Pacific park board backs catch-and-release rules, asks expert to assess pond stocking

The Park Board on June 9 recommended that the City of Pacific adopt Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations for city parks and post signs designating Liberty Field and Hawthorne Pond as catch-and-release only.

The recommendation comes after flooding and concerns about runoff into the ponds. "We would officially adopt Missouri Department of Conservation rules in for any fishing inside city parks, along with that have signs posted for catch and release only," Ryan Shecker, Park Board president, said during the meeting. Board members also voted to recommend inviting a stocking expert to inspect pond conditions and advise on restocking, including the possible use of grass carp.

Why it matters: Liberty Field’s pond is a relatively new feature and has been stocked twice in the past (about $1,700 at opening and roughly $600 about a year and a half later), but members said flooding and excessive weed growth have complicated fish survival. The board noted the ponds are primarily runoff basins and discussed health and safety implications.

Board members emphasized that any local rules would not change regulations for the Meramec River, which state authorities govern. The motion to recommend state rules and signage passed without recorded opposition.

Discussion details: Board members reported they do not know the current status of fish following flooding and noted heavy weed growth that may limit success of grass carp. The board asked whether water testing had been performed; the answer from staff present was that testing status was unknown. Members said they would not recommend eating fish taken from the ponds. "I would not recommend eating anything that comes out of that pond," Shecker said.

On next steps, the board voted to recommend bringing in an expert from the Missouri Department of Conservation or a similar specialist. The expert would inspect the ponds and provide a range of stocking recommendations and options. Board members discussed that the Department of Conservation provides advisory services to municipalities, though it was not clear from the meeting whether those services carry a fee.

Ending: The Park Board will forward its recommendations to the Board of Aldermen, including sign posting and a request that staff arrange an expert inspection to determine whether and how to restock the ponds.