Ponds and Lakes
Introduction
Ponds are vital habitats for many species. Some ponds exist year round, while others disappear during certain seasons. In countries like the UK, many ponds have disappeared due to sedimentation, but by using historical maps, we've been able to locate these spaces, excavate them, and when refilled with water, long-lost aquatic plants have re-sprouted.
Ponds can be protected by removing invasive species, planting protective barriers of trees or smaller plants to prevent run off entering the ecosystem, and so on. It is not recommended to use pesticides or herbicides in or around ponds as these harm delicate species throughout the food web, with aquatic species being some of the most delicate.
Guides & Resources
Europe
UK
Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook "is a resource for a range of range of users including conservation professionals and interested volunteers." ... "The natterjack is a conservation priority and a habitat specialist with very different ecological requirements to the other native amphibians. Hence a section of the handbook is dedicated to this species. The pool frog is currently subject to a reintroduction project and is not covered by the current handbook."
North America
Canada
Alberta
Indicators for Assessing Environmental Performance of Watersheds in Southern Alberta (PDF) This gives general guidance, but doesn't focus much on specific species.