The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) will hold a public meeting on Nov. 2 to provide an update on the ongoing Lake Conway renovation project. The meeting will take place in the Mayflower High School cafeteria from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The five-year project, aimed at restoring the lake’s ecosystem and infrastructure, recently surpassed its three-year milestone. Construction on the new spillway and auxiliary gates, which began in October 2022, is nearing completion. As the renovation progresses, AGFC staff are emphasizing the importance of keeping area landowners informed and prepared for the final stages.
Nick Feltz, AGFC fisheries supervisor at the agency’s Mayflower field office, will present updates on the project’s timeline and remaining construction tasks. Feltz encouraged landowners to finalize repairs to boathouses and shorelines after previously announced deadlines passed.
“We’re well past the original deadline for landowners to complete repairs on their boathouses and shorelines, but we want to advise landowners to wrap up any remaining work soon,” Feltz said.
Feltz also addressed concerns regarding vegetation growth in the lakebed during the drawdown period. He said most of the vegetation—such as brush and smaller plants—will die off and decompose, creating organic material to enhance the lake’s productivity when it is refilled.
“We’ve bush-hogged the boat lanes and sprayed some of the willow that’s popped up,” Feltz explained. “All the smaller vegetation will die and decompose, which will give baitfish and other forage a place to grow before stocking of game fish begins. Really, the only trees we expect to survive will be some of the cypress that have sprouted, and we want to keep those around.”
The AGFC website details the renovation plan and project timeline, noting specific efforts to restore the lake’s fish population, water quality, and habitat. Interested residents can visit www.agfc.com/lakeconway for further updates and information.
No registration is required to attend the public meeting. Local residents, landowners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate to learn more about the progress and future plans for the renovation project.