Yes, Bill, you'd be a real comedian on campus these days. :-)
You are also EXACTLY right about the small research ponds -- we really need them. We have been working for years to get them, and just can't get the funding. We even found a location north of campus. The university foundation is currently looking for funds for pond construction. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed.
At the least, I will at least get some temperature and oxygen profiles this winter. Maybe more extensive work can be undertaken next year with a little more advance planning. Just to get to the three locations at which I would have ponds to monitor would take about an 80-mile loop each time. So, this isn't something to undertake lightly. With this mild winter so far, it may not have been a good "test" year anyhow. In mild winters, we often get 12-14 inches of ice. In long, hard winters, I've seen 30-36 inches of ice cover.
Thanks for the continued good suggestions. Appreciate it.
Dave
