Ponds

Many small ponds are scattered across Shawnee County, and questions about ponds are a favorite topic area! In addition to the following resources below, check out the Fins, Furs, and Feathers podcast by K-State Specialists Dr. Drew Ricketts and Dr. Joe Gerken to learn more about the science behind ponds and the creatures that live in them!

 

 

Algae

• Identification and Management of Blue-Green Algae in Farm Ponds
• Take pictures of the algae that you are seeing and email them to the Ag Agent at agettinger@ksu.edu for identification!
• Check out the Kansas Department of Health and Environment "How to Recognize Blooms" page for additional information, pictures of algae, as well as a PDF on how to perform an at-home jar and stick test (found at very bottom of page)!

 

Aquatic Weed Control

• K-State Extension Wildlife Management Aquatic Weeds webpage
• Aquatic Plants and Their Control
  • Note: The booklet shares, "This publication contains pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator’s responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registration, some of the recommendations given in this publication may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned."

 

Pond Visits and Pond Management Help

• Reach out to the Ag Agent to coordinate receiving a free pond visit and specialized help from Dr. Joe Gerken, K-State Research and Extension Aquatic Fisheries Specialist. Visits are dependent upon availability of the specialist.

 

Pond Construction or Pond Renovation

• Are you thinking of building a new pond or are you interested in cleaning out an old pond? Are you unsure whether you have a watershed lake or not? Call the Topeka/Parsons Field Office for the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources (KDA-DWR) at 785-296-5733. The KDA will be able to talk you through whether your lake is a watershed lake, if you need to obtain permits for your project, or if you are already good to go!
• You can also visit the main Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources webpage for additional information!

 

Abigail Gettinger, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent |785-232-0062, ext. 108|