Ha, I was going to tell you that you need to talk to SHORTY, because he knows his aquatic vegetation.
My big pond is a prime example of what you get with canary grass. Only difference would be, yours shouldn't fluctuate in water level as much as mine because it can be controlled with the well. I notice there is already canary grass growing at Casey's site, so if you leave it alone I would be willing to bet that is what you get along the shoreline. It will probably be tough to avoid cattails in our area as well, as they are everywhere. The best way to avoid that is probably to design the depths of the pond accordingly. Personally, I want as many cattails as possible in my big pond at this time d/t water quality issues.
My canary grass holds winter pheasants but not enough to make it a determining factor for you.
When I seine my big pond, maybe we can talk Bruce and SHORTY into coming down and having a little SC Nebraska Pond Boss Meeting and have them look at the site and give more ideas.
Maybe if they get that pond done soon enough you can honeymoon there.
