Boaters and kayakers who use Creve Coeur Lake will lose public boating and watercraft access starting Sunday, Nov. 1, as crews begin a months-long effort to remove invasive carp from one of Missouri's largest natural lakes.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will lead the operation at the Maryland Heights lake, STLPR reported. St. Louis County Parks is also involved, according to Fox 2.
Crews plan to install nets in the lake on Monday, Nov. 2, to direct and concentrate the carp for removal. The work is expected to continue through late March, with public watercraft and boat access expected to reopen by April 1, 2027.
The two outlets differ on the total length of the closure. STLPR described it as six months; Fox 2 called it five months. The Nov. 1 start and April 1 target end date span five months.
Invasive carp consume large amounts of plankton, a key food source for native fish and other aquatic organisms. Their feeding can reduce the food available to native species, according to MDC.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park will remain open during normal St. Louis County Parks operating hours. Some areas near boat ramps may be restricted, and visitors could encounter detours along walking routes.
The MDC asked visitors to stay at least 50 feet from all equipment, netting and floating buoys during operations.
Residents with questions can contact MDC fisheries biologist John Schulte at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office: 636-300-1953, Ext. 4137, or [email protected].
