In order to dry the area in preparation for recontouring, the marsh was drained in February 2004. Once the area dried, DU contracted with a local land leveling company to remove material with a scraper. The goal was to deepen the pond and give it a more uniform taper.

Work on the additional soil removal began in mid-March. The process was slow as the contractor was hampered by breakdowns and wet weather which bogged down equipment. Soil movement was finally completed by mid April. Material removed was placed on the adjacent refuge farm field where the soil was spread. The resulting pond bottom will provide a wider range of water levels desirable for various aquatic and emergent vegetation which should in turn provide for a greater variety of wildlife species.

We are working with DU regarding the construction of an observation platform and interpretive signs to highlight this project.