Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam New pond...

I've been reviewing this site for about a year and have really enjoyed it...and learned a great deal. I finally have something worth posting, and will probably have lots of questions. Saturday, I got a letter from the NRCS office says I qualify for interest free loan to build a pond...about time, as I've been trying for 4 years!

I've spoken to 3 reputable guys, and am waiting on the 4th to call. One has been out to the site (only 18 hours after I found the letter - hah!) Actually, I'll probably go with either him or one other guy I spoke to last year, who's REALLY into structure in his ponds. The cost isn't as important to me as getting what I want from this project and trusting the guy...

I realize I'm rambling, but awfully excited and can't wait. Glen (first guy) would like to get this project in within the next 3 weeks, before harvest (he farms, too) but says it might be too dry. He'll have speak to the county engineer today and let me know. Around here, it's all compacted clay dams and he says, "you can't compact dust". Even if you get it to hold, it'll settle a mile when it finally does rain.

Anyone ever hear of this? I'm new to the pond building game, but I really want to learn. If it goes well, I've got 3 other draws on this 50 acres just itching to hold water.

Mine was delayed for 6 months while waiting for enough rain to pack the stuff. I got grass in pretty quickly but still think I lost about 3 ft. to silting.

Regarding the guy thats into structure, Mike Otto says theres a lot of difference in a home for fish and a water hole (or something like that).

Dave Davidson:

This project will end up about 1.5 acres (not huge, but really nice) and about 22-23 feet deep, est. I'm not sure how much "room" there'll be for hard structure (i.e., ledges, humps, etc.) but I need to really clarify with the dirt guys what I'm after, I guess.

I'm not sure what you mean by the loss of depth due to time to fill??? I thought a slow fill might lead to less siltation, but I guess I'll learn...

Luckily for me, the main feed will be about 30 acres of farm ground, but it's all through tiles with terraces, not direct runoff. Plenty of room for a nice buffer area all around. Wife's already informed me that seeding will be "real" grass, and I'm to keep it mowed up real nice. Been planting trees for 5 years, so here's another nice spot for some plantings...just another reason to play around outside with the tractors and other equipment once it's done...

Matt, The area I have my pond on has sandy loam. The sand washes out of the loam and fills in the pond.

If you get it done at this time, you need quick vegetation to cut down on runoff at the dam and sides. Try winter wheat, rye, etc. Bermuda grass in the spring. The roots of the plants help cut down on erosion. Once it inevitably starts, toss brush, rocks, busted bricks, etc. or other stuff in the gullied areas to slow down the water.

Have fun and keep your checkbook handy.

Thanks Dave:

Bermuda won't work here (Eastern Iowa), but fescue does well, and doesn't die back so hard in the hot summers as Bluegrass. Winter wheat is already on the schedule, as is annual rye for a quick start.

If the rain (ever) comes as normal fall precip., then I should be okay. Trying to find an outfit to come in and do the seeding along with straw/mulching at the same time to minimize erosion.

Can't wait to get started...

I didn't realize there was a place outside of the artic that bermuda grass wouldn't grow! Fescue is not the best for erosion .. it grows in clumps & is a cool season grass therefore does not withstand hot weather well. Bermuda is a warm weather grass & doesn't hold up well in cold climates but is a great soil stablizer. Maybe a mix? Rye will sprout in a couple of days with very little moisture but winter wheat is best if you're trying to attract deer.
Ric

Thanks for the info Ric. Already talked to the local ag chem/seed vendor to have him get some winter wheat and rye seed. Guess I'll check into what grasses to use a little more. Just need something to sprout quick for this fall (wheat) then get replaced by something a little more permanent that will grow nicely. I'll ask some landscapers about the Bermuda, but we get some nasty cold weather here in winter and I didn't think it would last here, but I'll find out.

Matt,
Bermuda grass dies off here in winter as well but comes back quick in spring. Makes a thick carpet but is very intrusive .. hard to keep out of flower beds ect. In low trafic areas even the dead grass is amply thick enough to control erosion once established but is easily trampled down in winter if there is alot of traffic.
Ric

@op

Can you explain the 0 interest loan process? Sorry for resurrecting an old threat but that seems really interesting