The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake has scheduled the annual Christmas tree drop for Wednesday, March 14, 2018. On this day, Corps of Engineers employees, Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists, and volunteers will place bundled and weighted Christmas trees into Rend Lake for the purpose of creating fish habitat. The tree drop will begin at the South Sandusky Boat Ramp at 8:00 am. Due to changing weather conditions, this launch location is subject to change, depending upon wind and weather conditions the morning of the drop. For confirmation of the drop location, volunteers may call the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493, the morning of the drop.
More than 400 Christmas trees were collected from the local community, Marion Menards, Marion home Depot, Mt. Vernon and Carbondale Lowes, The Patch (Pittsburg), Marion Parks Department, and the Mt. Vernon Parks and Recreation Department. Placing bundled trees in the lake creates underwater structure for fish. This structure serves a variety of purposes such as providing feeding areas for fish of all sizes; provides a hiding place for small fish; and provides excellent fishing spots for anglers.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake would like to remind the public that, according to Title 36 Section 327.20, Unauthorized Structures, placement of any unauthorized structure or stake-beds into Rend Lake is prohibited. Persons wishing to volunteer or searching for more information can contact Mark Cazier at the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.
