California Wetlands Initiative

California is vital to the Pacific Flyway, yet nearly 95% of its historic wetlands have been lost. Today, 60% of the Flyway’s waterfowl rely on the remaining wetlands for migration, wintering, and breeding. With fewer habitats, California supports the most waterfowl with the least land in the world, making conservation efforts critical.

The California Wetlands Initiative is an ambitious effort to safeguard wetlands and agricultural lands essential for waterfowl and other wildlife. These habitats support millions of birds, enhance water quality, reduce flood risks, and provide recreational opportunities for local communities.

What We're Doing

Conservation is hard work, and it takes a community to succeed.  Ducks Unlimited is the Leader in Wetlands Conservation because we are led by donors, volunteers, and members driven to make a difference for the birds and future generations of supporters. Our flock leads the way while collaborating and partnering with others to deliver our mission, and we need your help. Together, we will make California a better place for waterfowl, people, and other wildlife. 

Conservation Objectives

Agricultural Habitats & Land Protection:

• Protect 13,000 acres of rice and wildlife-friendly ranchlands in the Central Valley and Southern Oregon/Northeast California (SONEC).
• Support 4,000 acres of land with state and federal incentive programs to promote waterfowl-friendly practices. 

Wetlands Restoration:

• Restore 15,000 acres of estuarine habitat along the coast.
• Restore 7,500 acres of freshwater wetlands and river floodplains for birds, fish, and people. 

Enhance Managed Wetlands:

• Enhance 7,500 acres of public and private managed wetlands for improved waterfowl habitat. 

Secure Water Supplies:

• Advocate for federal and state water supply priorities.
• Re-hydrate Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges.
• Support the Voluntary Agreements to Improve Rivers and Landscapes.

Public Policy:

• Work with the Governor’s office to streamline conservation project approvals.
• Advocate for wildlife-friendly policies in the Farm Bill and adequate funding for technical assistance and on-the-ground projects. 

Science & Research:

• Study how changing wintering habitats affect waterfowl populations.
• Investigate wetland and upland habitat use to recover breeding waterfowl.
• Collaborate on research to support fish and wildlife within managed wetlands.

TO SUPPORT: 

To contribute toward the California Wetlands Initiative in Northern California, contact:

Jennifer Sagherian
Director of Development
Southern California
Cell: 714.955.2061
jsagherian@ducks.org

Katie Edwards
Director of Development
Northern California
Cell: 916.425.9569
kedwards@ducks.org

Susanna Snyder
Director of Development
Bay Area, California
Cell: 707.684.1676
ssnyder@ducks.org

Make an online gift.