Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Need Input on Pond Site (with pictures - hopefully

Here is the arial view of my 80 acres with the three potential pond sites highlighted. All sites are going to be in the 1 acre range and are going to be an excavated pond. I'm looking for input on picking the eventual site.



My first choice, and where I've dug a test pit is by the barn. I like the seclusion of this site, and know there is a good water source. The downside is heavily wooded, so need to spend extra to clear the site. Also there is no power to this area of the property. Here it is:

[img][/img]


My next choice is at the front of the property by the road. I suspect that my water table is uniform across my entire 80 acres, but would confirm with test pit. I like this site because I can see the pond from the road. I drive by the property almost daily and this would allow me to keep track of any trespassing issues. This site is much less wooded, so I wouldn't spend much on clearing it. I bought the property mainly to hunt on. Keeping that in mind, this site would be the least intrusive to the elusive whitetails that I chase every fall. Another benefit here is that I could get power to the site for areation and a future cabin. Here it is:


My last option is what I call the food plot site. This is a current 1 acre foodplot that I really don't want to lose. It's one of only a couple openings on my property. The benefit here is that it is entirely void of trees. Here it is:

[img][/img]

So lets hear everyone's opinions. I think I still like the barn site as my number one option, but the road is a close second.

I like the barn site as well, not because of any expert opinion or anything, just because it is more secluded. Picture yourself fishing on your pond, personally I like fishing out of our kayak or alum boat, I don't want the sound of traffic or the site of cars while I'm fishing. Our pond is very secluded and I really like that about it. We have only only portion of the pond that can be seen by neighbors (which I intend to rectify through strategic planting). I like the seclusion of your barn area.

Great photos by the way, looks like you have a fantastic property.

Oh and of course the real answer will be have more than one pond.

Not having power at the pond is no big deal unless you plan to aerate. We don't have power (other than solar and the occasional generator) at our place and we do fine. Same with Brettski. Just look Brettski's web site if you want some inspiration, also he knows TON'S about creating a pond site in the middle of the woods.

Brettski's "Liberty Nature Preserve" link

Thanks for the prop's JHAP.
-
Properly placed ponds don't move toward electricity; the power comes to them.
If you can easily keep visual tabs on the road location, so can everybody else.
I like the barn location. It puts you almost 1/4 mile off the county road, so you get some seclusion and quiet. If/when you build a cabin or house to overlook the pond, peace and quiet are very high on the priority list. You already have a primitive road to that point. You can use the barn for pond-stuff storage and maybe convert a portion of it to living quarters (until a cabin/house can be constructed). The creek/river is right there for pumping water, should it be required.
-
Do I recall you mentioning sandy soils? What's the topo?

Yes SW MI definately has a lot of sandy soils. The area is lower, riverbottom soils and completely flat. The soil is classified as gilford sandy loam. The top foot or so of soil is very fine black dirt - excellent soil for my foodplots. Under that to a depth of around 5 feet is what I would call mottled sand, or water sand.

I'm trying to avoid pumping from the river or many of the streams that flow on the border of my property for concerns of the agricultural runoff. I'm blessed with being in an area with artesian, or flowing wells. I put an 1.25" well in by hand last summer to around 40' that flows at 1 gallon per minute. I was thinking that if I needed additional water, I could have a larger well driven next to the pond and have it continuously feed the pond.

In terms of clearing the site by the barn, should I just plan on having everything burned? I was thinking that the stumps could just be pushed back into the woods for wildlife cover.

I'm waiting until the snow melts this spring to have the contractor come out to the property. Anyone want to share a guesstimate of the cost to clear and dig a 1 acre pond?

FYI, I'm modifying a couple of the pics from my original post. Brettski had some wise advice for me. I'll get the new pics up tomorrow.

Do you have a plan for the construction based on soils analyses, drainage, and topography?...or....are you using the contractor to assess the site(s) and provide options based on what he knows of the area for ponds?

I'm leaning on the contractors knowledge in this area. He's been in the business a long time. He hasn't visited the site yet, but will be in another month or so.

I'm curious what impact the leaves from the trees surrounding your pond has caused, if any?

It's too early to see any impact since we are only about 3 years with water (comprised of 2 seasons of autumn leafage). Having a road around one side helps keep some of the leaves out, but I can still definitely see them in the water from being blown in. It will likely take a number of years, but I can see where the leaves will have an effect.

The barn site is the best.
Clearing could be a thousand dollars an acre. The cost of the pond will depend on the amount of dirt you move and where you put it.
Dirt is moved by the cubis yard.

length *width*depth divided by 27 will equal cubic yards

Thanks for the input, you've confirmed that I should go with the barn site as my first choice. Now I've got to get the soil conservation district and possibly the MI DEQ to agree with the location. The proximity to the river, which is a DNR stocked river (brown trout), could be a problem.

Keep us posted on what happens.

Will do.

NonTypicalCPA,

Nice looking place, it also seems like you're thinking the process through well. I can get you a contact if you are interested, he used to work for the NRCS and has retired, now he works for MWHF. He was the original contact that help me get set up for the existing dam installation by my pond, he's a good guy who has been a great source of information for me. Also, where did you get the aerial photos, county office? Are topos also available, I was thinking of heading to the offices to see what was available. Thanks.

Bryan

See the post "Low Area Pond Construction" which is a couple posts below yours...I excavated mine and it cost about $3,000.00 for what's in pictures..Now I have about an acre..Total of around $5,000.00 for everything....Lots of pictures

Thanks Buckbomb.

pm sent