Mac:
Whatever you build and where ever it ends up, keep the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) folks in the loop. They're a division of USDA and, while some have had less than stellar experiences with them, all the folks I've talked with over the years have been great help.
They came out and surveyed my property several times (FREE!) to help me decide exactly where to lay my ponds. 50% cost share on one and 10 yr interest free loan on the other...
They have their hands on the federal "money bag"...i.e., they can steer you towards many sources of federal cost-share funds. Granted, the bag ain't so large right now, but things change every year.
Welcome...from Iowa. Ponds are a blast!
