Vertical Plank Structure Project- 8/25/04
On Wednesday, 8/25 (Happy Birthday Tom) we did our first ever vertical plank structures in Kinzua. We built 6 of these structures, placing 3 in the Kinzua Arm, and 3 in Sugar Bay. Vertical Plank structures, or "ambush boxes" as they are sometimes called, are shallow water structures that utilize the base of a standard porcupine crib. 4 "walls" are built, each 2 feet high, and fastened to the base leaving a gap in between the walls large enough to accommodate the cement blocks which will hold them down. After you attach the walls and load the blocks, 4 foot boards are nailed across the top to hold everything in place. Finally, banding is wrapped around the whole structure, and Bob takes them out to sink them. The pictures will give you a much better idea of how these are built.
The following is some information I
received from Bob Hoskin today, it explains the purpose of these structures much
better than I can;
"This is
a new PFBC structure, nicknamed "shorty", a modification to the larger vertical
plank structure. Most of the structures we place are designed as refuge habitat
for small fish. The shorty is designed as an ambush structure for large
predator fish. It is supposed to be sturdy, so we placed the six in various
bays to see how they with stand winter ice conditions. We placed six that day
on the outer edge (shallower) of locations we had previously placed other types
of habitat. All were placed in water approximately 6 feet deep. Reservoir pool
that day was 1328.5'. "
Volunteers on this beautiful day were Bill Barr, Bob Boyer, Wally Dyne, Jack Homa, Bob Hoskin, Rian Rich, Mary Skinner, Sue Spong, and Guy Waldman. Many thanks to Nancy Rudolph for helping behind the scenes.
Thanks to all.
