Another tundra person, ya man. I am not an expert about soils and digging but I do have a few contacts that are (20 plus years). These guys helped me design and construct my ponds which are also dug outs. Where in the state are you located? Maybe I can help?
FYI- Wetland manipulation is a hot button in MN right now and has been for quite a while. To permit or not permit is the question. Almost always, dirt removal from a wetland would need to be permitted (assuming they will even issue a permit). I can tell you from others experiences be carefull if you don't pull the correct permits. Make sure you know your neighbors real well and make sure the spoil piles are gone and completely reclaimed as fast as possible. A friend of mine created a beautiful 1/2 ac pond without a permit last year and one of his jealous neighbors turned him into the county. He went to court and got very lucky as it only cost him $1,000 in fines!! It could have been much worse. The judge could have made him fill it back in, reclaim the soil with wetland plants, and pay the $1,000 fine.
