“Christmas For Fishes” thanks to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources

SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is once again accepting natural Christmas tree donations as part of their annual recycle program, benefiting both anglers and the environment. After the holiday season, you can drop off your tree at various locations across the state to help rebuild vital fish habitats in local lakes and rivers.

“A lot of our local lakes and rivers, over time, have lost a lot of their fish habitat. Many of these reservoirs were dammed decades ago, and the original structures and trees that used to exist no longer do,” said Spencer Phillips, a fish habitat biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. “By adding these Christmas trees back into the lakes, we’re putting something that was lost over time.”

The program works by collecting natural Christmas trees, which are then sunk into various bodies of water. This process creates new habitats for fish, including species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Not only does this program benefit anglers, but it also helps repair and maintain the local ecosystem.

If you go to http://fw.ky.gov you will be able to find drop off locations for your area and can donate your tree until January 15, 2025.