The Ringgold County Conservation Board recently received a Fish Habitat Stamp Grant to continue to improve the pond structure at Fife's Grove Park.

The pond was revitalized with a Fish Habitat Stamp Grant in 2012 by increasing the depth and size of the original pond from three feet deep to 10-12 feet deep, adding fishing jetties for accessibility, introducing desirable fish species and adding vegetation species that will improve water quality.

The second stage now underway is intended to increase fish habitat and stability along the jetty shoreline. The Fish Habitat Stamp Grant for 2016 will add additional rip-rap beneath the water line to provide jetty stabilization and fish habitat by creating a rock reef. The increased amount of rip-rap beneath the water line of the jetties will improve stabilization and erosion control along with expanding fish habitat. This rock reef will increase angler opportunities by providing fish habitat along the jetties. Rock mounds along the west edge of the pond will increase fish habitat and pea gravel in the shallow south section will increase spawning beds for desirable fish. Rock mounds and spawning beds will also increase success of fishing clinics and educational field days by providing additional fish habitat in multiple locations.

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2016