Having a Blast Creating Wetlands

300 pounds of Ammonium Nitrate punching 88 dump truck loads of soil into the air to create potholes near Henry’s Lake, Idaho

 As part of the NRCS Wetland Reserve Program, Rusty Knapp of Superior Blasting pushes the ignite button and four joules of electricity ignite 300 pounds of Ammonium Nitrate punching 88 dump truck loads of soil into the air. It takes moments for the soil to fall, raining down across the rangeland in large clods. The result, a 40 x 60-foot crater in the earth -- the making of a pond for wildlife habitat.

Of course, excavation by means of backhoe can also used. However, landowner John Taft felt that, with seven large ponds to create on his land near Henry’s Lake in Yellowstone country, Idaho, blasting was the most efficient way. Ken Beckmann, NRCS district conservationist laid out the project. He says, “Blasting potholes is nothing new. The technique was used some 50 years ago to create extensive wetlands. This seemed to be a good fit for this landowner.”

Taft wetland after the blast. Grass seeding will heal the soil over time.

There is an art and science to the blasting of wetland ponds. “Timing is what makes the shape.” says project contractor, Larry Voss of Rexburg. “A millisecond delay between charges can create a pond that needs little or no excavation work.” There’s calm after the blast and water begins to fill the pond instantly. Within weeks, all seven ponds are full. The land seems content with its new watering holes. Grass seed is planted to assist in quick recovery.

Some might ask why convert perfectly good rangeland long grazed by lessees into a wetland habitat? “I don’t get pleasure out of cows.” Taft says. “I love wildlife and I’d much rather look out and see ducks, birds and others using this land.” There is a need for variety among wildlife habitat at Henry’s Lake, Beckmann says. “The wetland should encourage those species that might not have another protected habitat or that can’t survive on the shoreline to nest here.”

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Taft’s project also equates to a good investment. He’s left out a 16-acre section neighboring the 300 WRP acres. It’s for his family, who, he says, someday, may want to build here or enjoy the investment of this beautiful lakeside property surrounded by wetlands and wildlife. Taft believes in a balance of profit and enjoyment. Most importantly he says, “We have a responsibility to protect the things we love.” That may be a conservation ethic that will help all the species of concern found here like the bald eagle, native Yellowstone cutthroat, and Henry’s Lake white spruce trees.
Your contact is Kristen Clayton, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 208-522-5137 ext. 112.