[COM]

I know what you mean about the pond cost. I looked into it not long ago. My insurance company would require a fence around the yard; my town only allows certain types of fences, and my neighborhood "association" has preferred styles and colors (1 style, 2 colors) and they are militant on enforcement. It would cost me roughly $12,000 before sales tax (8.75%, $1050) to fence my back yard (approximately 1/8 acre). If the pond were to have a liner, I would have to apply for a pool permit, get an inspection, pay a fee, pay for the town to have a crew plant a certain type of tree in a certain location in my back yard, etc. It isn't as easy as just picking up a shovel...