Seasonal wetlands can be found upland and are called “seasonal” because they periodically flood or fill with rain, runoff, or groundwater during winter rains. Their salinities lie on a spectrum of salty to fresh, since many seasonal wetlands may be former tidal marshes that have been closed off from tidal action by dikes and levees. Seasonal wetlands also provide habitat for large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds during migratory periods and support rare and endangered plants and invertebrates.

Since 2016, this Action’s Tasks have been expanded to cover seasonal wetlands more generally: not just vernal pool complexes. Also, this Action’s protection and restoration Tasks are now aligned with the goals of The Conservation Lands Network 2.0 Report and San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. Looking ahead to the next Estuary Blueprint revision, this Action is expected to explore more opportunities to partner with landowners around grazing management and forest management best practices.