From Fields to Floodplains: How Unprecedented Collaboration Created California's Newest State Park

The story of Dos Rios State Park isn't just about environmental conservation – it's a remarkable testament to what can be achieved when farmers, environmental advocates, and community leaders, state and federal agencies as well as tribes unite around a shared vision. This groundbreaking project, which officially opened its gates on June 12, 2024, represents a new model for collaborative conservation in California.

Situated at the meeting point of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers, this 1,600-acre preserve emerged from an extraordinary partnership between agricultural experts, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies as well as local stakeholders. What makes this project truly special is how it bridges the often-perceived gap between farming and environmental interests, proving that these two worlds can not only coexist but thrive together.

The transformation of Dos Rios didn't happen overnight. It took over a decade of careful planning, more than $40 million in funding from eleven different sources, and countless hours of coordination between a range of interest groups. River Partners, lead by Julie Rentner- Harrison , the non-profit organization leading the charge in partnership with the Tuolumne River Trust, worked hand-in-hand with farmers and agricultural experts to reimagine how this land could serve both ecological and community needs.

The results speak volumes about the power of collaboration. Today, the preserve serves as a crucial wildlife habitat for numerous species, including the imperiled riparian brush rabbit, Swainson's hawk, and Chinook salmon. Innovative water control structures now help manage floodwaters more effectively, protecting surrounding communities while creating ideal conditions for local wildlife.

But perhaps most importantly, this project demonstrates how environmental restoration can generate tangible community benefits. The initiative created 250 local jobs, opened up new recreational opportunities for residents that boost public health, and established a model for future conservation projects. Dos Rios is the largest public-private floodplain restoration in California’s history and is a major piece of one of the largest constellations of restored floodplains anywhere in the state--a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.

The Dos Rios project teaches us an invaluable lesson: when we move beyond traditional silos and embrace collaboration, we can create solutions that benefit everyone – farmers, environmentalists, local communities, and wildlife alike.

? As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, the Dos Rios story reminds us that the best solutions often come from unlikely partnerships and open dialogue. This isn't just a win for conservation; it's a win for collaborative problem-solving and community-centered development.