Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site SE Texas pond contractors?

New member, first time poster. I have been lurking around reading for a few months, very informative site, thanks to all who contribute.
I am preparing to start meeting with contractors/ accepting bids on construction of a 4-5 acre pond on my 35 acres in Tyler County Texas (Warren to be specific). Would love to hear of any qualified pond contractors in this area. The pond will be mainly excavation. Thanks in advance.

I don't know if he will work that far south but Mike Otto is the best. He is even writing a book about building ponds. If not maybe he can recommend someone. You can visit his website and send him a email:

http://www.ntin.net/~mikeotto/

I've a 13 acre lake in Tyler county just outside of woodville. I highly recommend you give my contractor a call. He is well known for countless ponds he has dug. Over all experence was very positive. Ernest Fontenberry home 409-283-3302

Thanks for the response LakeL. That's the kind of info I was looking for. I had obtained a list of area contractors from the NRCS Office and Fortenberry was on that list. I'll get in touch with him.

Thanks as well PondsForFun, No doubting Otto is good, but he's a bit far off. I sent him an email for suggestions anyway.

I'll start posting pics for everyone's enjoyment as we progress.

Suggestions from anyone else are certainly welcome.

The least expensive part of building a pond is figuring out exactly what you want it to be. Then, figure out the trade offs, financially and site related, that you can afford and/or live with. Otto can't cover everything that will make you happy.

In a recent PB meeting in Georgia, Mike noticed that almost everyone was dissatisfied with some aspects with their pond and how it was built. That said, to him, that the key was to make sure, in advance, that the owner did their homework and the builder asked lots of questions on just what the owner wanted it to be. Back issues of his pond building articles are available from the Pond Boss office and may be your cheapest source of information.

Donnie Robertson of Robertson Construction did me a great job! He can be reached at 936-298-2151.

SETX,
this thread may be helpful. I have linked it a couple of other times recently for similar requests of guidance. It is chock full of experienced opinions.
pond construction thread
I haven't been on board here very long, but the knowledge crammed into my little brain in this short time feels like years of training. Welcome to the show...good luck and, as always, keep us posted on your progress.

Brettski, I went back and read the pond construction thread. Thanks for the referral.

Lusk said something profound: A dam is a water management tool but a lake is a habitat teeming with life.

That speaks volumes. I don't know whether I'll ever build another one. If I do, cows will be my last consideration.