Effingham, IL-(Mattoon Radio)- Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays.
The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged at lakes, providing critical habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The trees will naturally decompose over time.
Maps and coordinates of the tree habitat locations are available online or from each lake’s biologist. Visit the IDNR Office of Fisheries website for drop-off location information and instructions. Trees should be placed only in the designated area for each site and only during the designated drop-off dates. Trees must be free of stands, lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted.
Drop-off locations and dates include the following:
Clinton County
- Carlyle Lake Dam East boat ramp
- Dec. 26 to Jan. 5
- Place trees at Dam East Access Area Road.
Fayette County
- Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees at designated area near boat ramp.
Jasper County
- Newton State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees at designated area on northwest side of the parking lot near boat ramp.
- Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees in designated area near southwest boat ramp.
Lawrence County
- Red Hills State Park
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Marion County
- City of Centralia, Public Works Building
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees near the south gate at 114 E. Fifth St.
- Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees near in the designated area near the boat ramp.
Moultrie County
- Howy’s Lakeside Gas Station
- Dec. 26 to March 1
- Place trees in the designated area northwest corner of parking lot.
Richland County
- Olney Municipal Parking Lot
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees in designated area northeast corner of parking lot.
Shelby County
- Johnstowne Mall
- Dec. 26 to March 1
- Place trees in designated area northwest corner of parking lot.
- Lake Mattoon Marina
- Dec. 26 to Jan. 31
- Place trees in designated area across from the marina.
Stephenson County
- Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
- Dec. 26 to Jan. 5
- Follow signage on North Lake Road to drop-off location.
Wabash County
- Beall Woods State Park
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees in designated area near the boat ramp.
Wayne County
- Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
- Place trees in designated area near the boat ramp.
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