Open Water Wetlands
Upon completion and at capacity, approximately 14 surface acres of water will be impounded. Most of the area will be very shallow - less than two feet deep. However, deeper pockets are designed to support insect eating fish.
The open water wetlands serves several functions
1. Unique habitat. This is the only area of the wetlands project supporting fish.
2. Attraction for migratory waterfowl. Waterfowl are attracted to landing areas of open water adjacent to shallower foraging and nesting areas.
3. Water management. The impoundment is constructed with a water control structure. Water levels in the pothole bogs can be managed to retard the natural rate of succession and discourage invasive and undesireable plant species, prolonging the viability of nesting habitat.
4. Aesthetics. Our home is nestled in the woods immediately above the pond.
This area of the project requires the greatest amount of planning and engineering.
View from the house. Soil berm outline visible in the distance. Foreground grasslands will be inundated. Below is the area, mid-construction.
Berm construction
Berm construction begins with the excavation of the core trench, six feet below grade. Core trench is rebuilt in six inch "jumps" of structural earth (high clay content), each layer machine compacted for durability and strength.
Berm now built atop the core trench, also in six inch, compacted jumps to the full height above grade.
Sloping sides of the berm are very shallow, no more than 1:4. The gradual slopes discourage muskrat burrowing on the water side and deter erosion on the downstream side.
Continued...