Kentucky's Fish Habitat Program: Past, Present, Future

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife (KDFWR) owns or has management agreements in place for over 200 small impoundments and 20 reservoirs across the Commonwealth. These impoundments range in size from less than 1 to 64,750 ha. Habitat improvement work is conducted in many of these impoundments on varying scales. Historically, habitat improvement efforts have concentrated on the small scale addition of fish attractors. Kentucky’s small impoundments and reservoirs are vastly different from the eastern to western end of the state making for many unique habitat improvement opportunities and limited standardization. Since 2008 biologists have been organizing larger scale projects in addition to regular small scale activities. Large scale projects include staff from multiple divisions, lake operators, and groups of volunteers. Additionally, KDFWR has begun soliciting information from local anglers and guides regarding type, placement, and effectiveness of different habitat structures. Media releases pertaining to habitat work have been increased which has led to improved awareness, appreciation, and utilization of Department placed fish habitat structures. KDFWR plans to expand the habitat program to include Best Management Practices in the watersheds, more public input and involvement, and in-lake fish habitat that fosters long term solutions versus short term fixes.