Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Entertaining the thought of a Farm Pond.

I currently reside on a 9 acre parcel and am looking to research what it would take to place possibly a 1/2 acre pond on my property. I have recently planted many (2500) trees and bushes and am my first year of prairie grass (big bluestem etc. I am located in central northern illinois. I am on a parcel that has been rated as highly erodible soil but there are hills and a very good location for a pond behind my home. Withstanding all of the issues of hitting rock and having to bring in clay if necessary, I am wondering where to start. Or, more directly, can anyone recommend a reputable pond builder. The area I am considering has good runoff but that could also be a factor in my erosion. No water currently stands in this area but the weeds always seem to be more healthy and the soil appears more moist than other areas of the farm. Any advise on getting started would be great!

I have added a couple of photos of the area i have to work with. No tree removal will be necessary, should simply be moving dirt.

Thanks, Doug

Hey, Doug, welcome to the Pond Boss forum! Great to have you here. You're definitely starting out the right way by asking questions before digging. One great resource is a book written by Bob Lusk, one of the forum's owners, called "Perfect Pond - Want One?" You can get it on the site's online store by clicking here.

We have a number of IL residents on the forum including some tremendous fisheries professionals. Sit tight and wait for their input. Again, welcome!

I fully echo Todd.

Im on my cell phone so I am kind of limited.

Start with a call to Herman Brothers in Peoria. Google them for a number. If they cannot help, they will provide very reputible advice.

Another question that i am trying to figure in a worst case scenario. I am on top of a hill along an old riverbank of the Rock River. The area in question is at the bottom, in back, as seen in the above photos. So long as i do not hit bedrock, assuming there may be a sandy bottom, what is the best option, cost efficient of course, for a base. Bentonite, or natural clay.

In my area of Northern Indiana clay was a less expensive option than a liner. Both were too expensive for my pocketbook, so I have to live with a pond that can fluctuate 3' to 5' in water depth.