As I mentioned on another thread. My NRCS guys were great. He was very upfront about any financial aid. If I put the pond in the woods, it was all my dollars, if I put it in the field it would be seen as erosion control, and he might be able to help. I was in the woods only, so he just changed gears, and tried to help, but without any financial assistance being considered.
I say again, almost all of what he predicted has come true. Minimum drainage to support a one acre pond, and a little too much rock mixed in with my clay to guarantee 100% success.

12 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep.
RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (decreasing), SMB, and HSB (only two have been seen in 5 yrs)
I think that's about all I should put in my little pond.
Otter attack in 2023.