| Entry ID | 3907 |
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| Friends of Reservoirs Member/Group Sponsoring the Project | Friends of Cordell Hull Lake |
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| Project Leader Contact Information | Sheila Kirk |
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| Phone | (615) 735-1034 |
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| Email | Email hidden; Javascript is required. |
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| Address | 71 Corps Ln Carthage, Tennessee 37030 Map It |
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| Project Information | |
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| Reservoir Name | Cordell Hull Lake |
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| Google Maps Location | google.com |
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| Please describe the project objective(s). | Objective 1: By September 30, 2027, install and/or replenish fisheries habitat at a minimum of 15 fish attractor locations within Cordell Hull Lake using artificial habitat structures.
Objective 2: By September 30, 2027, increase public access to quality fishing opportunities by enhancing habitat in both vessel-accessible and shoreline-accessible areas and publishing updated fish attractor location maps for public use.
Objective 3: By September 30, 2027, engage at least 15 volunteers, including local high school students and community members, in the construction and deployment of fish habitat structures.
Objective 4: Within 12 months of habitat installation, collaborate with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to evaluate project effectiveness through fisheries monitoring activities, including electrofishing surveys, creel surveys, or other approved assessment methods.
Objective 5: Within 60 days of project completion, conduct outreach through a press release, social media campaign, and membership communications to increase public awareness of fisheries habitat enhancement and reservoir stewardship.
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| Please describe the project methods. Will the product be used in conjunction with existing habitat restoration efforts on the reservoir? Will the product supplement natural brush, rock, or other materials being added to the reservoir? | MossBack habitat structures will be incorporated into both newly established and existing fish attractor locations to provide durable, long-term structural habitat that complements existing habitat materials.
Existing Conditions
Cordell Hull Lake currently contains 19 designated fish attractor locations that are maintained and inspected on a rotational basis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) using side-scan sonar technology. Habitat structures are periodically replenished to maintain effectiveness and continue supporting sportfish populations.
Habitat to be Added or Restored
The project proposes to install and/or restore habitat at a minimum of 15 fish attractor locations through the deployment of:
• MossBack Fish Habitat structures
• PVC habitat structures where appropriate
The final number and configuration of structures will be determined through consultation with TWRA and USACE resource managers.
Project Implementation Methods
USACE personnel, Friends of Cordell Hull Lake volunteers, local youth volunteers, and TWRA staff will work collaboratively to:
1. Identify priority habitat enhancement locations.
2. Construct habitat structures using approved materials.
3. Deploy habitat structures at selected sites.
4. Document habitat placement using GPS coordinates.
5. Monitor completed sites through routine inspections and fisheries assessments.
Selected sites will include both boat-accessible and bank-accessible fishing locations to maximize public benefit.
Expected Outcomes
Expected outcomes include:
• Increased structural habitat for sportfish species.
• Improved spawning, feeding, and refuge opportunities.
• Increased fish abundance and habitat utilization.
• Enhanced angler success and fishing experiences.
• Increased public awareness of fisheries conservation.
• Greater community engagement through volunteer participation.
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| Will state fish and wildlife agency staff be directly involved in the project? How so (planning, site selection, participation in installation)? Is there an associated lake or habitat management plan that states the need for structural habitat enhancement? | The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has agreed to assist with project planning and implementation if funding is awarded.
TWRA Fisheries Program staff will provide technical expertise regarding habitat design, species-specific habitat needs, and site selection. TWRA will also assist with post-project monitoring efforts, including consideration of electrofishing surveys and creel surveys to evaluate project effectiveness.
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| List the species that the project is expected to benefit: | The project is expected to directly benefit:
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Crappie
• Catfish
• Bluegill
Additional native fish species and aquatic organisms may also benefit from increased habitat complexity and improved ecosystem function.
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| How do you plan to conduct outreach and advertise the project? (Examples: on-site signage, press releases, websites, message boards) | Public outreach will be conducted through multiple communication channels to maximize awareness and participation.
Outreach activities will include:
• Joint press release by Friends of Cordell Hull Lake and USACE announcing the grant award and recognizing Friends of Reservoirs and MossBack Fish Habitat.
• Social media posts highlighting project progress and completed habitat locations.
• Publication of fish attractor location maps for anglers.
• Email communications distributed to approximately 360 Friends of Cordell Hull Lake followers.
• Volunteer recruitment efforts focused on community members and local students.
• Project updates shared through partner websites and communication platforms.
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| Upload at least one letter of support from a representative of the state fish and wildlife management agency: | TWRA-FOR-Grant-Support-2026.pdf |
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| Partnership and Budget | |
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| Does the project involve one or more youth groups? | Yes |
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| Please list all partners involved in the project: | | Partner Name |
Type of Partner |
Cash Contribution |
In-Kind Contribution (Description) |
In-Kind Value ($) |
| Friends of Reservoirs/MossBack |
Sponsors |
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Habitat Products |
$3500 |
| Friends of Cordell Hull Lake |
Non-profit |
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Volunteer labor, outreach, coordination |
$500 |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
Federal |
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Equipmment, staff time, vessels, tehnical support |
$2500 |
| Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency |
State |
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Fisheries expertise, monitoring, planning |
$1000 |
| Youth Volunteers/School groups |
Volunteer |
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Volunteer labor |
$1100 |
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