Ducks Unlimited Begins Construction on Major Habitat and Auto Tour Loop Upgrades at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Big changes are on the horizon for one of California’s most visited wildlife areas. As part of Phase 2 of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Habitat Enhancement and Auto Tour Route project, 765 acres of habitat, including 696 acres of seasonal wetlands and 69 acres of uplands, are set to be improved across several fields at the wildlife area. 

Ducks Unlimited is leading the project taking aim at improving the area for both avian and human visitors.  , 

To bring the land back to optimal condition, project work will include recontouring fields, excavating swales, constructing habitat islands and benches, and replacing failing water- control structures. Nearly 25,000 linear feet of internal service roads will be upgraded to allow better year-round access for staff. 

Hosting around 80,000 visitors annually, Gray Lodge is among the most popular wildlife areas in the state. While these improvements are underway, some temporary disruptions are expected. Construction is scheduled to begin the week of June 15, and continue through early October, wrapping up just in time for the peak of fall and winter bird migration. During this time, the auto tour loop, nearby hiking trails, and one viewing hide will be closed. Visitors may also encounter occasional road delays. 

To improve habitat quality and visitor safety, construction crews will regrade steep slopes along the auto tour route, add new turnouts for better wildlife viewing and vehicle passing, and build on the success of similar improvements completed in 2020. Pond bottoms along the route and surrounding fields will also be graded to enhance water flow and drainage, crucial for effective habitat management and water conservation. 

The project will also bring several public access and recreational upgrades. Wildlife viewing opportunities will be expanded, two new mobility-impaired hunting blinds will be installed in Field 58, and Field 94 will receive upgraded infrastructure with pre-cast pit blinds. Security fencing will also be added at four high-risk locations to help deter vandalism. 

Funding for the project comes from a $4 million grant through the Wildlife Conservation Board’s Inland Wetlands Program. The effort supports the long-term goals of Gray Lodge, the Central Valley Joint Venture, and broader regional and national bird conservation priorities. 

When complete, this next phase of restoration will further Gray Lodge’s legacy as the Pacific Flyway’s premier destination for hunting, birdwatching and wildlife-based recreation, while ensuring a healthier future for its wetlands and the species that depend on them. 

Please visit the new DU Media Toolkit page for essential resources about Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission. 

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org. 

Media Contact: 
Molly Jarone 
(916) 903-9199 
mjarone@ducks.org