Couple of things off the top of my head.

1) What kind of fish ratio do you suggest for a 1/2 acre pond in Northwest
Ohio with a maximum depth of approx. 20 ft. I plan on stocking with large
mouth bass, channel catfish, Bluegill, and a few perch or black crappieand
in the future a White Amur when I have enough vegetation for him.I have
established a good base of feeder minnows in the last year and a half and
have provided some cover in the form of a Christmas tree(which is located on
a spawning bed) and some plastic field tile submerged around the pond to
simulate hollowed logs. The pond also gets used for swimming so the wife
has me under strict orders to avoid Northern Pike, Gar etc.or anything else
that could result in the loss of a toe/finger.

2) I have been getting visited by a blue heron in the summer. Fun to watch
until you realize that he doesn't practice "catch and release." I've seen
products like the water scarecrow that are supposed to deter them but I was
wondering if there was a cheaper way to do it. I figured I'd need 3
scarecrows to get adaquate coverage and at $75 a piece that is just to
expensive.

3) This pond is my primary water source for my home. (The area that I live
in is plagued with sulfur water and a well just wasn't an option. ) Any
chemicals for weed control have to be safe for consumption are you aware of
any that I should keep in mind. I've been doing some research on Barley
Straw but I haven't spoke to someone that has used it yet.;

4) There has been a recent problem in the area with duck weed. I haven't
had any problems with it yet (BIG KNOCK ON WOOD) and I try to keep the
winged visitors to my pond with the exception of a pesky Heron that just
doesn't get the hint. Do you know of any preventative measures that I
should be taking to avoid the problem of duckweed.


Any info would be appreciated.




"Sam Hopkins" wrote in message
.. .
I've been there and done that. I built a 6 acre pond/wetland. What are
your
questions? I'd be more than happy to answer.

Sam


"Rasputin" wrote in message
...
I was wondering if anybody knew of a newsgroup or discussion group to
talk
about large ponds (+1/2 acre). I am trying to start out a good sport
fish
base and thought it would be great if I could get some advice from those
who
have been there and done that.

Thanx