Bureau of Land Management Volunteer Feature

Lake Havasu is a 45 mile long man-made reservoir on the Colorado River just south of Nevada. The lake, which forms part of the border between California and Arizona, is the busiest recreational reservoir in the southwest with over 25 million people living within a five hour drive. It harbors numerous sport fish as well as two endangered fish, the razorback sucker and bonytail chub. The Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program is the largest and most comprehensive project of its kind in the world. The project is unique and important for several reasons.

Innovation: The project is a pioneer in artificial reef habitat for fish, an ancient art which the project attempts to refine in terms of materials, location, performance, and durability. The project also combines exotic sport fish restoration with endangered non-sport fish restoration; this is unique, according to fish biologists.

Magnitude: This is a 10-year program to enhance fish habitat in 42 locations totaling 875 aquatic acres, and to develop at least six handicapped accessible fishing areas with docks, trails, parking, and restrooms. In addition, it seeks to restore two populations of endangered big river fish. Cooperation: BLM leads a seven member partnership that includes the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Reclamation, BLM, California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Anglers United, a private nonprofit group. The project constitutes a common bond for seven organizations that are otherwise competitive on the always contentious Colorado River. The community contributes freely because, as one participant notes, "fishing is good for everyone."

Contact: For more information, contact Kirk Koch, BLM, at 520-505-1237.