You're braver than I am if you are willing to do that. I hated having to walk through that stuff while cruising timber up there this last summer. There are all kinds of seemingly bottomless holes mixed in that stuff. Better have someone nearby with a rope attached to you to pull you out! ...and I wouldn't even bother with the waders, they'd just be a hinderance.
As with any wetland area, you'll need to get permits from the Corps of Engineers before you start shoveling stuff around there.
Why is it you want to do this, just for easier water access?
ORIGINAL: andrgo
ORIGINAL: Dan O.
As for the swamp, if you want water you'll need to dig it out.
Thank you for your post and advice Dan, I appreciate it.
What do you think would be the best non-bulldozer way to dig it out? With a shovel and some waders, a post-hole digger, or something entirely different?