pond maintaince

Question
We purchased a property in central Ohio that has and acre pond on it which is stocked with bass and blue gill. We contacted the water conservation dept. and where told to treat the pond with copper sulfate but not until next spring. I read that we need to remove vegetation from the pond to winterize it and to not allow it to freeze over. This is a man made pond. What do we need to do to assure a healthy enviornment for the fish. Thanks for any help.  

Answer
Take a couple of pieces of styrofoam, fairly thick so it will float on the surface. Take some pvc pipe stick it through the foam it will act as a chimney to remove any gases built up by the fish. you might also float a couple of logs in the pond to prevent freeze over. I personally think a 1 acre pond wil not freeze solid but this will assure it. I wouldn't think you would have to remove the vegetation unless they are tropical. If you want if the plants are potted you can put them in a deeper section. As long as you have a fair sized portion of the pond over 30 inches deep you should have no worries at all. IF the pond does freeze over DO NOT SMASH THE ICE the impact can kill the fish


            Hope this helps
                Leigh