Thanks alot guys, I'm learning alot just going through the posts. I really appreciate the input. One of the things I was hoping to do was some sort of aquaculture project when we bought the place. Soil and water killed that for me with the negative review. We paid off our USDA loan now so I'm free to look at the possibilities.
I started with the basics yesterday. went down and placed a measuring stick so I can monitor water levels. Also cleared the springs of organic matter that had gathered in them. Oh yeah I discovered you can't identify snakes by hand. grabbed a nice handful of big water snake.
I'm looking at books too if anyone has suggestions. also will get the Pondboss subscription.
Thanks again
Sully