District Size: 363,566 acres Year Formed: 1955 Projects: Recent catastrophic flooding in the Sutter Basin and the real potential of severe flooding from future levee breaks along the Feather or Sacramento Rivers or by-pass levees are of utmost importance to the District. Directors support strong measures to strengthen our levees, dredge the river channels and other flood control measures to avoid further death and destruction.
Drainage is a major problem in Sutter County. Surface runoff from urban areas, local ponding from rains, undersized channels, inundation of large areas by overflow of natural streams, seepage from rivers, bypass or channels and perched water tables are all problems in various parts of the county.
The District has addressed these problems in South Sutter County by completing and publishing the Sutter-Placer River Basin Study Report and the Reclamation District 1500 Resource Study. The Sutter County Soil Survey Report helps identify problem areas and assists in design of practices. Direct technical assistance to local landowners and County agencies addressing drainage concerns is an ongoing District activity. Other agencies that have responsibilities and are presently involved include reclamation districts, levee districts, Corps of Engineers, Department of Water Resources, the County of Sutter, drainage districts and other improvement districts.
Soil problems in Sutter County generally relate to the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and also the slope, location and underlying materials. In Sutter County, soil problems include: hardpan, restricted rooting depth, heavy textured soils, wet soils and salt. Mechanical compaction causing reduced infiltration rates is also a very common problem. Determining the potential and limitations of soil and its management for agricultural and other uses is essential. The cooperative Soil Survey, provides resource data as a basis for making sound land use and treatment decisions.
Although the water situation in Sutter County is generally good, recent drought years dramatically indicated the need for water management. Water quality and quantity must be considered. Irrigation water management to conserve water, conserve energy, improve yields and quality, reduce costs and control mosquitoes is essential. Land leveling, improved irrigation Systems and tailwater recovery systems are supported for cost share and technical help. We plan to continue the successful gypsum block irrigation monitoring program as funds remain available.
Water shortages during the drought years also point to water quality problems (salts) and groundwater overdraft in localized areas. Ways to reduce ground water pollution, including toxic waste and bacterial pollution, should be studied. Additional upstream storage, delivery systems and ground water recharge areas need to be developed. Cooperation between the State of California and local irrigation districts and counties is needed to develop long range water management plans. The District will provide technical assistance to individual land owners and promote community and/or watershed studies to encourage cooperation between the State of California and local agencies.
We support pesticide use reduction measures such as University of California Cooperative Extension work in insect mating disruption in tree crops to decrease the hazard of pesticide residue in soil and in ground and surface water. Overview: Except for the Sutter Buttes, the major part of the county lies in the valley bottom adjacent to the Sacramento, Feather, and Bear Rivers, consisting of old alluvial fans, flood plains and basins. Elevations range from 15 feet to 85 feet.
The Sutter Buttes are volcanic remnants. The upper slopes are steep but gradually flatten out as they decline to the valley floor. Elevations range from about 85 feet to about 2100 feet at South Butte.
The Butte Sink, located in the Northwest corner of Sutter County and extending north into Butte County, lies in the heart of the Pacific Flyway. The wetlands and marshes of the Butte Sink play a critical role in attaining California's waterfowl population goals. As a wintering area for ducks and geese, the Butte Sink and the surrounding area in Sutter County is unsurpassed. The Butte Sink and the riparian habitat along the Sacramento River, Feather River, Sutter Bypass and other streams support a wide variety of wildlife species. In excess of 120 species of birds use these areas as a permanent home, winter resting areas or nesting sites. The importance of the habitat is symbolized by the active Great Blue Heron rookeries located in the Sink.
The principle upland game species in the District are ring-necked pheasant, mourning doves and valley quail. A total of 198 species of birds have been observed in the county. The Sutter Buttes, Butte Sink and Sutter Bypass also provide a home for deer.
The Sacramento and Feather Rivers, Sutter Bypass, irrigation canals and ponds provide excellent conditions for various species of game fish. Salmon and striped bass fishing opportunities in the major rivers are excellent. Other prized catches include steel-head, catfish and sturgeon. In addition to fishing, waterfowl and upland game hunting are recreational activities associated with the wildlife resources. Bird watching, photography or just touring areas with considerable wildlife populations are popular recreational activities. Water sports, primarily on the Feather and Sacramento Rivers, are enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.
The valley summers are hot and dry, and the winters cool and mild. The average length of the frost free period is 280 days. The average annual rainfall is 20 inches in the eastern part of the county, gradually decreasing to 1 5 inches in the western part of the county.
