DFG News Archive

DFG Will Hold Scoping Meeting Dec. 12 on Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Land Management

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today announced a public scoping meeting to help determine land management plans for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. DFG will hold the meeting on Monday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Davis Waste Removal Co., 2727 Second St., Davis.

This meeting is the first step in an ecological preparation process to draft a land management plan that will be completed in late 2006 and guide future development of the wildlife area. Public comment is encouraged during the process. DFG will also hold additional meetings next year to solicit public input.

The project will deal with creation of new wildlife habitat and determine the best methods to address issues such as compatibility with flood control; the prevention of mosquito problems; incorporating agricultural needs within the property; and creating healthy conditions for fish and wildlife. As part of the land management plan, DFG will prepare an initial study in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to identify any potential environmental impacts of the project.

The meeting will also consider how to balance public use in the wildlife area with DFG’s primary mission of habitat protection and management. The area offers hunters more than 1,900 acres of wetland and upland habitat. Scientists, bird enthusiasts and schoolchildren often tour the area to experience the sights and sounds of waterfowl.

In addition to the scoping meeting, members of the public may comment by contacting wildlife area manager Dave Feliz at dfeliz@dfg.ca.gov; by sending a letter to the DFG Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis, CA 95616; or by faxing comments to (530) 757-2518.

The Yolo Basin grew from 3,700 acres to nearly 16,000 acres in 2001 after DFG purchased property both north and south of the wildlife area. It sits in the heart of the Pacific Flyway and extends south of the Interstate 80 corridor. While the bypass retains its historic flood-control priority, the area has permanent ponds and seasonal wetlands for wintering waterfowl and other species.