I'm addicted to this forum, and I don't even have a pond...yet! Closed this past week on 51 acres in eastern KS. Watershed drains approx 112 acres, haven't surveyed pond site yet but nrcs guy says based on topo map should be able to back up 6 to 7 surface acres. Dam site has good clay beneath a narrow limestone shelf. Here is my first question of many.

There is a rock ledge that runs down east side of draw, this ledge will be partially flooded at full pool. I've read the prevailing wisdom in this situation is to excavate and refill with clay. Only thing is the previous owners have a pond across the road that was dug approx 20 years ago, half the pond bank consists of limestone rock ledges, it never goes dry, holds water exceptionally, and it looks really cool too. Is there a difference in the water retention capability of different rocks formations?

Second issue, this will confirm that I'm an idiot. I love those dead timber reservoirs. I want dead trees sticking up out of my pond (my wife told me I couldn't which is additional motivation). Has anyone had a positive experience not cleaning out all your trees in existing ponds. And ya'll don't go hammering me on this one. I've read all the posts on bottom preparation, just wanted to see if anyone has had any luck doing it the wrong way.

My hat's off to all you guys, this is a great forum. Bob's books are great, and I've got to get Nicole her money for every back issue ever published, well maybe not all of them...

If this posts twice please let me know what I'm doing wrong.