Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District office is preparing for its fall pond fish sale — an initiative to advance water quality and support area pond and lake owners.

Orders for fingerling-size fish are due to the district office by 4 p.m. Oct. 4. Pickup will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Species available for purchase include Japanese koi, white amur, largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid bluegill, channel cat, redear sunfish, yellow perch and fathead minnows.

“We encourage people to stock their ponds with fish species that will survive and thrive in our area’s climate,” said Kathleen

Vrabel-Bryan, district administrator for the SWCD.

“Fish are an excellent way to indicate and monitor water quality, and some species even help maintain water quality.”

Orders can be placed with the district office in person at 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown, by phone at 330 740-7995 or by fax at 330 259-1075. Office personnel can provide requirements for pickup and recommendations for stocking.

The Mahoning County SWCD advances best management practices for conserving land and water resources by providing education, technical assistance and stewardship.

Established in 1950, the district is staffed by a small team of environmental professionals who lead efforts in community and school outreach, stormwater control, watershed protection, pond management and more.

The district is governed by a five-member volunteer board of supervisors.

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