Dirt work or...

[ksgobbler]

Ive got this area that holds shallow water during rainy periods.it actually stretches about 150 yards north to south although ash trees currently inhabit the part in the background. Usually vegetation is tall but earlier flooding wiped it out. Is it worthwhile to use a tractor and box blade to make it a little deeper during dry periods or should I just appreciate it for what its worth. Id like to see some duck usage. The creek just off camera is a major feeder into a 10k reservoir 3/4 of a mile south or me so I do see duck traffic when they are around.

 

[Telemark]

In my opinion it is absolutely worth it, and it's what popped into my ming when I saw the photo. Make it deeper, shove the dirt up into berms, and plant the berms with millet. And do something to help it hold water longer.

 

[Northbound]

Just check with whatever authority may be concerned. Speaking from experience. That said it's often easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Just know what you are getting into

 

[H20fwler]

I'm all for keeping water on property if possible, even if its only a couple feet deep it will benefit a bunch of wildlife. I like Telemark's idea.

 

[buckdeer1]

I agree dam it up on 3 sides put an overflow pipe in dam if you get enough water to over flow

 

[Apple Junkie]

I think it's a great idea KS. Basically, you're creating a vernal pool which is very valuable habitat for all sorts of reptiles, in addition to ducks passing through. If you go through with it, please show us the end result.

 

[Tree Spud]

Ive got this area that holds shallow water during rainy periods.it actually stretches about 150 yards north to south although ash trees currently inhabit the part in the background. Usually vegetation is tall but earlier flooding wiped it out. Is it worthwhile to use a tractor and box blade to make it a little deeper during dry periods or should I just appreciate it for what its worth. Id like to see some duck usage. The creek just off camera is a major feeder into a 10k reservoir 3/4 of a mile south or me so I do see duck traffic when they are around.View attachment 22090

If it is within 500' of a flowing river or creek you can't touch it.

Be aware they probably already have your area on satellite pics so if you make a major change to an area like this they will have it recorded.They have all sorts of historical on your "pond". If this area of your land is classified as lowland, marsh, etc, they are monitoring ... you can't remove soil unless you are permiited to place in a non classified area.

Not telling you what you can or cannot do, just understand that if the DNR, NRCS, or some other dept wants to investigate something you have done near a watershed ... that will be a crap storm you may not want to trade for 2-3 ducks a year.

 

[Catscratch]

If it is within 500' of a flowing river or creek you can't touch it.

Be aware they probably already have your area on satellite pics so if you make a major change to an area like this they will have it recorded.They have all sorts of historical on your "pond". If this area of your land is classified as lowland, marsh, etc, they are monitoring ... you can't remove soil unless you are permiited to place in a non classified area.

Not telling you what you can or cannot do, just understand that if the DNR, NRCS, or some other dept wants to investigate something you have done near a watershed ... that will be a crap storm you may not want to trade for 2-3 ducks a year.

I'm not saying what "should or shouldn't " be done, but from what I gather is that some of the northern states are much more regulated than where we are at. With that said I don't know the codes so do whatever at your own risk ks.

As for your project... I've had great luck with similar situations. The only worry is breaking a clay pan and it stops holding water. We run a disc through it and the drag with the boxblade. Repeat...

 

[Telemark]

The only worry is breaking a clay pan and it stops holding water

If that happens, could he just put some clay down? What about grout powder, as was mentioned recently?

 

[buckdeer1]

Where we are at unless you cut off someones pond supply nobody is really concerned as long as you don't ask someone to test to see if it's a wetland.Thats one thing I learned even if a low area forms in your crop field just fix it don't ask someone form the state to come and look at what it needs.I did that and got lucky that it didn't test positive for a wetland