Greetings,
This is my first post. I've been browsing this forum for a couple of years, and I've purchased & read Bob Lusk's Basic Pond Management.
I live on Maryland's Eastern Shore. My property is VERY low, very sandy, and the water table remains very high... with some areas on the property having surface water nearly year round... enough to support aquatic snails, gammarus & other inverts, and lots of tadpoles. The land had been row cropped for many, many years. I'm in the process of turning 8 acres or so into a native grass field and pond site for the enjoyment of wildlife (and me).
I have recently begun excavation of a one acre pond, with a water depth of around seven to eight feet. I have about 1/4 of an acre done. Though the bottom is like beach sand, and we've had little rain, I need to constantly pump out the pond to facilitate excavation. The 1/4 acre can be pumped down, and then completely fill up over nite!
My goal is to enjoy recreational fishing (and a few meals). I will likey focus on LMB and BG, however I've thought seriously about trying my hand a HSB. I would also like to pond to simply serve as an attraction and habitat for various wildlife.
I've been contemplating the benefits of adding an additional 1/2 - 3/4 acre bog to one side of the pond. A shallow, say 2ft, heavily vegetated area to provide refuge for inverts, fry, and forage for the main pond, where heavy predation would be limited. I thought this area could also aid in the removal of excess nutrients from the pond, and increase the diversity of inhabitants.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? Any suggestions regarding design, plantings, etc?
Thanks,
Brian
