Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Woodland Spring Pond Construction

I have a "major" spring that runs through my wood lot. It always has some water in it (even in the dryest years), is very shallow, and the water is cool. Is it possible to excavate, dam, or build a digger pond in such a habitat? I already have a nice little 1 acre LMB/BG pond. It would be great to also be able to manage a trout population. I think this is all Cecil's fault. Have you seen the size of those brook trout!

I have attached a picture of the spring and a topo of the area. This just popped into my head so I have not done much research. I dont know much about the soil, flow rate, etc. Feel free to offer hypothetical answers. I think this will be an interesting topic to discuss regardless of wethor my site is suitable or not. Thanks!

Jayman,

From the contour map and picture provided, it appears as if you have sufficient slope to incorporate an impoundment pond versus an excavated one, which may end up being the cheaper of the two as far as construction costs. Having said that, with a flowing stream to deal with during construction, you might be looking at some type of coffer dam to divert the stream during construction. I have zero experience in dam construction so take these comments on their face value.

You touched on one issue that I think would be key and that is the soils, especially depth to bedrock. If you had adequate soil depth that would allow you to construct a proper keyway and dam I think you could end up with a nice trout pond, one that, after all my hard work typing out this reply, would be happy to help you fish. Then again, if my memory serves me right, your first pond is one I wouldn't mind having for a lawn ornament!

The permitting process (DEC stream classification) is one item you'll have to do some homework on (or not). Your location says western NY so I'm curious to know what type of critters you have around your area. If you do construct a dam and have beavers/muskrats move in, you'll need to police the activities of these residents. If present, otters would look at a trout pond with happy thoughts. A search on this subject will yield the opinion that they are not welcome at all to most fish raising pond owners.

The best part about this new project is that you'll never have a dry hole by the looks of that stream.

Keep us posted.

Holy Smokes, is that a valley or what? Jeesh, Johnny Appleseed would get leg cramps!

Russ,
Thanks for the reply. I am thinking that the pond does not have to be large nor deep. In fact several several smaller pools attached by ripples would probably be the ideal habitat. Perhaps this is more stream manipulation than it is pond building.

Brettski,
Yes, this is pretty common terrain in my area. Beautiful to look at and good for the cardiovascular system. It really kills the cell phone signal though

JayMan...
I just popped into your web-page. You have it all whipped with that mountainous background....outstanding...awesome! I need you to post the same pic that you showcase your page with (first), but taken when the trees are in full color. You better have one, dude.