FWP partnering with Eagle Scout Project to turn Christmas trees into fish habitat

Press release

GLASGOW - Christmas trees sold this year by Glasgow Area Boy Scout Troop 861's will not only be adorned with ornaments, but also turned into fish habitat.

Lane Thompson, a member of Troop 861, and Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries staff are asking folks to return their trees after Christmas with the intention to use these discarded trees as artificial fish habitat. Returned trees will be bundled and placed on the ice at the Fort Peck Trout Pond later this winter, where they will remain until melting causes them to fall through and settle to the bottom.

"The goal of these tree bundles is to improve and increase fish habitat availability in the Trout Pond and ultimately improve the fishery," said Jared Krebs, Glasgow-area fisheries biologist.

FWP also typically partners with Fresno Chapters of Walleyes Unlimited and has partnered with the city of Havre to put Christmas trees in Fresno Reservoir as fish habitat.

Both Thompson and FWP staff are asking that trees be returned to the Glasgow fairgrounds following the holidays for his Eagle project, and all trees are free of flocking, tinsel, and other artificial decorations prior to return. A trailer will be available at the fairgrounds for returned trees, and further details will be given out at the time of sale. All natural trees that are clean of decorations are welcome and can be donated.

This effort between Troop 861 and FWP will allow Thompson to complete his Eagle Scout project, as well as accomplish fisheries management objectives addressing habitat concerns at the Fort Peck Trout Pond.

"I appreciate folks taking this opportunity to help create fish habitat and help me complete my Eagle Scout Project," Thompson said.

Be on the lookout for future press releases and reminders regarding this project. Any fisheries related questions about this project can be directed to Krebs via email or phone at [email protected] or 406-808-7068.