Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site 5 acre farm pond - DIY advice!

We met with the NRCS initially. They provided great recommendations, walked the property and evaluated the watershed. In TX their limit is 1000ac watershed. They also only build new ponds. Ours is 1100ac and a renovation so ultimately we did not qualify. Their dam design for that watershed likely uses the Covid death rates models. They calculated a 200ft spillway. We went with the existing 30ft rock spillway and a 50ft emergency spillway. Had a huge flood and it barely went over the emergency spillway.
They can also provide assistance with controlling plants. Cactus and mesquites here. Crossfencing only. Maybe well drilling but we have saltwater.
Ultimately it's a government program. You submit an application and wait. They only make a decision once per year. You can't do anything until approved. Once accepted into the program you follow their instructions and you pay for everything. At some point they reimburse you up to whatever predetermined limit.
They have a annual budget and advised us to submit the application right at the beginning of their fiscal year...more waiting!
It was a mutual agreement the program was not right for us.
I definitely think they are worth talking to. Great ideas, local resources book, etc. Maybe their timeline aligns with your budget!