I had pulled a lot of muck and clay out of the pond with my little Kubota, but it hadn't accomplished much other than proving to myself just how detrimental the muck was to retaining what little water we've gotten. After our one good hard rain, retention without the evaporative effects of the muck was evidently much better. There's still a bit of muck out in the center of the water...not for long though.
DSC - 4087 pic before starting with loader
Problem was, it still wasn't anywhere near deep enough...and the work with the tractor was just too slow. My intent was/is to get this pond ready for the rain whenever it comes, so on to the big boy toy. The JD 524K wheeled loader is the ticket, and I'm about six hours into the 40 hour rental. Doesn't look like much in the picture, but I'm happy with the progress.
