Shoreline Vegetation Program

In 1998 a shoreline protection program was initiated here at Smithville Lake. The Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station experts conducted a 5 day workshop. Workshop attendees were trained in techniques that have been developed around the world, to combat shoreline erosion due the effects of lake fluctuation and wave action. Techniques included placing willow wattling bundles and coyier rolls along the shoreline to break the waves so plants have a chance to be established before being washed away. The Missouri Department of Conservation fisheries personnel are working with the Corps and are primarily interested in establishing emergent and submergent aquatic plant species hoping to improve fish spawning conditions. Initial efforts are focusing on establishing a variety of plant species in exclosures that may later be used for nursery stock. The exclosures not only reduce wave action but more importantly reduce damage by foraging rough fish, namely carp. The plants in the exclosures showed great promise in the first full growing season. Many of the plant species filled the exclosures and began to creep beyond the confines of the fenced areas. Woody plant species, primarily willow, will be planted at higher elevations in hopes of holding soil in place in times when the lake pool fluctuates above multipurpose pool.

Currently plans are being developed for the spring of 2008. Efforts will focus on developing more plant nurseries around the lake to create readily available plant sources for the future. Also, this year different techniques will be attempted to create cheap but effective wave breaks, possibly with the use of large round hay bales. A variety of woody tree and shrub species will be experimented with to determine which species are best adapted to the lake shore environment.

Volunteers will be utilized for much of the planting work. It is not difficult, it just requires a lot of hands. Local fishing clubs, scout groups and other interested people should inquire with this office if you or your group might be interested in doing some shoreline protection work. The effort expended will pay great dividends in the future in improved water quality, reduced soil erosion, greater fish spawning habitat and a prettier shoreline.