COLUMBIA, Mo. - Landowners who want to have happier, healthier ponds are invited to attend any of four free Missouri Department of Conservation workshops in March.
"These workshops are great for new or current landowners who would like to learn more about pond management," MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Scott Voney said. "Whether you have a pond, or are thinking of building one, this workshop will give you the necessary background and information to assist you with your pond."
MDC pond management workshops help landowners make the most of their private lakes or ponds by teaching techniques to control aquatic plants, improve fishing and frogging, build and maintain better ponds and manage pond water quality.
Each workshop will cover a variety of topics including pond site selection, pond construction, pond stocking, fisheries management, aquatic vegetation management, pond watershed management and nuisance wildlife.
The registration deadline for the Callaway County workshop is March 6; there are also workshops in Boone, Cole and Moniteau County.
Professionals from MDC, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and soil and water conservation districts will give presentations and answer questions. Attendees can also pick up useful literature and brochures on pond management to bring home. Light snacks and beverages will also be provided.
Callaway County: March 7, 6:30-9 p.m. at Callaway Electric Cooperative (1313 Cooperative Drive in Fulton). Register by March 6 at (573) 815-7900, or bit.ly/2EaS8Zr
Boone County: March 8, 6:30-9 p.m., MDC Central Regional Office (3500 E. Gans Road in Columbia). Register by March 7 at (573) 815-7900, or bit.ly/2EMOh1H
Cole County: March 21, 6:30-9 p.m., Runge Conservation Nature Center (330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City). Register by March 21 at (573) 796-0286, ext. 4284, or bit.ly/2nU3QNb
Moniteau County: March 22, 6:30-9 p.m., California City Hall, public meeting room (500 S. Oak St. in California). Register by March 22 at (573) 796-0286, ext. 4284, or bit.ly/2BMO0x3