Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District
Thinking About a Pond?
If you have ever considered the addition of a pond to your property, or have ever looked for solutions to water issues, a pond may be just the right thing. The addition of a pond to your property can not only add aesthetic beauty, recreational area, and increase your property value, but can also provide protection from stormwater flooding, create wildlife habitat, and change an unsightly landscape. With proper site selection, construction and maintenance, the benefits of a pond can impact many aspects of your daily life. Ponds can also be extremely beneficial to crop irrigation, herd watering sources and can be used for fire protection. Our technicians here at the District conduct pond feasibility studies throughout the summer months.
If you are thinking of installing a pond, but are not sure if your property is suitable, a pond feasibility study can be conducted. For a $200 fee you get a copy of the most recent aerial map, a copy of a topographic map, copy of both federal and state wetland maps, list of any streams on the site or adjacent to the site, a copy of the soil survey of the site along with a description and interpretation of the soils, and finally a yes/no determination if the site is conducive for a pond. If you are interested please call our office at (585) 753-7380.
Existing Pond Evaluation
Already have a pond and having problems with it? Wondering if you can stock fish, reduce mosquito populations, control algae growth, control aquatic vegetation, get ride of nuisance geese, or just find yourself in a pond related crisis? Click on some of the links below to find out more information on a variety of pond subjects. If you still have questions call (585) 753-7380. Site consultations for pond related issues are $30.00 per hour (with a minimum of two hours per visit).
Winter Pond Management
Did you see dead fish floating in your pond last spring? One of the most common causes for a fish kill is not polluted water, but a lack of dissolved oxygen. A “winter fish kill” is a common occurrence during long winters where heavy snow covers the ice of a pond. In ponds, light penetrates the surface reaching plants in the water, and dissolved oxygen is produced by the plants through the process of photosynthesis. However, once a layer of ice has formed and snow accumulates on it – light is blocked – which impairs the photosynthesis, and therefore leads to reduced levels of dissolved oxygen. If this occurs for an extended period of time, fish can become stressed and die due to lack of oxygen. This is especially a concern in the winter.
An easy way to prevent winter fish kills is to shovel the snow off the pond. This will allows light to penetrate through the ice and allow the photosynthesis to continue. Be sure that the ice is thick enough to hold your own weight before shoveling. Another way to prevent winter fish kills is to install an aerator. A submergent aerator produces dissolved oxygen to help prevent this, although a continuous supply of electricity must be present.
If you have any questions about winter fish kills, aerators, or other pond concerns please call the District.
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