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SFPUC approves $2 million toward Dos Rios Ranch acquisition for riparian restoration
Summary
The commission authorized a $2 million contribution toward RiverPartners’ acquisition of the 1,603‑acre Dos Rios Ranch at the Tuolumne–San Joaquin confluence, citing habitat restoration, salmon migration benefits and broad state and federal funding partners.
The commission voted to authorize up to $2,000,000 in funding to support RiverPartners’ acquisition of Dos Rios Ranch in the Central Valley, a 1,603‑acre property with about six miles of river frontage at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers.
Tim Ramirez (division manager, natural resources and lands management) described the property as a strategic downstream parcel adjoining the San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge and said the PUC’s contribution would help close the remaining funding gap with state and federal partners. He called the project ‘‘the single largest investment we’ve made in the watershed program since it started.’’
John Carlin of RiverPartners said the site currently is in field crops and would be managed in agriculture in the short term and restored to riparian habitat over time; he highlighted partnerships with NRCS, the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State Wildlife Conservation Board and others. Patrick Copeland of the Tuolumne River Trust emphasized the project’s benefits for salmon and steelhead habitat and said the acquisition complements long‑standing SFPUC watershed commitments: ‘‘this project will reconfirm San Francisco’s commitment to providing strong stewardship of the Tuolumne River,’’ he said.
Commission discussion noted the contribution came from an existing watershed and environmental improvement program established in 2006; commissioners endorsed the multi‑partner approach and approved the funding by voice vote.
