Assumptions

• Human population growth will present significant challenges for waterfowl conservation in coming decades.
  Energy is the primary nutritional requirement of waterfowl in the non-breeding period.
• Water quality and quantity issues must be addressed to secure waterfowl's future in the Central Valley.
• Anadromous fish issues must be addressed to assure adequate water supplies are available for wetlands and agricultural lands that can provide benefits to wildlife.

Strategies

• Prioritize wetland restoration as the core of DU’s programs.
• Support agricultural uses that are compatible with wetland conservation and waterfowl use, especially in the most threatened areas.
• Develop and implement agricultural production techniques that create sustainable agricultural practices that benefit wildlife.
• Secure water policies and allocations favorable to fish and wildlife.
• Reconnect true hydrologic linkages, such as floodplains and riparian habitat systems.
• Develop and apply evaluation methods to ensure that current and future wetland restoration efforts result in functioning wetland ecosystems.
• Complete the interactive GIS land use planning process to help prioritize key landscapes and complexes for protection or restoration. Implement general usage of this model in normal planning activities.