Hey guys, thanks for all the nice comments!
Cecil, when I first read your post I thought we might get to see a picture of a 17 inch perch!! Then I read it again.
Like you, our ice is getting a little "punky" from mild temps.
ewest, actually the large trees (eastern cottonwoods) were left behind when ponds were constructed. They are much easier to remove off the ice later if we so desire. They lose about 75% of their weight a few years later. Also, we generally leave a few trees standing for wild turkey roosting.
Ed
