The back 35

[Meadowlark]

I note the first day was Dec. 15th, taken a while,

I estimate based on materials purchased that well over 6 miles of barbed wire was strung, over 150 steel T-posts driven by hand, and well over 100 4x6 and 4x4 treated posts each sunk about three feet deep with 60 pounds of concrete in each post hole.

Working alone in winter weather, I'm highly satisfied with the "while it has taken".

 

[Sheal]

Assuming there will be no water intake from another source ie. stream or river, will the pond maintain a reasonable level knowing you're in a dry, hot area?

 

[Meadowlark]

Good question @Sheal...and that is why we go to so much trouble to "core" the pond.

The answer is yes, it will maintain adequate levels for many months without any new water coming in... of course evaporation and cows and whatever reduce the volume somewhat.

I have 5 ponds currently ranging from 1/4 acre to about 4 acres and have never had one dry up or even get so low as to not support fish and aquatic life. The key is lining it with compacted clay.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Your ponds are a lot larger than the little things we make in our English gardens. I had thought about doing mine with puddled clay, naturally there are about two or three inches of top soil, then solid clay. To puddle it you basically have it good and wet and stomp all the air out of it, then apply it to the sides and bottom of the pond about eight inches thick, it's not much different from your 'coring' in principle, but you get really wet and muddy, a summer job. What put me off is that if it does dry it will crack, and is no longer waterproof, and my pond is small enough that one hot summer would probably do that, so it will be getting a butyl liner.

 

[Meadowlark]

Your ponds are a lot larger than the little things we make in our English gardens. I had thought about doing mine with puddled clay, naturally there are about two or three inches of top soil, then solid clay. To puddle it you basically have it good and wet and stomp all the air out of it, then apply it to the sides and bottom of the pond about eight inches thick, it's not much different from your 'coring' in principle,

Big difference in the thickness. I use 2 feet minimum. As I recall, I once researched it and the USDA sets 12 inches minimum for clay...but that is insufficient IMO and actual experience. I've built 5 ponds with clay and one "micro" pond with an EPDM liner...only the "micro" pond leaked. No more liners here, ever.

 

[Sheal]

That's a lot of ponds and area they cover. I presume they need little maintenance?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Hmmm. Maybe I will try puddling it after all, I won't be doing anything 'til summer, just digging out a little more from time to time. Getting wet and muddy is no fun at all this time of year in chilly old England.
Nothing to lose, if it doesn't work I just line it, did you put protection under your liner? Something like old carpet will do it, though they do make stuff for the purpose.

 

[Meadowlark]

That's a lot of ponds and area they cover. I presume they need little maintenance?

Virtually zero maintenance. The cows keep the vegetation down around the outside of the ponds and certain fish (Tilapia and Sterile Grass Carp) keep the ponds virtually weed and algae free inside the ponds all year around.

Fishing and wildlife are the primary benefits from the ponds other than water for the cattle. I raise a good number of trophy Large Mouth Bass in the ponds and that is a most pleasant past time for me and the Family. I'd post some pictures, but someone might protest that its a garden forum

 

[Meadowlark]

That's a lot of ponds and area they cover.

Well, what the Heck here's some pictures...

The first is "Nova" pond the primary fishing pond on the ranch having yielded several LMB over 10 pounds and covers 4+ acres.

Next up "pipeline" so named after the pipeline easement that funded this one...2.5 acres several LMB over 10 pounds.

Third in size but first in tranquility is "Walden" pond covering 1+ acres and has one yet to be caught monster LMB.

The oldest pond and an original on this place covering about 1/2 acre is Methuselah.

The smallest pond covers about 1/4 acre and is known as "Half Pint". It is loaded with tons of small fish that the kids who visit just love to catch and spend hours doing so.

Each of the ponds are about 1-2 feet low due to a lengthy dry period which started last Labor Day. Normally they are brim full this time of year.

 

[Tundra20]

Well, what the Heck here's some pictures...

The first is "Nova" pond the primary fishing pond on the ranch having yielded several LMB over 10 pounds and covers 4+ acres.

View attachment 112641
Next up "pipeline" so named after the pipeline easement that funded this one...2.5 acres several LMB over 10 pounds.

View attachment 112642


Third in size but first in tranquility is "Walden" pond covering 1+ acres and has one yet to be caught monster LMB.

View attachment 112643

The oldest pond and an original on this place covering about 1/2 acre is Methuselah.

View attachment 112644

The smallest pond covers about 1/4 acre and is known as "Half Pint". It is loaded with tons of small fish that the kids who visit just love to catch and spend hours doing so.

View attachment 112645

Each of the ponds are about 1-2 feet low due to a lengthy dry period which started last Labor Day. Normally they are brim full this time of year.

beautiful !!!!! wish i had a pond that size here but i do fish alot

 

[Sheal]

Well, what the Heck here's some pictures...

Well, it is your thread.

Wonderful! Thank you for showing us the ponds.

 

[Meadowlark]

beautiful !!!!! wish i had a pond that size here but i do fish alot

You are blessed to live in the "Natural State".

 

[Meadowlark]

Today, I journeyed to town to purchase three entrance gates to "the back 35". Just basic farm gates made to last and function a long time.

Hanging the 12 ft gates alone is a bit of a challenge but I've learned how to use aids...

Next project: planting grass seed

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Nice and square, pretty damn good.

 

[Meadowlark]

Nice and square, pretty damn good.

Appreciate that coming from you...although no pictures your descriptions are indicative of good workmanship.