Stockton Channel Islands
Map SatelliteAlong the 12-kilometer (8-mile) stretch of the Stockton Deep Water Channel, between the Venice Reach and Hog Island, are a number of islands, some with levees, that preserve good examples of freshwater marshes and riparian communities representative of the Delta.
The marsh vegetation typically includes cattails, Typha latifolia, tules, Scirpus acutus, sedge, Cyperus sp., and spike-rush, Eleocharis sp. In some of the open-water areas within the marshes, yellow pond-lily, Nuphar luteum ssp. polysepalum, occurs occasionally.
In the higher areas there is a riparian association with willow, Salix spp., the most conspicuous member but with cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and white alder, Alnus rhombifolia, occasionally present.
A number of animals are found here, including numerous fishes such as the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, and green sturgeon, Acipenser medirostris.
Integrity: This area includes agricultural land, recreational facilities, levees, etc.; however, many of the marsh areas are in good to excellent condition.
Use: Some private. Research, educational, observational on State lands.
January 1980
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
