Andy:

A well thought out and researched response. I most agreed with your side statement that turtles may sometimes get a bad rap because they are usually present in a body of water, and like a golf club, get blamed if the fishing is bad and not something else.

I would still like to hear from more members on this topic, and any thoughts on the geese and plants issues.

But, thanks to all who have responded so far. It makes me feel better about having these critters in my pond. I prefer that they not be, but at least I won't lose sleep or time to do something about it.