by Val Dolcini, California state executive director
I recently joined local rice farmers during the wild rice harvest in northern California. The Sacramento Valley is the heart of California's rice industry and more than 95 percent of the state's crop is grown within 100 miles of the state capitol.
California rice lands provide habitat, food, and breeding grounds for over 200 species of wildlife and it's estimated that well over 10 million ducks, geese and other waterfowl use the Central Valley's wetland habitats. With an estimated $1.5 billion in habitat value, California rice growers contribute greatly to California's natural landscape.
In Yolo County, I toured the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, viewed by many as a model for bridging the seemingly disparate fields of agriculture and wildlife management. Working with local farmers, many innovative, natural resource compatible agricultural practices, supported by USDA and state programs are used to promote wildlife friendly farming and cattle operations.
