I seem to recall reading somewhere the government used to provide incentives for folks to dig ponds on private lands. Does anyone know the history or know of a source they could link me to? I've struck out digging around on the internet.

Really it wasn't that long ago that they were providing incentives in the form of subsidies...and some counties may still do it.

I checked into it thoroughly several years ago when building a pond myself and my conclusion was that the subsidy was not worth the loss of freedom associated with it. By that I mean, you were required to conform to certain restrictions, allow state inspectors, and the worst of al allow the public in to fish your pond...NO THANKS!

I suggest you check with your County Agent to see if the program continues and for any history you are interested in....but watch out, nothing is free and freedom has its own value.

The NRCS used to have a program but, I'm told that it has been discontinued. They did my large one on a cost share basis.

Larry, I didn't have to jump through any hoops or let the public fish. They dropped in once a year for 5 years and then they had no involvement.

Dave, Another thing that caused me to refuse their involvement was the study they performed on my site. While under construction, they came out and did an "engineering" study and then proclaimed that my 5 acre pond would never hold water, would never fill up, and would go dry every summer. No kidding.

Long story short...the pond filled quickly, has never been dry in the 10 years or so of its existence and has no significant leaks. I hope that was not a typical experience with the NRCS.

I'm aware of some instances where property owners have had positive experiences with NRCS. They have laid out the pond, shot the elevations, and offered advice. And, in some situations where certain criteria has been met, provided financial assistance - the size requirement for such a pond was usually limited to about 1/2 acre. However, my experience with the local office in my NE Texas county was dismal. I really can't think of the proper descriptors to adequately describe just how bad and useless the involvement that the NRCS office in my county provided when I requested their assistance on a pond project. I won't get into the details, but the most endearing remark that I can say about them is that they were totally useless and a complete waste of time. I knew I could have something nice to say about my experience with those guys.