WILLIAMSON COUNTY (WSIL) -- If you were near Crab Orchard Lake Tuesday, you may have heard or seen a helicopter flying low.
Through a unique public and private partnership, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and the Crab Orchard Waterfowl Association looked to take advantage of the lake being drawn down for maintenance on the spillway. The hope is to provide more food for ducks and geese wintering on the lake this winter.
"We are working with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. They drew the lake down four feet and we're going to utilize some of the dry ground next to the water's edge to sow Japanese millet through an aerial application," explained Josh Malone, a Crab Orchard Waterfowl Association board member.
Using a helicopter with a gas-powered spreader dangling below, 12,500 pounds of Japanese millet was spread onto the shoreline, much of which has not been exposed for 30 years.
"The Crab Orchard Waterfowl Association and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge have a fundraising agreement together," said Justin Sexton, the manager of the refuge. "They look to fundraise and do different projects on the refuge. Working with the refuge. This is just a great opportunity to see that partnership come together."
This project was privately funded through donations and funds provided by the Crab Orchard Waterfowl Association. The not-for-profit association is seeking members and others who want to be involved in trying to improve the waterfowl habitat and hunting around Crab Orchard Lake. Check out their !
