News Release Archive

News Advisory: Federal Agencies Invite News Media to Ceremony Marking Implementation of Suisun Marsh Habitat Management, Preservation and Restoration Plan

Media Contact: Louis Moore, 916-978-5100, wmoore@usbr.gov

For Release: April 22, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that on Thursday they will hold a ceremony and news media availability marking implementation of a comprehensive, 30-year plan to restore and enhance Suisun Marsh, a critical part of the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta estuary ecosystem.

The Suisun Marsh Habitat Management, Preservation and Restoration Plan addresses concerns over use of resources within about 50,000 acres of the ecological treasure, which is the largest contiguous brackish (fresh and salt water) marsh on the West Coast. Operations of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project influence the health of the ecosystem, much of which is privately owned and home to waterfowl hunting clubs.

WHAT: The news media is invited to attend a celebration where speakers will include officials from Reclamation, the USFWS, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Suisun Resources Conservation District.

WHERE: The event will be held at Rush Ranch Lodge, 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun City, CA 94585.

WHEN: Thursday, April 24, at 12:30 p.m.

The plan creates a framework for a broad partnership to restore 5,000 to 7,000 acres of the marsh to tidal wetlands and enhance and protect more than 40,000 acres of managed wetlands. The plan’s objectives include improving habitat for multiple special-status species, maintaining the heritage of waterfowl hunting and other recreational opportunities; improving water quality to assist fish migration and spawning; and improving and maintaining the levee system to protect property, infrastructure and wildlife habitats from flooding.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.