PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA
BYPASS BRIDGES SHOULD BENEFIT YOLO BIRDS
‘A MUCH-NEEDED UPGRADE THAT ALLOWS US TO MANAGE THE AREA’S DRAINAGE,’ SAYS CDFW
D
rivers heading across Interstate 80 just before entering metropolitan Sacramento can get a peek at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, a 16,770-acre sanctuary for several species of waterfowl and other wildlife. A recent $4 million project – with contributions from CDFW, Ducks Unlimited and other collaborators – started with the construction of a pair of bridges over the South Davis Drain. When completed the project will add habitat
upgrades and wetlands management improvement. A Ducks Unlimited press release stated the plan would achieve the following for the wildlife area: • Create 200 acres of new wetlands; • Increase the productivity of existing wetlands; • Improve management for rice fields; • Reduce on-site flooding from the South Davis Drain; • Improve access for the public and
K-12 environmental education program. “Parker Pond Unit improvements will restore 220 acres of land through the installation of a new low-lift pump,” said Aaron Will, Ducks Unlimited regional biologist and project manager. “By increasing water supply and reliability, we can restore seasonal wetland habitat for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species.” A two-minute video produced by Ducks Unlimited (youtube.com/watch? v=s76hI4W-gl8&feature=youtu.be) offers
The 16,770-acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, located within view of the downtown Sacramento skyline, is undergoing a $4 million renovation project to improve habitat for waterfowl and other species. (DUCKS UNLIMITED) calsportsmanmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2020 California Sportsman
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