California's Largest Tidal Wetland Restoration Project Completed at Lookout Slough, Newsom says

State officials celebrated this achievement with a ceremonial levee breaching, allowing tidal waters to return to the area.Photo byChris BriggsonUnsplash

In a major victory for both conservation and flood prevention, tidal waters are now flowing through 3,400 acres of restored habitat at Lookout Slough in Solano County, marking the completion of the largest tidal wetland restoration project in California's Delta. This project will protect sensitive fish species and wildlife while also reducing flood risk for Central Valley communities, offering 100-year flood protection.

State officials celebrated this achievement with a ceremonial levee breaching, allowing tidal waters to return to the area for the first time in a century. The project also provides over 40,000-acre feet of additional flood storage in the Yolo Bypass, a critical buffer during future flood events.

Governor Gavin Newsom praised the project as a model for nature-based climate solutions, stating, "California is building on our global climate leadership with innovative solutions that work with nature to safeguard our communities, ecosystems, and local economies from climate-driven floods and drought."

The Lookout Slough project, which began in June 2022, includes a three-mile setback levee and the restoration of tidal channels and native habitats. It is part of California's broader strategy to enhance critical infrastructure and combat climate change across the state.