San Joaquin River Oxbows

This stretch of the San Joaquin, beginning about 3 kilometers (2 miles) east of the Mendota Pool and continuing upstream approximately 9.6 kilometers (6 miles), supports one of the least disturbed Central Valley riparian communities in this region. Black cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa, sycamore, Platanus racemosa. and several willows, Salix ssp., form the overstory. The dense undergrowth consists of a number of species including Sambucus sp., Rubus sp, Vitis sp., Juncus ssp., Typha ssp., etc.

Wildlife populations here are relatively high and include a variety of animals. The rare giant garter snake, Thamnophis couchi gigas, probably occurs here.

The river meanders are particularly pronounced in this section, with oxbow formations almost complete at several points.

Integrity: Levees are found on both sides of the meander plain but, because of past flooding, little development has taken place; however, the land beyond the levees is under intensive cultivation.

Use: Education, research, recreational, fishing. If this section is declared navigable the ownership will reside with the State; if not, private owners may hold title to the river.

Ref: Hines, Roy and E. V. Toffoli, 1966. Effects of Lower San Joaquin River Flood Control on Recreational Resources. On file Region IV Office, California Department of Fish and Game.

March 1975