Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
In May of 2007, the Piney Mountain Grounds Committee conducted extensive research that led
to recommendations for maintenance of the pond and pond dam. The Piney Mountain Board
approved the recommendations in 2007. As a result, fifteen triploid grass carp were stocked in
the pond to control the spread of the parrot feather, and Tar Heel Landscaping was hired to cut
all trees of a diameter of 4 inches on the east side of the dam and in the spillway.
Below is an update, as of June 2011, to the May 2007 report regarding the pond and pond dam.
Recommendations:
1. Parrot Feather control
The initial stocking of 15 triploid grass carp was ineffective as parrot feather is a woody plant
that is not preferred by the carp and there was sufficient other vegetation to sustain them. To
address the continued spread of parrot feather, 40 carp were stocked in 2010. This overstocking eradicated the parrot feather within a few months. The Grounds Committee will
continue to monitor the parrot feather situation and re-stock with grass carp as appropriate.
2. Overflow pipestand
The overflow pipestand has a sleeve that may require periodic maintenance, especially after
heavy rains. The sleeve allows water to flow from below the surface level of the pond even
when debris collects on the top of the sleeve. The sleeve can however be dislodged by heavy
debris, reducing its effectiveness. We recommend the Grounds Committee periodically
inspect the function of the overflow pipe and address any issues as required.
3. Dam maintenance
We recommend that the Grounds Committee periodically cut all new growth trees of a
diameter less than 4 inches on the east side of the dam and the spillway of the dam and plant
additional grass as necessary in the spillway to reduce erosion.
4. We recommend that we continue mowing the grass on the dam while preserving the Paleyellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) at the water’s edge and clearing new small brush growth with
“weed wackers.”
Resources:
Shown at the end of this memo is a list of experts who have been contacted in the past, pond
management companies, pond management experts who have visited the site, and companies
from whom we have received quotes for products or services.
Details & Explanations:
A. Parrot’s feather control
Parrot’s feather (or “parrot feather” - myriophyllum aquaticum or myriophyllum
brasiliensis) is a non-native invasive aquatic plant (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/276).
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust guide to ponds states: “Avoid at all costs … Parrot’s
feather … non native plants are very invasive and once established, virtually impossible
to control. They can quickly form dense carpets that displace the native pond flora, silt
up the pond and cause de-oxygenation and nutrient enrichment.”
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Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
Because only the female version of parrot’s feather has been imported into the US (for
aquarium use), it does not spread by seed, but only by breaking off and rooting. It may
have been brought to our pond by Canadian geese, other waterfowl, or someone
discarding contents of a home aquarium.
At first it was assumed that we would have to use herbicides to treat the parrot’s feather.
However, Ryan Stanley, of Foster’s Lake & Pond, told us of the work of Ken Manuel at
Duke Energy’s Lookout Shoals reservoir. Because it manages so many reservoirs, Duke
Energy is concerned with aquatic invasive plants which can clog the intakes on its power
equipment. Ken has demonstrated that stocking with sterile grass carp can be effective
against parrot’s feather.
In 2007, after speaking with Ken Manuel, Corey Oakley (District 5 Fisheries Biologist
who oversees Orange County), and Forrest Wynne (Aquaculture Extension Specialist,
Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension), it was felt that 15 grass carp would be
sufficient to stock our one-acre pond. It was felt that, over several years, they will eat the
parrot’s feather and keep it under control. The carp will likely never completely
eradicate the parrot’s feather. “You don’t really get rid of these plants,” Ken Manuel is
quoted as saying in a 2005 article (www.mountainx.com/news/2005/0727fish.php). “It’s
deceptive to talk in terms of eradication. This is a management issue that has to be
addressed over time – maybe forever, as far as I know.”
AquaPlant, a publication of the Texas Cooperative Extension, Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries Sciences of Texas A&M University
(http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/submerged_plants/parrotfeather/htm ), states: “Grass
carp will seldom control aquatic vegetation the first year they are stocked. They will
consume parrot’s feather but it is not a preferred food. Grass carp stocking rates to
control parrot’s feather are usually in the range of 7 to 15 per surface acre. In Texas [and
in NC], only triploid grass carp are legal.”
Grass carp eat with “pharyngeal teeth” in their throats which they use to grind soft,
succulent plant life. They will not eat harder, more fibrous or woody plants, and are
unlikely to eat the beautiful Pale-yellow Iris (also an invasive species but desirable
http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biodiversity/problemplants/species/Yellow%20Iris.ht
m ) around the pond. Unlike most other fish, grass carp are strictly vegetarian. It is
important to stock carp of a minimum size of 12 inches, since otherwise they can be eaten
by other fish.
Grass carp have the further advantage of providing added insurance against invasion by
other non-native aquatic species such as hydrilla and Brazilian Elodea.
In NC, only triploid (sterile) grass carp are approved for use. No permit is required in
ponds less than 10 acres or when less than 150 carp are being introduced. Triploid sterile
grass carp live only 10 to 12 years and we have been advised that we can expect to lose
10-30% of the carp each year due to various causes. So we should expect to have to
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Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
restock each year. However, as we over-stocked in 2010 and there is much less
vegetation for the carp to feed on in 2011, we will not stock again until perhaps 2013.
We were advised that, if we wish to deter escape, we could install a barrier over the
spillway (horizontal metal bars spaced 2 inches apart); however, no consultant has
suggested that we install a barrier over our spillway, and we do not recommend it, since
the cost would be high and the risk of escape of sterile carp is very low.
In the event that the grass carp prove insufficient or ineffective in controlling the spread
of the parrot feather, 2,4-D, an EPA registered aquacide can be used by broadcasting
pellets on selective sections of parrots feather. 2,4-D pellets are available from Aquacide
Company (www.KillLakeWeeds.com) for about $8.00/lb (one lb will treat 400 sq.ft.)
Since 2,4-D treatment would require repeated annual applications. We believe grass carp
provide the preferred alternative to control of parrot feather.
B. Pond Dam
The earthen pond dam, which is in excellent shape, is estimated to be over fifty years old.
We were advised by Gail Hughes and Ryan Stanley of Foster’s Lake & Pond, to cut all
small (less than 4-inch diameter) trees on the back (east-facing side) of the dam. We
were advised not to cut big trees as the dying and rotting roots would cause infiltration
and deterioration of the dam. By cutting trees when they are small, we prevent them
from growing into additional large trees that, if blown over in a storm, might pull up large
root balls, thereby weakening the dam.
C. Spillway
We have been advised to cut all trees impeding flow in the spillway to protect the dam by
allowing free overflow in case of heavy rainfall. The spillway has surface rocks to retard
erosion and these can be supplemented with heavy (non-tree) vegetation such as grasses.
D. Sleeve over Standpipe
We were advised to install a 10” sleeve over our six-inch cast iron pipe, which serves as
the main overflow device, backed up by the spillway. This was done in 2007 and its
function is maintained by the Grounds Committee. The design of the pipe sleeve allows
water to flow from a depth about 12 inches below the surface of the pond, rather than
from the top of the pond and therefore its flow is not impeded by debris on the top of the
sleeve.
E. Importance of maintaining vegetation around the pond
We have been complemented on the good condition of our pond by all who visited it.
Based on the comments we received, we attribute this good health to the tag alders and
other heavy vegetation around the pond (except for the dam). This vegetation stabilizes
the pond banks and absorbs the excess nutrients which can foster the growth of excessive
amounts of algae. The shade over the pond provides cool, oxygenated water for fish in
summer, and blocks out light to invasive plants.
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Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
F. Advantages of Fishing the Pond regularly
We have been encouraged to fish the pond regularly – but not “catch and release.” Fish
breed at a high rate and regular culling by means of fishing helps maintain the optimum
number for the pond. When fish become too numerous, there are more juveniles and
fewer adult-size fish.
G. Canada Geese
We have had a pair of Canada Geese return to the pond each spring for some years (at
least since 2004). We believe it is the same pair each year. They have been observed
nesting on the west end of the pond. Bruce Ellis, one of our pond managers, told us that
geese can severely damage pond dams by overgrazing on the dams, however, one pair of
geese are not likely to have any significant detrimental impact and the pair that have
returned to the pond each year for several years have never been observed grazing on the
dam (the absence of bird droppings on the dam also supports this observation). In the
one year that the pair managed to have goslings, none made it to maturity, most likely
due to predators. Therefore, the Grounds Committee recommends enjoying the pair’s
annual return to the pond and only taking action if and when it seems warranted.
If nesting geese become a problem, i.e. more than a single pair and/or non-migratory
types, their eggs can be prevented from hatching by “addling” (shaking them) and/or
spreading corn oil over them to shut out oxygen. Merely removing the eggs from a nest
is ineffective, as the geese would simply lay more eggs.
H. Wood Duck box
After nearly becoming extinct, wood ducks
http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowlgallery/19/index.html have enjoyed resurgence
in their population due to the banning of DDT and the introduction of nesting boxes.
Wood ducks are the only species of duck to nest in trees. A box has been installed at the
West end of the pond. The box requires annual cleaning which will be the responsibility
of the Grounds Committee. In the event no wood ducks are enticed to our pond & box,
consideration can be given to purchasing a starter pair.
(See http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/juvenile_wood_ducks.html)
I. Liming not recommended
One of our pond manager candidates suggested liming our pond. Liming is done to raise
the pH, which in turn encourages the growth of micro plankton and thereby improves
fishing. Since fishing is not a particular concern, and since liming is an elaborate and
expensive procedure, we do not recommend liming our pond.
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Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
Aquatic plant life and pond management experts:
Karen McAdams, Agricultural Extension Agent
NC State University
NC Cooperative Extension
306-E Revere Rd, POB 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Karen_McAdams@ncsu.edu
919.732.8181, Ext 2050
Gail Hughes,
Soil and Water Conservationist
Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District
245.2753
POB 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
ghughes@co.orange.nc.us - preferred
gail.hughes@nc.nacdnet.net
Dr. Rob Richardson, Aquatic Weed Management
Asst Prof and Extension Specialist
NC State University
Crop Science Dept - Williams Hall 4401B
Box 7620, Raleigh, NC 27695
Tel: 919.515.5653
rob_richardson@ncsu.edu
Corey Oakley, District 5 Fisheries Biologist, Division of Inland Fisheries, Wildlife Resources
Commission
919.563.0220
Christian Waters, Regional Supervisor: 919.989.7058
coreyoakley@mebtel.net
Dr. Jim Rice
Extension Fisheries Specialist
NC State University
Zoology Dept
Tel: 919.515.4592
jim_rice@ncsu.edu
Ken Manuel, aquatic biologist
Duke Energy
704.875.5424
Forrest Wynne, Aquaculture Extension Specialist; phone 270/247.2334
Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension
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Piney Mountain Pond Maintenance Recommendations: Updated June 2011
“Using Triploid Grass Carp for Aquatic Vegetation Control in Ponds”
John Holley (571.4770) Dam Safety Section,
Division of Land Resources,
NC Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)
See also www.dlr.enr.state.nc.us/pages/damsafetyprogram.html.
Pond Management Companies:
1. Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control, 1375 NC Hwy 903, Littleton, NC 27850, 252/586-2900
– Skip Weigersma (owner), Justin Nawrocki
2. North Carolina Lake Management, Inc., 108 Broad St, Whiteville, NC 28472 (POB 476,
28337), Tom Riel, Aquatic biologist; Tel: 910/862.2424, Cell: 910/876-0139 –
Associate: Cliff Edwards (919.496.9279) adds sterile grass carp, installs pipe sleeves,
adds lime (to raise PH)
3. Pond Management, Inc., Raleigh, NC, 27601, Sherwood Jones, 919.266.6865,
Pondmgt@aol.com.
4. Foster Lake and Pond Management, www.fosterlake.com, 13 staff members, all with
degrees in biology or ecology, Johnny Foster, owner, Mitchell Morton, head fisheries
biologist, Ryan Stanley, service department, 919/772-8548, 183 Donmoor Court, POB
1294, Garner, NC 27529
5. Ellis Aquatic Services – Lake & Pond Management – POB Box 16164, 30 Red Pine Rd,
Chapel Hill, NC 27516, Bruce Ellis, 919.967-8711; ellisbruce@bellsouth.net.
6. Aquacide Company, 1627 9th Street, PO Box 10748, White Bear Lake MN 55110-0748
phone 800-328-9350, www.KillLakeWeeds.com
7. Triploid carp supplier delivers triploid grass carp to various locations around NC.
Southeast Pond Stocking, LLC
11090 Highway 421 North
Currie, North Carolina 28435
Office Telephone & Fax: (910) 253-7880
Farm Telephone (910) 283-1428
rstuckman@mindspring.com
In 2008 & 2009, triploid grass carp from Southeast Pond Stocking were picked up at:
Tractor Supply Company
3129 Garden Rd
Burlington, NC 27215
336.586.9222
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