Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations NRCS...useless!!!!!

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. After a little time I do feel somewhat bad for starting a dog pile on the NRCS. I know there are many good agents out there. My dirt guy is A1 and comes highly recommended, so I have a lot of confidence in a successful project.

So my new philosophy: Less government, more pond.

Joe

That's my philosophy also.

I would strongly suggest you contact your congressman/woman's district office. As a former staffer myself, I can tell you that they (members and staff) live for this kind of "constituent services" stuff -- and remember, they're up for re-election every two years!

As a side note, I've got a terrific NRCS agent! He has been instrumental in a number of projects on my property. I've learned a lot from him...

Dan

AHhh I must be in a nasty morbid mood, but what say you dig the pond a few feet deeper than you need then get your local NRCS person out there and burry him in the extra few feet of the pond.

Then he will always be working on your pond!!!! Also provides good fertilizer since he seems to be full of it!


Only problem seems to be actually getting him out there.

Please do not let one or two bad employees change your opinion about an entire organization of thousands of employees. My local NRCS people went above and beyond the call of duty to help me survey, design, and find good contractors for my ponds. They cost shared it as well. They had certain standards but were more than willing to add my ideas into the design.

The guy that helped me with mine has since retired, but he still offers guidance and volunteers his time helping people with their ponds.

This has nothing to do with politics - good grief. Sorry, but bragging about voting "red" right now is somewhat comical. Writing to the manager is a good idea. If that doesn't work, go to a regional manager - that may do the trick.

In any case, please don't get the impression the NRCS as a whole is representative of a couple individuals. If you end up with someone helping you like I did, you will quickly change your mind about the organization.

Less government, more pond. Less work, more pond. Let's hear it! MORE POND, MORE POND, MORE POND!!! (as the crowd goes wild....)

My Congressman was very helpful in my situation. Silly me, I made my best attempt at following the rules. Problem is, there are no rules. It's totally up to each district.

This is apparent by reading this thread. You either love 'em or hate 'em.

We built our pond last summer 2006 and the Tama county IA NRCS folks were just wonderful. I know a lot of people who could have helped me through it without the NRCS, but since we were removing CRP land to build the pond I was concerned about following all the rules.

If that's not a concern, I think just having experienced pond people and PondBoss around to help - that's all you need!

Hey IA Daughter...tagline says you're from California? What gives? Congratulations on the pond...NRCS in Louisa County (IA as well) has been nothing but helpful for me as well. Hate to see other folks get less than stellar assistance, anywhere.