A California story: I dug them out with a big backhoe, I cut them and slashed them, I burned them in the winter - 50 foot flames, really scary!!! I poisoned them and cut and burned them some more. Spent more money than I care to think about. I now live with them and keep a small area clear for access. My pond is healthy and still producing very large bluegills and most recently a 27" LMB. Don't know what it weighed, but it was real heavy and is still swimming in the pond. I guess the bottom line in some ponds is that you may only be able to exercise a certain amount of control of them. Plus side is that they offer great hiding spots for the fry and they are great water purifiers. Good luck all!
