Meadowlark:
Thanks for the input! I have an initial estimate of $2000 from a local contractor for the cleanout of the small pond. Not sure if this will be the one I utilize though. Last time a cleanout was done for one of our ponds was over 15yrs ago when I was a senior in high school. I'll probably have that done late this spring since I have to replace about a mile of boundary fence first. The fence work should be done by March. The dam projects are long term and at least 2 yrs away from groundbreaking at the earliest so I still have a significant amount of time to get information gathered, testing done,etc.
I have an existing pond of about 3/4 acre that is about 100 yards from the creek that would be dammed up. I know that this will have to be taken into account b/c the pond's existing dam will be effected. Not sure exactly to what extent but that will be determined by the engineering survey. I'll have some initial pictures available after the first of the year.