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Pond management is a comprehensive and continuous process as ponds over time return to their original state. These areas may once have been bogs, fens, or wetlands. Nutrient loading in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus hastens the natural process of the land returning to its former state. In the fight against entropy the District, and our partners, often recommend among other practices, natural buffers around your pond. We often point out the need to reduce nutrient loading, in the form of fertilizers and other sources, in order to lower your maintenance costs and improve the health of your pond.

Algae is a common problem found in ponds throughout Connecticut, especially as temperatures rise. There are many ways to respond to the algae growth.

An evaluation of the various species of plants in your pond gives us an understanding of how best to manage the pond. The three shown here are all native species that naturally inhabit local ponds and thus are treated differently than non-native invasives.

A number of different tests may be needed to evaluate the water quality of a pond or water body. These include testing for phosphorus and nitrogen. Evaluating the pH as well as the dissolved oxygen is often performed as part of overall water quality evaluations. Contact ECCD if you would like to learn more about The Last Green Valley Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program.

Watersheds define the geography of the recently created five Conservation Districts of Connecticut. The Eastern District largely encompasses the Thames River watershed and the Pawcatuck watershed. Managing water resource programs on a watershed basis makes good sense — environmentally, financially, and socially. The EPA offers a comprehensive analysis of watershed management at its website. The District focuses, along with its partners, on conservation goals employing a watershed approach.

The Thames River watershed includes a number of smaller basins. ECCD has developed many watershed-based plans for watersheds in Eastern Connecticut including:

Muddy Brook and Little River Water Quality Improvement Plan (2009)

Spaulding Pond Watershed Management Plan (2010)

Baker Cove Abbreviated Watershed-Based Plan (2011)

Mashamoquet Brook Abbreviated Watershed-Based Plan (2011)

Flat Brook Abbreviated Watershed-Based Plan (2013)

Lower Natchaug River Abbreviated Watershed-Based Plan (2014)

Amos Lake Abbreviated Watershed-Based Plan (2015)

Ekonk Brook Watershed-Based Plan (2016)

French River Watershed-Based Plan (2017)

These watershed plans and others can be found here at CT DEEP’s website.

The Thames River Basin now has a comprehensive group of devoted organizations working together to enhance the quality of the waters and the various uses of the waters in the Basin. You can learn more at the website of the Thames River Basin Partnership.