CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL RESTORING IMPERIAL VALLEY WETLANDS

California Waterfowl was busy during the 2008/09 wetland construction season in the Imperial Valley and near the Colorado River on public and private wetlands, spending over $1.2 million and improving more than 2,000 acres of habitat.  These efforts give waterfowl and shorebirds new habitats and food sources, hunters improved opportunities, and everyone the chance to view healthy wetland dependent wildlife in Southern California.

Funding was provided by private landowners and a $1 million grant by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to California Waterfowl for restoration and enhancement efforts.  Projects were designed to allow managers to improve their wetland management capabilities and provide wintering waterbirds with quality food sources. 

 “With the completion of these projects benefits to not only waterfowl but a myriad of other wildlife that rely upon quality wetland habitat for survival have been achieved,” stated Southern California Regional Biologist Greg Heydeman.  ‘Many more acres of habitat improvements are needed and with the continued support of programs such as those funded through NAWCA, the future is bright for the Southern California region”.

Recently California Waterfowl received $74,000 from the California Department of Fish and Game Duck Stamp Fund for a new enhancement project at the Imperial Valley Wildlife Area’s Wister Unit for the 2009/10 construction season.  Look for it to be ready in fall 2010.

For more information email us at wwp@calwaterfowl.org