DRY TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR PONDS

Plateau Land Use Services has been staying busy these long, dry months by taking advantage of the opportunities brought on by the current drought including planting native vegetation and building fences. The extended dry period is also allowing landowners with degraded ponds the opportunity to recondition them. The best time to conduct pond repairs and expansions is while they are dry. Recently completed projects have included cleaning and enlarging older ponds that had years of silt accumulation as well as constructing new ponds. The process for renovating an older pond is similar to building a new one.

The first step is to develop a plan that includes determining the size of pond desired and the size of pond that the land will support. Soil samples should be taken and analyzed during this step of the process. Accumulated silt can then be removed and stock piled from older ponds at this point. Any of the existing pond liner that will be reused can be excavated and stockpiled also.

The next step is to enlarge and reshape the pond to the size and shape determined in the plan. It is important for the plan to be adaptable during this step of the process as physical and economic conditions can play a role in determining the final layout of the pond. After the excavation has been completed a liner must be installed to seal the pond. There are a variety of liner types that can be used depending on existing conditions and the intended use. Synthetic liners should be installed according to the manufacturer's directions and clay liners should be constructed by compacting the soil in lifts at the proper soil moisture. Excess material that has been stockpiled can now be incorporated into the existing landscape.

The final step of every pond project is to re-establish vegetation that will provide long term erosion control for the pond, the inflow, and the down stream channel. Permanent erosion control is a critical step that will help ensure a properly functioning pond for many years. Temporary erosion control should also be used where necessary during the construction process.

The dry season is the best time for pond construction or renovation. Plateau works on a constructing a new pond, above.

From our customized Wildlife Management Plans to convert your land from an Ag Tax Valuation or Timber Valuation to Wildlife Tax Valuation, to our range of environmentally and financially smart services and products, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management is dedicated to increasing your enjoyment of your land, and helping you achieve your ultimate land vision.