Delta Suisun Marsh Office

Delta Levees Program

The Delta Levees Program has a rich history which has touched almost every corner of the Delta levee system. The list of levee projects in which the Program has been involved is a long one, and includes activities ranging from levee improvements to ecological enhancements to scientific research. Those who have been around the Delta a long time know well how much improved the system is now compared with how it was 20 years ago, and the Delta Levees Program is a big reason why. Furthermore, the Program doesn't merely mitigate any habitat impacts resulting from such levee improvements. The Program has implemented many of the projects in such a way that it has considerably increased the net habitat resources of the Delta.

Currently, the Program is engaged in a variety of projects that reflects not only the proven formula of local/state partnership to implement the improvements, but also to the growing relationship with the CALFED Program. As usual, the Subventions Program is involved in projects throughout most of the Delta, with almost all of the Delta Reclamation Districts participating in this year's Subventions Program. In addition to routine vegetation control and inspections activities throughout nearly the entire Delta levee system, Subventions has supported many significant levee projects throughout the Delta this year. All levee projects are conducted in compliance with California Department of Fish & Game habitat requirements, and are inspected annually to insure such compliance. When considering that the extent of current Subventions work is typical for every year of the life of the Program, you can begin to appreciate how important this part of the Program has been and continues to be to the Delta.

While singling out any one project that best represents a Program such as this may be difficult, if not impossible, the Decker Island Project may be as good a choice as any. Click here to take a closer look at the Decker Island Project. The Decker Island Project has combined the very goals that some used to say were incompatible: restoring tidal wetland habitat, protecting farms, improving water quality, and securing the state water supply. In a nutshell, what the Delta Levees Program does on a daily basis. Indeed, currently the Decker Island project is undergoing the second phase of implementation. You may keep track of the progress of the ongoing project here.

The Twitchell Island Setback Levee Project is another excellent example of the types of projects the Program is involved in. On Twitchell, a levee which had a steep, unstable waterside slope was identified as both a threat and as an opportunity. This project is located on the high-energy southern shore of Twitchell Island. By setting back the levee, the waterside slope was structurally improved and stabilized. But the Twitchell Setback Levee Project goes further than just flood protection. With it's ecologically-vital west Delta location, the old levee was planted with young trees, which are expected to develop into more than a half mile of critical shaded riverine aquatic habitat. The result is a new levee protected by both a more gradual, stabler slope, and by an energy-absorbing planted shelf, as well as being an endangered species nursery situated right in the heart of the greater Delta ecosystem. If you have any questions, contact Dave Showers at (916) 651-7006.

Several of the other prominent projects include a proposed 4 mile levee improvement at New Hope Tract, coordination with the North Delta Program activities on McCormack-Williamson, the recent completion of a major levee project along 3-mile Slough on Sherman Island, new levee projects on Jersey Island, and a Flooded Islands Restoration Feasability Study. In the case of the Flooded Islands Project, CALFED recently awarded the Program a grant to explore the feasability of restoring wetland habitat in portions of Franks Tract, Big Break, and Lower Sherman Lake. This promises to yield exciting new possibilities about improving ecosystems in some of the most difficult restoration environments.

Nor is this even close to a complete discussion of current Program activities. The best way to find out about what the Program is doing is to either contact us, or just take a look at the Delta from boat or car for yourself. Chances are, if you see levee or habitat improvement going on, the Delta Levees Program is involved.