California floods restored wetland in Solano County for Delta fish

On Wednesday, the California Department of Water Resources celebrated the completion of the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project in Solano County. This project aims to create a new habitat for the endangered delta smelt, a species affected by the operations of the State Water Project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The levee breaching ceremony involved removing a segment of levee, allowing 3,400 acres of restored habitat to be flooded, which is crucial for the survival of the delta smelt. The restoration project, managed by Ecosystem Investment Partners, is the largest tidal wetland restoration initiative in the Delta. It was initiated to address the impacts of climate change, including more intense droughts and floods, which necessitate innovative solutions for habitat restoration and flood management. The construction included a 25-foot-tall setback levee designed to provide flood protection while accommodating future sea level rise. In addition to supporting fish and wildlife species, the project also enhances flood capacity in Solano County, providing over 40,000-acre-feet of additional flood water storage within the Yolo Bypass. This is part of a broader effort by the State of California to offset the environmental impacts of its water management practices. Once fully operational, the site will offer public access to the new tidal channels for activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting, promoting both ecological restoration and recreational opportunities for the community.