Cattail and algae management in ponds

Dustyangel,
I don't have a pond, or a homestead (yet), but I do have practical experience with these two problems. I was in charge of an IPM (integrated pest management) program for a very exclusive country club with more than 40 acres of pond and lake broken into 9 seperate bodys of water.
I (we) tried everything from restricted (single use), and controlled chemicals to barley bales and dyes. All of these remedies worked to some degree but only for at most a season or two.
The only answer that truly worked for us on an ongoing basis was posted earlier by BJ. You need to eliminate the shallow edges around your pond. A drop of 35 to 45 degrees will greatly reduce the water temperatures needed to start the algae bloom, and the deeper edges will make it all that more difficult for the Cattails to propagate.
The addition of Triploid (Genetically altered to prevent them from reproducing), commonly referred to as Grass Eating Carp will also benefit the pond immensly, especially after the profile of the banks have been altered.
I need to mention that it may be necessary to obtain a permit for the Triploids. They are controlled and could prove devestating to the environment if they were to escape and mutate back into reproductive fish.
Keep in mind also, that just cutting the Cattails back may actually increase the problem. The entire crown and rhizome (root) structure must be removed to eliminate the Cattails, if you don't,cutting them back simply provides more energy for an even greater number of new fresh shoots.
You may also want to consider a small fountain, or reasonably suited recirculating pump to ensure proper aerification and water movement, Algae hates moving water.
Good Luck Dustyangel, and don't forget to chomp on some of that Cattail, sweet and tasty at the right times.

Mark

Paul,

Glad I don't own land in Minnesota. In Mississippi, owners till own their land, mostly. I can do what I please.

In a small pond I've found the most simple thing to do is to spray just regular extra strenght Roundup to the fully developed aerial parts of the plants. Kills in about 2 weeks in warm weather. If you miss some you can go back after the kill whenyou can see what you're doing a lot better.

I don't get regrowth from the rhizomes (Roundup translocates) but every few years I'll spot some new plants from seed that has blown in. If you spot spray BEFORE much rhizome development they are easily controlled.

Well, actually you are breaking the law too. Not following the label, which is a fedral offence.

But then, I tend to drive 60 in a 55 zone, so I'm not trying to point fingers.

Roundup has some surficants in it that are pretty hard on any aquatic critters - the fish, frogs, etc. in your waters. Not really nice to use on water. It would be really good of you to look for Rodeo and use that for the cattails. It is the same active product - glysophate - but is designed & labeled for use on water.

--->Paul

I'm curious about goldfish as an option. I know that the fishery sells carp for this purpose, so goldfish seem like a cheaper option. But what damage would I expect from them? Would they be eating the smaller fish and/or taking over?