(FLAT ROCK, NC)—On Wednesday, May 17th, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site to complete a species inventory of the fish found in the park’s two lakes. The work will entail launching a small boat from the bank of each lake and collecting fish for examination by using a shoreline electrofishing method. The fish will be released unharmed after a brief period of inspection. The National Park Service Southeast Region fishery biologist will be on site to examine the collected fish for signs of disease or health disorders. If any are found, the affected fish will be sent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for diagnosis and analysis. An inventory of fish in the park’s smaller bodies of water was performed last year.
Knowing the condition of natural resources in national parks is fundamental to the National Park Service’s (NPS) ability to manage park resources. Park managers across the country are confronted with challenging issues that require broad-based understanding of the status and trends of park resources. This knowledge is used as a basis for making decisions, working with other agencies, and communicating with the public to protect park natural systems and native species. To accomplish this goal, the NPS has in place an inventory and monitoring program. The fish inventory is only one step in the service’s great mission to protect and preserve the nation’s natural and cultural resources.
