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Ponds are much more than just water-filled holes in the ground. In certain situations, they can be an oasis for local wildlife. With the right care and management, a private pond can serve as an interesting focal point for a property and ideal habitat for the fish and wildlife of the local ecosystem. Whether a private pond is being built for aesthetics, wildlife viewing, fishing or other recreational activities, there are a number of considerations that should be planned well in advance of digging a hole and filling it with water.
Dan Stephenson is a district fisheries biologist with the Department of Natural Resources and handles numerous requests about pond issues from landowners. In fact, requests regarding pond construction and management are among the most frequent requests for information. "Our fishery biologists throughout the state answer questions and offer advice on an average of 4,000 private pond-related matters annually," says Stephenson. Joe Spivey of Petersburg is a private pond owner who used the services of the DNR and is very pleased with the results. In 1997, Spivey consulted with Stephenson on the construction and management of his pond. Spivey also took advantage of DNR publications as a source of information for pond management. "I decided that I wanted a pond for fishing and to add to the aesthetics of our new home," Spivey stated. Fortunately, the area near the home included a few sloping ravines and enough
May/June 2002 47
drainage to create a good-sized pond. Once the dam was finished and the pond filled to about 3.5 acres, Spivey noted a variety of animals were quickly attracted to his small lake. "I have deer galore right behind my home," he says, adding that it is not unusual to see herds of 50 to 100 deer come out of the woods in the mornings and evenings to browse in the fields and quench their thirst from the pond. "I have a regular group of people who come by just to see the wildlife that congregates on the property," he stated. Spivey's fish community also has flourished, and his family and friends have caught dozens of bluegill, bass and channel catfish. Along with the deer, two flocks of turkeys have taken residence on the sprawling 42 acres of the Spivey homestead. Squirrels, ducks, geese, blue herons, cattle egrets, foxes, skunks, opossums, raccoons, dozens of species of songbirds, raptors and coyotes can be commonly seen around the property. "It's a joy to be able to look at the animals. Wildlife need a place for protection," he stated. As a result of his pond's success in attracting wildlife, Spivey plans to put the rest of his property into a long-term conservation program to attract more species and provide much needed habitat. Frequently sought-after information Because of so much interest and so many questions surrounding private pond building and maintenance, we asked Dan Stephenson to provide guidelines for landowners. He included answers to some frequently asked questions: Construction Before any excavation, landowners should first consult with their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) about pond construction resources, aerial photos of their property, soil maps of the site and topographic maps of the surrounding area. Landowners should consider the lay of the land surrounding the pond. Is it flat, sloping, or hilly? The type of drainage is very important when choosing a site for the pond. There should be 10 to 20 acres of drainage available for every acre of pond planned. For example, a three-acre pond would need 30 to 60 acres of available drainage to maintain adequate water levels. Ideally, most private ponds should be between one and five acres in size and about 15 to 20 feet at the deepest point. During construction, it is not necessary to completely clear cut all of the trees. Leaving some tree stumps will provide good habitat for fish once the pond fills up. A few trees on the edge can be felled into the pond to provide habitat on the margins. Dam heights under 25 feet do not require a special permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Stocking a new pond Uninformed pond owners and advice from well-intended friends can often hurt more than help when it comes to stocking new ponds. Random bucket stocking of fish may allow one species to overproduce. Plus, not all species of fish are beneficial to the fish community and can contribute to a severely unbalanced condition. It is best to consult with your local DNR district biologist about what is best for your pond. DNR's Division of Fisheries has a 40-plus year history of stocking fish ponds. Its staff has a good grasp on what species do best in ponds, knows what balance (and the numbers per acre) of predators and prey species are needed, and can time the stockings to start a very good fishery. DNR's hatchery system provides private land owners, who have newly constructed, winter-killed or recently renovated ponds, with a low-cost service to restore or start a fish community through its private pond stocking program. For a $25 fee, plus $1 per acre, the hatchery will provide the correct 48 Illinois Parks and Recreation
balance and properly timed stocking of bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Pond Management Pond owners should enforce catch and release on all largemouth bass under 15 inches for the first three to four years. It's also important to maintain a strong predator base to keep the panfish community in check for the first few years. Wait two years after the initial stocking to supplement the fish community. Channel catfish will not reproduce naturally in ponds, so they might need restocking. Don't deviate from the original four species: bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Fish that do not belong in a small private pond include: white crappie, black crappie, white bass, yellow bass, green sunfish, gizzard shad, bullheads and carp. These fish often compete with desired pond fish, imbalance or stunt the population and can potentially take over a pond to a point where a complete rehabilitation will be necessary to restore the fish community. Aquatic vegetation can be a nuisance to a pond. Consult a district biologist or a certified plant control specialist to determine what action will be necessary. Homemade concoctions may be dangerous. And commercially produced chemicals may not properly control the problem plant species or, if improperly applied, can eradicate too much vegetation, leading to dangerous anoxic conditions that threaten the health offish and imbalance the chemical processes in the water. Common Misconceptions It is not true that if DNR stocks the pond, the public is allowed to fish the pond. The fish belong to the landowner, and it is up to the landowner to grant permission to those anglers wishing to access the pond. A pond doesn't last forever. Expect one-acre ponds to typically last 10-12 years and two- to five-acre ponds 15-20 years. Even with the best management, don't be surprised if it becomes necessary to rehabilitate a pond and start
P.J. PEREA
May/June 2002 49 Chronic wasting disease update The Illinois departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources are working together to develop a plan to help prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) from coming to Illinois.
A task force, comprised of key staff from both agencies, is developing the plan which will address surveillance of wild deer and captive herds, the import and export of deer and elk and a planned response to a potential chronic wasting disease outbreak in Illinois. "I want to emphasize that chronic wasting disease has not been found in Illinois at this point," says IDNR Director Brent Manning. "But it has been found in nearby Wisconsin, and we want to take all steps necessary to prevent the spread of the disease into Illinois." "The Department of Agriculture will continue to work closely with IDNR to monitor both captive and wild herds for chronic wasting disease," says Illinois Agriculture Director Joe Hampton. "This could affect not only sportsmen, but also a developing industry of farm-raised deer and elk grown for food." Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease found in deer and elk. The disease attacks the brains of infected animals, causing them to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die. Chronic wasting disease recently was discovered in 12 deer in southern Wisconsin. CWD is not known to be contagious to livestock or humans. The World Health Organization has said there is no scientific evidence that CWD can infect humans. For safety's sake, however, experts suggest that hunters should avoid eating the brain, spinal cord, eyes, tonsils, spleen or lymph nodes of white-tailed deer and elk because the infectious agent tends to concentrate in those tissues. The World Health Organization has recommended no part of deer or elk that shows evidence of CWD should be eaten by people. Scientists test for CWD by examining the brain tissue of animals. Illinois livestock regulations require that any captive cervid (member of the deer/elk family) that dies from an unknown cause and that has exhibited a neurological disorder must be tested for CWD, and programs are in place for establishing Certified Monitored CWD herds of captive deer and elk. During the fall 2001 shotgun deer season, Illinois officials also systematically sampled hunter-harvested deer from around the state for CWD testing. To date, no animals from Illinois have tested positive for CWD, but surveillance efforts for the disease are being expanded in response to its close proximity in Wisconsin. IDNR has long advocated good hygiene by hunters, including the wearing of rubber gloves when handling deer. The Illinois Department of Agriculture maintains a voluntary database of captive elk and deer herds in the state. Owners of such herds are encouraged to contact the Department of Agriculture at 217.782-4944 so that they can be notified of any pertinent animal disease advisories including news concerning chronic wasting disease. Power plant lakes reopened to public Exelon has reopened the majority of Clinton Lake. Remaining closed to the public is the portion of the lake closest to the plant, which is from the Illinois Route 54 bridge to just west of the Energy and Environmental Center. The reopened portion is available to boat traffic and recreational activities in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Exelon also has reopened LaSalle Lake from 6 a.m. until dusk, Wednesday through Sunday. The lake will open on Mondays and Tuesdays later in the spring, once summer help has been hired for the site. Exelon has indicated it plans to reopen Braidwood Lake, however, no further information is available on that opening at this time. It also is unknown when Heidecke Lake, which is owned by Midwest Generation, will open. Any announcement on these reopenings will come from the utilities, with approval of the appropriate state security agencies. Mandatory disclosure Individuals are reminded that when they apply for a recreational license or permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, they are required by state and federal law to provide their social security number and to certify that they are not delinquent in child support payments. This requirement applies to all recreational licenses including hunting and fishing licenses, hunting permits (deer and turkey) and boat and snowmobile registrations, whether sought directly through the Department of Natural Resources or through IDNR license vendors. Failure to comply will result in a delay in processing of the license or permit being sought and may result in an inability to obtain a license or permit. Individuals who do not comply with the requirement will have their applications returned to them unprocessed. Disclosure of social security numbers on license and permit application forms is mandatory under both state and federal law. The information is used by the state in its child support enforcement efforts. The Department of Natural Resources is required by law to keep social security numbers confidential and is prohibited from using the number for any other purpose. License vendors have been advised of the need to keep the information confidential and to protect it just as they would customer credit card information. Applicants are reminded that providing false information on an application, including a social security number, puts an applicant at risk for having privileges revoked and receiving other penalties or fines. 50 Illinois Parks and Recreation
OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS
Study targets contaminants A 15-month study now underway by the Department of Natural Resources is investigating the distribution of metal and organic contaminants found in sediment in backwater lakes along the Illinois River between Hennepin and Meredosia Lake. Thick accumulations of sediment have damaged the ecological resources, recreational opportunities and water quality of the Illinois River. Removal of the accumulated sediment is being proposed as a means of restoring habitat diversity and recreational opportunities in the river's backwater and side channel lakes. Information gained from this research project will identify areas suitable for dredging, and aid in evaluating the best method for handling and using dredged material. The project is examining the possible use of this sediment as a soil for agricultural fields, cover for brownfields, or for mine reclamation projects. The study is a joint effort of IDNR's Waste Management and Research Center, the State Water Survey and State Geological Survey. Purchase licenses and stamps online Now individuals can visit the Department of Natural Resources' web site http://dnr.state.il.us to purchase licenses and stamps (except for Federal Migratory stamps) and receive their licenses back at their computer for immediate printing. Lost licenses can be replaced by the system at no additional cost. Individuals can also call tollfree numbers 1.888.6.PERMIT or 1.888.673.7648 to buy licenses and stamps via telephone. Buyers will receive a confirmation number for their transaction, and their license will be in the mail within 24 hours. Anyone wanting to fish or hunt before the license is received should write down the confirmation number on a piece of paper, along with the license type and date of purchase, and carry this information. 2002 Habitat and Pheasant Fund grants The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is awarding $616,517 from the Illinois Habitat Fund for 73 new wildlife conservation projects to begin in 2002. The Illinois Habitat Fund is supported by contributions from Illinois hunters. Combined with contributions from the organizations receiving grants, the total value of the habitat projects is estimated to be more than $ 1.36 million. "These awards will provide new and enhanced wildlife habitat in all parts of the state," says IDNR Director Brent Manning. "Grants from the Habitat Fund, with the help of our many partner organizations, provide everything from natural land acquisition to windbreaks and grass cover plantings to wetlands education for young people. It is a very worthwhile program." Seventy-three of 89 applications for funding were approved by the Illinois Habitat Fund Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to Manning for project funding. IDNR also is awarding more than $300,000 from the State Pheasant Fund for 51 wildlife conservation projects to begin in 2002. These awards are providing funds to create and preserve much-needed pheasant habitat throughout Illinois Fifty-one of 56 applications submitted for this year's grant program were approved by the State Pheasant Committee, which makes recommendations to IDNR Director Brent Manning for project funding. Combined with contributions from the organizations receiving grants, the total value of the pheasant projects is estimated to be more than $1.4 million. Both Habitat Fund and Pheasant Fund monies are derived from the sale of a $5.50 Habitat Stamp required of most Illinois hunters. For a complete listing of approved projects, call Jennifer Aherin at 217.782.2602 or email an inquiry to specialfund@dnrmail.state.il.us. Application forms and project criteria for year 2003 projects will be available by May 1, 2002 at all IDNR district and regional offices and at the Springfield headquarters. The application deadline for 2003 projects is Oct. 31, 2002. May/June 2002 51 OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS
OSLAD Deadline July 1 Applications for the state-funded Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will be accepting applications through July 1. The OSLAD Program and LWCF Program can provide up to 50% reimbursement to local agencies for approved park and recreation projects. Maximum grant awards are $750,000 for acquisition and $400,000 for development projects. To qualify for a grant, a local agency must show a need and local support for the project, the ability to carry it out, and must have a good record of maintaining other facilities. Local governments interested in applying for grants should contact the Division of Grant Administration, 524 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701-1787 or call 217.782.7481. Outdoor Hall of Fame Nominees Sought The Illinois Conservation Foundation is inviting nominations for the 2003 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois. Nominees to the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame should include those select outdoor sportsmen and women who truly have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources or outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois. All nominations must be submitted on an official nomination form. Nomination forms are now available and completed nominations should be submitted no later than June 15, 2002. Forms can be obtained by writing or calling Ron Alien at 217.785.9371, rallen@dnrmail.state.il.us, Illinois Conservation Foundation, Attn: Ron Alien, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271 or http://www.ilcf.org/SpecialEvents.htm. Free Fishing Days Dozens of organizations are expected to conduct fishing derbies and other special events as part of Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 7-10. The four-day celebration promotes sport fishing by allowing anglers to fish without purchasing an annual fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. It is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Piano Molding Co., the world's largest manufacturer of fishing tackle boxes. For promotional and educational materials to be used in conjunction with a Free Fishing Days event should contact Gary Watson, IDNR Public Events & Promotions, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, 217.782.9990. Public Comment on Resident Canada Goose The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on its recently released draft Environmental Impact Statement on resident Canada goose management. The draft EIS analyzes options for managing rapidly growing populations of nonmigratory, or resident, Canada geese in order to reduce and stabilize resident Canada goose populations, reduce conflicts with humans and minimize impacts to property and human health and safety. The USFWS says the damage geese cause is a growing nationwide problem. The USFWS would like to grant state wildlife agencies expanded authority to undertake approved population control strategies, such as nest and egg destruction, trapping and culling programs and expanded hunting opportunities. The EIS analyzes other alternatives as well, including continuing current management practices unchanged; implementing non-lethal methods such as harassment and habitat management designed to make areas less attractive to geese, and expanded hunting opportunities. The public comment period remains open until May 30. Written comments should be addressed to the Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms 634 ARLSQ, 184 CSt., NW, Washington, D.C., 20240. The draft is available on the Internet at http:// migratorybirds.fws.gov. 52 Illinois Parks and Recreation |
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