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44 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • Store pellets indoors with room tempera- tures preferably under 75 degrees. Contact a local livestock supply store for a source for commercial fish food. Pond Fertility Water fertility determines a pond's productivity. A more productive pond will support more fish and a larger harvest than a less productive pond. A pond is considered about right for good fish production if you can see your fingers when you extend your arm 18 inches downward into the water while in direct sunlight or when a secchi disc is impossible to see at 18 to 24 inches below the pond surface. The level of visibility should be due to the density of existing fish food organisms (such as zooplankton, phytoplankton and aquatic insects), not suspended soil particles. Keep in mind most soils and pond water supplies in Nebraska are nutrient rich; therefore, adding more nutrients to ponds is typically not necessary. Exceptions could be newly created ponds. In Chapter 1, we discussed the various benefits of placing removed organic-enriched topsoil, brush and trees back in the pond and establishing a cover crop in the basin, when construction was completed. One ensuing benefit was the likelihood of creating a nutrient boost that facilitates initial establishment and expansion of the aforementioned fish food items. With this in mind, the addition of agricultural fertilizer to increase fertility is not necessary and is actually prohibited since it would violate Title 117 Water Quality Standards set by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. Also, if nutrients become excessive, there is the likelihood of excessive aquatic vegetation growth, especially algae, that could negatively impact fish populations. Terrestrial Habitat Although fish production is the primary interest for most pond owners, the impounded water will provide habitat for a multitude of organisms, ranging from aquatic insects to terrestrial wildlife. We have already discussed planting areas in and immediately around the pond to control erosion and sediment; however, the vegetative cover near the pond also greatly influences the types of wildlife that will regularly use the pond. The basic needs of most upland wildlife species are simple: food and cover. Buffer strips In general, fertilization is not needed in most Nebraska ponds, and adding agricultural fertilizer is prohibited. Checking Water Turbidity By Hand Checking Water Turbidity By Hand Checking Water Turbidity Using a Secchi Disc Checking Water Turbidity Using a Secchi Disc