http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/html/od-rne/NEhome.html

The above link will hopefully get you into US Army Corp of Engineers web site in Omaha, NE. You may want to do a search from there to find the Office that serves your area.

I have had very little difficulty with the COE in obtaining permits in the past (Nebraska). I don't understand why they would have "Different" regulatory authority in other States? When completing a "404 Application", I have always classified proposed structures as Wildlife Ponds and have had no problems in Nebraska or Wyoming getting written permission to proceed with the project.

Generally it is difficult, but not impossible to obtain a permit if you are going to "place fill" in a wetland. Granted, you are planning on constructing a fill (Dam) across a wetland; however if you can show that the proposed fill area will be "mitigated" by the additional water area created by a dam, you should not have a problem.

You want to have your "ducks" lined up when you visit with these people. Complete the simple "404" permit application and send it along with an attached aerial photo of proposed project and any other pertinant information. It has been my experience that these folks are a lot like the IRS; not much for a sense of humor. Deal with them in a professional way and hopefully you will get your permission papers.

The old saying: " Its easier to get forgiveness than permission", does NOT apply here.

Good Luck,
Ed