You want to do what with your land?

You're anticipating the joys of country life: fresh air, relaxed weekends, and starry nights. But before you can fully enjoy your dream acreage, you have some homework to do.

"You'll enjoy rural living much more with some forethought and careful planning," says Ted Funk, University of Illinois agricultural and biological engineer.

Before you get in over your head, consider these 10 common questions about living in the country.

1. What types of soils do I have and how does that affect the use of my land? The soil and topography of your property affects the location of your home and any other buildings. "Proper drainage of rainwater and snowmelt is crucial for avoiding damage to a building's foundation," Funk explains. The soil on your property also determines the specifications of your drainage system. Heavy clay is good for building a pond, for example. Sandy loam is best for siting your septic tank.

Your county Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has soil maps. But in some cases, a detailed evaluation may be needed to determine suitability for certain uses.

2. Do I need a permit to [fill in the blank]? "Generally, the answer is yes," says Chad Sampson, Racine County (Wisconsin) land conservation officer. "States require permits and inspections for just about everything." When establishing the location for a septic system and a well or waterline, remember that most state regulations require a 50-foot separation between the two. Locating them on opposite sides of the house can minimize the possibility of cross-contamination. Check with state and local regulatory agencies or go to their Web sites to learn which permits and inspections are needed and how to obtain them. "Usually, you must check at the state, county, and township levels," Sampson says.

3. What can I do if my acreage has a few acres of cropland? "If you don't want to rent it or mow it, you'll have invasive species and weeds," Sampson says. "That can cause conflicts with neighbors. You could ask a neighbor to plant a hay crop on it, or you can plant native grasses." Barb Larson, University of Wisconsin Extension horticulturist, says some people want to use the land to start a home-based business. "I advise them to check on financial and labor inputs required and to find out if there's a market," she says. "If they're commuters, do they have time to do it on weekends and evenings? The Direct Marketing Association or Small Business Bureaus are good resources."

4. If I'm zoned residential, can I have animals? "Generally, it has to be OK'd by your township," Sampson says. "But you have to check with each entity -- state, county, and town. You have to follow state zoning at a minimum, but counties and townships can have even tighter restrictions." Most townships require a certain amount of land per animal and specific setback requirements.

5. How do I plant and maintain a prairie? "People get tired of mowing 2 to 5 acres," Larson says. "They wonder if the land will naturally evolve back to prairie if they don't mow? The answer is no. Weeds will take over, and state law requires control of noxious weeds."

She advises landowners to research native plants at the library or on the Internet. "You also need to know about your soil, typography, and drainage," she says. "If soil has been removed, the drainage of the land or other conditions may be different today." She adds, "Natural prairie is predominantly grass, but you can plant more flowers with it if you want."

6. How do I build a pond? Larson says she always asks landowners where they want to put a pond and what they want to use it for. Is it for fishing or is it for a water garden? Wildlife ponds are shallow (only 3 to 4 feet); fishing ponds are 14 to 20 feet. You'll need a regular supply of water during dry spells. Underground springs offer the most dependable source of water. Check with your county and township because most require water-use permits for ponds.

7. Do I qualify for government programs for any projects? An assortment of tax incentive programs are available to landowners. Finding these programs and determining your land's eligibility require contacting the appropriate agencies for guidance. Lower agricultural tax rates aren't available for all uses of rural land, such as recreational ponds.

"We have quite a few cost-share payments under the Conservation Reserve Program or set-aside," says John Sippl, soil conservationist, NRCS, Racine County, Wisconsin. "Generally, shallow ponds offer more wildlife habitat benefits than fish ponds. Many times people want to know what strings are attached under the contract and what regulations govern it."

Sampson agrees, "People want to know if they can ride ATVs on set-aside acres," he says. "This isn't an allowed use."

8. Do I have wetlands and how do I manage them? "Most wetlands have cattails or standing water during the growing season," Sippl says. "But you still could have wetlands even without these."

Permits are required to fill, drain, dredge, or alter any waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Under the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), trees and shrubs common to wetlands may be planted. In some cases, WRP land may be grazed, cut for hay, or harvested for wood if wetland values are maintained.

9. How do I come up with a landscaping plan? When making landscape decisions, remember that deciduous trees shade your house in the summer but allow sunlight through in the winter. Evergreen trees provide shade (and block winds) year-round. "Trees planted as a windbreak also can improve living conditions by screening undesirable sights, sounds, smells, and dust," Funk says.

Consider water and maintenance requirements as well as soil types for trees, grasses, and ornamentals.

10. How do I discourage unwanted wildlife? Rodents, insects, feral cats and dogs, coyotes, raccoons, possums, and deer can damage buildings and landscaping, and harm pets. Take the offensive by adding fences or supplying alternative wildlife resources, such as feed stations, water, and nesting materials.

"The reality of country life often resembles Green Acres more than Gone with the Wind," Funk says.