San Joaquin River Projects

The San Joaquin River restoration projects are located on the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge near Modesto. The San Joaquin River is California’s second longest river and one of its most degraded. After decades of building dams and levees, humans have significantly altered this river that once freely meandered across a broad floodplain of wetland and riparian forests. In fact, the original name of the Mexican land grant that encompasses the San Joaquin River restoration project was named El Pescadero, reflecting the large runs of salmon and steelhead that annually passed through this area.

To improve habitat for species that rely on healthy, functioning riparian forests, River Partners is collaborating with CALFED, California Department of Water Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and local farmers. We have restored more than 2,500 acres of contiguous riparian vegetation and wetlands on abandoned agricultural fields. Levee breaches on the Refuge will reconnect the river with its floodplain allowing the physical processes, including flooding and sediment deposition, to occur that are needed to create and sustain these important riparian systems.

These restoration projects will greatly enhance the continuity of riparian habitat already protected in the area and provide an important wildlife corridor between the mouths of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers. We are customizing our plantings to create dense briar patches to harbor and protect endangered riparian brush rabbits. Planted elderberry trees will offer habitat for the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle, and a rich mixture of native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs will provide structural diversity for a broad array of wildlife.

River Partners is not only excited about the opportunity to increase wildlife habitat, but also about the projected future public uses in the area including trails, wildlife viewing, hunting, and educational opportunities for local communities and schools in the San Joaquin Valley.

River Partners News Stories on San Joaquin River Projects

Make a Difference Day at the San Joaquin River NWR Dec. 2011	River Partners Recognized for Species Recovery Efforts July 2011
Flooding Part of Natural Central Valley Riparian Ecology Mar. 2011	Pelican Nature Trail at SJNWR Open to the Public Mar. 2011
Tree Root Architecture Research Dec. 2010	Notes from the San Joaquin River Conference Dec. 2010
Results Are In: Endangered Rabbits are Living in our Planted Habitats! June 2010	Volunteer Planting Day at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge Mar. 2010
A Tour of a Successful Restoration Project Dec. 2009	San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge June 2009
San Joaquin Valley Projects June 2009	Endangered Rivers June 2009
Project Updates June 2009	San Joaquin's 1st Planting Event Mar. 2009
Flooding: What's a Rabbit to Do? Mar. 2009	Riparian Restoration at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge Sep. 2008
Completion of the Vierra Restoration Project at the San Joaquin River NWR Sep. 2008	Chinook Salmon in the San Joaquin Valley: What are the Benefits of Riparian Restoration? June 2008
Dos Rios Ranch Identified as a Potential State Park Sep. 2008