I have thought about putting a small pond in on the one corner of the property that is level. However, it might require taking out several really nice oak trees.

It is hard to replace those oak trees and they may be providing a good food source for deer, turkey and many other wildlife.

The pond is also important as a water source and maybe even some wood ducks might visit. Plant some Mallard Millet around muddy edges if you do develop the pond.

I would really think this decision through. If at all try to minimize the impact to the oak trees. Can you design the pond around and through the oak trees in an irregular pattern that will still leave the oaks? Is there another location possible for the pond?

Tough decision.

Land DR

That's the only realistic spot for the pond. There arefew other marginal spots, but the problem there is nice hickory trees.

Might be able to design the pond in a zig zag pattern. But it still might be touch and go in terms of tearing up the root systems of the trees. Of course, you said the magic words "wood ducks," though

I provided consulting design and oversite for a property near Pawling, NY where we excavated in around the oaks and other hardwoods to create some really great ponds. It was exciting to see the waterfowl use and also the numerous frogs and other aqutic life.

Watch the roots...but you may find that as long as you are not exposing them to air, they might do just fine. I have seen roots exposed along river banks or gravel pits where the oak tree is stressed on the one exposed side but continues living...not recommended but just an observation.

If you can move in and around the trees I think you will like the results.

One other thing, we installed small berms and an elevation control in the ponds near Pawling just to hold back a little more water and to have draw down control. Simulated draw downs, like droughts, can be very healthy for the more beneficial plants and invertebrates...not completely dry but lowering and then allowing nature to recharge the pond.

Keep us posted and post photos of your project. There are alot of interested people out there that would do just as you are.

Land DR

I purchaced 141 acres in central PA last year and have enrolled it in the forestry stewardship program. I am being told by the DCNR and the state foresters that there is no money for private land improvement currently as the feds have cut them off due to the war, etc. I'm not looking to make money, just reduce some of my out-of-pocket.

There are over 350 different programs available for landowners! It is amazing. What is even more amazing is trying to find it and get it.

I have tried to work through many of the FSP in my state and other states and I almost always get the same answer. I still ask but I pretty much expect the same. Great program but understaffed and underfunded.

I have also found that foresters that know alot about wildlife and food plots are not common...geniuses at forest management though and that is what their job is. With this in mind you often get excellent advice on timber management and harvest assistance which often leads to some cash income. You can use that cash to subsidize your habitat efforts.

However, you don't need a forester for that either. There are several private companies that will come out and visit with you, review your property and give you a proposal for harvesting some timber. Check around, ask for references and make sure you have a good one...there are some out there that will tear the heck out of your property and leave you with a bigger mess. Others will leave it like they were not even there except for the good log paths and cleared areas that you can now plant to food plots. Make sure you have the $$ part worked out in advance. From experience, I have generated $1,600 to $120,000 in timber sales for my clients. This is all dependant on the type of trees you have, maturity, access, and number.

There are also a host of other programs out there. Call you local NRCS office and ask about the WHIP program. We have used this one to cost share clearing, site prep and seed for areas like yours. There is annual allocations of these dollars but they do run out fast. Send me your county and State and I can send you the contact if needed. Send info to [email protected] and I will forward to you.

There are many other programs as well. Also search out your local conservation turkey and deer groups as they often have some funds. Although it is often not much, it can help.

Good luck!

Land DR

Oh...forgot to offer a free look at the property. If you send me the address of the property, I will send you an aerial photo overlaid with a soils map. Highlight the property lines and then send back. I will then do a quick review and see if there are any other programs available.

A previous person did this and there were a couple of good options that I pointed out that can generate some income and cost share along with the enhancement opportunities.

Land DR