To all :

This thread is a classic !! While it contains good sound information and discussion from many on GC , that is not what makes it a classic . What makes it classic is the way it approaches pond mgt. and its basic conflict , which is indeed much like human nature and its basic conflict.

From the first day we started on this planet {and likewise from the day pond mgt. started} there was , is and continues to be a coflict between safety and proved results in the known vs. the need to learn and improve. Do we stay in the protection of our cave or cross over the hill to a better place and risk harm in the process.

As I stated on another thread the trick is to balance the two so that those who don't know the risks can make an "informed" decision to either take the risk or avoid them. Knowledge is the key yet if no one takes risk we can never gain knowledge. Many many concepts that were thought correct have been later proved wrong . An example is the belief that the world was flat. Are we all going to be explorers or are we going to stay at home. It takes both for the world to function . Explorers to advance the cause and the rest of society to support the effort. Nither are wrong , both are helpful , and are in fact necessary.

Most of us on this fourm are both explorers and stay at homers depending on the topic or area involved . The key is to be sure that those who don't know the risks learn them and make informed choices. The only way to do this is through discussion . I suggest that we all read and write with as much care and precision as possible and with warnings as necessary.

As an outside reader of the thread I don't think anyone was wrong in their position. It was clear from reading that CG are a good pond mgt. tool but that there exist misunderstandings in the pond public about their negatives including the limits on controlling plants . Both are right , nither are wrong. A job well done by all involved . This forum continues to amaze in its ability to further pond mgt. in its quest forward. ewest

ps: For the record I manage ponds for my family and for friends and clients , like many on the forum , but not for a living.