Thanks. I hope the information proves to be useful and he is able to do something with those ponds.

One thing that I thought of later on is that if at first you don't get approval for altering the ponds that you temporarily reduce your scope and proposal to trimming back the trees cleaning up the brush and making the area right around the ponds more attractive. Organizing some community involvement (even if at first it is just your troop) will allow you to snap some photos of the area. I would do some before and after shots.

If you look through this site you will see some before shots of peoples ponds and then the after shots of them just cleaning up some brush and trimming/thinning out some trees. It makes a world of difference just in the appeal.

I would then set out a campaign promoting people to utilize the area for fishing/picnicking and start snapping photos.

Then when you go back with your proposal you can show them. Here is what a weekend's worth of labor and some maintenance has garnered us. A much more appealing area. Then show them pictures of how the pond still looks and suggest that if the same effort was put forth for the ponds it will make them more attractive as well.

If some of the folks here are willing to share pictures of their own ponds or even local pond they have worked with that were in bad shape to start with and the shape they are now in you can also you those as argument points.

Also do some research into the purpose of the ponds and highlight how you will not be altering the fundamental purpose of the pond. Getting some local ecology and biology experts on board for the proposed changes for things such as reducing the fish population and introducing helpful plants will also gain you points.

As I said before do the research and put the time in it and I am sure not only will I be willing to help you but I am sure you will see an outpouring of effort from people on these forums and the people in your community.