Here's a picture that might give a little more perspective to the size of the dam as it is now.
After I mowed the area, I realized that the builder had put in mounds in several locations. At full pool these were probably a few feet beneath the surface.
I'm considering elongating them when I dig. Most of the dirt can be added to the dam, but I like the idea of "fingers" extending into the deeper area.
Dave, I contacted the regional NRCS folks before I finalized the purchase, and was told to wait until I had deed in hand to seek their help. They mainly focus on water retention ponds for agricultural purposes, and don't give advice on pond design with fishing in mind. I need to touch base with them again.
I'll contact Mike Otto. I really need to keep this renovation on the cheap, however, and will probably do most of the work myself...I have 11 furlough days coming over the next few months, so I'll have more time than money. Good advice is generally worth what you have to pay...
