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46 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission enhanced to increase the chances that waterfowl will visit; however, the decision to manage a pond for waterfowl must be made before the pond is built. Guidelines for creating ponds attractive to waterfowl usually are different from those for fishing ponds. The ideal fishing pond, with deep water, relatively steep banks, and limited aquatic vegetation, is not the best for attracting waterfowl. While deep water areas of ponds provide loafing areas, waterfowl prefer to feed and raise their young in weedy, shallow water areas, away from human activity. Nearly all successful waterfowl management efforts require some water level manipulation and a flooded food source, so a water control structure needs to be included in the pond design. Keep in mind that a minimum water depth of 10 feet is needed in a portion of the pond to prevent fish kills, especially during the winter. To create an annual flooded food source attractive to waterfowl and other migratory birds, lower the pond water level enough to expose mudflats, usually starting in late June or July. When water levels drop, wetland, seed- producing broadleaf plants and grasses, such as smartweed and barnyard grass, germinate and grow naturally on the exposed mud flats. Or, a grain crop, such as millet, can be broadcast seeded on them. Then, slowly bring the level back up, starting around September 1. This fluctuation in water levels often occurs naturally in some ponds, with evaporation reducing the levels in summer and fall rains refilling the pond. Ponds having a consistent water level and an overflow control structure will have to be lowered periodically by removing boards from the control structure, or by opening the lower release valve if present, until the desired water level is reached. Again, start lowering in late June or July. Allow vegetation to become established naturally, or seed the mud flats with millet as they are exposed. Then, around September 1, slowly start bringing the water level up by putting one board back in the water control structure each week. The key is to allow the plants to germinate and grow and then gradually inundate about half their height each time a board is added. The plants will drown out if totally submerged for an extended period of time. The plants will also die or have limited growth if moisture is inadequate during the summer months. Emergent vegetation, such as cattails, bulrushes, and arrowhead, can be enhanced every 5 to 6 years. The dewatering should start about mid-May, with a refilling procedure similar to the one used for the annual flooded plantings. If land is available, another suitable way to provide waterfowl habitat is to construct a shallow-water area below the dam, perhaps as large as three acres. Water from the pond can be used to seasonally flood this man-made marsh, provided pond inflows are sufficient and adequate depth remains. Such shallow-water areas offer many more wildlife options than trying to rely on water level manipulations within the pond itself. The pond-marsh A water control structure needs to be included in a pond design if interested in waterfowl production. Shallow Waterfowl Area Below Pond Shallow Waterfowl Area Below Pond