Arkansas has carried out an extensive program of chemical rehabilitation of lakes and reservoirs since 1953. In the 27-year period since the first renovation, over 220 major lakes and impoundments have been treated with 94,445 kg of 5 percent equivalent rotenone powder and 37,123 liters of 5 percent liquid rotenone. A total of 18,839 ha have been treated on these lakes. Chemical rehabilitation may be required every 3 to 5 years on some lakes in Arkansas. Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) is usually the problem species but often sunfish, particularly Lepomis spp., and other species offish overpopulate, stunt and require thinning. Thirteen chemical renovations on 7 state lakes were evaluated. In II cases, desired goals were achieved. Generally, large gizzard shad populations can be significantly decreased by renovation with the black bass population often receiving the greatest benefit. The results of this study overwhelmingly support the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's policy of active fishery management utilizing chemical reclamation as a major tool.
