I need to clarify that more than 3/4 of our pond banks were dug straight down with no slope. (This was before Theo bought Mike Otto's book). We did this to discourage cattail growth and to accommodate the field tile that drains into the ponds. Only the dams have slope and the area in each pond that was designated as "beach" for getting in and out. The dams were compacted with a sheep's foot roller that I drove personally. The banks were not compacted. The ponds have held water with no problems. We have heavy clay soil. During last years severe drought, we collapsed and filled all the dens we could find.
Good to hear from you ewest. Your painting hangs proudly in our family room. If Theo was backing up to the edge, I would feel a little better, but due to cattle fencing, it is not possible to do this on most of the edges.
FishinRod: I have a girl friend who increases her husband's life insurance policy every time he insists on doing something stupid. I have not increased Theo's policy, but I have increased coverage on the tractor. I have 46 years invested in Theo, and I can't put a value on that.
Snapping turtle dens that collapse leave big holes that are more than 6" to 10" deep. Theo may raise big bluegill, but he also raises big snappers! Snappers love AquaMax. He has a big one-eyed snapping turtle he named Rex Luscus, that comes in to eat with the fish every night.
