I'm in S.E. Iowa, and just had a 1.75 acre pond constructed (finished just before last Thanksgiving). NRCS office was very helpful. Designed it for free, gave me some names of various contractors they had worked with (no recommendations, but had a few private "by the ways..." about some) and they'd be happy to work with anyone I chose. Ended up finding my own after watching his son build a magnificent pond previous summer.No "permits" required, as private land, no impact on navigable streams, etc., etc. Over 20' (I think) from original soil level to top of dam might have required a permit from Corps of Engineers, but that was easy to avoid, because we stayed at 18 feet. I still need 5 feet more water, but it's filling nicely... One thing to remember: if there's any "feature" you want (humps, ridges, particular overflow tube, water line through the dam for watering livestock) just have NRCS put it in the spec/design sheet. It then becomes part of the package to be bid upon. I had 4 contractors look at the project and went with (surprising to me, anyway) the guy who was second HIGHEST, but still within budget. He seemed to be more interested in giving me what I "wanted" as opposed to exactly what the design sheet spec'ed. He then included my wants in his bid (beach, water line, GIANT cotton wood removed, then placed back in the water for structurre). The others...well they would've built to spec, but maybe not as cool. I'd be happy to talk more, but this is getting pretty long-winded...sorry. Matt Clark
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