Restoring Tidal Wetlands at Sonoma Baylands, San Francisco Bay

The Sonoma Baylands project recreated tidal wetlands that were diked and drained around 1900 and later separated by two major transportation corridors. The project used 2.0 million cubic meters of dredged material to create an intertidal template that accelerated tidal marsh restoration. The project design also included a series of peninsulas to break up wind-driven waves and increase sedimentation rates. The use of dredged material reduced the time needed for habitat development by several decades. The project successfully expanded tidal channels and saw salt marsh vegetation colonize the restoration area. Funded and executed by USACE, the project cost about $6 million in total, including both land acquisition and design.