Imperial Wildlife Area Wetland Restoration, Phase IV

The Imperial Wildlife Area Wetland Restoration, Phase IV project aims to restore wetland habitats within the Wister Unit by eliminating invasive salt cedar and upgrading outdated water delivery systems. This involves replacing open ditches with modern piped infrastructure to improve water efficiency, reduce evaporation and seepage, and better manage water distribution across the wetland units. Ancillary improvements include the construction of new levees, islands, swales, and water control structures designed to optimize water use and create high-quality nesting and foraging environments for migratory birds. These enhancements are critical for supporting regional biodiversity and sustaining ecological functions in one of California’s key wildlife areas. The project is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Board under the California state agency, with Rebecca Fris, Deputy Executive Director, listed as the primary point of contact for inquiries. The initiative is forecasted with a posted date of June 9, 2026, and is tracked under WCB Project Tracker ID 2026051.