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Mission Statement: To increase fishing opportunities
through enhancement and research.
WELCOME TO CWFAC
CWFAC was created to deal with warm water fish issues in
Washington State. The pioneers of the CWFAC were Rod Meseberg
(1927-1999) of MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir and Ron
Sawyer of Cascade Marina in Moses Lake and Pasco. Year’s ago
we realized the need for habitat on Potholes Reservoir. After visiting
the successful habitat project (now in its 18th year) on Lake Havasu
the answer became quite clear...for Potholes Reservoir to begin
modeling its own habitat project currently in use on Lake Havasu! On
June 10, 2005, upon receiving legal permits, construction and
deployment began on Potholes Reservoir’s first habitat! Our
Potholes Reservoir habitat plans are to build boxes to provide the
necessary sanctuary for first and second year fish a place to live and
grow. Each 4’ x 4’ x 8’ habitat box is like an under water treetop that
will last many years. As we create the vast reefs of habitat boxes we
will witness areas with high densities of fish and will experience
improved warm water fishing along with a positive economic impact
for Central Washington State.
MIKE MESEBERG
Habitat Chairman
B.A.S.S./ESPN
National Conservation
Award Winner
The Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee (CWFAC) is a
501-C3 non- profit organization. Our Federal ID#091-1648008.
State ID#601-547-710
CWFAC RESTORATION
Our goal is to restore recreational fishing on Potholes Reservoir to
the level once enjoyed. Today we have excellent Bass and Walleye
fishing. A recent WDFW study on Potholes Reservoir has
determined a dangerous predator advantage. Without the habitat to
provide a foothold for the forage base of Perch, Crappie, and
Bluegill to propagate, ultimately this reservoir fishery will crash, and
the recreational fishery will be dominated by stunted walleye.
Potholes Reservoir, according to WDFW biologists, supports 22
species of fish; however, many of these species are suffering low
populations caused by predation and lack of habitat during periods
of low water, due to irrigation demands. Potholes Reservoir has
suffered a decline in the Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill fishery. This
decline has resulted in fewer visitors to the area. With improved
fishing opportunities, the Central Basin will experience a positive
economic impact through increased fishing license sales, food, fuel,
tackle sales, and overnight stays (motels and lodges). What is good
for the fish will also be good for the outdoor enthusiasts in our state.
Habitat is the primary key to success. The goals of this habitat
committee are to revitalize the waning populations of fish through
habitat, help stimulate area economic growth, and to ultimately reestablish a fishing and recreational destination to be enjoyed by all.
PROJECT LOCATION
Columbia Basin Potholes Reservoir is part of the Columbia Basin
Irrigation Project. It is formed by the O'Sullivan Dam and located in
Central Washington state. The reservoir is fed by water from nearby
Moses Lake, part of the Crab Creek basin.
EVENTS BENEFITTING CWFAC
We are always looking to expand our horizons in search of events
and festivities that help promote and provide necessary donations
that keep CWFAC going strong.
Since 2005 we have started several events located at MarDon
Resort, located 20 minutes South of Moses Lake, that have brought
additional donations and at the same time provide entertaining ways
to draw people to our location whether it be boating, fishing or any
water related event.
ROD MESEBERG SPRING
WALLEYE CLASSIC
This is a our annual walleye
tournament held each year. It’s
a catch and release event.
BEACH PARTY & POKER RUN
This is a popular, annual event
drawing large number of
contestants with great payouts,
prizes, social fun and games!
SAMMIEBASH GOLF
TOURNAMENT
An annual fun classic mixing
social and off-shoot game play
followed by an awards dinner..
REGIONAL ENHANCEMENT
Potholes Reservoir is a multi-species warm water lake in Central
Washington, 16 miles SW of Moses Lake. This arid desert land,
which was flooded on August 15, 1949, provided fantastic perch,
crappie, bluegill and bass fishing in the early years. Eventually the
flooded natural shrubs and sage brush began to deteriorate. In 1980
the eruption of Mount St. Helens added 4 inches of volcanic ash to
the bottom of Potholes Reservoir. The lake bottom now resembles a
moonscape without sanctuary for young fish from their natural
predators. The sand dunes, located at the north end of Potholes
Reservoir, provided habitat in the spring but as the summer
progresses the lake drops and the fish migrate into the main body,
the moonscape. The habitat boxes will provide a place for small fish
to live and grow, safe from predators
This graphic represents the current percentage of fish species
located in the Potholes Reservoir.
WHAT A HABITAT COSTS
SUPPORT & DONATIONS
Each monetary donation is most appreciated. We are constantly
searching for new funding sources. Through private donations, grants,
and other events such as our Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic.
Many clubs and organizations have also been actively donating. The
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of
Reclamation have been very active financial contributors. We do need to
generate approximately $145,000 each year to achieve our goals.
VISION BEYOND COMPLETION
The habitat committee (CWFAC) has been issued state and federal
permits to put up to 620 habitat boxes into the reservoir, each year for 20
years. Every year that this occurs, there will be periodic inspections of the
existing habitat, to verify effectiveness and condition. This will be
accomplished by the use of an underwater camera system. PROJECT
OBJECTIVE Increase prey fish species survival by providing cover from
predatory fish species.
Habitat Structure & Costs The CWFAC has started the
process with fish habitat restoration at Potholes Reservoir. The
cost of development of each of these habitat structures are as
follows:
36 2” PVC T’s at .759 each =
120’ of 2” SCH 20 PVC at $51.60 per ft. 100’ =
$ 77.80
1/2 can PVC Cement (32oz) =
275-11” Zip Ties at .15 =
160 Feet of Barricade Fence at $21.95/100’ =
$ 42.50
Labor - 1 person - 6 hours =
$ 32.80
Subtotal
WA State Sales Tax
*TOTAL
224.81
$ 208.35
$ 16.46
$
$ 5.25
$ 50.00
$ 00.00
*The above costs represents just one (1) habitat structure.
Currently we have 1390 Habitat boxes built and
positioned in Potholes Reservoir.
HABITAT IN ACTION
VIDEO FOOTAGE
Recently we asked one of our resort clients to take his camera
and help provide us with a sample of a habitat box in action.
If VIDEO does not play click in box to start
To listen to Mike Meseberg, Habitat Chairman, presentation
please click on the individual sound bytes below.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
CWFAC Thanks the following sponsors for their
annual contributions of funds, in-kind and product
donations.
 Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic
 Moses Lake Walleye Classic
 Bureau of Reclamation
 Jeff Ackeridge/ Seth Davis for Habitat II
 Columbia Basin Walleye Club
 Potholes Bass Club
 Spokane Walleye Club Midway Beverage/
 Disney World-Wide As ESPN B.A.S.S.
 Roy & Claire Frasier
 Bud & Wilma Sutton
 Dr. James Hake
 Kellee Brown
 Ray & Evelyn Arnold
 Marland & Patty Drake
 Fish-N-Map Company
 Daniel White
 Eric Ougland
 Grette & Associates
 MarDon Resort
 Pistoresi Distributing
 Robideaux, Nania & Robideaux
CWFAC GALLERY
Click on image to play
Click on image to play
CONTACT AND DONATIONS
HOW TO DONATE
Mail Checks to:
Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee 8198 Hwy
262 SE Othello, WA 99344
CONTACT US
8198 Hwy 262 SE Othello, WA 99344
Toll-Free: 1.800.416.2736
Phone: 509.346.2651
Fax: 509.346.9493 E-mail: [email protected]
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.cwfac.org
• Get complete, up-to-date information
• Our gallery changes regularly
• Notifications on upcoming events
• Potholes news & resort information
• Get Involved!