Established in 1987 under the authority of the Endangered Species and Migratory Bird Conservation Acts, the refuge has also played a major role in the recovery of Aleutian cackling geese.

Within the borders of the San Joaquin National Wildlife Refuge is one of California's largest riparian forest restoration projects.

[3] The major project was led by River Partners, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to restoring riparian zone habitat for wildlife.

[4][5] Riparian forests, which once covered large portions of California's Central Valley, have been greatly reduced due to state and federal water projects and diversions.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.