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Introduction
The American and Sutter Basins Working Group (ASBWG) is a consortium of public agencies and non-governmental organizations that emerged as a sub-group of the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV), whose primary goals are to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and riparian songbirds in California's Central Valley.
The mission of the ASBWG is to further the goals of the CVJV through wetland and riparian habitat conservation and preservation of agricultural uses in the American and Sutter Basins. With funding from the California Department of Fish and Game, the ASBWG has developed a Working Landscapes Strategy (Strategy) for the American and Sutter Basins. The central theme of the Strategy is the creation of wetland reserves located within a matrix of agricultural uses that support the protection and enhancement of biodiversity.
The American and Sutter Basins are ideal for implementation of a Strategy because of the predominance of agricultural uses, especially rice farming. Rice is a principal source of nutrition for migratory and resident waterfowl and other wildlife. Agriculture is a dominant economic force in the Basins and supports many business enterprises.
The purpose of the Working Landscapes Project website is to introduce the Working Landscapes concept. This site also serves as a resource for interested parties to access information regarding on-the-ground successes, including conservation easements and restoration projects, implemented on productive rice fields through the efforts of the Working Landscapes Project.
The Working Landscape Project is funded by a grant from the California Department of Fish and Game.