In mid-September, the Department of Water Resources began flooding Lookout Slough in the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta, 3,400 acres of restored tidal marsh habitat adjacent to Liberty Island.  The project represents the largest tidal wetland restoration project ever carried out in the Delta. Levee Breach Marks Completion of the Delta’s Largest-ever Tidal Wetland Restoration Project

While the project is primarily focused on creating feeding habitat for Delta smelt and other fish species, it will also provide wintering waterfowl habitat.  This includes sloughs and other navigable waterways that are accessible by boat via several levee breeches.

Recognizing this and the ongoing need for additional public hunting areas, CWA met with DWR and other project proponents several years ago to formally request that the area be open for waterfowl and pheasant hunting. 

As a navigable waterway, DWR not only agreed to open the area for public hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation once all the levee breeches are finished but also construct a non-motorized boat ramp at the north end of the property.  The new wetland is currently open for hunting for the 2024/25 season.  https://archive.estuarynews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/5-6-Lookout-Slough-Poster-1.png