OBM: DNR Walleye Rearing Pond
A large spring fed pond that was used as a rearing pond for
walleye. It hasn't been used in a few years. Bring Fish Food
anyway. There is even a park bench here to enjoy the view. On a hot
summer day it is a good place to put your feet in and enjoy the
sandy edge.
The cache is an ammo box filled with good trade items. The first
three finders will have their names listed here as fastest cachers
in this region.
Bring water shoes there was some water around the edge of the pond
to walk through. (Not deep.)
Walleye Rearing Information: For 2008 there were 2,000,000 walleyes
started in our state. This is only 20% of a normal year! The recent
introduction of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv) and fish
kills resulting from this disease forced the DNR to curtail the
rearing and stocking of coolwater fish (walleye, muskellunge,
northern pike and lake sturgeon) in 2007. Since reliable egg
disinfection methods for coolwater species was not available and
risks from this disease could not be managed, DNR ceased production
of walleye, muskellunge and northern pike from Michigan sources to
prevent the virus from being introduced into the state’s fish
hatcheries and from being spread into other waters of the state.
Much has been learned about VHSv in the past year. This includes
the completion of experiments with egg disinfection chemicals on
the survival of coolwater eggs, a better understanding of the
distribution of VHSv in our waters, and the analysis of scientific
literature on similar viruses (e.g., IHNv) related to where those
viruses are likely to be and how those viruses are managed.
Although additional information is needed, particularly the
effectiveness of egg disinfection in killing VHSv on coolwater
eggs, sufficient information is available to allow DNR to begin to
manage the coolwater production risks surrounding VHSv. While not
completely risk-free, the proposed coolwater production strategy
will greatly minimize risks, allow the limited production of
coolwater fish, and allow the DNR to learn how to manage this
disease issue. Hopefully, in the near future greater restocking
will take place and this pond will be used again.
- First To Find: DinoDuo, July 2nd, 2008, 3263 Finds!
- Second To Find: gfour, July 5th, 2008, 90 Finds!
- Third To Find: Freank & Peggy, July 13th, 2008, 5955
Finds! (#1 in Michigan.)
Photo Credit: 7/2011, BCWeekendWarriors,
Great picture!