Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering a free pond clinic for Clermont County residents. The clinic will be held on April 16th at 6 p.m. in the 4-H Hall at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville. Topics of discussion will include pond construction, maintenance, and safety. Additional information will be given on stocking, aeration, weed control, hazardous algae blooms (HAB’s), and nuisance wildlife. Stormwater retention ponds will be addressed again during this year’s event.
The ponds you see in many newer subdivisions provide a scenic addition to the community landscape, plus they also benefit the environment! “When properly cared for, these storm water retention ponds limit flooding and remove a number of pollutants,” said Becky McClatchy with SWCD.
Many citizens ask why we need neighborhood retention ponds, “There are so many impermeable surfaces in neighborhoods where water can’t soak into the ground after it rains,” said Jake Hahn with the SWCD. “Because rain can’t go through roads, driveways, and buildings, it has no choice but to runoff to areas of lower elevation, washing excess fertilizer and other pollutants into the waterways.” Without retention ponds, rain water drains directly into a stream, possibly endangering animals and ultimately ending up as our drinking water.
“Through this free clinic, citizens will learn how recreational and stormwater ponds can be maintained, and the steps to planning their own ponds,” said McClatchey. “Since ponds are not a common natural landscape feature in our area they need additional maintenance and care to function properly and meet the landowners’ expectations,” added Hahn. Speak with your Home Owners Association and encourage your group to attend in order to gain a better understanding of the benefits and functions of your retention ponds. Clermont SWCD’s goal is to help construct and maintain a safe, functional, and attractive pond.
For more information or to register for the free clinic, contact the Clermont SWCD at (513) 732-7075. More information is also available on the Web site www.clermontswcd.org.
