Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions Laws in California

I am considering buying 4+ acres of land in Orland,Ca. The land has an old peach orchard and is irrigated by a canal running across the entrance to the property. I would like to build a 1.5 to two acre bass pond if I purchase it. Two questions what government enity in northern CA do I approach for a permit.(Do I actually need one?) Two is there an enity that subsidizes or supplies grants for creating habitat. I know there are grants through fish and game as to restoring raparian environs but not new habitats.
Thanks
paul DiPasqua [*]

There is not a simple answer to your question. If the canal that runs through the property is part of a water district and the property owner belongs to the district you may only need permission of the district. If you are only going to fill your pond with sheet runoff, you usually don't need a permit. Of course, your pond will dry up in the summer! If you are going to fill from a well, you probably also don't need permit. Just about any other situation will require a permit from the state and at best will probably take a LONG time if you can get it at all. I have heard years and very few permits being issued. Go to the State of Cal web site, you should be able to find the proper agency there to at least ask some questions. Also, you might contact the county Agriculture agent, I,m sure they will be able to help. You should know that the state has been VERY active against illegal ponds in the last year using aerial photos etc. My advice - find a property with a pond and make sure it is legal. Good luck.
Jim