THE DIGGER

(Page 5 of 5)

March/April 1986
 
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Of course, nothing in the world of natural stream ponds resembles such a structure. Aletta, Blake, and I didn't hesitate to assemble a simpler digger dam. We bridged the stream with a pair of balsam timbers, anchored the butts with stones, and backfilled the upstream side with more stones. By adding a rim of stones at the downstream end of the pond, Aletta made sure than even in a drought the pond spans 15 feet with four or five feet of water.

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Blake and Aletta are guaranteed a regular catch from the pond in season. And since the pond is cupped at the head of a stretch of water that flows dead south, it gathers direct and reflected sun. Last summer Blake built a sauna at the northwest end of the pond, taking advantage of the sun to supplement the sauna's wood fire. Through all but the deepest freezes the pond stays clear for sauna baths. If their household water freezes up, the digger pond holds a reservoir of emergency water.

"It looks like a backwards dammed pond," Blake said awhile back, soaking under the falls between saunas. "But it sure does work."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Before altering the course or flow of any stream, check with your local water resources agency to be sure you'll be in compliance with the appropriate stream modification laws.

This article is reprinted by permission of The Countryman Press from Earth Ponds: The Country Pond Maker's Guide , copyright 1982 by Tim Matson.

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