ML Thanks for your take on things from an owner's perspective. I'll take your comment regarding the chemicals to heart and rework that part a little after some more discussion with the owner.

Regarding shooting of vermin (if required after other methods fail) ... the nearest building is about 2 miles away so accidently whipping a round through someone's picture window isn't as much of a problem at my site as it might be at your location. The surrounding fields (several sections in size) are all seeded to grain or oil seed crops year after year with some left in summer fallow. No livestock have been in the area for decades and if it were contemplated, the selected area would have to be fenced, as none exist now. I think I may add another point with respect to watering of livestock being prohibited. That should cut off that possible threat to pond health.

I have a call in to my insurance company to see about adding a rider to my present third-party liability policy to include potential perils at the pond. Will know more on that soon.

There is no electrical service to the site. Nearest power line is about 1/2 mile away so there are no bills to pay and it would be prohibitive to run power into the ponds. The aeration system will be wind or solar powered. Wind is most likely the choice I'd go with.

I'll add the ability to operate boats as another clause.

Keep 'em coming, and thanks for the opportunity to pick your brains and tap into your experience. This thread might just be helpful to someone else in the future.

I'll keep amending the list of thoughts above until I've incoporated all suggestions which are relevant to my situation.

Lee