Native riparian vegetation provides habitat for birds and small mammals. Shade from trees keeps water temperatures cool for fish.
Root systems help stabilize riverbanks, reducing erosion and water quality problems.
The river is important because it supplies water for municipal and agricultural uses, conveys floodwaters, and provides a place for people to recreate. This program is a collaborative effort of the Friant Water Users Authority, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen s Associations to pursue mutually acceptable restoration activities along the mainstem of the San Joaquin River. The goal is to bring together diverse interests to cooperatively promote riparian restoration activities. The program is implemented by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program is directed by a Management Team, which is made up of key stakeholders, and a more locally based Action Team.