California Waterfowl Association

NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA HABITAT PROJECTS

Northeastern California is a critical waterfowl region not only for California but for the Pacific Flyway. The region consistently supports one of the highest concentrations of breeding mallards in the state. It also provides an essential spring staging area for waterfowl on their migration back to their northern breeding grounds. The region also provides a unique opportunity to truly "restore" wetlands due to the relatively unaltered natural hydrology.

To request our services, or if you would like more information about projects in Northern California contact Rick Maher, Northeastern California Regional Biologist.

Current Projects:

Ash Creek Wildlife Area:
We are scheduled to complete a 3-year project that will reduce erosion and improve seasonal wetlands on the north side of the wildlife area this year. This project has already reestablished water delivery to an area that had become very difficult to flood. We are excited about the new breeding habitat and hunter opportunity that has resulted from this project.	(Click for full size map)

West Pit Project - Modoc NWR:
We have finished our first project on Modoc NWR this year. This enhancement project focused on a 100-acre unit adjacent to Highway 395. Several new ponds and swales have been constructed and over 1 mile of river banks have been improved. Read more about this project.	(Click for full size map)

Tule Lake NWR:

We are continuing to work with refuge staff and many other partners to expand the Walking Wetlands program. California Waterfowl is partnering in a large, multi-agency project which will allow an additional 1,100 acres to be flooded.

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP):

WRP is a federal Farm Bill program that is intended to take marginal agricultural land out of production and restore them to a natural wetland complex. This program has been instrumental in protecting and restoring wetlands throughout the state, and particularly Northeastern California. California Waterfowl staff are currently working with local agencies to protect and restore over 12,000 acres of wetlands on private lands through this program over the next few years.

Completed Projects
• Northeastern California Completed Habitat Projects Map

Regional Biologist

Rick Maher

Rick began working at California Waterfowl in 2000. Since joining us he has used his years of wetland restoration experience and agricultural background to advance our mission in a critical region of the state.

Meet all the Waterfowl and Wetlands staff.