What's a good location for a fish pond?

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We want a fish pond but I've seen so many that are extremely low or dried up. Is there any way to determine where do dig so your pond won't completely dry up? We live in SE Georgia, but do not have clay soil. I understand there is a clay product called Bentenite which can be used. Any suggestions?

-- Marsha (CaprisMaa@aol.com), November 25, 2001

Answers

Marsha:

Contact the Soil Conservation Services Office for your area. They can help you with pond site assessment and potentially even some off- set funding.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), November 26, 2001.


Contact your local soil and/or water conservation group. They can help you with figuring out if your allowed to build a pond and if you are when it would be be located on our property.

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), November 26, 2001.

Marsha, Before we had our pond dug, we contacted the U.S.D.A. Farm Services Agency (formerly Soil Conservation Service) and asked them to come out and assess the situation. They were a wealth of information: told us everything we needed to know and staked out the pond area for the contractor who excavated for us. If you are successful in getting your pond in, there are two things I would recommend (learned from experience): 1. Have the "dam" side of the pond graded so that it is not too steep to mow, and 2. After digging the pond, immediately plant a cover crop (or permanent type grass if the season is right) on the banks to prevent erosion. The FSA field men can also tell you what to plant in your area. I hope you get your pond. Ours is a great source of entertainment (besides attracting wildlife, the grandkids enjoy feeding the fish and a small boat we bought for that purpose) --- also our catfish and perch are almost eating size. Good luck....Pam

-- Pam (pam1@awesomenet.net), November 26, 2001.

Hi Marsha, We had a small quarter acre pond dug in a low spot about 150' from a small creek. I had the county soil and water people come out before we did a thing. For free they designed the pond and gave a list of all the contractors in the area that could build it. The pond was dug in heavy clay and every indication showed it would hold water. But it leaks,a lot. Over 30,000 gallons per day. I've called and talked to many people, but the old timers tell me never build a pond close to a moving body of water. The pressure from the creek some how sucks the water down and out. The county is going to bore some sample holes in the spring (again free of charge) to test the soil. Definetly contact your county agent they are a big help. Please don't let me discourage you. Even if our pond never stayes full,or in my case not even close to being full,we still enjoy all that it attracts.

-- Bob (beccaben@metc.net), November 26, 2001.

This agency seems to change its name about every two years. Apparently, locally, it is now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), November 26, 2001.


I love the Countryside forum! Everyone is so great to share their experiences. And yes, it is called Natural Resources Conservation Service (leastwise in our area/GA). I have a meeting tomorrow and am excited to hear his suggestions.

I know I'll love the pond. We have a small koi pond in our backyard and that is my little bit of heaven, enjoying the frogs, dragonflies, etc. I look forward to having a larger pond for our farm animals and a possible resource for fire control.

Pam, sorry to hear of your water seepage. I've read there is a clay product called Bentenite which is used in irrigation canals. The clay expands in the earth and slows the water from draining out so quickly. Bentonite is available just about anywhere you can purchase concrete. http://www.texasbentonite.com

-- Marsha (CaprisMaa@aol.com), November 27, 2001.


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