Sam Hopkins wrote:

I think an excavator is your only hope. A lot of places wont let you damn a
water source that passes through your property. Now had it started on your
property that would be another story. If the area isnt big you might throw a
"digging" party. 20 people with buckets going all day is a lot ot earth
moved.


Sam, could you clarify the "had it started on your property" part. My new
neighbor owns the watershed coming into my pond and has been jumping thru the
proverbial hoops to obtain a permit to dam the stream above my pond with no
success. The stream is springfed, with the springs being on his property. I
would really appreciate any input.

To the original poster, Mark. Have you considered a piece of commercial pond
liner, layed across the stream and sandbagged from the back? This could be
lowered in times of high water fairly easy. I have friend who did the same for
his grandkids with success using a scrap piece of liner he purchased reasonably.

jtb