COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners to attend any of four free workshops this winter on pond management in mid-Missouri. 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.

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.

“These workshops are great for new or current landowners who would like to learn more about pond management,” said MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Scott Voney. “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.”

• Osage County
  Thursday, Feb. 21 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.
  Community Christian Church
  1598 Highway 50 in Linn
  Register by Feb. 19 by calling (573) 796-0268, ext. 4284, or by visiting: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/165271

• Saline County
  Tuesday, Feb. 26 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.
  Malcolm Center at Mo Valley College
  1488 S. Conway Ave. in Marshall
  Register by Feb. 20 by calling (660) 886-7447, ext. 4226, or by visiting: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/164884

• Maries County
  Thursday, Feb. 28 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.
  Youth Building at Vienna City Park
  174 Ballpark Road in Vienna
  Register by Feb. 27 by calling (573) 796-0268, ext. 4284, or by visiting: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/165191

• Montgomery County
  Wednesday, March 6 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.
  Montgomery City Public Library
  224 N. Allen St. in Montgomery City
  Register by March 1 by calling (660) 886-7447, ext. 4226, or by visiting: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/164898

Learn more about these pond management workshops and find additional educational materials at mdc.mo.gov/property/pond-stream-care.