Pond Uses, Site Selection, Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Erosion Control
Exposed surfaces of the dam, spillways and any other disturbed areas should be
protected by planting a good grass cover. The same mix suggested earlier for the top and
sides of your dam is also appropriate for other areas around your pond. Protection from
wave action can be achieved by installing booms to absorb the majority of the force of the
waves. These are a single or double line of logs floating approximately six feet upstream of
the dam. Riprap can also be used for this purpose. Riprap is a loose assembly of rocks used
to line the shore of the pond and protect it from wave action. The rocks should be large
enough not to be moved under the force of the waves. The riprap should extend from
approximately two feet above your pond’s water level to at least two feet below the lowest
expected water level.
Inspect Your Dam
Fill in any holes in your dam with compacted material and re-seed the area. Be sure
to keep the spillway clear of any debris. Watch for animals burrowing into the dam. Poultry
wire fence can be layered flat on the slope of the pond above and below the proposed
waterline to discourage burrowing animals such as muskrats. When the slope is seeded the
grass will grow through the fence and it will not be seen, but the fence will be protecting
your slopes.
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