4.2. Ponds

Ponds are generally formed by depressions in the bedrock or soil, but are sometimes formed from sinkholes in areas where bedrock or substrates are composed of gypsum or limestone. Landslides, floods, or beaver activity create other ponds. Man-made ponds for fishing and fire control are also common around the province.

Ponds are really little lakes. The major difference is that they are smaller and shallower. Light reaches much of the pond bottom, allowing a wide diversity of rooted plants and algae to flourish. The numbers of fish, insects, and other animals found in ponds depend on how easily they can move to other water areas. Ponds are a rich food source for fish, but in many cases summer warming, winter freezing, and low oxygen levels limit year-round usefulness for sport fish. However, if ponds are fed by groundwater and there is not too much plant growth (taking up valuable oxygen) then they will support sport fish year-round and can be stocked.

Removal of vegetation (trees, bushes, rushes, etc.) around ponds leads to warmer water and a premature drying up of the pond. Increased run-off carrying silt and other sediments can also run into the pond and affect the pond's ecology. Re-planting and/or seeding can improve the pond habitat.