Brandon,

It seems to me you have two real choices:

1) drain and dredge

2) leave as is and eventually loose the pond.

You are already very close to #2 with only 18 inches of water. It is a tribute to the survivability of LMB that you can still catch some in that pond...nature finds a way.

A couple of thoughts.

1) Convince your "cousin" that he needs a backhoe and small dozer to help take care of the property and then get to work. He can write off the cost of the equipment and can seriously use it on the property.

2) Another thought relative to option 1 above and major surgery...if it was me, I would seriously look for a way to raise the height of the dam and push the accumulated muck into an island in the middle of the pond. That approach may not be feasible depending on the terrain, the availability of good clay, etc. but it is a very inexpensive way to accomplish a pond rennovation. I did one that way myself for very little money...but I also have the backhoe and dozer needed.

I really hope you are able to do something to save both of these ponds...in addition to the joy they will bring, they are a tribute to your "Pa".