Atwater

Geosyntec planned and designed dual-purpose groundwater-recharge ponds to enhance a wetland habitat on the Pacific Flyway, a network of habitats that supports millions of migratory birds. Bear Creek in Atwater, California, is surrounded by double-cropped farmland, which puts the surrounding area at risk of increased likelihood and intensity of flooding, especially in disadvantaged communities. Following a conservation easement from the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), the La Paloma Mutual Water Company looked to foster habitat restoration at this site. The goal of the project is to plan and design the re-establishment of approximately 1,171-acres of irrigated farm ground to floodplains, providing a habitat for migrating waterfowl.