Change in the number of ponds in the Wysko catchment basin in the years 1980-2003 and characteristics of the newly excavated ponds

The article presents the results of analyses of changes in the number of ponds in the Wysko catchment basin carried out in the years 1980-2003 and the characteristics of ponds excavated in that period. Only water reservoirs of an area less than 2 ha were considered. Analyses were based on topographic maps in the scale of 1:10 000 and aerial photographs taken in 1996. The results indicated that the number of filled ponds increased, especially those located in fields and grasslands. However, forest and wetland ponds were the most resistant to the processes of quantitative degradation because not even a single pond was filled during the analysed period. Over 70% newly excavated water bodies were made as an effect of exploitation of mineral and peat resources. However, nowadays ponds are more often created as a result of intentional human activities and are used for fish farming, recreation and as water retention reservoirs used in irrigation of small agricultural and gardening areas.