Purchased a tract of land. Converting a heavy woodland area to a multiple pond system. The property has many features including flats and rising hillsides, along with a dry creek.

First step was a soil compaction test and a few test holes. Next is a clearing access for large equipment to gain access to the remote sites of the property.

Sounds like things are getting exiting! How many ponds and what size do you hope to build?

Bob right now we are shooting start with 6 ponds. Sizes vary from 1/8 to 1.5 acres.

Wow, that's going to be great! Congrats! It will be fun to keep up with your post.

A few more acres cleared. With the land shape starting to become more visible.

A days rain has slowed progress, but finally got 3 good days of land clearing accomplished. Test holes on the far side will be next.

Looks like things are going well, and really starting to open up.

Well it`s been crazy weather floods and cool temps. Guys are still working hard clearing as much as possible without destroying graded ground. Test hole looked positive. Loads of red clay. We did find two small strips of sandy loam on a west facing low hill side. Should have plenty of good working materials to move over to the poor spot. The dry creek finally has a small flow of water coming through from runoff hills and monster rains.

Really opened up over the past few days. Grading process is starting on some of the hill sides.

It's always nice to see progress on such large scale. Do you have an idea of the shape you want?

If any of those trees are oak, I wouldnt lay them in the water for structure. The tannins kill fish. Been there/done that.

That`s interesting Dave I had never heard of oaks leaching toxins into the water. While I do have tons of white oak, it has all been harvested and the the root balls are either burning or buried. Good to know though for future projects.

Rusto we are seeing the shape of the land and where we need to pull good clay dirt from first before setting anything in stone. We have discussed doing staggered hill side ponds that water excess will drain to dry creek bed in the foothills.