New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

March 26, 2001

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists and members of the Bucketmouth Brigade Bassin' Team (BBBT) recently added an additional 83 artificial fish habitat structures and 35 evergreen tree structures in Parvin Lake at Parvin State Park, Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County. These structures will provide additional habitat for fish and other forms of aquatic life in the 95-acre lake.

"These structures will attract and concentrate game and panfishes such as largemouth bass, black crappies and sunfishes," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "The Division uses artificial fish habitats as a management technique. So far, we have successfully placed these structures in more than ten lakes throughout the state."

The new structures were deployed to replace the 90 evergreen tree habitats that were placed in the lake in 1994. Maximum benefits associated with artificial fish habitats constructed from evergreen trees weighted with cinder blocks are only three to four years. As a result, the artificial habitats deployed in Parvin Lake had become less effective due to the natural decomposition of the attraction material.

Project expenses were shared by the Division and the BBBT. In addition, members of each constructed and deployed the structures. Each habitat consisted of brush made from maple and oak branches gathered from various Division wildlife management areas, as well as apple branches donated from a local orchard. The branch bunches were then placed in five-gallon buckets filled with concrete, which served to weight the structures. The habitats were then dropped overboard at predetermined locations.

The structures have a large surface area that provides cover and hiding places for young fish. This, in turn, attracts predatory fish, such as largemouth bass and black crappie, making it a very tempting spot for anglers.

To view a map of the sites visit the Division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com or click here.