Sometimes forgiveness can be expensive. Lusk's classic story is a guy on a tributary of the Brazos who spent a lot of time and money after the fact to keep from having to tear out his unlicensed pond - something like $8k in postage alone, not to mention lawyer fees.
IMHO, ascertain exactly what you are allowed to do first, and who (local, state, Feds) you have to satisfy before making that decision.