Supporting
Fish, Birds & Wildlife

The Sacramento River Settlement Contractors are taking a hands-on approach to solving the problems our native and endangered species are facing in Northern California.

Chinook Salmon Habitat

Members actively participate in habitat restoration projects and support migration from Shasta to the San Francisco Bay to address critical needs throughout the salmon's freshwater life cycle.

Wetlands for Waterbirds

We are providing vital wetland habitat through winter and spring flooding on private lands to support more than four million migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway and hundreds of native species.

Creating Habitat for Endangered Fish in the Sacramento River

“It’s essential that we pursue all available options to improve and restore our fisheries.”

- Roger Cornwell, Chair of the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors

Providing Wetland Habitat for Waterbirds on Valley Farms

Seasonal flooding of rice fields transforms hundreds of thousands of acres into productive wetland habitat, benefiting both migratory and resident bird populations.

60% of Food

ducks & geese need to migrate along the Pacific Flyway is found on valley ricelands.

350,000 Shorebirds

depend on ricelands each year to complete their journeys from the Arctic to South America.

Strategies to Provide Optimal Bird Habitat

  • Timing habitat availability to match bird migration and seasonal needs.

  • Ensuring habitat continuity and predictability across the years

  • Adapting to climate variability through dynamic conservation approaches

  • Optimizing water depth and stubble management

  • Year-long water deliveries to state and federal wildlife refuges

  • Planting native flora along fields and canals

  • 200,000+ acres of working lands dedicated for wintering habitat