Moss Landing Wildlife Area: State Approves October Amendment for Levee, Bank and Salt-Pond Restoration

MOSS LANDING, Monterey County — October 28, 2026. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has approved a new regulatory amendment for work at the Moss Landing Wildlife Area adjacent to Elkhorn Slough. A Notice of Determination filed and posted October 22, 2026 documents Amendment 02 to Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-MON-32098-R4, tied to changes in the project’s description.

What does the wildlife-area project include?

The state’s filing describes levee relocation, recontouring along the north bank of Elkhorn Slough, public access and recreation improvements, and long-term maintenance intended to support salt-pond habitat and water management. The affected properties are within Moss Landing Wildlife Area east of State Route 1, near the slough’s north bank, on parcels identified in the official record.

What happened on October 22?

CDFW executed an amendment to an existing streambed alteration agreement, and the environmental record identifies October 22, 2026 as the approval date. The agency indicates a Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared and mitigation and monitoring measures adopted. The filing reports that the project was not expected to have significant adverse environmental impacts after the applicable review.

Is the work complete?

Not established by this notice. The amendment is a regulatory decision affecting the permitted project description and work conditions. It is not a confirmation that the levee was already moved, that all habitats have been restored, that public trails are newly open or that a construction schedule is final. State wildlife-area access remains subject to actual site rules and project activity.

Why does this matter to residents and visitors?

The Elkhorn Slough ecosystem supports sensitive wetlands and wildlife while neighboring communities rely on drainage, flood management and recreation access. Changes to levees and water-management structures can have ecological and access implications. Anyone walking, fishing or visiting the refuge area should consult the agency’s current posted access restrictions.

Official documents and contacts

California State Clearinghouse — Moss Landing Wildlife Area Bank Enhancement and Maintenance, Amendment 02. The record identifies CDFW environmental scientist Megan Rooney, (559) 203-2792, and senior supervisor Dave Hacker, (805) 594-6152. This is a distinct Wildlife Area bank-management decision, not a duplicate report about Brothers Ranch, the Moss Landing battery facility or MBARI laboratory chemicals.

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