California Waterfowl Association

SUISUN MARSH HABITAT PROJECTS

In recent years California Waterfowl has become very active in Suisun Marsh and is currently working closely with the Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD) and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to continue to deliver quality habitat projects in the Suisun Marsh.

2009 promises to be a busy year for us in the Marsh. We are scheduled to spend over $2-million of federal, state and private funds to enhance over 13,000 acres of habitat throughout the marsh.

To request our services, or if you would like more information about projects in Suisun Marsh contact Robert Eddings, Suisun Marsh Regional Biologist.

Current Projects:

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (GIWA):

California Waterfowl has several projects running on GIWA this year. Our biggest project is a large upland restoration, enhancement and waterfowl nesting research project on fields 13 & 14. This project has allowed us to use years of gathered data to develop a plan to improve local waterfowl nesting habitat on GIWA.

Additional work planned for this year on GIWA will include a continued effort to upgrade and replace old water control structures and lift pumps. This will help DFG staff manage the area efficiently and help reduce mosquito production.

(Click for full size map)

Joice Island Wildlife Area:
We have been working hard on Joice Island for the past 4 years. Past projects have replaced all water control structures with new plastic pipe and stainless steel gates. This year's efforts will focus on pond grading and swale excavation to improve water flow, habitat diversity and improved public hunting opportunity.	(Click for full size map)

West Family Unit Youth Hunt Area:
A complete overhaul of the habitat and hunting access will be completed this year. Extensive pond grading and swale excavation will improve the habitat quality and diversity and improve management of the area. Additionally, many old, dilapidated hunting blinds will be removed and replaced, and a new mobility impaired blind will be added. Read more about this project.	(Click for full size map)

Grizzly Ranch:
A grant was recently funded to improve habitat conditions on the 900-acre Grizzly Ranch which hosts California Waterfowl's Youth Hunting Program. The goal of this project is to improve the overall quality of habitat on the property and to improve and increase youth hunting opportunity on the ranch.	(Click for full size map)

Private Lands Projects:
We will be working with 20 different landowners this year to improve waterfowl habitat on their lands in Suisun Marsh. Projects are focused on improving water flow through the habitat to help minimize salt accumulation to ensure wetlands remain attractive to waterfowl.	(Click for full size map)

Completed Projects
• Suisun Marsh Completed Habitat Projects Map

Regional Staff

Robert Eddings

Robert has been with California Waterfowl since 2003. He has worked throughout the state on many habitat projects, but has settled in Suisun Marsh and has driven California Waterfowl's efforts in Suisun Marsh.

Meet all the Waterfowl and Wetlands staff.