Esshup, what if I told you I can get an excavator and a dozer rented for a week for 1200 bucks. What would it cost me on your end for you to come down and dig the pond? : ) I think I have someone who will pay the transportation for the soil to be removed from the property as well so a dump truck wouldn't have to be figured in. I figure it can be dug in 3 days, and as of right now I am thinking about instead of sloping the banks I will just stair step it down in 3 feet increments, that should keep the cost down as well right?