|
Post by honker on Jun 8, 2018 11:41:27 GMT -6
This is the dike area that also has the spillway to protect the dike if flooding ever occurs. It will be connect to the main pond (in the distance in the 2nd pic) by channel that will eventually fill up.
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 8, 2018 11:46:12 GMT -6
This is the view from the east side looking west at the pond and the dike in the far distance. Like I said still needs work in the perimeter and buffer zones, but gives you a sense of scale when it’s all said and done. The agent was very optimistic with what the finished product will look like in a couple years.
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 8, 2018 12:03:20 GMT -6
Even if the pond doesn’t turn into a waterfowl Mecca it will still be a good habitat improvement over the patch of wet reed canary that sat there before. As an added bonus I have nice pile of spoils to work with in other areas.
|
|
|
Post by wiscwhip on Jun 8, 2018 12:11:00 GMT -6
Are you allowed to "plant" anything in the ponds or around the perimeters?
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 8, 2018 12:28:00 GMT -6
Yes. I am working with them on the planting plan now that true pond dimensions and future water levels have been established. The rough plan is to have cool season grasses and nesting cover on the north side with barnyard grass (wild millet) and smartweed in the shallow perimeter areas. The west side has a high ground peninsula designed in as part of the channel connection that will be willows, native sedges, and grasses. I’m planning on having millet and sorghum in a food plot on the southwest side as well that will taper into the old field area. I’m actually working on a planting map. I’ll post when done.
|
|
|
Post by mnfish on Jun 11, 2018 16:31:38 GMT -6
Cool project! It's going to be beautiful once all grown in
|
|
|
Post by batman on Jun 11, 2018 16:49:24 GMT -6
Can I ask the size and the 'cost' of the pond?
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 12, 2018 9:34:19 GMT -6
Can I ask the size and the 'cost' of the pond? The pond and dike area is just under 2 acres and the buffer zone will be a half acre or so when all done. The true cost out of my pocket for the pond creation was $0. On paper it was a cost share for about $1000, but they “bought” clay and rock from me to cover my costs. I believe it cost the agency $1500 for the excavator. I signed a contract stating I would maintain it for 10 years with no other requirements. The ongoing maintenance expense (burning, mowing, plantings) will be on my dime.
|
|
|
Post by kl9 on Jun 12, 2018 9:35:58 GMT -6
Can I ask the size and the 'cost' of the pond? The pond and dike area is just under 2 acres and the buffer zone will be a half acre or so when all done. The true cost out of my pocket for the pond creation was $0. On paper it was a cost share for about $1000, but they “bought” clay and rock from me to cover my costs. I believe it cost the agency $1500 for the excavator. I signed a contract stating I would maintain it for 10 years with no other requirements. The ongoing maintenance expense (burning, mowing, plantings) will be on my dime. How long was the excavator there?
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 12, 2018 10:28:58 GMT -6
How long was the excavator there? Somewhere around 10 hours total I believe over the course of two days. The USFW agent handled all of that on his end so I didn't actually see the final invoice breakdown.
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 12, 2018 10:36:51 GMT -6
My boys had a good time this weekend ripping up the perimeter of the buffer zone
|
|
|
Post by biglakebass on Jun 12, 2018 10:51:15 GMT -6
Ah now we know what the real reason was for the project. To build your own private mud bog for the kids to terrorize.
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 12, 2018 10:54:34 GMT -6
It definitely was a side benefit. Kept them occupied for hours while I got some work done!
|
|
|
Post by biglakebass on Jun 12, 2018 11:02:24 GMT -6
In a few years, the kids will be doing this in that habitat project. LOLLLL
|
|
|
Post by honker on Jun 12, 2018 12:15:57 GMT -6
LOL that’s my sons dream. I’ll have to show him the pic
|
|