LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Rat and Beaver Lakes in Cherry County will be temporarily closed next month for an aquatic habitat project.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the closure is set for Sept. 3-4, depending on the weather, for the chemical renovation of the lakes’ fisheries. The lakes will be temporarily closed to the public Sept. 3-7 for safety reasons.

A temporary water-control structure was installed this spring to allow the lakes to be lowered. Two fish barriers will be installed below the lowered lakes. Those barriers will keep common carp from going upstream into the lakes.

The lakes will be restocked with bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass.

For more information, contact Zac Brashears at the Valentine State Fish Hatchery at 402-376-8080.