SCVAS is one of many organizations taking part in the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast. When complete, the restoration will convert 15,100 acres of commercial salt ponds at the South end of San Francisco Bay to a mix of tidal marsh, mudflat and other wetland habitats.

Under the leadership of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the South Bay Salt Ponds were purchased in 2003 from Cargill Inc. Funds for the purchase were provided by federal and state resource agencies and several private foundations. The 15, 100 acre purchase represents the largest single acquisition in a larger campaign to restore 40,000 acres of lost tidal wetlands to San Francisco Bay.

The goals of the project are to restore and enhance a mix of wetland habitats, to provide wildlife-oriented public access and recreation, and to provide for flood management in the South Bay. The Project Management Team is comprised of the California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC), the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

A broad coalition of agency staff, scientists and members of the public, including SCVAS, worked for many years to develop the current restoration plan. The plan serves as a blueprint for habitat restoration, flood protection, and the construction of new trails, viewing platforms and other public access amenities along the Bay. Project partners and members of the public are now collaborating on implementing the plan.

How you can help!

• Read more about the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project and join one of their ongoing efforts.

• Write a letter, attend a meeting, or perform some other action as described in our latest Conservation Action Alert.

• You can help with these or other projects that interest you by becoming a Volunteer for Conservation. We have many ways that you can help from simply speaking out as part of our Conservation Action Alert Network to joining our Environmental Action Committee (EAC).

• Make a tax-deductible donation to support these and other local conservation efforts.