FMMP - Natomas basin area time series

Changes in this area are predominantly conversions from irrigated farming (green) to urban (red) and fallow land (yellow). Most of the changes are associated with residential and commercial development in the northern portion of the City of Sacramento, as well as additions to Sacramento International Airport. The large fallow area adjacent to the airport in the 2002 frame is the future site of Metro Air business park. Information on these changes was gathered from air photos, local comments, and field reconnaissance. Area shown is approximately 9.3 miles east-west and 8.2 miles north-south.

Sacramento County has been among the 'Top Ten Urbanizing Counties' as well as in the top ranks for net loss of irrigated land as mapped by FMMP between 1988 and 2002. Growth in Urban land has averaged over 4,000 acres per biennial map update since 1988.

A brief history of the Natomas Basin

The 55,000 acre Natomas basin includes land north of the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers and into adjacent Sutter County. In the past, native americans settled in the oak woodlands, grasslands, and along the marshland banks. Beginning early last century, much of the basin was drained for agriculture and levees were built for flood protection. Urban development began in the area when Sacramento Municipal Airport (now International Airport) was built in the 1960's.

The expanding Natomas community, close to the state capital and bisected by two major freeways, presently has more than 20 subdivisions underway and much more residential, office, and retail development in the planning stages. With the current population of 38,000 expected to grow to over 100,000 by 2015, the basin's farmland acreage, now primarily in rice production, will continue to decline. A plan to balance new development with habitat and open space conservation is being developed by local governments and members of the community.

Division of Land Resource Protection