August 13, 2019 Issue, Page 5 of 8

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Agriculture Tuesday, August 13, 2019 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Page 5 Frequently asked farm pond questions How do I get rid of pond There are no guaranteed off. A gradual die-off, with the dam is normal in some dant and will consume fish Yellow grubs are the weeds? ways to permanently clear some fish showing unusual ponds. Another explanation feed intended for fish. If most common fish para- Bring or send a sample of muddiness. That said, under- swimming patterns or be- for the inability to fill is that sliders are eating fish held on site matching the descrip- the problem plant or a close- lying factors need to be con- havior is a sign of a disease the watershed is too small stringers, consider holding tion worm. About the size up photo to the local county sidered. Check the water- problem. The fish kill sec- to generate adequate runoff. caught fish in fish baskets. of a large pinhead, they are Extension office for identi- shed for active erosion. Look tion of NREM 9206, Com- Ponds that used to hold wa- Snapping turtles, or snap- found throughout the mus- fication. How much of the for bare soil from construc- mon Pond Problems, offers ter, but now do not may have pers, are less often a prob- cle or sometimes just under ponds covered? A map view tion, county roads, eroding a series of questions to help a leak through or under the lem. They can be trapped us- the skin on the body or fins. sketch of the pond can be bar ditches and overgrazing. narrow down the possible dam. Some pond dams do ing either submerged hoop They are not harmful to hu- useful. Are there large shal- Unless and until these can be cause of a fish kill. Are live- leak slowly without being at nets or an extra-large snap mans. There is no practical, low areas filled with plants? corrected, the pond will like- stock and pets safe after a risk of failure. Fast leaks or trap attached to a dock leg approved deworming medi- Are there sources of nutri- ly remain muddy. Collect a fish kill? To be on the safe flows are a serious warning or upright stake. Both traps cine or other quick and easy ents that drain into the pond jar of water and allow it to side, keep livestock and pets flag of internal erosion that should be baited with a piece fix. Instead, try to reduce or such as fertilizer for lawns, sit for one week on a shelf. away from the pond in the may quickly lead to a dam of tough meat. eliminate the other two hosts animal manure, etc.? Is there short term. If you cannot dis- failure. We can only nar- If the water does not clear Should I cut down the of the parasite: fish-eating a thick layer of black smelly significantly, something is cover other likely causes and row down the possibilities trees on my dam? birds and aquatic snails. organic matter on the bottom keeping the pond stirred up valuable animals are at risk, and suggest possible fixes: Young trees and shrubs Without a way to complete of the pond? This can release and re-suspending the clay. consider contacting the Ani- there are no guaranteed so- should be removed each the lifecycle, they die in the nutrients promoting excess Are there common carp or mal Disease Diagnostic Lab lutions. Bentonite clay is year, either mechanically fish and disappear. A copper plant growth. Pond plants, other bottom feeding fish (405 744- 6623) to see about often used but is messy, ex- or by herbicide. If allowed sulfate application is some- in moderation, have major in large enough numbers to having the water checked pensive and labor-intensive to grow to a large size their times successful in reducing benefits — shoreline plants stir the bottom? Is the pond for toxic species of algae. If to apply properly. Pow- roots can allow leakage, or eliminating aquatic snails. protect against bank ero- exposed to wind? If so, is it it is a toxic algae, practical dered bentonite is only rec- leading to internal erosion If submerged aquatic plants sion by waves. Submerged feasible to establish a wind- advice is given in NREM ommended when a pond is and failure of the dam. The are overabundant, use of and floating plants often break? If erosion in the wa- 9213, Toxic Blue-Green Al- empty — it should be tilled larger the trees and taller the herbicide can be considered prevent growth of algae — tershed is controlled and the gal Blooms. into the soil. If you must ap- dam, the greater the risk is to reduce aquatic plants that either filamentous algae or jar of water does not clear, How doI fix a pond that is ply bentonite through stand- that cutting trees will accel- are used by snails for cover excess planktonic algae — by consider old hay. Add two leaking? ing water, the granular form erate a dam failure. In situ- and food. See the E-832, Ex- competing for light and nu- small square bales per sur- There are many possible is needed. Pond owners with ations where a dam failure tension Agents’ Handbook trients. Pond plants work to face acre. More details and these problems should visit poses a significant risk, seek reasons why a pond may of Insect, Plant Disease and with the Natural Resource expert help from the Natural keep water clear and prevent alternative methods can be not hold water or fill. Many Weed Control for advice on muddiness. With all these found in NREM 9206, Com- pond owners jump to the Frequently Asked Farm Resource Conservation Ser- using copper sulfate and oth- Pond Questions NREM- vice (NRCS). It is especially factors in mind, use of herbi- mon Pond Problems. conclusion that the dam is 9027-2 Conservation Ser- important to seek expert help er herbicides in ponds. Elim- cides and other management Why are my fish dead? the problem — this is often from pond engineers and inating roosts used by fish- steps can be considered. Fish kills happen one of incorrect. Consider leaks in vice (NRCS) — they are the technicians at the NRCS, if eating birds is sometimes There is no general-purpose two ways: all at once or the basin (the “bowl” that local pond design and repair your pond dam impounds a beneficial. Scare methods aquatic herbicide. The iden- slowly over several weeks. experts. fills with water) or an overly can also be used to reduce How doI get rid of turtles? large quantity of water and tity of the problem plant, the How quickly are the mor- small area of land that slopes “Sliders”, including the buildings, roads or people the number of fish-eating uses of the pond and other talities happening? A sudden toward the pond basin (the below the dam are at risk if birds using a pond. Red- factors must be considered large number of dead fish watershed). Ponds that have red-ear, are the most com- eared sunfish are a snail-eat- usually is due to a decline never held water likely suf- mon turtle causing com- it is judged safe to remove ing fish that can reduce snail it should fail. In cases where in selecting a suitable her- bicide. Herbicides are not a in dissolved oxygen levels. fer from sandy soil, rock plaints from pond owners. populations. More _ infor- trees, root wads may need to Sliders bask in the sun on permanent solution — if fac- This happens when a large outcroppings or gravel or be grubbed out and the hole mation is in NREM-9206, tors favoring excess growth amount of plants die and de- sand layers that are allowing logs and can be trapped using Common Pond Problems. teeter traps — see the illustra- refilled. Add 6 to 10 inches of aquatic plants are present, compose or when ponds turn water to leak out of the ba- of clay soil, hand-tamp thor- For more information con- they typically return. over, typically in the fall. sin. Alternatively, there may tion in NREM-9206, Com- tact Greg Hartman Beck- oughly and repeat until the How do I clear up a mud- Less often, a toxic substance be issues with leaks under mon Pond Problems. Sliders hole is completely refilled. ham/Washita County Ex- dy pond? can be the cause of a fish die- or through the dam. Limited do present an unattractive tension at 580-928-2139 or My fish have worms. How leakage through or under appearance when overabun- do I get rid of them? 580-832-3356. PUBLIC NOTICE You benefit from public notices. Public notices are required because a government body or corporation wants to do something you need Youth Antlerless deer hunts to know about. When government is about to change your life, or your property or assets are about to be taken, newspaper notices are there to keep set on private lands you informed. Apply by Aug. 18 for Pri- young hunters a great oppor- preference** Lifetime Hunting or Life- www.oklahomanotices.com vate Lands Youth Antlerless Deer Hunts tunity to see some deer as well as a chance to potential- * Each youth participat- ing in this hunt must have time Combination License OR for free access to public notices in Oklahoma newspapers Beginning deer hunters ly harvest a doe,” said Bill an adult (licensed or unli- $10 Controlled Hunt (CH) have a unique opportunity Dinkines, Assistant Chief censed) who is at least 21 Private Lands Youth Antler- LARGE ABSOLUTE to participate in one of four of Wildlife for the Oklaho- years old accompany him or less Deer License*** 2-DAY AUCTION bonus antlerless deer hunts ma Department of Wildlife her on the hunt. Resident Options (Ages that will take place on pri- Conservation. “The Okla- ** Hunts applied for must 16-17): OG&E * CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY vate land in: homa Wildlife Conservation be listed by order of prefer- Lifetime Hunting or Life- * ENABLE MIDSTREAM * OTHER Ellis County: Oct. 11-13, Commission has endorsed ence. (Please do not list any time Combination License CONTRACTORS 2019. the youth hunt program, and hunt that you are not inter- OR Resident Youth Annual Love County: Oct. 18, we are thankful for the land- ested in or know in advance Hunting License AND $10 200 NW 114th St, OKC 2019 (mandatory orientation owners’ willingness to allow you cannot attend.) CH Private Lands Youth Fri. Aug. 16th & Sat. Aug. 17th Oct. 17); Dec. 13-14, 2019; these kids the opportunity to Antlerless deer taken by Antlerless Deer License*** and Dec. 14, 2019 (manda- hunt on their properties.” selected applicants during OR at 9:00 am both days tory orientation on Dec. 13). Interested youths must fill these hunts will be consid- Resident Youth Fiscal Insp: Thurs. Aug. 15th from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm This year, 55 youths will out an online application no ered a “bonus deer” and will Year Hunting License AND be selected to receive one not count toward the hunt- and starting at 8:00 am both auction days later than 11:59 p.m. Sun- $10 CH Private Lands Youth of the bonus private lands day, Aug. 18, 2019, with the er’s statewide season limit. Antlerless Deer License*** CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE AUCTION BID LIVE ON-LINE AT WWW.DAKIL.COM antlerless deer gun permits. following information: Applicants who are suc- OR Heavy Equipment, Over 150 Trucks, Pick-ups SUV's & Cars; Semis, To be eligible, youths must Hunter information: name, cessfully drawn will receive Resident Youth Fiscal Trailers, Water Truck, Tools, Equipment, Machinery & Bronzes. have completed their hunter date of birth, mailing ad- an email notification on or Year Combination License DAY ONE: All Tools, Small Equipment, Machinery, Bronzes & Etc. education requirements pri- dress, phone number, hunter before Aug. 23, 2019, that AND $10 CH Private Lands DAY TWO: All Rolling Stock & Heavy Equipment. or to applying and must be education certification num- includes specific informa- Youth Antlerless Deer Li- CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME 12 to 17 years old at the time ber, lifetime license number tion about their hunt and the cense*** See web site for detailed listing & pictures. Buyers premium will apply of their scheduled hunt. if applicable. deadline for purchasing re- Non-Resident Require- “These hunts are on private Accompanying —_adult* quired license(s) as listed: ment (Ages 12-17): property and should provide name and email address. Resident Options (Ages $31 CH Nonresident Pri- List of hunts by order of 12-15): vate Lands Youth Antlerless Deer License*** x NOTE: The $10 resi- dent and $31 nonresident CH Half Price Private Lands Youth Antler- less Deer Hunt Licenses will Walk-In Bathtubs be issued in lieu of the open season license and can be 580-354-7006 purchased online at license. gooutdoorsoklahoma.com or in-person at the Wildlife Tickets‘go Department’s headquarters Doug Gray Dodge and in Oklahoma City. No ap- Circlé A Western Wear ‘SPONSORS: Custer County Land/ prentice-designated licenses will be allowed because Water Rights of the hunter education re- quirement. Youths who are holders of a Choctaw Tribal Compact hunting license or a Chero- * 630 Acres, 32-14N-14W* 160 Acres, 25-14N-14W OF CHAMPIONS ZA kee Tribal Compact hunt- ing license are urged to call BEUTLER BROS. ARENA, ACKLEY PARK. (405) 590-2584 for informa- AUG. 30-SEPT:1 tion on license requirements and/or license exemptions 8:00PM EACH NIGHT BRADTARAVCDSLAROUT deor-youth-bunts for these bonus antlerless Parade August 31, 2pm Travis Bradt, Broker If you have questions be- Downtown Elk City, OK (405) 590-3836 fore applying, call Kyle Johnson at (405) 590-2584,