One of the numerous properties that we researched during our quest for pond-ability had a very similar option available. It sounded exactly as Ga Pond Rook has described his plan. It was located in western Illinois. I really went after the research on this one and spent some quality time conversing with the local NRCS office for that county. The creek that ran thru just below the long thin pondsite had a reputation for being a runner during heavy rain. It was also populated with medium density timber. Furthermore, because of the pondsite's close proximity to this "wet" area, it was determined that the soil hydrological makeup would technically qualify it as wetland, even though it was nowhere near being underwater at any time. Next stop, ACoE. They were helpful and cordial, but were VERY careful to make no promises and told me to expect a number of hoops. I was also warned to prepare other property to dedicate to re-forestation to mitigate the loss of the existing timber in the pond-site zone.
We passed on this one, too.
