASS Federation
tim@cookssharpening.com
http://www.texas-bass.com/cons

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11/17/05 - An open letter to the members of the Texas BASS Federation

As the appointed State Conservation Director for the Texas BASS Federation serving my 3rd year, I have been very busy representing your interests during the development of the Lake Conroe hydrilla management plan. I realize that there are probably many of our members who are confused by my position on Lake Conroe.

To give you a little background on me, I have been involved with vegetation issues for almost 10 years and have fought against the dumping of grass carp and herbicides on many lakes such as McQueeney, Dunlap, Bastrop, and Lake Austin to name a few. In all those situations, I have spoken against their use at each public hearing. As recent as 6 months ago, I would have still been adamantly apposed to any use of grass carp. In every situation, their use in a public water body has resulted in a vast reduction of habitat followed by the deterioration of the bass population. There is nothing more important than habitat for producing a quality fishery. A bass is just a bait fish until it grows big enough to survive and that requires nursery habitat such as vegetation.

New developments in grass carp use by TPWD on Lake Austin have proved me wrong. Two years ago I said that within 2 years there would be no vegetation in Lake Austin and the lake would be dead. This past August the most recent vegetation survey revealed 9 acres of hydrilla remaining which was the same as in May. That survey also revealed that the other species of vegetation doubled from 75 acres or so to about 149 acres. This leaves 10% of Lake Austin covered with aquatic vegetation which biologists agree is an adequate quantity of vegetation to be productive. There are no immediate plans to stock any more carp in Lake Austin although thousands still remain available on the permit. This is the first example of carp being used to CONTROL vegetation and not irradicate it, which is what anglers have always argued for. The jury admittedly is still out as to the true impact on the fishery, but it is a huge step forward and a vastly different outcome than on Lake McQueeney and other lakes. No one loves fishing hydrilla more than I do and I miss the great hydrilla beds and dropping a jig in the middle of them, however when vegetation inhibits navigation, access, power generation or water supplies combined with a dense population of lakeside homeowners, there is going to be sufficient political pressure to ensure that measures are taken to resolve the problem. Isn't it better to be part of the process, have a seat at the table, and compromise a little as opposed to standing your ground, and loosing your seat at the table? Both homeowners and angler representatives have worked with TPWD and SJRA to develop this plan which will hopefully result in a win/win situation.

Let me go on record as saying that The Texas BASS Federation supports the current draft of the TPWD and SJRA hydrilla management plan at this time. We DO NOT support the use of chemicals or grass carp in Texas public water bodies even though this plan contains provisions for their use. The reality of the situation is that there are no other tools available for Lake Conroe. The plan contains a provision for a harvester, if someone is willing to pay for it. Neither TPWD or SJRA have the funds to do so. To be clear, neither TPWD or SJRA have the money for the carp either and those will be paid for by the homeowners. Anglers are invited to raise money (about $250,000 plus cost of labor, fuel, and maintenance) to implement a harvester. Planned lake draw downs, such as those used on Lake Austin, are also not an option because the water rights are owned by the City of Houston who will not give away their water. I am willing to give TPWD the opportunity to manage Lake Conroe hydrilla based on several factors.

#1 the TBF has been included from the beginning in the process to devise this plan and our input has been considered AND USED.

#2 TPWD and SJRA are committed to maintaining and enhancing native vegetation and adequate habitat.

#3 I have been asked to serve on the Lake Conroe Hydrilla Adversary Committee and will be able to provide comment and suggestions throughout every stage of the plan.

#4 I believe that this plan can be successful if given the chance to work and if the homeowners will demonstrate some patience.

Another big factor in my willingness to support TPWD's plan is the people they have working on it. Mark Webb the district biologist has been more active than anyone at developing native vegetation establishment techniques. Conroe is his baby. David Terre, the Regional biologist was in my bass club for years, and his dedication to improving fishing on Conroe and elsewhere is unquestionable. (Dave was actually OUR TBF State Champion in 1988!!!) Things are changing at TPWD and they realize more now than ever that working with anglers is important to successful lake management.
I would ask that all Texas BASS Federation members take a wait and see attitude towards TPWD plan and let them prove their new techniques to us. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. I will be happy to speak with you personally.

About 350 homeowners and anglers attended Tuesday Nov. 15th's public hearing which was reported to be the largest attendance of a fisheries related public hearing. The opportunity for public comment pertains to the proposed use of triploid grass carp to control the rapid growth of hydrilla which has surfaced in recent months on Lake Conroe. Six month's ago I would have been deeply against the use of carp in any number because of my previous experiences on other lakes around Texas. The most notable being Lake Conroe some 23 years earlier. Time and time again, carp have been used at the expense of the fishery in the lakes they have been used, however, there have been new methods developed by TPWD. On Lake Austin, despite the fact that carp have been stocked for over 2 years, we still have hydrilla as well as 149 acres of other types of vegetation. The grass is actually expanding and the variety of eurasian milfoil and pond weed are not as offensive to the homeowners, yet provide outstanding habitat for bass. As a result of the encouraging results on Lake Austin, we are willing to give TPWD and the SJRA the opportunity to see if they can reproduce these results on Lake Conroe. TPWD and angler groups have been working for a decade to reestablish native vegetation into Lake Conroe and in August there was approximately 1400 acres of native vegetation. It is vital that we maintain that number or allow it to increase in unpopulated areas of the lake. We have been assured by TPWD and SJRA that they are committed to maintaining the native vegetation on Lake Conroe. Based these and other factors, the Texas Bass Federation, BASS, TABC, and TBBU have all given their support to this management plan. For more info, visit the Lake Conroe page on this web site.

Tim Cook

State Conservation Director

Texas BASS Federation

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Urgent Press Release for ALL Texas Anglers!!

Important Public Hearing you MUST attend! Tuesday, November 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road (FM 1484) Conroe, Texas!!!
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10/31/05 - Fellow Federation Members,

Everyone concerned about Lake Conroe (anglers and homeowners alike) should know that behind the scenes, homeowners and anglers are working together with TPWD and SJRA to formulate a plan that will benefit all users of beautiful Lake Conroe. There are a few anglers who would like to see uncontrolled hydrilla take over Lake Conroe. There are also a few homeowners who would like to see a giant swimming pool in their backyard with absolutely no vegetation whatsoever. In the middle are the majority of people who are rational enough to understand that some aquatic vegetation is necessary for good habitat for fish, wildlife, and good water quality as long as it is not allowed to cause access, safety, or navigation problems. TPWD and SJRA have developed a plan that in my opinion will meet both of those objectives.

As State Conservation Director for the Texas BASS Federation, I have been asked to sit on the Lake Conroe Aquatic Vegetation Advisory Board along with other anglers, homeowners, and business leaders. I will work hard to ensure that Lake Conroe becomes a world class fishery. At the same time being we must be aware that other lake users need to maintain good, safe access to the lake. As more details of the plan become public, concerned homeowners will find that their property values will be protected and the quality of life they have become used to will remain unchanged. Anglers will realize that TPWD is working hard to build a quality fishery and to satisfy their needs as well. To see my reports from the advisory committee meetings, you can visit this page in the future.

The next meeting will be Wednesday Nov. 2.

Sincerely,

Tim Cook
State Conservation Director
Texas BASS Federation
tim@cookssharpening.com
http://www.texas-bass.com/cons
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10/24/05
HISTORY
Lake Conroe, hydrilla, and grass carp are five words that when used together, will get many bass anglers blood pressure rising. Between September 1981 and September 1982, 270,000 non-sterile diploid grass carp were introduced into Lake Conroe to control 9000 acres of aquatic vegetation (hydrilla). By October 1983 all vegetation had been removed from the lake. As a result, fishing suffered for decades. A massive effort by TPWD, and angling groups began in the mid 1990’s to reestablish desirable native vegetation in Lake Conroe and today we have many acres of good aquatic habitat which promotes good bass reproduction. The fruits of our labor are evident by recent outstanding tournament results.
A NEW THREAT
Hydrilla was rediscovered in the lake in 1996 and has been kept under control with aquatic herbicide until now. Hydrilla is making a comeback in Lake Conroe and has increased quickly to 868 acres as of September 2005. TPWD and SJRA have developed a plan to control the hydrilla based on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within the scope of the TPWD State Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan. The objective of the plan are as follows:
• To reduce as much as practical hydrilla infestations in Lake Conroe while minimizing damage to stands of native vegetation.
• To maintain a healthy lake ecosystem and fishery in Lake Conroe while providing access for recreational activities on the Lake.
THE PROBLEM
Many lakefront property owners believe that Lake Conroe is their own private swimming pool. They will be out in force to send TPWD their message. Stock grass carp, remove all hydrilla, and native species of vegetation in developed portions of the lake (2/3 of the lake is developed)

Here is what homeowners are saying.
“YOU CAN HELP SAVE LAKE CONROE! The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the San Jacinto River Authority have scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, November 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road (FM 1484) to discuss the future for Lake Conroe. This is your opportunity to make comments which can SAVE LAKE CONROE and protect your property values. A large group of hydrilla enthusiasts will be present and they will try to prevent the introduction of White Amur (Chinese Grass Carp) which can prevent the destruction of Lake Conroe caused by exotic aquatic vegetation. We need at least 1200 property owners to attend this hearing to let TP&WD and SJRA know we are willing to get involved to protect the value of our property. If you do not attend this hearing, you will have no one to blame but yourself when the value of your property is significantly reduced. Please bring 5 of your neighbors with you on November 15th!”

Send Lake Conroe Homeowners a message and attend this public hearing.
-Tell TPWD not to allow grass carp to devastate habitat and native vegetation.
-Tell them anglers support TPWD management objectives for Lake Conroe.
-Tell them habitat and healthy aquatic ecosystems are just as important as property values.
-Tell every angler you know, Bring 10 members of your bass club, We need 1200 anglers

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!!! Important information will be posted shortly.

7/24/06 - Link to the Lake Conroe Vegetation Treatment Proposal

12/7/05 Revised Lake Conroe Hydrilla Management Plan

11/2/05 Second Lake Conroe Advisory Panel Meeting Minutes

10/26/05 Lake Conroe Advisory Panel Meeting Minutes

10/25/05 Press Release

Lake Conroe Hydrilla Management Plan

Email The Internet Coordinator

Last Updated: Monday December 17, 2007 10:12 PM