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District fisheries biologist urges contract renewal; agency grant can contribute up to $40,000

Graham County Board of Commissioners · December 31, 2025

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Summary

Dave Spalter, the district fisheries biologist, reported Graham County’s participation in the community fisheries assistance program for Antelope and Trexler lakes, said the county contract expires at year end, and described grant support that can contribute up to $40,000 toward stocking, habitat work and access improvements.

Dave Spalter, introduced in the meeting as the district fisheries biologist, told the board his district oversees public waters in Graham County and that the county has partnered with the agency’s community fisheries assistance (CPAP) program for stocking, sampling and habitat installation at Antelope Lake and Trexler Lake.

"That's what we do," Spalter said, describing upcoming habitat work that includes setting cedar trees in lakes to concentrate crappie and improve anglers’ ability to harvest excess fish. He told commissioners the county’s current contract expires at the end of the year and recommended pursuing another contract so the program can continue. Spalter said agency grants have previously contributed toward boat‑ramp and fishing‑pier improvements and that the agency can provide up to $40,000 in assistance; the usual cost share described is 75% agency / 25% local match.

Spalter said two open grants remain for work already completed and that staff (Wayne and others) are working to close those grants. He offered to connect county staff with Jeff Conley, a program coordinator in Pratt, for additional questions and details about the program’s grant and technical assistance.

Why this matters: The fisheries program funds and technical assistance affect recreational access, local recreation economies and shoreline infrastructure that Graham County maintains.

Board action and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to review the contract term and to be prepared to act next week; Spalter said the county’s continued participation allows closer technical coordination and access to grant funding.