This evening I read the headlines in the Jacksonville Daily Progress (4/24/2007) that 2,500 more grass carp being put into Lake Jacksonville on 4/26/2007. Congradulations, the city fathers have just issued a death sentence to the fishery.

This is my worst fear come true. Just because a drug is working does not mean more will not cause an overdose.

The original stockings (1,400 grass carp), even if a 30% mortality rate exists, these 14" fish will grow to 50 to 70lb aquadic vegetation destroying machines with a 20 year life.

The city has not even given the original two stockings a chance to work since last year! We already have hydrillia flies and the spraying could have been a temporary measure to allow the carp a chance.

With this over kill approach in 5 years there will likely be a significant amount less dissolved oxygen to support the aquadic environment and a significant decline in the sport fish population.

I for one, will not politically or otherwise support anyone in the future who has taken this short sided approach to solve a long time problem with no forethought to the eventual consequences, both to the health of the lake and local economy that draw revenue from the presence & use of the fishery.

I am also rather curious why there was no public notice prior to this announcement for public input. I think the citizens & users of the fishery have been blind sided.

I have no idea if anyone can help here, but I do not have the legal resources to fight this. If anyone can file an injunction to stop this real quick, it would be in the best interest of the fishery. This a small lake with a current lake record of 15.6' & 18" minium. If you can help, please do.

Thanks

Gary L. Martin ...
2325 Lakeshore Dr.
Jacksonville, TX 75766
903 589-5928 Hm
903 316 7317 Cell
903 589-3000 Office

Wow, that is sorry, they definitly arent looking what that will do to the lake down the road. I bet whoever is in charge of that isnt an angler and dosent even care or didnt take the time out to think about what that will cause. I agree with you, it definily seems like they would have to send out flyers on it or something, vote on it, or something i dont know. I hope someone can help you and all the other anglers there out, good luck. -joshua

The city has to file a permit request to the state in order to get the carp. They know that it ruins the fishery, and seems that they don't care. I tried to stop it on my local lake and failed. Now there isn't any grass at all. I just don't understand their way of thinking and if it's good for the lake then why do you have to gut the fish and kill it if you catch one?

I see Lake jacksonville is not be a community fishing lake due to it's size. If there are no other regulations locally preventing it, you might rig up a bowfishing boat. A few 300 watt halogen lights and a generator can do wonders.

KILLING A GOOD LAKE.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the TPWD has authority over the stocking of lakes. The city government has no authority or even the knowledge to make a call of this caliber. You may want to contact the TPWD and voice your concern with them. Start a petition with local and or state anglers. If enough folks sign it, they have to listen. But first things first. Before expending alot of effort, you should contact the TPWD and find out their reasoning. Maybe they know something you don't.

The grass carp permits are issued through Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) and before any of that takes place, they (water authority) must go through an application process and evaluation of the water body prior to any permits purchased and fish released.