What is the most common pond issue the Fish and Boat Commission addresses?
Undoubtedly, it is the issue of pond owners’ perceptions of what characteristics are associated with a “good” pond. Ponds are dynamic aquatic systems, sometimes in balance and frequently changing. The quality and diversity of the pond’s aquatic community is greatly influenced by its water source, underlying geology, pond construction characteristics, and surrounding land use. Ponds can provide fishing, boating, swimming, fire protection, irrigation, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic benefits, but one pond cannot serve all these purposes well. You should identify the primary purpose you have in mind for your pond, and given the pond’s characteristics, determine what is reasonable. Remember, sunlight+water+nutrients in a mud puddle or large lake will produce aquatic plants.
