Oasis south of Odessa

 Lincoln County, near Odessa


Tail-water recovery pond benefiting wildlife habitat


Lee Jasman, agricultural producer, Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).


Limited food, water and cover for wildlife in 9-inch precipitation area of southwestern Lincoln County.


The Conservation Reserve Program administered by FSA, along with Conservation Technical Assistance provided by NRCS, was used in creating the wildlife area.  A shallow water area for wildlife practice was implemented to reshape existing irrigation tail-water recovery pond into an improved wildlife habitat area with over 600 plants of ten different suitable species for cover and shade.


Lee envisioned more than just a barren pond to recover irrigation runoff for reuse.  Lee was interested in improving his irrigation system with upgrades and applying irrigation water management to increase efficiencies.  The extra bonus is increasing wildlife habitat and beautifying access to his farm.


For the last 15 years he has maintained a little oasis for wildlife on his farm south of Odessa. He has been surprised with the diversity of wildlife using the area.  As expected are numerous birds, deer, and other mammals, but he was surprising to see the turtles and frogs that moved in. He maintains the area by periodic pruning, spot spraying, and minor pond shaping.


Jerry Robeson, Soil Conservationist Technician, (509) 725-4501 ext.113

NRCS, Spring 2008

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