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 that 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 evaluation 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 flexibility in tracking and comparing management actions. Use of the system has resulted in substantial progress in habitat management on the SNWRC in recent years. As more information is collected and analyzed, further refinements are anticipated.
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