Thanks for all the input. The more I think about it the more that I think I like the plan of a smaller 1 acre lake for cats and a larger 9 acre lake for the rest. I'm not sure that 9 vs 10 acres visually will make that much difference anyway. Further that way I could build the smaller pond first and hopefully make most of my mistakes with that one.

The idea of feeders is important and I think that starting out stocked with fatheads with the addition of Shad years down the road is probably what I will do.

Big Pond sorry about your hardships. I certainly hope that I can avoid some of those difficulties you have had in your quest for a 10 acre lake. Sounds like you are making out pretty well regardless.

That does look like a nice piece of land Haus unfortunately still not sure which place Nebraska or Kansas that I will find a job. As for the help of a possible jobs/land in Nebraska NEDOC I'll email you for further info.

Thanks for all the responses. This site really is very useful.
Jeff