Water Management

Water management is a crucial tool for maintaining high-quality wetland habitats at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. By meticulously controlling the timing, depth, and duration of water in each wetland area, the refuge can encourage the growth of beneficial wetland plants and suppress undesirable ones. This precise management is vital for providing appropriate habitats for various species throughout the year. For instance, tricolored blackbirds require dense stands of flooded cattails during the summer for nesting, while shorebirds need shallow, open wetlands during their spring and fall migrations through the Valley. Overall, the refuge's flooding regimes are designed to replicate the historical availability of wetlands in the Sacramento Valley, ensuring the sustainability of these critical ecosystems.