Levee Breach Marks Completion of the Delta’s Largest-ever Tidal Wetland Restoration Project: Project Restores 3,400 acres of Habitat for Sensitive Fish Species While Also Reducing Flood Risk in the Central Valley
For the first time in 100 years, tidal waters are flowing to 3,400 acres of restored habitat that will support fish and wildlife species and provide new flood capacity in Solano County. Today, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Ecosystem Investment Partners (EIP) held a levee breaching ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project (Lookout Slough). This multi-benefit project restores tidal wetland habitat and produces food for Delta smelt and other fish species, while reducing overall flood risk in the Sacramento area.
“Lookout Slough is the biggest environmental restoration project in the Delta in decades. And a critical feature of it is the improved flood protection it provides to surrounding communities. Protecting people from flooding doesn’t have to be at odds with the environment – it can actually work with it,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “More intense droughts and floods require these solutions. Congratulations to our local, state, federal, tribal, private, and non-profit partners who made this happen.”
