1. Farm Ponds and Fish and Wildlife

2. Ponds provide fish and wildlife habitat
Leave shallow water pond margins or “shelves” with submerged and emergent vegetation - good for wildlife such as waterfowl
Manage the pond for fishing
NC Wildlife biologists can assist, call us!

3. Site selection is the most important step!
Many of the concerns for design and construction NCWRC has is covered within the Preliminary Site Assessment guidelines, including adequate watershed size for desired pond.
Site selection is the most important step!
High quality and rare species habitats should be
avoided. Again, we can help!

4. Avoid streams - build it off-line and use stream intake or shallow groundwater! Partial stream flow diversion preferred to on-line dams.

5. Some Implications of on-line stream impoundments:
Aquatic life barrier
Stream, wetland, and riparian losses
Stream flow reduction
Listed species impacts
Sediment trapping (+/-)
Organic material trapping (aquatic food base)
Warming and water quality changes

6. Maintain Water Quality and Stream Flow
“Cool-water release” riser outlet
(standard in trout waters)
Perforate inner pipe of riser outlet
to maintain minimum outflow
(downstream neighbors have a right
to water under state doctrine)
Designs are specific to region and situation.
Adequate water flow to allow function downstream is important no matter the location, size, or type of pond. Upstream and downstream habitat impacts must be considered during pond analysis.
Riser diagram -
Perforated riser -

7. Remember that an impoundment will catch
Include sediment management in design and construction thoughts
Remember that an impoundment will catch
mud too – they are in-stream sediment basins!

8. So, landowners may want to pursue
riparian improvement in the watershed.
Including buffers upstream the pond and around the pond improve bank stability, minimize temporal impacts, and improve habitat.
Mention WCLP (Wildlife Conservation Lands Program) tax incentives. A one page (two-sided) handout will be available to those with interest.

9. Permits and conditions
In addition to location and design considerations, construction may be subject to seasonal restrictions to protect sensitive aquatic life (moratoria)
Fish stocking permit may be required
(15A NCAC 10C .0209)
To construct a pond, no permit is needed from NCWRC.
However, we are here to help and can benefit the process the earlier we get involved.
If permits are needed, NCWRC is a review agency for state and federal permits.
Concerns, comments, and permit conditions such as moratoria may be requested at this time. (explain moratoria).
Explain reasons why fish stocking permits are important (native species, invasives, etc.) Biologists can also help with management advice.

10. Website was too long to have on slide.
Point out publication section on left (for WCLP and habitat improvement literature) and well as a general site introduction.

11. Give us a call!
Permits or otherwise, WRC staff are pleased to provide technical advice and direction.
Coast Maria Dunn 252/
Piedmont Ron Linville 336/
Mountain Region Dave McHenry 828/ x24