I can buy some property and build a pond but it takes years to get huge trees to grow!
I would agree with you that it takes years/centuries for a huge tree to grow, but on another note: Ponds can only be located in certain areas. With taking that into account, sometimes collateral damage is the cost for a big pond. One has to have enough drainage for a big pond, but trees can be planted and grown in locations with minimal drainage to offset the destruction in the pond building stage.
But, hey, you made it work. All great ponds need at least one island.
Concerning black walnuts and ponds, It must have some effect since its considered illegal to fish by poisoning (with walnut husks?)...........
In reference to your stated black walnuts surrounding your great future pond: Leave the walnuts be. If you start to see fish floating on the top of the water someday, then you can decide then what you want to do. It doesn't sound like that big a problem. A couple minutes with a saw can take out those walnuts if they want to cause problems with the pond's balance.
