LAKE HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Fish habitat improvement projects contribute to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s mission of providing fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources. The Lake Habitat Section aims to bring about positive change by improving the structure in lakes and impoundments. Structure can be defined as any physical element — native, natural or artificial — that provides cover to aquatic animals.
The Lake Habitat Section has improved the structure of nearly 100 lakes and impoundments in Pennsylvania. Lake habitat improvement maps indicate sites where artificial structures have been placed or proposed. These structures create micro food webs that attract large gamefish for anglers to target.
View our 2024 Lake Habitat Field Schedule
COOPERATIVE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Cooperative Lake Habitat Improvement Program has been in existence for more than 20 years. With the foundation of the Division of Habitat Management, Lake Habitat Cooperators have more options than in the past.
Two Commission programs exist solely for the purpose of working with individuals, organizations and other state and federal agencies to manage habitat improvement projects in commonwealth lakes and impoundments. The Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP) and the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) are cooperative programs that are managed by staff within the Division of Habitat Management’s Lake Section. Read more.
ARTIFICIAL HABITAT STRUCTURE STANDARD DRAWINGS
RIPARIAN BUFFERS