Missouri Department of Conservation starts accepting Christmas tree donations for fish habitats

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for people to drop off real Christmas trees at specific locations so they can be used to improve the habitats around Mid-Missouri.

According to a release from the agency, trees must be real and have all decorations removed. MDC fisheries staff collect the trees to submerge in nearby lakes and ponds to create habitats for multiple types of fish.

"These trees become hotspots for fish and anglers," MDC Fisheries Biologist Brian McKeage said in the release.

MDC accepts trees starting on Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 at three locations in Mid-Missouri; the Central Regional Office at 3500 E. Gans Road in Columbia, Washington Park near Vivion Field in Jefferson City and Proctor Park in California.

Signs will be set up to direct donors to the dropoff spot.