Applications for BirdReturns Spring 2025 will be open January 1st- January 22nd, 2025. The website is in the process of being updated- please check back soon for more details!

BirdReturns- Spring Wetlands 2024

The objective of the BirdReturns Spring Wetland Program is to incentivize private wetland managers to provide spring flooded habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. By maintaining seasonal wetlands through early spring, followed by a gradual drawdown, wetland managers can create this much needed habitat for migratory birds.

Practice Specifications

FLOODING PRACTICE:

• Soils must remain flooded or fully saturated from the end of the waterfowl season until the end of the drawdown period.
• Conduct a gradual drawdown to reach 50% mud flats on enrolled units within the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd week of April. Wetlands must reach 50% mudflats before the end of the selected week.
  • Option 1: First week of April
  • Option 2: Second week of April
  • Option 3: Third week of April
• Allow access to wetland units for compliance and biological monitoring

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT:

• Wetland must have less than 50% emergent cover/vegetation to ensure availability of habitat for shorebirds and minimize costs associated with mosquito abatement. 

Payment Rates

BUDGET: $500,000

CENTRAL VALLEY HABITAT GOAL: 13,500 acres

PAYMENT RATES (Per Acre):

REGION	OPTION 1 (First Week of April)	OPTION 2 (Second Week of April)	OPTION 3 (Third Week of April)
Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley (Excluding Grasslands Water District)	$18	$20	$22
Grasslands Water District, Suisun, and Delta	$10	$10	$15
Tulare	$120	$140	$160

Application Ranking and Scoring Process

All bids will be ranked and scored by representatives from the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, and the California Waterfowl Association. This committee will assess bids according to standardized methods, using the best available science and tools that predict the habitat value of each application according to its location in the landscape, history of bird use in the surrounding area, and timing. Applicants that are able to flood longer and have larger acreages will rank higher.

Ranking Strategy:

Primary ranking will be conducted at the regional level. The highest-scoring bids will be selected within a region until the regional habitat target is met. Targets are set so each region has an opportunity to contribute toward a portion of the Central Valley-wide habitat target. Spring regional habitat targets are set at 10% of the Central Valley-wide habitat objective. With remaining funding, the highest-scoring bids across all regions will be selected until all funding is spent or the statewide habitat target is met.

Flooded Habitat vs. Traditionally Managed Wetlands

Wetland Gradual Drawdown Sequence

Why the Spring Wetland Program Matters

Migratory birds like ducks, geese, and shorebirds play a vital role in the Central Valley’s ecosystem. Private wetlands, making up 65% of the remaining habitat, are critical for their survival during their long journeys. Our Spring Wetlands Program ensures flooded habitats on these private lands, offering essential rest stops for birds traveling from Alaska to California and beyond.

The ongoing variability in water conditions makes creating flooded areas on private wetlands crucial to ensure migratory birds have the necessary habitats. By supporting our program, you’re helping maintain a diverse landscape that benefits not only birds but also other wildlife and the local economy. Join us in safeguarding our feathered friends and preserving the delicate balance of our region’s ecosystems

Questions? Contact Us!