Franks Tract State Recreation Area (SRA) is a state park unit of California, United States, featuring a flooded area in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. It is accessible only by water. Franks Tract, and a smaller adjoining submerged property called "Little Franks Tract", are situated between the False River and Bethel Island. The recreation area is used primarily for fishing and waterfowl hunting, because of its exposure to frequent strong winds and fluctuating water levels. In times of high water, the entire site can be submerged except for portions of the old levees. The park was established in 1959. It is managed from nearby Brannan Island State Recreation Area, to the northwest. History Franks Tract was once the United States' second-largest source of peat, after the Everglades. Located along the San Joaquin River, about east of Antioch, California, the site was originally reclaimed between 1902 and 1906 and owned by Dr. N.K. Foster and F.C. Franks. It was then used for growing potatoes, beans, asparagus, sugar beets, onions, seed crops, small grains and corn. Fred C. Franks and his wife deeded a half interest of Division D to John Markley and his wife Ada R. on March 29, 1913. In February 1937, Franks Tract was inundated, but was reclaimed by October. However, in February 1938 the False River levee broke and Franks Tract was flooded and never reclaimed. The Regents of the University of California, Berkeley owned Division D, containing 502.25 acres, according to a November 23, 1943 property map. The Little Franks Tract was last flooded in 1982, and no attempt was ever made to restore it as farmland. The United States Navy used a portion of the area as a bombing target known as Antioch Bombing Target from 1943 to 1952. Wildlife Because of the tract's location in the Pacific Flyway, a large variety of waterfowl inhabit it, especially during the fall and winter. Year round species include gulls, great blue herons, terns, swallows, crows, blackbirds, cormorants and kingfishers. Hunting on the open water is allowed, subject to California Fish & Wildlife Department (CDFWD) regulations. Permits and other arrangements must be made in advance through the Brannan Island State Recreation Area. Franks Tract restoration project CDFWD plan and assessment The CDFWD has been studying ways to modify the Franks Tract to accomplish several objectives, namely: "...improve habitat for the Delta smelt, reduce saltwater intrusion into the central and