California's Central Valley Habitat Trends

The Central Valley of California contains some of the most varied natural habitats and highest biodiversity in North America. Many of these resources have been severely reduced or degraded by human settlement, population growth and economic development.

With the development of the Federal and State water projects, thousands of acres of upland, wetland, and riparian habitats were inundated by construction of major reservoirs. Wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitats downstream of reservoirs were further degraded due to associated changes in timing and extent of river flows.

Upland and seasonal wetland habitats were converted to agricultural, municipal and industrial uses as a result of water made available by the water projects.

Many Central Valley habitats have been identified as priorities for conservation and restoration efforts as a result of their significant reductions, fragmentation, and the existence of associated special-status species.

An analysis of existing databases indicated in 1999 approximately 187 special-status species occurred in areas of the Central Valley and another 640 species occurred that were considered species of concern.

Without efforts to address the current trend, additional species will no doubt be added to the special-status list. The following branches and divisions of our office deal with these issues.

Coordination & Consultation

• Endangered Species
• Habitat Conservation
  • Flood & Waterway Planning
  • Energy Planning - Instream Flow
  • Watershed Planning
  
  
  

Fish & Wildlife Restoration

• Project Implementation
• Water Operations
• Endangered Species Recovery

Table Mt. near Oroville

Aquatic Habitat Trends

Terrestrial Habitat Trend

Species of Concern
Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office