The technology of the Rice trunk was brought by enslaved western Africans who were specifically targeted because of their knowledge of rice farming. The trunk is essentially a box underneath a berm with water control structures on each side. how it works, impounded wetland definition, contributions of enslaved western africans   To this date there is not a better way to manage a flooded wetland.  If I am reading Larry Leppert’s book correctly (see below), in the 1960’s this was a hog pen.  This water  control structure was added in our 2013 water infrastructure impoundment project. Now referred to as “the corner,” it’s a great spot to see shorebirds and wading birds foraging in the shallows or resting on the sand bars.