Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with Yeti retail and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, installed 160 discarded Christmas trees as a reef at Granger Lake in 2024. The project, led by TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division, aimed to replace aging submerged timber with a natural structure that can support aquatic life.
Yeti’s flagship store in Austin collected the trees after the holidays, then TPWD crews hauled them to the lake under Army Corps supervision. The logistics were simple and efficient, turning a seasonal waste stream into a long‑term ecological asset.
The trees form a single reef that offers immediate cover for small fish, attracting larger species like crappie and largemouth bass. Decomposition over about two years feeds periphyton and invertebrates, creating a slow‑release food source for the lake’s food web. Tim Birdsong, TPWD Inland Fisheries Director, said the project "not only enhances fish habitat but also raises public awareness of the need for restoration in Texas lakes."
Local anglers in the Granger Lake area anticipate higher catch rates as the reef becomes a focal point for sport fishing. The lake, known for crappie, has historically lacked natural cover, so the new reef is expected to change the fishing landscape.
TPWD plans to monitor the reef’s ecological impact and may replicate the model in other reservoirs. The initiative is one of more than 50 habitat restoration projects the agency undertakes yearly, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable lake management.