Northern Liberty Island Fish Conservation Bank

The Northern Liberty Island Fish Conservation Bank project, executed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Reclamation District 2093, is a habitat restoration initiative covering approximately 810 acres in the Lower Yolo-Cache Slough area of Yolo County. The project aims to create and enhance habitat for native Delta fish species through a series of structured construction stages, including mobilization, site preparation, levee removal, the excavation of tidal channels, and floodplain lowering. Key deliverables include the lowering of 4,500 linear feet of drainage and irrigation berms, the excavation of three subtidal breaches, the widening of an existing breach to improve tidal connectivity, and the removal of a non-functioning water control structure and culvert. Additionally, the project involves the control of invasive aquatic weeds and the revegetation of tule marsh and riparian habitats. The project is governed by several regulatory approvals, including Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-YOL-41090-R3, Permit No. 19687 from the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2021-040-03. These permits ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Endangered Species Act, specifically addressing the authorized incidental take of the giant garter snake and Swainson's hawk. Environmental determinations indicate that the project will not have a significant effect on the jurisdiction of the involved agencies, provided that the specified mitigation measures and conditions of approval are met. The project is managed by the Trust for Public Land on behalf of Reclamation District 2093.