Jim, start with your local NRCS field office. They will come out and look at the lay of the land, drill soil core samples, give an opinion on soil quality, shoot a waterline, suggest QUALIFIED builders, and can even supervise the construction and possibly suggest cost-share programs-----All this service is free, well paid for in taxes.
Look for ponds near your place and talk to the owners. They are often very helpful in answering questions about the area soils and problems to look for.
Beware of some cost share programs and state "free stocking" programs. Some of them can cost you some very valuable landowner rights.
Rainman,
Sound advice. Of which, I have completed each step you mentioned. My problem is that I am assigned out of the area, which means I haven't personally met the soil scientist. I am also not sure the county soil conservationist fully understands my desire nor committment to this project. When the soil scientist & county conservationist went to my farm, I was deployed! Therefore, very little thought and discussion of alternate courses of action occurred during their site survey. I simply had marked and gps'ed my proposed lake site following topo lines and water drainages. I used a 15:1 drainage rule as a minimum standard and picked a sight with nearly 40 acres draining into a 2.5 acre pond. I looked at a site that is down stream 450 yards (roughly) from my neighbor's 1 acre pond that hasn't dropped more than 6 inches during the last two years of drought!
Being a no-fail soldier, I plan to pick up the "perfect pond want one" book and begin researching this problem myself. It may take a little longer, but I will make our dream work! I've accomplished far greater tasks for uncle sam, so playing with dirt, clay and water will be a thrill!
I applied and should be approved for a small cost share construction of an embankment to prevent future erosion and sediment into our local streams, which may cover some of my costs. I am selling some mature timber to clear the pond site and surrounding 10 acres which will also help finance some of this project.
Jim
