After a 13-year effort, ALC put another piece of the Sacramento River Bend puzzle in place with the protection of a 91-acre parcel of high priority riparian and oak woodland habitat in May, 2009. The project brings the total number of acres ALC has protected in the Bend Area to 1,642. ALC worked with its long-time partner, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to complete the project, which was funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

(Photo: Avi Hesterman)

The 17,000-acre Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the BLM for its outstanding natural resource values. It contains now-rare oak woodlands, 25 miles of some of California’s last intact riparian habitat, and excellent habitat for transient salmon and steelhead trout that spawn upstream. Home to numerous wildlife species, the area also has a rich cultural history and is a popular outdoor recreation area (see related project page for more details).

The Sacramento River Bend is surrounded by some of the fastest population growth in the state. This project protects parcels that were imminently threatened by development and subdivision and prevents further fragmentation of riparian habitat.

The acquisition also represents steady progress in conserving this important ecological resource: In 1972 the area included just 4,000 acres of public land and less than a mile of river frontage. Today it includes nearly 18,000 public acres and 16 miles of river frontage managed by the BLM. ALC has completed 11 projects in the Sacramento River Bend since 1996.

More information:

• Factsheet on ALC's current work in the Sacramento River Bend
• Press Release (May, 2009)
• ALC’s work in the Sacramento River Bend
• ALC’s Central Valley & Foothills Program
  
  

  Project Photos