The largest managed marsh construction effort in the Conservancy's history was recently completed. In all, there were seven marsh construction projects underway on Conservancy preserves in 2003. In each case, the projects were for the purpose of creating managed marsh on lands where no marsh or wetlands existed.

The largest project of the 2003 construction season too place on the Conservancy's Lucich North and Frazer tracts. The two tracts are adjacent, and border on the Natomas Cross Canal at the northern end of the Natomas Basin.

Combined, the two tracts total approximately 360 acres, and the newly created managed marsh portion covers the entire area when land classified as "associated uplands" is included with that portion of the preserves receiving water.

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The Conservancy's 2004 restoration and enhancement construction efforts were largely focused on the Conservancy's Cummings tract. The Cummings tract project resembled last year's work on the nearby Natomas Farms tract (see previous story) in that it attempts to connect the habitat values of Fisherman's Lake with those of the Sacramento River.

When completed, the Cummings tract restoration and enhancement construction project will provide an extension of the riparian corridor along the Sacramento River for Swainson's hawk benefit, along with new upland foraging area. The newly-created marsh complex on the easterly portion of the tract will provide expanded and diversified habitat opportunities for the giant garter snake. It is hoped that giant garter snakes now found in Fisherman's Lake will help colonize the new Cummings tract preserve.

The Conservancy's latest land acquisition is the 148-acre "Tufts" tract. The property lies west of U.S. Highway 99, north of Elverta Road and in the Sacramento County portion of the Basin. It is the first acquisition for 2004.