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t 7.31 Permanent Ponds Water is held year round in permanently flooded wetlands. Depths of 4-6 feet deep are characteristic and in the Great Valley, stands of bulrush and cattails are the predominant emergent vegetation class. Important in these wetlands, particularly for the survival of young waterfowl is the submergent and floating vegetation in these ponds. Pond weeds (Potamogeton sp.),yellow pond weeds (Jussiaea californica), are all common submergent plants found in the valley. The tubers and associated invertebrates are essential for the life cycles of many vertebrate species including fish. The 2.5-acre pond on Buckeye Ranch is characteristic of this wetland type. However,cattle grazing has eliminated the emergent vegetation of this wetland. The portions of South Tracy Lake to be deepened and impounded as a deep water lake will provide limited habitat for waterbirds and other terrestrial wildlife. To mitigate for this problem, long terraces averaging 10-9 feet msl will be designed to create a shoreline of emergent vegetation. With an average water depth of one- three feet, stands of bulrush and cattail, with associated species (arrowhead, pond weeds, duck weed, water fern, and elodia) will provide suitable cover for a variety of waterbirds and marsh dwelling species such as muskrats, common yellowthroats, and marsh wrens. American coots (Fulica americana),pied-billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps), and American bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus) might also utilize this habitat. Seasonally Flooded Wetlands Typically, seasonal wetlands are flooded from early fall (September) through early spring. Numerous impoundments allow for independent water level management, thus creating a variety of conditions of draw-down and flood-up. Cyclic draw-downs in winter provide concentrations of seeds and invertebrates for a variety of waterlife,particularly birds. Late- Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) 180