Large-scale, multi-benefit riparian restoration at Dos Rios Ranch, Stanislaus County, California

4:30 - 5:30

Topic

Abstract

Dos Rios Ranch is a 2,100 acre property located at the confluence of the San Joaquin River and its largest tributary, the Tuolumne River in Stanislaus County, California. Adjacent to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, Dos Rios Ranch is being developed as a landscape-scale model for floodplain restoration, threatened and endangered species recovery, transient floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, water supply, water quality, and recreational opportunities. In the first phase of restoration, River Partners planted over 130,000 native trees and shrubs in resilient plant communities that are adapted to climate change and provide high quality habitat. River Partners is close to obtaining the necessary permits to begin restoration on the balance of fields on the river side of a federal levee that bisects the property. In this next phases of restoration, River Partners will plant over 200,000 native trees and shrubs on flood prone farmland which has been in some form of agriculture for decades. Restoration of the floodplain will include areas of elevated flood refugia for terrestrial species in addition to ephemeral swales to increase seasonal inundation for salmonids. Plant communities will be designed to provide flood conveyance and resist the invasion of non-native species.

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Room Name
Ballroom C