Input desired - 03/25/04 11:21 AM
I was wondering how much damage a hillbilly on a farm tractor could do to a creek. I was born and grew up on this 50 acre farm. I have envisioned a small pond (maybe 0.192 acre) behind the house that is fed by a spring flowing maybe 12 gallons an hour all year long. What I'd like to do is clean the area for a dam and then push the clay from the field...this accomplishes a few things...
1) Levels the field
2) Builds a road to that field
3) Makes my pond
I have been reading posts and checking other sources for information...I can't afford a contractor and really can't afford to rent any equipment. I probably can't afford the overflow pipe! I am a do it yourself kind of guy so good ol' Uncle Sam is not an option. I've experienced what happens when the government gets involved with this little bit of heaven...it turns into hell. It was the USDA that told us to plant Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose...we did....and now it has taken over the place. I've worked nonstop for 3 weeks just trying to clear it from a 2 acre field.
As far as compaction for the core trench, I was going to use a huge water tank, fill it and pull it behind the tractor.
There are outcroppings of rock in the hollow where the water would be but the entire area is clay. Will the outcroppings pose a problem?
I have wanted a pond there since I was knee high to a grasshopper. After leaving my beloved home for 10 years to play soldier and an honorable discharge, I'm home. This is my gift to my family for putting up with me for the last 10 years. It's also a gift to myself...
I'll try to get some pics of the place and post them as well...if my camera will start working.
What do you think? Any input from you guys will really help me. JUST PLEASE DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T DO IT!!! I know I'm nuts already so you don't have to tell me that...
1) Levels the field
2) Builds a road to that field
3) Makes my pond
I have been reading posts and checking other sources for information...I can't afford a contractor and really can't afford to rent any equipment. I probably can't afford the overflow pipe! I am a do it yourself kind of guy so good ol' Uncle Sam is not an option. I've experienced what happens when the government gets involved with this little bit of heaven...it turns into hell. It was the USDA that told us to plant Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose...we did....and now it has taken over the place. I've worked nonstop for 3 weeks just trying to clear it from a 2 acre field.
As far as compaction for the core trench, I was going to use a huge water tank, fill it and pull it behind the tractor.
There are outcroppings of rock in the hollow where the water would be but the entire area is clay. Will the outcroppings pose a problem?
I have wanted a pond there since I was knee high to a grasshopper. After leaving my beloved home for 10 years to play soldier and an honorable discharge, I'm home. This is my gift to my family for putting up with me for the last 10 years. It's also a gift to myself...
I'll try to get some pics of the place and post them as well...if my camera will start working.
What do you think? Any input from you guys will really help me. JUST PLEASE DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T DO IT!!! I know I'm nuts already so you don't have to tell me that...