Ponds of Ballantrae December 2012
Assessments & Recommendations for Pond Management Assessments and Recommendations for management of each pond were made to the CDD Board by its district engineer and pond maintenance vendor. The Board now invites landowner comment by Jan. 31, 2013 to district manager Scott Brizendine at sbrizendine@rizzetta.com. This report considers, among other things, the surface area size of each pond, its depth, the presence or absence of a littoral shelf and the current extent of plant cover. The Board considered these, among other points, in reviewing the Assessments and Recommendations: Manageable levels of pond plants serve two important purposes: [1] those on the planted pond slopes help to reduce erosion, treat runoff from adjoining properties and help clean pond water, while [2] those on pond beds help to clean and filter water before it enters the regional watershed. Those are among the reasons why state and federal regulations require that plants be allowed to grow in ponds. The CDD Board is attempting to determine the extent and types of plants that should be allowed in Ballantrae s 37 ponds. In simplest terms, lower pond water levels encourage plant growth, while higher levels prevent growth. That means the pond areas with plants may change with the seasonal fluctuation of groundwater depth. Plants will tend to grow in shallow water during the dry season, and then die out in areas of ponds where water depth rises above three feet. Most aquatic herbaceous plant material will thrive in water depths from one-half to three feet. That will result in a 12-16 foot zone of plant material along the pond shoreline slopes, and within any areas of the pond less than three feet deep. Some ponds were designed with littoral shelves. These are shallow pond areas intended for plants that will help filter and clean pond water. It is the CDD Board s policy to allow plantings on littoral shelves. The littoral shelves are specified as such on the CDD s drainage construction plans. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) allows a minimum pond bottom to be only 12 inches below the seasonal high groundwater elevation. That allows the design of some very shallow ponds. However, natural plant growth may eventually cover the surface area of ponds that are less than 2-2½ feet deep. If the CDD Board wants to maintain open areas in such shallow ponds, it will have to pay for plant removal as described below. Excessive plants can best be managed by mechanical means during the dry season (when water levels are low), either via hand- or machine-removal. Chemical treatment to control plants is not recommended, because of the long-term damage that would be done to the ponds and any desirable plant life in them. Standard maintenance of all ponds includes, among other things, mowing banks and slopes, treatment of algae and other nuisance surface vegetation, while monitoring pond conditions for any other needed treatment. It also includes maintaining the openness of outfall structures located in most ponds to help control water levels and plant growth. For more information on proper pond management, see SWFWMD s Stormwater Systems in Your Neighborhood pamphlet posted at the CDD s ballantraecdd.org website at the CDD Operations tab at Other Documents. This report is also discussed in the January-March 2013 edition of The Communicator newsletter posted on the Communications page at ballantraecdd.org. Examples of the plants mentioned most often in this report are Club Rush Torpedo Grass Cattails Pickerelweed
Locate pond # on map, click on # below for pond evaluation: # Village/Street Location/Description 1 Ballantrae Blvd. Small pond on SE side @ SR 54 entrance 2 Ballantrae Blvd. W main pond @ SR 54 entrance 2A Ballantrae Blvd. N of weir @ at NE corner of Pond 2 3 Straiton SW of Straiton on CDD border 4 Straiton Central pond 5 Ballantrae Blvd. S of Straiton entrance 6 Straiton NW of Straiton on CDD border 7 Ballantrae Blvd. W side, across from Ayrshire entrance 8 Mentmore Blvd. Across Mentmore Blvd. from clubhouse 9 Lintower S of Lintower at Mentmore Blvd. 10 Mentmore Blvd. N side at W end of CDD property 11 Lintower N of Lintower 12 Cunningham Along N&Wborders of Cunningham 13 Ballantrae Blvd. N E border of Ballantrae Blvd. at Castleway 14 Castleway Central pond in Castleway 15 Castleway N/W of Castleway 16 Castleway S of Souter Lane 17 Braemar NE of Braemar village 18 Braemar N of Braemar village 19 Braemar Central pond in Braemar 20 Braemar W of Barnweill 21 Braemar NW of Barnweill-Glenapp intersection 22 Ballantrae Blvd. S of Castleway entrance 23 Ballantrae Blvd. N of Braemar entrance 24 Mentmore Blvd. S of Braemar 25 Mentmore Blvd. S side, at E end of CDD property 26 Ayrshire N central horseshoe-shaped pond 27 Ballantrae Blvd. N of school property 28 Ayrshire E of Ayrshire Blvd. @ N stormwater structure 29 Ayrshire Behind Cunningham Court 30 Ayrshire SE corner of Ayrshire-Downan intersection 31 Ayrshire S central pond 32 Ayrshire E side of E main pond #33 33 Ballantrae Blvd. E main pond @ SR 54 entrance 34 Castleway Extreme NE corner of CDD property 35 Ayrshire NE of E main pond, abutting Ayrshire Blvd. 36 Braemar Adjacent to Pond 17
Pond # 1 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: Small pond on SE side @ SR 54 entrance View (single photo) above is a general view, #2 is N-S shore while #3 is E-W. (stormwater system) Pond 1 outfalls to Pond 33 and due to the high water level in Pond 33, the outfall weir is submerged 18. This results in the inability of the landscape maintenance company to mow the wet slope areas, as well as, an expansion of the aquatic plants into the wet area. Comparably, the plant area that is inundated the additional 18 will not thrive. (aquatic plantings) Shallow area along Eastern side, not a littoral shelf, was not planted with Club Rush. Remaining perimeter is covered approximately 80% with Club Rush. Standard maintenance. Club Rush will fill in missing gaps over time. Do not recommend planting the shallow area with Club Rush
Pond # 2 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: W main pond @ SR 54 entrance Panoramic (multiple photos) above, #2 shows varying width of grasses. Assessment (stormwater system) Pond 2 does not contain an outfall control structure; it drains, via overland flow, into the wetland system on the south end and then into a culvert crossing under SR 54. It is also connected to Pond 33 via culvert crossing under Ballantrae Blvd. The pond water level is comparable to the condition in Pond 1 resulting in some mowing issues around the pond and changing area of plant material. (aquatic plantings) 70% of Club Rush that was planted is gone. This is probably due to wake tear (waves). Standard maintenance, allow Club Rush to fill in gaps naturally. Needs more aquatic plants to replace those that did not survive.
Pond # 2A Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: N of weir at NE corner of Pond #2 (stormwater system) Pond 2A outfalls to Pond 2 and it is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) 3 large clumps of Club Rush remain, due to treatment of invasive Torpedo Grass. Pond becomes dry in the Winter. Club Rush will eventually cover all of the pond. Allow Club Rush to grow naturally Possibly transplant some Pickerel from Pond 20 Photo #1
Pond # 3 Village/Street: Straiton Location: SW of Straiton on CDD border Panoramic above, #2 and #3 show extent of flowering plants and lilies, without many invasive grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 3 has a weir connected to the wetland on the east side. The drainage systems and pond water levels are functioning as designed. The wetland drains through a ditch to the same wetland that Pond 2 drains into. (aquatic plantings)this pond was not planted with Club Rush. Entire perimeter has Pickerel Weed and Arrowhead. Northern end has Fragrant Lilies. Some invasive growth within the Pickerel on Northern end. Standard maintenance
Pond # 4 Village/Street: Straiton Location: Central pond Panoramic above, #2 shows extensive grasses. #3 shows pond scum plus growth surrounding control structure. (stormwater system) Pond 4 was constructed 6 feet shallower than designed outside the littoral shelf (shallow treatment area) which has resulted in a completely shallow pond that could sustain plant expansion across the entire pond. Pond 4 outfalls into the same wetland as Pond 3. The designed littoral shelf needs planting. (aquatic plantings) Club Rush covers nearly 100% of the perimeter. Littoral shelf on Southern end. Algae on the shelf. Club Rush will continue to grow toward the middle of the pond. American Ecosystems ( AE ) needs a boat to treat interior of pond. Options were discussed such as manual removal of some of the rush, and installation of an aerator on the northern side of the pond. It was noted that this pond was constructed shallower than designed and could be completely consumed by the club rush. These pond slopes are very close to the townhome structures. It is difficult to control algae, possibly due to chemiclas used in lawn treatment. Discuss lawn treatment options with Straiton HOA.
Pond # 5 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: S of Straiton entrance View above is an overview of small pond, #2 shows extent of grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 5 is connected to the same wetland as Pond 4 and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Invasive Spike Rush is growing on the Southern side. Club Rush was planted on the North, East and West sides. Invasive Dollar Weed growing on top of the Spike Rush. Keep the Southern end free of plants for the outfall structure. Floating surface vegetation is a nuisance and must be removed
Pond # 6 Village/Street: Straiton Location: NW of Straiton on CDD border Panoramic above, #2 shows scum and #3 extent of grass. (stormwater system) Pond 6 outfalls to the wetland on the east side which outfalls into Pond 4. Pond 6 is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) 100% of planted Club Rush remains. Some Dollar Weed is growing on the interior side of the Club Rush. Club Rush will eventually cover close to 100% of the pond. Standard maintenance Keep outfall free of vegetation Littoral shelf needs planting.
Pond # 7 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: W side, across from Ayrshire entrance Panoramic above, #2 shows open area and #3 shows varying depths of grasses, some choking plantings. (stormwater system) Pond 7 outfalls into the wetland on the west side and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Two sections of Club Rush have been removed to create fishing areas. The rest of the perimeter is covered with Club Rush and existing Pickerel Weed. Keep the open fishing areas open Littoral shelf needs planting Standard maintenance.
Pond # 8 Village/Street: Mentmore Blvd. Location:Across Mentmore Blvd. from clubhouse View above shows plantings dwarfed by grasses, #2 shows new grass growth, #3 open end of pond. (stormwater system) Pond 8 outfalls into the wetland on the south side and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Close to 100% of Club Rush remains. The Littoral Shelf on the Eastern end of the pond was recently planted by AE with Pickerel Weed. Small amount of algae growing on the shelf. Allow the Pickerel Weed to grow. Keep the Club Rush from encroaching onto the pond, kill the algae.
Pond # 9 Village/Street: Mentmore Blvd. Location: W of clubhouse, N side of Mentmore Blvd. Panoramic above, #2 and #3 show extensive grass growth. (stormwater system) Pond 9 outfalls in the abutting wetland which drains south through a culvert crossing under Mentmore Blvd. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Close to 100% of planted Club Rush remains. Recently planted Pickerel Weed on the Western shall zone is doing great. Standard maintenance, don t allow Club Rush to grow where Pickerel was planted.
Pond # 10 Village/Street: Mentmore Blvd. Location: N side at W end of CDD property View above is an overview, #2 shows west side and #3 east side of pond. (stormwater system) Pond 10 outfalls into the same wetland as Pond 9 and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) 100% of perimeter is covered with Club Rush. Pond is clear of algae Standard maintenance.
Pond # 11 Village/Street: Lintower Location: N of Lintower Panoramic shows beneficial plantings as major growth around pond. (stormwater system) Pond 11 outfalls off site to the northwest and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) No signs that Club Rush was planted. Small areas of existing Pickerel Weed, small amounts of algae on shoreline. Littoral Shelf has not been planted. Plant additional Pickerel Weed on shoreline. Littoral shelf needs planting with Pickerel.
Pond # 12 Village/Street: Cunningham Location: Along N&W borders of Cunningham View above is from S end looking N, #2 is from Ballantrae Blvd. looking W, #3 is from N end looking S. (stormwater system) Pond 12 outfalls off site to the northwest and is function as designed. (aquatic plantings) Gaps of Club Rush on the Eastern side. Littoral Shelf on Western side was recently planted by AE with Pickerel Weed. Interior of pond is deep, Club Rush will not encroach toward middle. Remove some club rush on the eastern side along the homes. It was noted that this pond contains a designed littoral shelf that was planted with pickerelweed. Its abutting slope contains no club rush, so the littoral shelf will remain in its existing condition for natural expansion of the plant material.
Pond # 13 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: NE border of Ballantrae Blvd. @ Castleway Panoramic view of pond showing growth mostly at S end. (stormwater system) Pond 13 receives drainage from the abutting wetland and drains west through a culvert crossing under Ballantrae Blvd into Pond 12. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Southern end has small gaps of missing Club Rush. This is a deep pond, Club Rush should only stay on the perimeter. Standard maintenance
Pond # 14 Village/Street: Castleway Location: Central pond Panoramic above, #2 shows rows of grass off shore from beneficial plantings. (stormwater system) Pond 14 outfalls to the abutting wetland which outfalls west into the wetland that drains through Pond 13 and it is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Pond does not appear that is was planted with Club Rush. Most of perimeter has juvenile Pickerel Weed. Monitor the growth of the Pickerel Weed. Additional could be planted when the water level recedes.
Pond # 15 Village/Street: Castleway Location: N central Castleway, W of Duke Firth View above and #2 show varying degree of pond growth, scum. (stormwater system)pond 15 outfalls into the abutting wetland which drains into Pond 13. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Eastern side of pond has lost most of the planted Club Rush. AE has planted Pickerel Weed on the perimeter recently. Allow the existing Pickerel Weed to grow and add more Standard maintenance.
Pond # 16 Village/Street: Castleway Location: S of Souter Lane Panoramic shows nice beneficial growth on far shore, #2 shows healthy unattended shrubs growing on residential shoreline. (stormwater system) Pond 16 outfalls into the abutting wetland and drains north through a culvert crossing under Duke Firth into the wetland that discharges into Pond 13. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Most of pond is covered with Club Rush and Pickerel Weed. Some Sensitive Plants grew on the Southern End. AE has sprayed them and they re dead. Remove the invasive growth (shrubs) along the pond bank Standard maintenance.
Pond # 17 Village/Street: Braemar Location: NE of Braemar village Panoramic view shows little grass or beneficial growth. (stormwater system) Pond 17 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Pond doesn t appear it was planted with Club Rush. Juvenile Pickerel Weed is on the Southern and Western sides. Monitor the growth of the Pickerel Weed, standard maintenance. Littoral shelf needs planting.
Pond # 18 Village/Street: Braemar Location: N of Braemar village Panoramic view looks S to narrow neck, where #2 shows substantial grass growth. (stormwater system) Pond 18 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Small coverage of Pickerel Weed on the perimeter. Some Torpedo Grass has grown within the Pickerel, which has been treated. Standard maintenance. Additional Pickerel Weed could be planted if desired. Littoral shelf needs planting.
Pond # 19 Village/Street: Braemar Location: Central pond View above shows varying degrees of grass growth, all three photos show beneficial plantings being choked by grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 19 outfalls into the wetland west of the pond, and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Entire perimeter is covered with Club Rush and pre-existing Pickerel Weed. American Ecosystems to chemically maintain rush and prevent it from encroaching into the deeper middle, It was noted that this pond did not contain a designed littoral shelf. Due to its size, this pond is deeper than many of the community ponds which would naturally restrict the expansion of the club rush in the future.
Pond # 20 Village/Street: Braemar Location: W of Barnweill St. Views above shows overgrowth of beneficial plants, scum and grass, #2 shows white weir in background. (stormwater system) Pond 20 outfalls into the abutting and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings ) Large amount of Pickerel Weed covers the pond. Some has been thinned out. Spike Rush and other invasives are beginning to grow where the Pickerel was removed and transplanted to other ponds. This pond is very shallow and parts will go dry in winter. Remove vegetation manually south of the littoral shelf and transplant the material to the littoral shelves needing planting. It was noted that this pond, due to its size, is shallow and could be completely consumer by the pickerelweed.
Pond # 21 Village/Street: Braemar Location: NW of Barnweill-Glenapp intersection Panoramic shows most of pond covered in grasses, while #2 shows beneficial plants being crowded out by grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 21 outfalls in the abutting wetland and functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) North, East and West sides were planted with Club Rush. Pre-existing Pickerel Weed mixed within the Club Rush. The Southern End was either not planted or it lost the Club Rush. Littoral shelf is half the pond. Plant Pickerel on the shelf pond perimeter. Remove the club rush on the eastern side of the pond.
Pond # 22 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: S of Castleway entrance Panoramic shows covered S end of pond, #2 shows open N end. (stormwater system) Pond 22 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Perimeter is completely full with Club Rush. Pickerel Weed is on the Southern Littoral Shelf. Some cattail growth has started on the shelf. Hand pull the cattails. Standard maintenance.
Pond # 23 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: N of Braemar entrance Panoramic shows varying degrees of grass growth surrounding beneficial plantings. (stormwater system) Pond 23 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Entire perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush. Some pre-existing Pickerel Weed is growing within the Club Rush Standard maintenance
Pond # 24 Village/Street: Mentmore Blvd. Location: S of Braemar This view shows most of the pond is open, but #2 shows thick grass extending from the east end of the pond. (stormwater system) Pond 24 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Entire perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush. Some shoreline Torpedo Grass has grown within the Club Rush. Torpedo Grass has been sprayed. Standard maintenance
Pond # 25 Village/Street: Mentmore Blvd. Location: S side at E end of CDD property View above shows grasses hug shoreline, #2 shows structure that needs to be cleaned out. (stormwater system) Pond 25 outfalls south into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Perimeter of pond is covered with planted Club Rush. The Club Rush on the Western side are not maturing as quickly as the rest, probably due to poor soil conditions. The weir structures have growth in front and need to be cleared. Standard maintenance, deep pond the Club Rush should stay only on the perimeter. Treat the growth in front of the weirs.
Pond # 26 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: N central horseshoe-shaped pond View above shows beneficial plantings but little grass growth, although #2 shows more. (stormwater system) Pond 26 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Juvenile Pickerel Weed on the perimeter, small algae growth in the interior of the pond. Monitor the growth of the Pickerel Weed, treat for the algae.
Pond # 27 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: N of school property View above and #2 show most of pond surface covered in grasses, #3 is supposed to detail thickness. (stormwater system) Pond 27 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Nearly 100% of this small shall pond is covered with Club Rush. It will eventually cover 100%. Remove the internal club rush mechanically during the dry season. It was noted that this pond, due to its size, is shallow and could become completely consumed by the club rush.
Pond # 28 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: E. of Ayrshire Blvd. @ N stormwater structure View above shows open channel but it and #2 show varying depth of grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 28 outfalls into the abutting wetland and drains south. The pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Most of perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush. Standard maintenance
Pond # 29 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: Behind Cunningham Court Panoramic shows grasses taking over pond, as #2 shows grass growing in control structure. (stormwater system) Pond 29 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Most of the perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush. The littoral shelf on the Western end of the pond has a few Pickerel Weed, algae growth on the shelf. Control Structure needs to be cleared of growth. Keep a 2-foot leeway opening in front of the control structure. Option 1: Manually remove the Club Rush on the Western end and plant the shelf with Pickerel Weed. Option 2: Allow the Club Rush to grow on the shelf
Pond # 30 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: SE corner of Ayrshire/Downan Pt. intersection Photo above is a panoramic of what used to be an open bi-directional pond, now covered in grass except at center, #2, showing pond scum. (stormwater system) Pond 30 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Western end of pond is nearly 100% covered with planted Club Rush, algae growth within open water area. Option 1: Allow Club Rush to fill in all of the pond on the Western end. Option 2: Manually remove the Club Rush and plant with Pickerel Weed
Pond # 31 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: S central pond Photo panoramic above shows grasses fairly consistent in depth and type while the central pond is clear. (stormwater system) Pond 31 outfalls into the abutting wetland and is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Most of the perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush Littoral shelf needs planting Standard maintenance
Pond # 32 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: E side of E main pond #33 View of pond #32 with NE corner of #33 running across top of photo. (stormwater system) Pond 32 outfalls into the abutting wetland and into Pond 33 and is functioning as designed. Pond 32 is also the receiving sump for the large outfall structure that was repaired a few years ago. (aquatic plantings) Shallow pond is 75% covered with planted Club Rush. Option 1: Allow the Club Rush to fill in the pond Option 2: Manually remove the Club Rush
Pond # 33 Village/Street: Ballantrae Blvd. Location: E main pond @ SR 54 entrance Photo above shows offshore grasses but no plantings, #2 shows underwater growth and #3 shows emergence of new grasses. (stormwater system) Pond 33 has the pedestrian trail along the north side. This pedestrian trail is designed at an elevation lower than the 25 year design high water. Pond 33 is connected by culvert crossings under Ballantrae Blvd to Pond 2. Currently, Pond 33 water levels have been elevated several feet higher than the design seasonal high water elevation due to the limited flow going through the Pond 2 outfall. This has resulted in an inability to maintain the grass along the trail, as well as a potential expansion of the aquatic plants. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) North, East and West sides of pond was recently planted by AE with Pickerel Weed. Torpedo Grass, Spike Rush and other invasives are growing on the Northern side. AE has been unable to properly treat because of high water levels blocking access. Standard maintenance as water level recedes. Monitor the growth of the Pickerel Weed.
Pond # 34 Village/Street: Castleway Location: Extreme NE corner of CDD property Panoramic showing beneficial plantings surrounding pond. (stormwater system) Pond 34 is controlled by groundwater conditions and a small drainage basin and has no outfall. This pond is functioning as designed. (aquatic plantings) Pickerel Weed on perimeter are doing well. Small amount of Club Rush naturally growing in the middle of pond. Treat the Club Rush in the middle
Pond # 35 Village/Street: Ayrshire Location: NE of E main pond abutting Ayrshire Blvd. View above shows open center but #2 shows grasses expanding. (stormwater system) Pond 35 was constructed for the conveyance of the outfall from the large drainage structure that was repaired a few years ago. (aquatic plantings) Perimeter is covered with planted Club Rush, small amount of algae growth Treat algae, standard maintenance
Pond # 36 Village/Street: Braemar Location: Adjacent to Pond #17 View of unmarked pond, with #2 showing a weir at end of pond. (stormwater system) Pond 36 is not shown on the drainage construction plans. (aquatic plantings) This pond was not planted with Club Rush, and is not on AE s treatment schedule. Juvenile Pickerel Weeds exist. Begin treating on normal schedule, monitor growth of the Pickerel Weed.