Once again, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is asking folks to drop off their live Christmas trees – after Christmas and after the ornaments are removed, of course. Spencer Phillips is a fisheries habitat biologist for the department. He said the woody debris creates an attractive habitat for several fish species.
“Those spaces that all those branches provide are great for small fish to hang out in, and that can help attract larger fish to hang out near them as well. We found, you know, large amount of croppie, largemouth bass and bluegill which are some popular sport fish that anglers target.”
Phillips said evergreens also promote algae and other plants that are good for the fish – and Kentucky’s 19 state lakes.
“Our six-year average for donations was about 5,335 trees. And then our survey show that we get about a 500% greater amount of sport fish on habitat that has Christmas trees.
Phillips said after a few years, the trees break down, making room for new ones.
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