Welcome JWF!! Where about in Michigan?
You mentioned a small, but persistent flow to nearby waterways. Are these State waters?
That would be a nice thing to know up front, and is any of this considered a wetland area?
Usually swampy stuff like you have with a spring or two, may have gotten into the database. Every pond around here has.
If it is a classified wetland and/or feeder source to State waters, I would want to make sure! If it is, don't touch it!!!
You'll have to go thru some aggravating BS with people that don't know what the hell they are doing!
I understand that the Gestapo the Mole set up is pretty much disbanded, but would not want to take a chance on the remnants that are in place.