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in areas where existing wildlife or habitats are unique or pristine, or where construction would negatively affect watershed functions below the pond. Threatened and endangered (T&E) species must be considered before construction begins. Usually, there are no concerns for ponds constructed on upland sites. Inquiries about known locations of T&E species should be directed to the Commission's Natural Heritage Program. If construction will affect a wetland or waters of the state, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Section 404 Permit will likely be required. The NRCS must also be contacted if a wet area is being considered for a site. They may require a permit, along with special construction considerations. Here again, ask if you are unsure. A Section 404 Permit is also required if habitat materials are added to any waters in the state. Questions can be directed to the ACOE regional offices in Omaha or Kearney. See Appendix A for the list of contacts. While planning your pond, be sure to check your property deed for recorded easements for buried pipelines or power cables, and overhead lines. The restrictions in these easements and their locations may affect what you can do and where, and possibly change your site choice. Pond construction must not affect a public road or a neighbor's property. Technical Assistance (Construction and Cost-Share) An important first step in building a pond is obtaining technical advice on construction that will maximize the pond's fishery potential and longevity. The primary sources for technical assistance are the Commission, NRCS, NRD, and UNL Cooperative Extension. If you need additional information or would like to discuss any topics in greater detail, contact the Commission's district fisheries management staff in your area or the Private Waters Specialist at the Lincoln headquarters. The Commission's Wildlife Habitat Partners Section staff can provide information about establishment and management of wildlife habitat on property surrounding your pond. They can discuss their WILD Nebraska Program and various NRCS buffer programs that provide cost share funding for developing or enhancing wildlife habitat. The local county NRCS office should be contacted regarding site selection, pond design and construction considerations, including what permits are required. They have programs that may provide cost-share funding for construction, particularly in high priority areas. They also have programs that provide cost-share or even payments for establishing buffers and set-aside (CRP) acres. They have a publication, "Ponds - Planning, Design, Construction," that is very informative. The NRD's have cost-share funding for construction, with requests prioritized. See Appendix A for a complete list of technical assistance contacts. There also are private contractors and consultants who can be hired for various construction and management services. See Appendix B for a list of those services. Consult the yellow pages in your phone book or contact a local Commission fisheries biologist or the Private Waters Specialist to obtain a list of names and contact information for contractors and consultants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 25