California Waterfowl Gives SoCal Paradise a Face-Lift

Established in the 1980s, San Jacinto WA is a key resource for the region, with over 9,000 acres of wildlife habitat that draw more than 25,000 public visitors each year. It provides a variety of outdoor experiences, including wildlife viewing, hunting and hiking.

Work will substantially increase the amount of wetland habitat available to wildlife as CWA and Department of Fish and Game (DFG) team up to restore more than 300 acres of property recently purchased by WCB and improve more than 220 acres of existing wetlands on the WA.

DFG owns and manages the WA and is dedicated to preserving wildlife and their habitats throughout the state. This work is often complicated by competing water demands for agriculture and urban areas. Water supplied to the wildlife area needs to be used as efficiently as possible to provide maximum benefits to local wildlife.

DFG Wildlife Habitat Supervisor Scott Sewell is excited about the possibilities: “We’re looking forward to getting better control of water supplies to increase attractiveness to birds during winter and spring breeding season. In addition, the public’s recreational opportunities are going to increase with the addition of habitat to the wildlife area.”

CWA Senior Biologist Chadd Santerre concurs. “These restoration efforts are going to provide much-needed, dependable resources for wildlife. Everyone visiting is going to enjoy the benefits provided to their outdoor experience.”

San Jacinto WA is located 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles and a few miles east of Lake Perris. This oasis is one of few places left in Southern California where waterfowl winter and raise young in spring and summer. It’s also an important resting point for birds that travel along the Pacific Flyway during their yearly migrations.

CWA is working to conserve, protect and enhance California’s waterfowl resources, wetlands, and associated hunting heritage. For more info please visit www.calwaterfowl.org.