The Wildlife Conservation Board awarded a $5.7 million grant to the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) on February 26 that will allow CWA and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to improve and expand 886 acres of wetland and upland habitats on the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. One of the largest public wildlife areas in the Southern California region, the San Jacinto Wildlife Area spans over 20,000 acres and sees nearly 30,000 visitors each year.
 
The joint project between CWA and CDFW will involve the refurbishment of 562 acres of existing seasonal wetland habitat, while expanding and creating an additional 209 acres of new wetlands. The project will also expand the San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s irrigable upland habitats to 115 acres, creating farmable food plots that will support resources for upland species. The most beneficial component of the project will be the development of a new water recovery pipeline system that will allow for the complete recovery of all drained water from the wildlife area’s wetland habitats. That water will then be delivered to and stored in the northernmost portion of the wildlife area. The then-stored water will be used to support breeding birds' needs and irrigations of moist-soil seed producing plants in preparation for the fall migrants.

"As one of the largest freshwater marshes near the Southern California coast, this wetland jewel is extremely important, especially for wintering and migrating shorebirds and waterfowl," said Chadd Santerre, California Waterfowl director of wetland programs. "Tens of thousands of birds rely on San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s ecosystem for supporting their wintering and year-round needs. 

"The habitat improvements and infrastructure upgrades being funded by WCB will help ensure long-term water conservation and recycling capabilities," Santerre added. "CDFW staff will be able to efficiently manage and improve these critical habitats for years to come, increasing resources for the area's many wetland-dependent species without having to depend as much on local water supplies." 

CWA's work on this public land will also be favorable to the many outdoor enthusiasts who visit the San Jacinto Wildlife Area yearly, including hunters, birdwatchers and hikers, reflecting CWA's commitment to delivering conservation benefits for all Californians.