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Emergent Freshwater Marsh - Freshwater marsh vegetation occurs in low areas created by past gravel extraction operations which are periodically flooded or have a high water table. This assemblage is located north of the river at the northeast end of the project area. Emergent species include sedge, cattail rush, curly dock and salt grass. Wildlife While the majority of the study area is currently in agricultural production, the potential for a diversity of wildlife within and along the fringes of the riparian corridor is very good. The area along the river coupled with isolated stands of mature trees scattered along the bluffs, provide ideal habitat for a diversity of animals, birds and reptiles. The Mokelumne River itself serves as habitat for anadromous fish populations and other aquatic life. Wildlife habitat is directly associated with the existing plant communities and includes ruderal herbaceous vegetation, riparian woodland (including stands of native trees and introduced fruit tree species), disturbed scrub, and freshwater marsh. Descriptions of these plant communities are provided in the previous section. Wildlife using the Mokelumne River riparian corridor occupy a relatively narrow band of habitat within the overall study area. Much of the wildlife in this area can be characterized as disturbance adapted species, which are found in areas subject to excessive noise and activity such as the existing quarry and agricultural operations. The tall mature cottonwood and oak trees potentially provide excellent nesting sites for a variety of raptors. One raptor nest was sited during the field investigation on the north side of the river, between the proposed bridge site and the Mackville Road bridge. Three red-tailed hawks were spotted in the area of the nest. Non-native or domestic species such as feral cats also occur on the study area according to local residents. While the majority of wildlife habitat has been altered by industrial and agricultural development, birds and animals may occupy individual trees and isolated thickets outside the riparian corridor and then migrate into the corridor on occasion. In these areas larger, more conspicuous species such as Columbian black tailed deer, coyote, beaver, and raptors (which may live outside or on the fringes of the riparian corridor) use the river for cover and also depend on the river as a source of drinking water. 44