17K is IMO too much by IMO 2X to dig out your small 0.1 ac pond with a long reach track hoe. Get other estimates, It should only take a good day of slop removal to get the job done. Consider renting a trash pump to keep the water level low,,, so the track hoe operator can better see what he is doing. Ponds are sooner later an expense. IMO that organic bottom muck is the main cause of the large growths of FA.. In cold water i think it could be Stigeoclonium or some other cold water loving species.
The water at usual temp of 50F is too cold for any fish to thrive in there except cold water species such as trout.
