As for restricting leaf residue, I am hoping that aeration surface flow along with air movement from a leaf blower will move leaf debris towards the pond edges where it can be netted with hand net or sein during peak leaf fall.
I am a big believer of: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
We have a big area of tallgrass prairie on our property. The varying height and density of the multiple grass species is essentially a 100% effective leaf trap.
Do you have room to plant some tallgrass prairie sections around your pond without ruining the look? You would need to mow a path in some areas for access for humans, pets, wildlife, etc., but that would stop a bunch of leaf debris from entering your pond.
Also, my wildlife LOVES the cover. The quail, turkey, pheasants, deer, and (darn) coyotes all travel in the mowed/burn sections right next to the tall grass. When spooked, they just fade into the deep cover.
