admin posted on December 13, 2011 08:20
Squirrel Lake Gets New Fishing Pier
RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recently partnered with the Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department to construct a new handicapped-accessible fishing pier at Squirrel Lake Park.
Personnel from Matthews and the Wildlife Commission constructed the floating, T-shaped pier on the lake earlier this month. The pier is 43 feet long with a 48foot wide T-section at the end and incorporates low, angled handrail sections that allow easy access for children and anglers confined to wheelchairs.
To enhance fishing opportunities, Commission staff installed a fish feeder within casting distance of the new pier. Staff also stocks the lake with 400 catchable-sized channel catfish in April, June and September of each year, to supplement the existing bass and sunfish fisheries.
The fish stockings, pier and feeder are features of the Community Fishing Program, a cooperative venture between the Wildlife Resources Commission and local governments to improve fishing opportunities in city and county parks. The Commission paid 75 percent of the fishing pier, fish feeder and fish feed, and catfish stockings through the Sport Fish Restoration program, while the Town of Matthews paid the remaining 25 percent.
“The Community Fishing Program allows parks to provide better fishing opportunities for visitors because they can stretch their budgets by cost-sharing things such as piers, walkways, fish feeders and monthly catfish stockings,” Hendrickson said. “While it’s a win-win situation for park personnel and the Wildlife Commission, it’s the park visitors who benefit the most from these cost-sharing endeavors.” Any person above the age of 16 must have a basic inland fishing license in order to fish at the park. Fishing is allowed year round when the park is open, which is from dawn to dusk.
“We are appreciative of the Wildlife Commission’s help in building this pier. Staff with the Wildlife Commission worked closely with our staff to ensure that we have a premier pier. This amenity is very valuable to our residents and will be enjoyed by all. Before people just fished from the banks of the pond and accessibility was difficult,” said Hazen Blodgett, Matthews Town Manager.
The new pier is part of the extensive renovations to the park which were just completed. The cost of the pier was $13,954.76, which the Town paid 25% or $3,488.69. The Wildlife Commission paid 75% of the costs. Squirrel Lake Park has a playground area, picnic tables, grills, trails, a large picnic shelter and pavilion. It is located on 1631 Pleasant Plains Road.
For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.