Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 8 · column 6 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
By PAUL J. MUHLBERGER
Conservation Specialist
The variation in topography between the Blue Ridge and Northern Piedmont physiographic regions of Virginia yields a landscape of stunning mountain views and rolling countryside complete with natural waterfalls, river rapids, fish pools and farm ponds.
Farm ponds? Well, not every water body occurs naturally. Nevertheless, land users across this region of the Commonwealth are blessed with an abundance of mountain streams and natural springs that tie in nicely with our land management objectives.
During your next local sojourn, ' note the extraordinary number of farm ponds that dot the landscape like fireflies on a muggy summer night. Why so many farm ponds? Incentive to dam a live stream or natural spring (make a pond) often involves an effort to provide water for: livestock, wildlife, fire protection and aesthetic value. If constructed properly , maintained annually and few natural disasters occur, a farm pond can perform its intended function for many years.
In working with the local, agricultural community since the new year, I have had an opportunity to visit many farms with aging, defective farm ponds. Reasons for pond failure include: livestock access, sediment buildup, proliferation of woody vegetation on the dam, excessive algae blooms from livestock waste and fertilizer application and natural disasters, such as Hooding.
74.2%