This fall, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) formally dedicated its new Salt Slough-San Luis Hunter Check Station in Los Banos, California. The new facility will annually serve an estimated 7,700 waterfowlers, who hunt on the Gadwall and Salt Slough units of the North Grasslands Wildlife Area and the San Luis, South Freitas, West Bear Creek, and East Bear Creek units of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This spacious and well-designed facility, which includes restrooms and a covered patio, also serves as a welcome center and an information hub for waterfowlers and other visitors.

For more than a quarter century, DU has worked with the CDFG, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other partners to complete several wetland restoration projects in this waterfowl-rich region. Located in the San Joaquin River basin, the Grasslands is the largest remaining wetland complex in California and is vitally important to Pacific Flyway waterfowl and other wildlife.