Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

“This is a great victory for local wildlife preservation. I fought hard to secure these funds, because I believe the SJRNWR is a precious natural resource that should be strengthened and protected.  This is a great first step towards accomplishing that goal.” said Cardoza. “I also want to thank my colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose efforts in the Senate were critical to delivering this appropriation.”

David Froba of the Stanislaus Audubon Society hailed the Congressman’s success as a big step for wildlife protection: “Stanislaus Audubon much applauds Congressman Cardoza's most recent success in securing funds for the SJRNWR. It is hard to think of a local wildlife priority greater than the SJRNWR, where a dramatic and rapid return to authentic habitat is taking place before our eyes.“

These funds will protect native grasslands and wetlands that are essential for the waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway, and for critical wintering habitat for greater sandhill cranes, Aleutian Canada geese, nesting herons and egrets. The SJRNWR was established in 1987, and is located along the SJR between the confluences of the Stanislaus and the Tuolumne Rivers.  This refuge has some of the best riparian oak woodland in the San Joaquin Valley. 

The SJRNWR also serves an important role in flood protection.  

Funds will be directed to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which will complete the acquisition.