Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Many of you from the Cincy area are aware of the Jefferson salamander breeding pond on Dupont property near Shawnee Lookout.

Some of you may be aware that it was drained recently.

This pond was also a sight where wood frogs had been recently recorded ( a big deal in Hamilton county)
Jeff’s are not endangered by any stretch…but they are not common at all in Hamilton county and the draining of this pond that was known to be an annual breeding site really bothered some of us (myself included). After several weeks of being passed around, I spoke to a plant manager and made some serious progress today. I send a nice letter to follow up, but the phone conversation ended with him saying,
“I really think, no, I’m sure we can make this happen” (repairing and refilling the pond)

So…my question is: Anyone care to help? I want this to happen before February!

I’m going to get some input from Greg Lipps as to how to repair, how much water, etc.

Let me know what you want done and when.

Todd Rosenhoffer

I am not quite sure what kinda help you are looking for, but if I can help in any way I will certainly be there.

Chris

>>Let me know what you want done and when.
>>
>>Todd Rosenhoffer
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League

Dean,

Why and how exactly was the pond drained?!

There are several riverine/bottomland depressions that may hold standing water depending on seasonal climate and precipitation levels in the Louisville area. Every so often, the Ohio floods the adjacent landscape, and fish species are deposited into these areas. These sites are home to tiger and streamside salamander species, as well as other amphibians and reptiles. Even though breeding may not take place every year with the ambystomids, due to precipitation and temperature levels, I have found specimens of both species there on a yearly basis.

Your work to maintain wetland habitats for amphibians is to be applauded, but seasonal pools are just that. This being said, I hope that you are able to see the results of your labors.

Neil

The pond was on the property of a sulfuic acid plant that is just across the street from the county park.

When I spoke to the plant manager, he explained that they actually drained the pond intentionally in the name of mosquito control during the "west nile virus scare" in the summer of 2004. They had no idea of any ecologial impact. They do now.

Anyway...as it is today, the pond will not hold water, regardless of the amount of rain. It gets muddy, but the deep channel they dug does not allow the water to collect. This pond has been one of the few well known annual breeding sites for Jeff's, and even a few wood frogs have been sited there (a very big deal in this county).

I think if this is repaired, just leaving it be will be all that's needed. it should fill from rain water and...hopefully...the critters will return.