Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems

Bringing Diverse Stakeholders Together: The Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program

William B. Jacobson and Kirk L. Koch

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874066.ch30

Abstract.—The Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program was established in 1992 through the development of a partnership with all of the state, federal, and private organizations that hold an interest in improving the fisheries in Lake Havasu. As the 10-year program reached completion, the actual costs were half of the original estimate. Nonfederal sources provided more than 7 million dollars and the volunteer labor force contributed more than 170,000 h of service in the construction and placement of artificial structures. Angler satisfaction improved, even with a quadrupling of the angling pressure to the lake. Nearly 40 national and regional fishing tournaments returned Lake Havasu to their circuit schedule as a result of this program. The five recreational angling facilities provided free 24-h access to the lake for all ages and physical abilities. These facilities receive more than 80,000 angler use days per year. In addition to all of the sport fish activities, the program was able to re-establish populations of two federally listed endangered species of fish to the reservoir, ending a 20-year absence in the area. As a final accomplishment, the partnership signed a new memorandum of understanding that covers future coordinated maintenance and monitoring activities on the reservoir to sustain the benefits and document long-term results.