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Where did the birds go? Once-abundant wetlands are drying up after federal staff cutbacks
Federal staffing cuts left the 50-acre wetland nearly bone dry, and a refuge estimate says more than half of refuges now have zero staff on site.
- The Vierra Wetlands in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge remain parched because federal staff shortages prevent the seasonal flooding process required for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.
- President Donald Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency , led by Elon Musk, which slashed federal land agency staff; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workforce dropped 18% between 2024 and May 2025.
- Longtime steward Hopson retired in 2024, leaving the 7,500-acre refuge without an on-site manager; the site now lacks maintenance, affecting bird counting groups like the Stanislaus Audubon Society, led by Sal Salerno of Modesto.
- Dozens of species, including the wood duck, were absent last winter. A poll released Thursday found nearly 70% of California voters want their congressmember to support a bill prohibiting further public lands staff cuts.
- After an inquiry by CalMatters, the department stated it plans to flood the wetlands this fall; experts agree any water is an improvement, though restoring the refuge to 100% capacity remains a significant challenge.
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Palo Alto Online+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Where did the birds go? Once-abundant wetlands are drying up after federal staff cutbacks
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Even on chilly January days in years past, it was possible to see and hear more than 100 kinds of birds at the Vierra Wetlands in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. But last winter, dozens of species like the snowy egret, […]
Once-abundant wetlands at San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge drying up after federal staff cutbacks
Fourteen miles south of downtown Manteca as the snowy egret flies, even on chilly January days in years past, it was possible to see and hear more than 100 kinds of birds at the Vierra Wetlands in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Center
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
80% Center
L 20%
C 80%
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