Project Description
The Winter Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project was undertaken by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to reestablish tidal connectivity and enhance the ecological function of the 500-acre marsh on Winter Island, located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Historically, Winter Island was operated as a duck hunting club, but DWR purchased the property with the goal of restoring the tidal habitat and improving the overall ecosystem.
Major Challenges
The major challenges faced included coordinating the removal of existing water control structures to restore tidal connectivity and widening channels to facilitate effective tidal flows across the 500-acre marsh, ensuring the project design and implementation aligned with the ecological goals of enhancing marsh function.
Project Highlights
Restoration of over 500 acres of tidal marsh habitat, the reestablishment of tidal connectivity to benefit native fish species, the increased food production in the marsh that can flow out with the tides to support the surrounding ecosystem.
Project Scope
The project involved the removal of existing water control structures and the widening of channels to facilitate effective tidal flows across the marsh. The main objectives were to reestablish tidal connectivity and enhance the overall ecological function of the marsh, with the understanding that tidal marshes are important for food production and can benefit native fish species.
