Unclogging HUGE Dam That Has FLOODED Property for Years

[@grant8653]

Am I really going to watch a man unclog a swamp by hand for 20+ min? Yes I am

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@stefaniehamilton3932]

Same!

[@3sasky]

Take it your not a fan of post10 , we’ve sat for hrs on his crusade against the beaver & dam destruction

[@grant8653]

@@3sasky This was actually very first video I had ever seen. Never seen video like it I assume it came as a suggestion due to the amount of bushcraft and offgrid reclaim builds I had been watching.

[@GrayeGoose]

@@3sasky LOL, I watch post10, too. I think his latest video is over 2 hours, LOL! Love them all, though! this is the first I have seen this channel and I can't help hearing post say that he would never wear full waders, LOL!

[@ywc378]

Nothing beats the sight and sound of running water. Well done sir!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

You got that right! Thanks for watching!

[@DBAllen]

Except for when you need to pee.

[@mbflip21]

You must be 0% beaver

[@glennwall552]

Cripes old mate your going to rip it up why you hate the place keep it up till it totally fked cripes get learned on land learning first FFS Vandal some one fixed it before with all those chainsaws.cut logs. Light lite yet! White Fella thinking domination control all wrong.

[@nathanscott7910]

It's amazing what one man can accomplish with nothing but a shovel, saw, able body and determination.

[@RichardSmithers]

Amazing how all the logs were conveniently already cut into small pieces so you could move them. 😁 Seriously, good job and satisfying to watch.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Hey thanks for watching! More to come!

[@gregthomas2904]

Yeah, and no wood chips anywhere, llol😀😀😀

[@danno7466]

Very precise beavers

[@estelleschneider9033]

A lot of good fire wood.. Good Job..👍👍

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

That was quite a nice wetland frog bog you had there. I bet there are a lot of diverse species of plants and animals in there. at least 5 kinds of mosquitos, my guess. Seasonal flooding areas are rich nurseries for many species of birds and amphibians. Did you notice the frog songs quit about the time you got half way down the slough. Looked like most of the obstructions you cleared were cut logs someone left as they fell.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Trying to get this water moving so it doesn't cause a crazy breeding ground of mosquitoes. With all the rain weve received in the Midwest lately, if I don't do something I'll need a boat to get around on my property soon! Thanks for watching!

[@Helen-mh8mq]

All the frogs would eat the mosquitoes

[@Raven-qj8xk]

@@hurstyoutdoors Thank god it wasn't beavers! You have to shoot those critters else they wreck the whole area!

[@theladyisabelle]

​@@Helen-mh8mqI don't know what kind of frogs you have but I live in a very wet area like what he is working on...I know the are frogs and toads but believe me...they don't eat enough mosquitoes to make a difference...

[@sonicclang]

​@@Raven-qj8xkoh my god. Beavers don't "wreck whole areas", they restore waterways and land. This is absolutely backwards.

[@RetiredCasper2023]

Back breaking job! Somebody has got to do it. Well done! Finding that drainage ditch was a goldmine. Be safe most of all!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Total gold mine! Once I found it everything could drain and get back to normal. Thanks for watching!

[@nikolajskrabelj4503]

Young boy , brilliant work .

[@Immortal-Headcase]

I used to work as a groundskeeper on a historic woodland estate here in the UK, part of which was built on ancient marshland, we pretty much had to do this at least once a year in summer to drain the clog of debris that built up, so many dead leaves! The tannin in the water stopping them from rotting away. Then having to re-dig a channel to a river with the Kubota, my god I could smell it again as I watched you.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

That's really cool, could definitely learn a thing or two from ya! It's a unique earthy smell that's for sure! Thanks for watching and feel free to share it out.

[@FIGSTER9]

Actually looks like lots of fun.

[@staylor5687]

A LOT of hard work, but a very satisfying video watching the water repeatedly pick up speed as you clear the path. I know you felt super good when the work was done!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Best feeling ever!

[@farminginthehighlands1205]

I started working on my ditch problem but I never thought of actually going into when the water was high. When it gets warm enough I think I am going to try your approach. Keep up the good work!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks! Good luck on your ditch, nothing waders and sheer will can't solve!

[@auroraborealis6009]

I wish you could fix my useless dam! Years ago someone built an earthen dam on the property because it was a low spot and a stream ran through it in the past. Now all it gets is gross runoff water from the road and runoff water from surrounding property. Hasn’t been a stream in decades. The water never stays and it’s always gross.

[@glennwall552]

Don't you'll lose all your soil and cause damage to your land. First figure out how often it floods then work out how much.doil you want to loose. As you see those logs was cut by chain saw as a rehabilitation project. Swampy ground ok it does lots of good filters out compost builds soils. Fast flowing does the opposite I'm 70 yrs old now and learned before I did anything studied the land zoned it own 105 acres and it's health and good though a.22 year drought and three floods. All good got most of the boofhead up the roads soil and tank earned him but he's like old mate here lol

[@clairepenny401]

I’m seeing a terrific amount of cut logs (those straight cuts are not from breakage or decay) being moved, undoubtedly human intervention has once again created an unnatural flood plain. So nice to see you working hard to clean things up, and save those trees from all that water. ❤

[@LJB103]

I thought the same thing, only I wondered if he had previously scoped out this area and cut them himself.

[@AndrewAMartin]

@@LJB103 He's not showing the cutting in the video, but it's obvious that he's doing a lot with a chainsaw...

[@LJB103]

@@AndrewAMartin He actually talks about this in the second "check-up" video.

[@davidpalmer9740]

He cut all of that so he could move it, didn't you notice the root cut off at the very end? Nobody came in and ruined the environment, have you ever been outside in the woods? SMH😅😂😂

[@clairepenny401]

SMH 😂 really?

[@sheilarowan8664]

I never thought that you would get rid of all the mess and have running water well done fantastic job ❤❤😊

[@ssbf1095]

I find these videos incredibly satisfying! Used to play with dams and such when growing up where there was plenty of water (PA)!

[@michaelbranham5854]

Wont have to worry about it long after a few seasons, the runoff wont settle and refill the ground water, and the whole place will dry up. And 50 years from now someone will save the place and restore the ground water so it will be green again. Places such as that are what holds and allows the water to work itself into the ground and slowly be released back into the streams.

[@SlickBubbles]

Notice that he didn't dig down? He didn't create a new ditch. He was just trying to remove the excess surface water which appears when his (expanded) pond overflows. Without doing that, many of the trees would die off and there would actually be far less groundwater in the future, once the sun was glaring down on the treeless soil. That land will still see some pooling of small amounts of water doing it the way he did.

[@sonicclang]

​@@SlickBubblesnope. This is wrong.

[@Merc89PSU]

​@@SlickBubblesthe water is going to rush away, this will increase erosion.

[@tiffanymorgan1059]

Awesome work! Might be worth taking a rake with you? For the leaves and such you’re bending over and tossing. It’s what my sister and I used to clear the creek in our backyard after big rains 😊

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks! Yea definitely need to bring a sturdy rake next time!

[@ltpls1]

Streams are met to move sediment. Toe wood does create shelter for fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Leaving some wood in the water is beneficial.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Good to know, appreciate it!

[@denniskazich7559]

Great job. Doing it by hand didn't damage landscape. Worth it.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@jmcoloma1083]

Great job! I'd rather be there with you helping unclog that forest than here laying in my bed watching videos.

[@PabloMelendez1969]

I can't help but wonder if the blockage was set on purpose by a previous owner. Maybe this could be done to create more amphibian habitat or to help replenish ground water.

[@Jfantas]

Could be yes. It absolutely does both those things.

[@earlschandelmeier751]

Honestly it looks to be everyday common tree and leaf fall not intentional blockage.

[@sukhmandeepsingh757]

Does anyone noticed that tree stumps was precisely cut , seem like it cut by machine

[@DustWolphy]

​@@sukhmandeepsingh757 he cut them so he could remove them.

[@TheGrowingGardner]

The cut logs look like they were purposely placed in the way.

[@susannesteinbock1639]

I love the way you work, intelligently, systematically and fast!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks! Was a TON of work but glad it's done!

[@heathermacdonald1758]

Awesome back breaking work and you did it while complimenting nature.😊

[@Okanoggin]

I'm a tourist to your channel so I don't know context here, but, these kinds of wetlands are increasingly rare habitats for a lot of animals. The ability to dam it up and have those wetlands can be rare but if it's land you're wanting to reclaim that makes sense.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for stopping by! Totally get what you're saying which is why I had the pond doubled in size to have even more wildlife benefit from it!

[@Okanoggin]

@@hurstyoutdoors Very cool. Good on ya!

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

I like your low impact approach ♥ I suspect the blockages occurred over a decade or more. Walking the drainage once or twice a year will be adequate to keep the channel open.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Totally agree, now that I know it's clear, I'll check on things a few times a year and not have to deal with this issue again. Thanks for watching!

[@gmoffat70]

Disagree. A better long term solution is needed.

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

@@gmoffat70 I suppose you envision a straight line trench approximately 6 foot wide and 4 foot deep with all vegetation removed at least 12' on each side?

[@annedunstan1171]

You did such an amazing job. Back-breaking work.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Hey thanks! Was tough but a great workout 💪

[@barbarakamiyama6643]

It’s very satisfying to watch the waterway being freed up so that that water can go where it belongs. So many trees have been obviously chopped down but no effort made to clear the debris. Love seeing the restoration! Nice job… let’s see more of it!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Appreciate it!!!

[@jamesmiller210]

I hope you make a part 2 so i can fast forward through that as well.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Have a few follow up vids to this one too!

[@lindastevens6861]

New flood down the way😮

[@camel1945]

So nice a little creek in the forest thanks!!

[@melstead7937]

Awesome job! Interesting to watch as the flow got better and better. I have enjoyed some of your video's before, but now that I have found you again I am a New subscriber. Ontario Canada

[@hurstyoutdoors]

That's awesome!!

[@jlr4434]

Amazing how the water flow sped up as you unclogged each area, good job!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

SUPER satisfying to see it move more and more as it was cleared out especially at the end, pouring out!

[@junethomas58jt]

Wow! Watch the water go! And the area take shape! Winding Stream, pond and property instead of flooded land, stream and pond practically all in one! I thought he would use a tractor, not his hand! Cool! Shows how our own lives get clogged up over the years from hurts, offences, pain, unforgiveness, bitterness, disease, etc . But when we unclog in Jesus out of our bellies flow rivers of living water! I love it. Fodder for my Sunday message on the need for Deliverance.

[@richnewman1082]

Nothing like good hard work, I love it. I can watch it all day.....

[@hurstyoutdoors]

I hear ya! Nothing better than getting outdoors and getting after it. Have a good one!

[@BurbSK-bi2wh]

Looks like a good candidate for summer cleanup

[@hurstyoutdoors]

For sure! Gonna start dragging those big logs out with the tractor. Thanks for watching!

[@eh2061]

Men like You are true honorable civil servants! Your are the ones restoring the trust of Europeans in US-American moral courage! Shoutout to Post10 for getting the ball rolling on these types of activities. You guys are making America great again one step at a time.

[@fayiznalu8411]

Hard work good results 👍

[@hurstyoutdoors]

You rock, thanks for watching!

[@mikeanderson2730]

This was fun! I almost immediatly saw the water starting to increase in flow, but wait a minute.. How could he lift all the logs so easily..? All the log were sawed precisly to the right lenght..? Aha! This is like the cooking shows on tv, "and then you put it into the owen for twenty minutes. and here is one we prepaired before the show".. Excellent! Means less time for us to wait, and "better" tv on you tube!

[@oermama]

👏🏻 great job. That tree has to come out or make a deeper wider trench go around it

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Definitely! Once the ground isn't so wet I'm pulling that tree out with my tractor!

[@ginanoble7203]

Nothing more satisfying than watching water flow, used to do this at my property after big rainfall,and winds

[@hurstyoutdoors]

That's awesome, it sure feels good seeing that water move. Have a good one!

[@hoyks1]

While it is more aesthetically pleasing to have the gully cleaned out, having stuff in there is actually better for the environment. Slowing water flow gives greater water adsorption into the soil, less erosion and reduces flood peaks down stream. Coming from an arid climate where creek ecosystems were turned into drainage ditches, they found that slowing the water flow through the landscape had great benefits for farms and the environment.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

I agree, for this area though and the amount of rain we have received this year it's important to keep the overflow water from the pond moving and have it end up at the drainage ditch that goes all the way down to a swamp area, that's a half mile from me.

[@iamnoone9041]

For future consideration, a good metal garden rake would be very helpful for pulling the leaves and small sticks out. I feel like that would have been easier.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Hindsight is 20/20 🤣

[@mattadams9577]

So weirdly satisfying to watch the water start flowing.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

💯💯

[@patriciarushton7855]

It's amazing how many of the logs are already cut!What's that about?

[@justaguyfromreddit]

For as much as I love removing dams I wonder if these ponds don't have a favourable impact on the ecosystem

[@caseymiller3540]

They absolutely do. They create riparian habitat. Some of it looks to be permanently flooded while other parts appear to be intermittent or seasonal indicated by the flooded grasses and dry or moist soil dwelling plants. It creates great habitat for amphibians, waterfowl, wading birds, water and wetland insects, minnows and fish fry, etc. New wetland species will often appear which provide shelter and food sources for wildlife. They help collect and store groundwater and prevent erosion. If it’s not causing any problems or nuisance it can positively impact the ecosystem and resources of the entire property.

[@KahluaBomb]

Dude just saw this biodiverse landscape and was like, not on my watch!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Haha. Nice! Plenty of diverse landscape out here but appreciate the laugh!

[@jlmarine0126]

That’s some hard work. There’s still some young ones that get after it.

[@susanwyman9795]

Awesome job watched you on the TV. I always wanted to see somebody follow the swamp and unclog it all and let the water run free. It would be cool to be able to take a kayak down that would ever got deep enough

[@amym1133]

So much work, but SO satisfying when thexwater starts to flow!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Definitely!

[@martharandall4828]

Thank you for your work. I am not in your area but I appreciate your great efforts.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Appreciate it!

[@oldtop4682]

I'd walk through now and mark trees and such along the outflow. Once the area dries out some get the tractor down there and start plucking stuff out of the ground. Or, rent/borrow a small dozer and knock the path down followed by a digger to deepen the channel a bit. Long term you need a clear path and defined drainage IMO. You busted your butt and got the water flowing, and that is some serious work you put in!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Definitely! I'm still sore from it, but so glad it's done and water is moving. Appreciate it!

[@steveogle8942]

I have no freakin idea why I'm so fascinated by this kind of thing. I follow at least 3 different channels and watch others at random. 😀😀😀😀😀

[@hurstyoutdoors]

It is satisfying!

[@lorrainejackson2881]

Nice to see someone taking care of the planet 😊

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Appreciate it! Have a good one 😎

[@karenvans5811]

Great job and very satisfying. Thanks for sharing.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@furlvr1961]

My back hurts just watching you move and pick up stuff!!!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

I'm glad it's done! Ibuprofen is my friend 😀

[@JakeBourne13]

Crazy how quickly the stream clears up once the water gets moving

[@hurstyoutdoors]

It's a site to see, really satisfying seeing that water flow!

[@colinbrooks6290]

Dude, fantastic episode…. It wasn’t the tree that caused the blockage but the cowboys who cut down the trees and didn’t take away the small logs which created the buildup off soil and other deposits hence the blockage….

[@hawk2million]

That was so satisfying to watch.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks!!

[@JustmeDiane]

Thanks for the relaxing video! Great job opening the water flow up! 😊

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@JustmeDiane]

@@hurstyoutdoors thanks for sharing

[@rlc218]

The magically cut logs where satisfying

[@Foxxyginger]

What's with all the cut wood causing the blockage? Why are they so fresh??!

[@sharijoel]

Love this video. This is the first video i saw of your videos. Awesome job.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@billrobbins5874]

Looks like you were ready. Even pre-cut some of the trunks. Nice job! Beautiful stream flowing! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@almosthome5971]

That is alot of strenuous work. Thank you!

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Glad that part is done! On to the next project!

[@markjacobsen8335]

This looks like so much fun.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Fun and a great workout! 💪

[@snolds]

Curious why you didn't mention you went through with a chainsaw prior to moving those logs. I could see all the wood chips and fresh cuts on many of the logs.

[@deborahnewton5455]

He clearly knows that no one wants to hear the sound of a saw. We’re looking for water flow

[@SexMusicPlants]

🤦‍♂️

[@CatOnACell]

Also, the more people comment about the mysteriously convenient log cuts, the more KZbin recommends the video.

[@itsjhemmabeyb]

Goodjob sir. I hope there's a part 2 to continue the flow. 😊 New subscriber here. 😊

[@leserickson7057]

Three thumbs + and up. Very nice that you care. Neighbours are really lucky to have you on there side. You will have to recruit more help, lots of lumber that can be sold as firewood after it drys out. good cash flow. maybe employ some homeless people to help. Good luck look forward to future updates.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Tons of firewood that's for sure. Will have plenty to heat the home and have bonfires.

[@johnpaulmakowski7464]

Wow Mr Lee You appear to know everything about everything. I've met several annoying persons similar to you

[@farmtheland]

We all those trees, buy your self a large commercial wood chipper, bag and sell the wood chips and clear your land also

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Wood chipper would be sweet! Need a heavy duty one, any recommendations?

[@roamthailao.6614]

Good afternoon friend, I'm perry from Washington state, it's great work, you could make river on your property I like your awesome jobs. 👍👍

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Hey really appreciate it! Just enjoy working on my property, life is crazy enough, so being in nature is my way to relax. Have a good one!

[@dolorescoelho4282]

Thank you for a great video ❤

[@tobydunk4284]

What happens when forestry management doesn’t do anything for decades 🤷‍♂️luckily we got people like you who enjoy doing it themselves

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@TheFarmanimalfriend]

What a lesson. I hate people that whine and complain, but do nothing. If you don't try, you know what will happen. Prove naysayers wrong and try - you might be pleasantly surprised.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Right on!

[@DERAMNONA]

What I don't understand is that, most of the trees were obviously felled by saw of some kind because they had clear cut stumps . So who cut them down and made the mess in first place

[@arlahunt4240]

He’s a hard worker.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks 💪

[@MargFisher-yc5nz]

You are a very good worker they should be proud of you

[@andersekstrandrasmussen8444]

Looking forward to see the result

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Looking forward to not having so much water sitting around now.

[@noeraldinkabam]

So satifying.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@jungsomewhat]

I love hard work i could sit and watch it all day😉

[@ItchyThirdEye-j6u]

Why could I not stop watching this?

[@blackdot3538]

Very impressive, great job.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks! Glad this part is done, next is the drainage ditch!

[@ednamathews669]

Hi there. I found it very interesting that there were large logs and tree trunks conveniently cut to be able to be moved by one person. Did anyone else notice that? Sue Australia.

[@patriciasutton8655]

I’m wondering if these were larger logs he cut before filming -easier to lift that way

[@dougdearinger5837]

So nice that someone cut the wood in pieces ahead of time

[@robinhall3347]

me too, approve of what he's doing so long as the whole wet area is not all drained

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Plenty of ground water still remains but brought back a lot of native species that are already growing back again. Glad it's done!

[@robinhall3347]

You've done a great thing to help the environment thrive.

[@sandramclaren7144]

That was some job you had what a difference 👏 👍❤

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@wayneyuqun]

Awesome video thanks for sharing your experience and your time good hard satisfied work wayne Perth Western Australia

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks for watching Wayne!

[@joannesharp3891]

Fantastic job. Is it possible to see the drainage on the pond or how the levels have dropped . Well done 👍

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Definitely! Our area in the Midwest has been getting pounded with tons of rain and more in the forecast. I'll have to check it out and post an update once all the rain has passed. Thanks for watching!

[@joannesharp3891]

Thanks , I’m in England and we’re just going into spring so hopefully there’ll be sunshine soon.

[@davemi00]

Great spot to dig a wildlife pond.

[@sunnysidesofblue]

That is very impressive work!

[@agn855]

Ladies & Gentlemen - YT proudly presents: *The Unplugger!!*

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Love it!!!

[@lindastevens6861]

Beaver comes to mind😮😊

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Possibly? I'd have to see what the signs are for them.

[@russbrinton367]

I’d start at the downstream end and work upstream, that way the next upstream section is draining and you don’t have to slog thru deep water. The way he did it, the upstream water, as he released it, was flowing ahead of him and flooding the downstream blocked areas even more, making the work harder for him.

[@g-wolf9445]

Yeah. Someone created part of that blockage. Unfortunately they didn’t know what they were doing. Excellent job getting everything flowing again.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@hawkim5724]

Wonder if the soil erosion is going to be worse now that the water is moving faster and the effect on the wildlife around the area. Too bad there isn’t a pond around to store the water so it enters the water shed slower and the ground water can be replenished.

[@hurstyoutdoors]

There's a huge half acre pond right where it all starts.

[@tboettge2]

Nice job that was a ton of work

[@EvAlGi]

I just had one question at the beginning, and I still cannot really find the answer to it. Why do you make an action to something nature took back? Then later during the video I was wondering why didn't you start at the canal to work your way up?

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Years ago (before I had this property) it was set up so the area could drain naturally, but with all the logs and brush blocking everything it prevented that for years. Just getting things back to normal.

[@rogerhadley2763]

you can't blame that mess on a darn beaver. keep up the good work

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Appreciate it!

[@johannesnielsenjohnbates8889]

Unclocking such an area reduces biodiversity, as living habitats for many insects and other animals is demolished.

[@Helen-mh8mq]

I am really sad that you destroyed that incredible wet land!The diversity of nature that that was supporting was huge.If this wasn't destroying a home ,why would you do that?

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Still a lot of diversity in and around the pond, haven't messed with that at all. This was to get all the extra water that has been flooding the property every year moving on out.

[@kittytimes6]

That looked like so much fun. If only I was young and strong again.

[@augustchurchill9761]

This is my therapy.

[@cristinarocha9263]

Você merece 1000 likes.... Parabéns !!!!!!!

[@irenedavo3768]

356 Subscribers

[@elainemarcavage2619]

The best I ever saw! Ten Hundred Stars

[@hurstyoutdoors]

Awesome, thanks!