California Converted Rice Farm Into Floodplain
The 1,600-acre Dos Rios Norte site now serves as a key flood control mechanism in the Sacramento Valley.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Emergency Response
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize natural floodplains to manage flood risk in your area?
In 2023, River Partners transformed the former Dos Rios Norte rice farm into a managed floodplain to bolster the Sutter Bypass system. This project aims to improve flood storage and habitat at the confluence of the Feather and Sacramento Rivers and Butte Creek.
Why it matters
The state is shifting from rigid levee reliance toward natural floodplain infrastructure to better manage peak flood flows. This transition helps protect $223 billion in assets behind Central Valley levees from potential catastrophic flood damage.
The 1,600-acre project site is designed to support the Sutter Bypass system, which currently manages flow capacity near Marysville and Yuba City. California plans to spend over $25 billion on flood preparedness infrastructure over the next 30 years.
The players
River Partners
This non-profit organization specializes in large-scale ecological restoration and floodplain management across California.
California Wildlife Conservation Board
This state agency administers funding for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitat and public recreation areas.
The details
Restoration efforts include grading the land, establishing fish channels, and planting native vegetation. River Partners will maintain the habitat for three years while coordinating with state dam operators to optimize downstream release capacity.
Timeline
1937: The Lundberg family began farming operations in California.
2023: River Partners acquired the 1,600-acre Dos Rios Norte property.
Winter 2027: Projected completion of the Sacramento Weir expansion.
2032: Target date for the completion of the Dos Rios Norte restoration project.
Seasonal Patterns
The Dos Rios Norte project aligns with the funding objectives set by the $10 billion climate bond passed in November 2024. This initiative follows a pattern of state investment aimed at mitigating flood risks that models suggest will become five times higher by 2072.
Residents in the Sacramento Valley should monitor official state flood planning resources as the region transitions to these new natural infrastructure zones. These floodplains are intended to reduce the strain on existing levee systems during heavy precipitation events.
The takeaway
This restoration project exemplifies the shift toward utilizing natural landscapes for flood risk reduction. Residents should anticipate ongoing infrastructure changes as the state works to reconcile agricultural needs with long-term climate preparedness.
What happens next
The Sacramento Weir expansion is scheduled for completion in Winter 2027, followed by the finalization of the Dos Rios Norte restoration efforts in 2032.
Further reading
For more on how the state is preparing for extreme weather, explore Emergency Response initiatives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize natural floodplains to manage flood risk in your area?
