Anglers all understand how important stumps and woody cover can be for bass habitat. A hastily planned stump removal project planned by a local marina and LCA was prevented pending a review by TPWD. You can read more about it in my blog here The Angler Advocate

Thanks Tim.

Tim,
Please continue to post updates to the TFF. Your work and dedication are greatly appreciated. Finding balance is the only way to prevent over-reaction by property owner projects around Lake Conroe.
Thanks again,
C.A.S.T.

Thanks for the info. They take the Grass (Carps), and were proposed for stump removal? What next, Strip mining? Jeez...

+1
I love that lake, sucks that people are determined to ruin it...

Thanks everyone. Will keep everyone informed. Please consider following my blog as well.

Man, they already got rid of the hydrilla. What is next?

If I'm not wrong the stump cutting plan went from a $40k project (200 to 500 stumps) to a $120k project (well over 1000 stumps) after Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation got in volved.

The total number of stumps to be cut should be less than 100.

The thread title should read "Lake Conroe Habitat Destruction Prevented made Worse".

FishingAkimbo I am guessing was not at the meeting as his assumption is way off base. TPWD is attempting to access boater access funds to mark both existing channels and those which will be created to identify safe navigable boat lanes like those found on Livingston, Toledo Bend, and Fork. If myself and TPWD had not threatened to pursue mitigation for lost habitat, this project would have been conducted with no regard to habitat.

I understand the stump cutting is well under way. It's a shame...

http://www.facebook.com/palmsmarina?sk=wall&filter=2

The marina responsible for starting all this has already been given the go ahead to remove any and all stumps (or it sure appear that way) on the southern 2/3s of the lake. The biggest problem i see with this is the total disregard for the wildlife. Not one impact study has been presented by the marina, Tp&W, SJRA, Tim or any other person in favor of the desecration of this suffering ecosystem. I am distraught how the SJRA continues to bow down to these property owners and let the property owners dictate what actions should be taken by the governing entities. Not only do they dictate but they are allowed to have free rein to destroy this ecosystem. When is the governing agencies going to step up to the plate and tell these property owners that they have no right to destroy this lake? When will they be told that with out proper scientific studies you will not destroy this ecosystem? i for one will not stand by and let this happen. I will not compromise away the wildlife. I will not put my title or resume ahead of what is right. I will not compromise what is right so that i can have coffee and donuts with these gutless governing authorities. I hope that everyone else will see the problem as i do and let their voice be heard at all cost. Through the freedom of information act i requested a copy of the minutes to the resent advisory panel meeting and now have a copy in my hand and i will share it with yall so you all can see for your self who is really in favor of the destruction of Lake Conroe. I will also post a petition that is going around right now to stop the removal of what few stumps are left. Please sign and share this petition with everyone you know. Thanks

here is the link to the petition please sign it and share it with everyone you know. thanks

http://www.change.org/petitions/save-lake-conroe

Here are the minutes of what really happened....

San Jacinto River Authority
Lake Conroe Division
P.O. Box 329



Scan for more info.

Conroe, TX 77305
Phone: 936-588-1111 / FAX: 936-588-1114

Attendees of Lake Conroe Advisory Meeting on December 12, 2011:
Blake Kellum – SJRA Lake Conroe Division Manager
Bret Raley – SJRA Lake Conroe Division Operations Manager
Ronda Trow – SJRA Public Relations Manager
Diana Sanchez – SJRA Lake Conroe Division Customer Service Rep
Dr. Mark Webb – TPWD Inland Fisheries Region 3E District Supervisor
Dr. Richard Ott -TPWD Inland Fisheries Region 3C District Supervisor
Craig Bonds – TPWD Inland Fisheries Region 3 -Regional Director
Dr. Earl Chilton – TPWD Director of Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Program
Warren Oja – U. S. Forest Service – Sam Houston
Matthew Wiese – MCCO Pct 1
Gary Lewis – Tow Boat U. S.
Mike Bleier – LCA President
Sue Wheatley – LCA
Tom Butz – LCA
Ben P. Richardson – LCA
Bart Richardson – EZ Boat Storage
Ed Parten – T.B.B.U. President
Aubrey Lewis – T.B.B.U.
Paul Maire – T.B.B.U.
Bob Singletary – T.B.B.U.
Ron Gunter – SCBC / Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Assistant State Conservation Director
Tim Cook -Texas B.A.S.S. Federation State Conservation Director

Blake Kellum started meeting at 5:45pm.

Blake discussed removing twenty-two Hedgehogs located by Gary Lewis in the Sandy Creek area of Lake
Conroe. The Hedgehogs are approx. 36” in diameter, 2-4’ long, ¼” thick and weigh 80 pounds. Blake
had a picture of Lake Conroe with the Hedgehog locations mapped. These present hazards for vessels
and recreational usage of the Lake. Blake asked that the angling community share that this type of
structure is not navigationally safe to use for fish habitat.

Mark Webb with TPWD presented information on Lake Conroe projects being discussed:

1.
Stump Cutting: The drought situation has brought new circumstances to the Lake. We are
experiencing hazards that never have been a problem in the past. Weather reports support that in
2012 the drought conditions will continue and it is not unreasonable to state that the Lake could
be as low as 12’ next year. Areas that are usually considered safe are now navigational hazards
due to low water levels.

2.
Renovation of F.M. 830 Ramp: There are some private property access issues with this project.
Funding would need to be shared by TPWD, SJRA, Montgomery County and TXDOT.
Considering renovations to allow for 15’ below normal pool access.

3.
Extend/Dredge Forest Service Ramps: Funding for this project must be met by matching with
non-federal funds.




4.
Exposed Tree Top Areas: Ben Richardson, with LCA, is acknowledged as the leader of getting
this project going. Tree Tops causing navigational hazards need to be removed. Sometimes,
multiple branches of one tree are being seen above water level. Mark Webb presented a picture
titled See Ben’s Track with actual pictures provided by Ben Richardson.

5.
Lewis Creek Concerns: Fallen trees are causing stick ups to now show in open water. Six of
these are detrimental to F.M. 830 ramp.

6.
Above 1097 West Bridge: Boat passageways and crossovers need attention. Paths need to be
marked and minimal cutting may be needed. See the hand out provided titled TPWD
Compilation for locations of concern.

7.
Funding of project: LCA -$30,000; The Richardson Family -$10,000; TPWD will work to
match 3:1.

8.
Vegetation Habitat Program: There is very little native vegetation & Hydrilla currently on Lake
due grass carp. Mark explained that the native vegetation will outgrow the grass carp and the
Hydrilla should remain just in check. Currently Hydrilla is only growing in water too shallow for
grass carp to reach. Hydrilla will be something to deal with once it is in 2’ deep water.

9.
TPWD Goal: Cutting tree tops and stumps that will minimally affect fish habitat and maximize
boat access for all Lake users.
Ed Parten asked four questions of Mark Webb with regards to the safety concerns for anglers and boat
lanes.

1.
How will dredging affect the eco-system of the Lake?
There will be minimal impact because just removing siltation of ramps.

2.
What is the width required to provide safety for boat lanes?
Minimum of 100’ width is needed with little or no cutting necessary. The majority of these will

be marked rather than cut with possibly minimal trimming at edges.

3.
Who is responsible for the Liability of the boat lane marking project?
We may need a partner to take out an insurance policy similar to what the T.B.B.U. did on Lake
Livingston. These details have not been worked out yet.

4.
We would like to properly weight anything that floats.
Ben Richardson mentioned that the binding usually breaks after one year. Ed Parten stated that
they use nylon straps which last 10-15 years under water. By the time the binding breaks, the
floaters are water logged and stay under. This would help the fish habitat. Mark Webb
mentioned that Blake Kellum suggested letting the tree top fall down by the tree thus creating a
more complex habitat.

After receiving the answers to his questions, Ed Parten stated that he had not heard anything that T.B.B.U.
could not support. His attending members agreed with his statement that T.B.B.U. could support this
project.


Ron Gunter had the following questions for Mark Webb:

1.
Once the water returns, how long before the vegetation dies and affects the eco-system of
the Lake?
Positives of this process:

1.
Provides stable environment to help make nutrients available for aquatic plants and insects.

2.
Provides protection from wind, grass carp and turtles.

3.
Provide spawning and nursing habitat for juvenile fish.

4.
Plants will last approx. 12 months at most or one season. When plants decay, other plants or
things will eat it. The decay would be like compost and the nutrients taken by other
organisms.

2.
What is the potential for Hydrilla growth?
Decomposition should not significantly add nutrients for Hydrilla to grow. The Lake is nutrient
rich now anyway. Hydrilla loves stable water levels so the drought conditions could be
potentially helpful. Ed Parten mentioned that fluctuating water levels areas are also helpful for
vegetation and fish.

Blake Kellum directed discussion towards gaining closure on the Stump Cutting issue:

1.
Richard Ott asked if boat lanes below Forest Service Area are in areas that were intended to be
cleared but never were. Answer: Yes.

2.
Mike Bleier announced that Ben Richardson has done the work on behalf of LCA. LCA
Members that raised funds for Hydrilla are high end properties and if they want 1 or 2 stumps
removed they will want assurance from angler community that this will be acceptable. He also
asked if residents north of Scott’s Ridge should be referred to SJRA or the Forest Service. They
are to be referred to Blake Kellum who will be working with to Warren Oja with the U.S.D.A.
Forest Service.

3.
Bret Raley reported that SJRA has received about one dozen stump inquiries from homeowners.
Blake Kellum has advised that homeowner calls will be handled on case by case basis. Stumps
behind homeowner docks will be addressed individually and trusted to follow guidelines
provided. If POA or HOA calls with 20+ stumps, then SJRA will investigate and collaborate
with Mark Webb at TPWD. More homeowners may be calling once this project begins. There
has not been a determination of a line that separates the Forest Service land from the SJRA land
per Blake Kellum and Warren Oja.

4.
Tom Butz asked if the number of stumps to be cut had been determined. Mark Webb responded
that it is not 250 and not 500 either. Something to also consider when deciding on the number of
cuts is that the machine used for cutting can potentially grab multiple branches in one cut. His
best estimate is that the lower areas around F.M. 1097 will be well under 250 cuts including those
needing trimming. Tom Butz also asked if someone needed to go on the Lake with the cutter.
Ben Richardson volunteered to go out for one day with them.

5.
Charles Von Schmidt suggested using fluorescent orange paint to mark the stumps that are to be
cut. Under water stumps could be marked with PVC pipe that could be recovered and recycled for
the project.

6.
The question was asked -who will pre-mark the stumps? Mark Webb’s team from TPWD will
go out with GPS and side scan sonar to mark the stumps. Bret Raley has offered the help of

SJRA as well as Ed Parten and Aubrey Lewis have offered assistance from T.B.B.U. members
and Tim Cook from members of Texas Black Bass Federation.

7.
Gary Lewis provided information about bringing hardwoods and sinking them for pre-spawn/post
spawn habitat for the past four winter seasons. They typically take out one load per week from
January 1st through March. His point made was that the amount of anticipated cuts would not be
more than the hardwoods that have been brought in over the last four years. Gary will offer
support for the cutting operation.

8.
It was decided that all were in agreement that more cutting on the boat roads may be necessary
and all approved of such because it is a one-time cutting event. Blake Kellum explained that the
boat lanes may require to be re-cut at some point in the future if future water levels continue to
recede.

9.
Charles Von Schmidt advised that 12’ can be cut off in most cases, but for very old trees that are
large, the cut may not be able to go down 12’. When asked about the length of time to complete
the project, he provided that wind has a definite effect on how fast they can work. On a day with
perfect weather conditions, 30-40 stumps can be cut. Ben Richardson offered the use of EZ Boat
Storage as a place to stockpile any cuts that do not sink. Blake Kellum advised this would
potentially create a 20’ depth clearance at normal pool level.

10.
Ron Gunter asked about the protocol for addressing the random stumps called “widow makers”
on the Lake. These stumps will be dealt with to promote safety on the water.

11. Bret Raley introduced Ronda Trow, SJRA Public Relations Manager, and Diana Sanchez, SJRA
Lake Conroe Division CSR handling commercial accounts.

12. Tim Cook thanked Blake Kellum for the meeting. He expressed that after working on the
vegetation program of Lake Conroe for past 3-4 years, he feels like we are “stewards” of the
Lake. He is excited over the partnerships being developed with the anglers, LCA, TPWD and
SJRA. He said that utilizing boater access funds could turn this project into something better
than anyone originally planned and safer for all boaters on the Lake. He has offered assistance
from his organization of approx. 20-30 boats with side sonars to help with marking stumps. He
mentioned that they probably could raise some funds to help with the effort.

13. Warren Oja discussed the potential floating trees in the north end of the Lake.
Approx. 600 acres
of dead trees found because trees did not have a deep enough root system prior to the drought
conditions. Trees are not usually cut in the riparian zone. They would fall on the lake bed
without water so they would never become water logged. This would mean that they will float
when water returns. He mentioned that trees could be hinged cut to keep stationary leaving them
attached to the stump. This would improve fish habitat. Blake Kellum offered the help of SJRA
for this project.

14. Ed Parten offered his apologies because he said that their viewpoint had been that the stump
cutting project was about the aesthetics of the Lake only for homeowners. He again reinforced
that he was in support of the project as discussed. Mike Bleier offered that no apologies were
needed that this project is simply about safety for all boaters, recreational users and anglers alike.

15. Blake Kellum also advised that this has been a learning experience for SJRA. He stated that a
meeting should have been called right from the beginning. From this point forward, SJRA ensures
that protocol will be followed.

16. Earl Chilton spoke on behalf of TPWD and the possibility of available funding.
He agrees that
the stump cutting project is a valid project that can possibly be added into the project with Fish
and Wildlife Service. The paperwork has to go through the Albuquerque office. He will try to
use funds retroactively. He is concerned about the amount of days it will take to work out the
details in order to guarantee the funds are secured due to the holiday time of year. He advised
that the best use of all funds available be considered. He will work to secure the guarantee for a
3:1 matching of funds since they qualify the non-federal money requirement.

17. Sue Wheatley advised that LCA Board has not approved the usage of funds for this project.
The
first vote ended with a majority against the project due to the controversy surrounding the project
with other organizations but this meeting has helped relive those concerns. Their Board will vote
again and Mike Bleier is confident the project will receive the necessary approval with the second
vote.

18. The LCA and Richardson Family have a combined total of $40,000 for the project.
The LCA has
$30,000 and the Richardson Family has $10,000. Mike Bleier wants the LCA to have as little
liability as possible. Initially the project was scheduled to end once the combined total of
$40,000 was spent.

19. Discussion took place regarding who will initiate the contract with Stump Busters to begin the
project. The Richardson Family is considering initiated a contract for $10,000 so the project can
begin before the holidays. Earl Chilton reminded all that it is a possibility funds used prior to his
securing a financial match guarantee may not be matched retroactively. Blake Kellum to work on
securing an amendment to the SJRA’s existing Aquatic Vegetation Management contract with
TPWD and should know something after the holidays as well.

20. The proposed completion date of cutting renegade stumps and boat lanes is approx. 3 months.
Once completed, any stumps that are identified as concern will be evaluated.
Meeting finished at 7:15pm.



What a shame. Lake SkiROe

Anyone who knows the history of Conroe will tell you that these clearing proposals are about property values, Scarab speed boats, water skiers and jet ski's not lake ecosystems or fish habitat. Sportsmen pay by far the lionshare of money paid into the TPWD coffers but time after time are sent to the end of the line when it comes to input on how the money is spent. I for one think its time for the pendulum to swing the other way, particularly in as far as Conroe is concerned.

help us.. please sign..

http://www.change.org/petitions/save-lake-conroe

i didnt see that part in the meeting minutes, could you point it out for us...

Signed and word passed!

Bump. Need signatures.

signed, and posted a link to fishing TX forum here. lots of local dedicated anglers on it too. I'm gonna miss the quiet end of the lake North of FM1097 bridge. Hope it takes a while and the pleasure boaters don't find out for quite some time. Thankfully, the really large sport boats & cruisers can't make it under the bridge...

I like to tube, ski & wake board too, but also try to be real respectful of fisherman, because 1st & foremost, i am an angler.

www.fishingtx .com - Lake Conroe section

Yeah me either....sounds like it was just the opposite. WTH? Is this guy running for mayor? I'll sign it for sure.

Well I can tell you that in the live branch arm of Lake Conroe someone did some cuttting back in November...definately over 50 plus stumps and trees

The habitat was not protected. There is not a stump left except for an occasional surprise for your prop from the dam all the way to Point Malibu. The old tree with the rebar southwest of the point is gone. No boat lane, no easy navigation.....They cut everything down!! It's like one big mud bowl where jet skis and fast boats will rule the lake.

I received an email from EZ boat storage saying they were removing stumps. When I went to check on my boat, stump busters was there and they had been clearing stumps. you can see stumps (trees) around the 1097 bridge now. they said they are going to be removing all of these.

I asked about the fish habitat and the lady said fisherman don't pay to keep thier boats here. I informed her that I do. for now, my contracts up in July, I'll be finding a new place to keep the boat.

The Palms marina and EZ Boat are the two marina's leading this "stump removal". Both of these cater to the "Big Boat" crowd on Lake Conroe. Damn I miss Anchorage marina!!

Conroe fish care little about stumps. They are ok with sunken brush.

Now grass that was some serious habitat destruction.

I used to buy gas from the Palms if i was up there and needed it, i'll run out now and troll my butt back to the ramp before them SOB's get any of my money.

Ya'll do realize that the LCA is the group that forced the TPWD to put in more grass carp than was needed, dont you? They are no good, all they care about are property owners and pleasure boaters.

TTT

Sign the petition please.

here's an email i received today.

Notice! - Lake Conroe Lake Levels Rising

Normal Pool Level: 201.00 MSL

Lowest Level ever: 192.68 MSL

Current Level: 196.74 MSL

Let's hope the rains keep coming!

Stump Elimination:

Taking advantage of the low lake levels, the Lake Conroe Association along with the family that owns EZ Boat Storage & Valet Launch and the Palms Marina pooled private funds to embark on a stump cutting project to eliminate the stumps in the main body of the lake (not the tributaries, shorelines or fingers that feed the lake). This project covered an area from the dam on the south end all the way north to the southern point of Cape Malibu or approximately 2.5 miles north of the FM 1097 bridge (see attached map). This project is complete and it can be stated that virtually all stumps visible at the 192.68 MSL lake level have been cut. There were approximately 400 stumps targeted and they were all cut approximately 8 feet below the 192.68 MSL level. The stumps were not removed from the lake as approximately 95% of the stumps sunk to the bottom of the lake providing an enhanced fishing habitat. Lake Conroe is a safer and more navigable lake because of the support of the Lake Conroe Association, San Jacinto River Authority, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Black Bass United and the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation. Thanks to all.




--

Bart Richardson
561 445-7048 cell
bartrichardson1@gmail.com

Wow.

That Sir is a crock of SHEET.........Stumps are being cut all over the lake and not just in the southern areas you have described. Hundreds if not thousands of stumps have also been removed at and north of the 1097 as well. 3 weeks ago I hit a cut floater two miles north of 1097, and that is not the first one I have seen in the past several years. That must just be apart of the 5% you refered to and I must just be a really unlucky guy for having seen and felt them.

Even if a controled clearing project was being conducted (which it's not) dont act like your doing me or anybody else any favors by leaving floaters in the lake for boaters to discover like water mines.

Also your premis that sunken cover and bottom habitat (cut timber) that will no doubt decompose at a faster rate (than if left standing) is better for the fishing habitat than standing timber that covers the entire water column is a baited joke that I don't believe you'll get many takers on. Efforts to cut standing timber and then saying its creating more cover for fishermen are not likely to get many applauds from sportsmen who are looking at the big picture, only from the commecial entities who these clearing programs were intended to benifit to begin with will hear any clapping.

Have there been any studies conducted on what types and locations of habitat the exsisting fish & bird populations are needed to sustain themselves? And if so has this habitat increased or declined in the last 20 years or so? Well??? Do you even care? Based on past history I would have to guess no!

Man up and call it what it is. Your commercial buddies are looking out for themselves and their property owning pleasure crafters and rich daddy racing boaters who have to turn the lake into the watercraft version of the Datona 500 over the last 20 years. History has shown that the TP&W and SJRA have been are now and probably will again in the future be bought out by you guys and to suggest that the project is over and that there are not any further intentions to coduct clearing programs is to mislead the public.

These programs are messing with natural recources that you know full well sportsmen are very passionate about so quit trying to whizz on our feet and tell us its raining, its insulting.

I agree with you, remember this is not me, this is an e-mail i received from EZ-boat storage. I replied back and let him know what i thought about it and he sent this... FYI, his name, email and cell are at the end of the message. I think everyone should let him know what you think of his stump clearing. This is what he had to say....


Texas Parks & Wildlife were on board with this project and say because the stumps sunk to the bottom of the lake it enhanced the fishing habitat. All groups cited in my letter, Lake Conroe Association, San Jacinto River Authority, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Black Bass United and the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation, supported this effort.

Bart Richardson
561 445-7048 cell
bartrichardson1@gmail.com

After reading your post again I indeed made the mistake of thinking that it was your view on the subject, My appologies for the mis-interpretation. I got caught up in the moment after reading and fired off. I will direct my comments to the gentleman who oridgonated the e-mail. Again sorry for the confusion on my part.