Monitoring Marsh Management on the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Ab.rvacl: The Central Valley plays a key role in providing wintering habitat for 60% of the Pacific Flyway's waterfowl. Unfortunately, about 95% of the wetland habitat upon which these birds depend bas been lost. It is imperative tbat remaining wetlands be managed in the most efficient and productive manner possible. In 1981, personnel of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge complex (SNWRC) began developing a habitat management system to guide the planning, field operation, and CYllluation on all refuges of the Complex. Annually, a management team plans habitat objectives, water regime, vegetation manipulation, and a prioritized work list for each unit of each refuge. Subsequent monitoring is used to document accomplishments. Data management is computer aided and permits Oexibility in tracking and comparing management actions. Use of the system bas resulted in substantial progress in habitat management on the SNWRC in recent years. As more information is collected and analy:zed, further refinements are anticipated.