Maintenance of viable waterfowl populations in California depends on optimum management, operation, and maintenance of the state's limited wetland habitats. The majority of California's remaining wetlands are in private ownership, primarily waterfowl hunting clubs. Technical assistance by agency professionals often produces significant benefits to the waterfowl resource in the form of improved habitat conditions. Assistance also helps maintain waterfowl hunting success so that landowners have an incentive to perpetuate private wetlands. Assistance is provided to private landowners by state and federal agencies through dissemination of information, funded wildlife programs, preparation of management plans, and engineering designs. Specific help must be tailored to the needs of the property and its owner. Management goals must be mutually agreeable to landowners and professionals before reconnaissance of physical features occurs and habitat improvement plans are written. After plans are developed, thorough implementation is facilitated by frequent landowner contact.
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