My not do agains? I'm not sure I'd call it that; but I'd definitely change the order. I'd clean out topsoil first. Build sediment pond dams next. Then I would start working on the primary dam. I'd make sure the island was level, gazebo / etc. built and located on the island, and do contouring (ledges, underwater humps, ridges, etc.) and all that prior to completing the dam. For a long time, I really, really kicked myself for not putting a pipe with a drain valve through the bottom of the dam. Many times I still wish I had done that, but I'm no longer kicking myself about it. I think I will still do a drain valve / pipe on new smaller ponds, but it would have entailed additional risk ond a pretty big dam...

There are still a lot of things I'd like and intend to do when I have more discretionary time and money. At some point, you have to sit back and tell yourself it is very nice even if it isn't "perfect". Besides, I've almost come to realize that the planning and improving may almost be the best parts.

[Linked Image from i108.photobucket.com]