Parks staff says Missouri Department of Conservation to authorize emergency fish salvage as Lions Lake is drained

Chris, representing Parks and Recreation, updated the council on the ongoing process to drain Lions Lake and the status of fish salvage planning. He said the city requested Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) assistance; MDC staff informed the city that the department no longer collects and transfers fish for municipalities but would authorize an emergency fish-salvage order to allow the city and the public to harvest the existing fish community before the lake is drained.

Chris read aloud the draft emergency order language provided by MDC staff, which invoked "rule 3 CSR 10" to authorize temporary suspension of fishing-method restrictions, creel limits and seasons for Lions Lake during the dewatering period. The fisheries-related measures in the order, as described at the meeting, would allow take by gig, spear, bow, snagging, regular angling, dip nets, throw nets and by hand. The order was described as permitting these methods from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 while the lake is drawn down. Chris said MDC would post the signed order on its website and the city would share the information on the city's channels when it is received.

Councilmembers asked operational questions about signage, timing and invasive-species checks. Chris said MDC would include biology and fisheries notes in the posted information and that the city would assist with public notice and signage. Public Works Director Phil and Parks staff said lake draining is proceeding slowly and staff expects the lake to be empty in roughly a week to ten days from the meeting date, depending on weather.

No formal council action was taken; the item was reported as an update and staff will post MDC guidance when the signed order arrives.