Repairs at Schell-Osage cause concern

Images of receding shorelines and dead fish at Schell Osage Conservation Area began circulating on social media earlier this week resulting in criticism of the Missouri Department of Conservation and drawing the attention of area media outlets — but was the event that led to the death of thousands of common and grass carp worth making a stink?

MDC wildlife management biologist Chris Daniels said a fish salvage order had been included in initial plans for the renovation of Schell Lake — the first such project in its 60-year history. When MDC staff began releasing water from the lake on June 1, they did so at a rate which would allow most sport fish to exit into the Osage River. Daniels explained the death of the carp was not intentional but was a matter of bad timing and unusually hot weather.

Plans for major renovations at Schell Lake began more than a year ago and were publicly announced in a March 17, 2017, press release and again in several press releases this past spring.

Opened to the public in 1962, Schell Osage CA’s original design of primarily north-south levees left it prone to flood damage, especially after Truman Lake was opened in the 1970s. Schell Osage CA then became part of Truman Lake’s flood pool.

Renovation plans call for relocating levees to take advantage of the area’s topography and hydrology which will reduce flood damage. A new pump station on the Osage River will allow MDC personnel to manage wetlands areas without having to draw water from Schell Lake or Atkinson Lake.

The 2017 press release reads, “Most of the fish in Schell Lake will be flushed out as the lake drains. But there will likely be a fish salvage opportunity at a future date.”

In response to the fish kill that occurred at Schell Lake on June 18, MDC released further information about Shell Lake on the following day, June 19.

According to MDC, low water levels at Schell Lake caused the June 18 fish kill but noted most of the fish affected were invasive common carp or grass carp.

As MDC began releasing water from Schell Lake on June 1, they expected some fish to be stranded due to the uneven lake bottom and shallow water.

On June 15, the department issued an emergency salvage order which allows fish in Shell Lake to be taken with alternative methods such as seining, dip nets, gigs and bow fishing. Fisherman must still abide by daily and possession creel limits. The order expires on June 30 after which, fishing of any kind will not be allowed until the project is completed.

According to MDC fisheries management biologist Mike Allen, Monday’s fish kill prevents thousands of invasive carp from being released in the Osage River and Truman Lake.

The month-long release from Schell Lake is to prevent warm water with low oxygen levels from creating problems in the Osage River and Truman Lake.

Construction work at Schell Lake is expected to take two years although restocking the lake with fish will take longer. Carp will not be among the species introduced back into Schell Lake.

One of the state’s oldest managed wetlands, Schell Osage CA is the last of five to be renovated.