The Present

In the later 20^th century, the rate of loss of natural lands had slowed, but isolation and fragmentation continues. Many remaining lands can not be economically farmed but are under pressure from continuing urban expansion and the moving of mega-dairies from Southern California. Other lands are being conserved through public acquisition and private conservation easements. Some farmlands with water table and contamination problems are starting to be removed from production.

The Image and description for this slide were taken from: Phillips, S.E., P.A. Kelly, and D.F. Williams. 2005. Landscape Change in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Pre-European Settlement to 2000.