- At 230,000 acres the GEA is the largest remaining vestige of the freshwater wetlands that once flooded California’s Central Valley.
- The GEA was designated a wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Treaty in 2003.
- Several water districts manage the water delivery system that flood the grasslands and enable these wetlands to continue.
- The GEA includes a federal wildlife refuge complex, three state wildlife areas and a state park.
- Over half of the GEA is privately owned and more than 170 duck clubs call the GEA home.
- Farming and ranching in the GEA contributes to 6% of Merced County’s $1.45 billion agricultural economy.
- The planning spheres of influence of four cities (Merced, Los Baños, Dos Palos and Gustine) affect the GEA as does the increasing water supply needs of the fastest growing region in California.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
- Land use in and around the Grasslands area?
- Environmental health within the region?
- Recreational and educational opportunities?
WHO WE ARE
The Grasslands Stewardship Plan (GSP) Project Team includes several entities involved and concerned with the GEA’s unique resources including
- Grassland Water District
- Grassland Ecological Education Center (GEECe)
- Ducks Unlimited Inc.
- University of California, Merced
- Sustain Environmental, Inc.
- Geographical Information Center, California State University, Chico
- Evaluation Management Training (EMT)
- A variety of subcontractors lending their extensive knowledge regarding sustainable watershed characterization and management.
