Lake Havasu’s 1992 partnership has restored fish habitat across 124 coves

During its first decade, the partnership installed approximately 90 acres of artificial habitat, improving about 875 acres of cove complexes. Lake Havasu is famous for striped bass, redear sunfish, world-class fishing tournaments and unforgettable days on the water. But beneath that success is a decades-long conservation effort that many visitors never see. For more than three decades, the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program has worked to strengthen aquatic habitat, improve recreational fishing and support the lake’s fishery and surrounding economy. The partnership formed in 1992 with a goal of enhancing the natural character of the reservoir while increasing fish species richness and strengthening predator-prey interactions to improve angling opportunities.A partnership built around conservationLed by Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu Field Office fisheries biologist Rachel Wirick, the program brings together federal, state and local organizations, along with dedicated volunteers. Partners include the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona State Parks and Trails, California ...