2/19/07 - The Lake Conroe Native Vegetation Grant Project is keeping its fingers crossed as the awards will be made public at the Classic this month. Some of the background work that has already been accomplished:
a. Russ Clark and Kerry Sanders published an article on the project in the Dockline Magazine.
b. Ron Gunter gave a 30 minute interview on USA Radio in December.
c. Lake Conroe's hydrilla controversy was covered in the February BassMasters magazine.
d. Plans are being made to participate in a series of interviews with KILT 610 Sports Talk Radio station in Houston.
e. The Houston Oilmans and Katy BassMasters region clubs are already committed to be on board with the project, and there is room for more help.

2/19/07 - Russ Clark, of the Seven Coves Bass Club, is spearheading a Co-op group of "Regional Lakes Advisors" to address environmental issues regarding the lakes within our region. Russ is looking for one or two anglers per lake to act as "watchdogs" and relay issues regarding Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Limestone, Livingston,
Conroe, Lake Houston, Lake Raven, Somerville, Gibbons Creek and others. Illegal dumping of waste water, fish kills, hyper-siltation, algae blooms, poaching, and water clarity are just some of the issues that will be addressed. Advisors do not necessarily have to live on the various waters. Anyone with intimate knowledge of the "goings on" at these lakes would be very helpful. Please consider sharing your knowledge of any of these lakes with Russ Clark. Russ can be contacted at
russclark@shumateinc.com 

12/30/06 - Lake Conroe Conservation Plans

Several clubs within our region are making preparations to begin work on a national grant to help improve Lake Conroe. This grant is intended to aid in Lake Conroe's overall eco system and fishery by providing the local community, and those who utilize the water, a clean and healthy lake to enjoy for years to come. Our road to success begins with establishing and maintaining a noninvasive aquatic plant nursery for implantation on the lake. We have the backing of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, San Jacinto River Authority, Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society, Texas Master Naturalists, The Bass Federation Nation, and the Boy Scouts of America.

With the recent attempts at hydrilla eradication by local property owners groups, our hopes are that the introduction of noninvasive native aquatic plants will help keep Lake Conroe clean, filtered, and nutrient rich. The grant is sponsored by both the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society, and the awards will be made public during the "Classic" in February. Our hopes are to begin implementation of the project in the spring of 2007.

We are accepting volunteer services in all areas and phases of our grant project. Please contact your Southeast Regin Conservation Director, Ron Gunter if you would like to get involved.