Tinsley Island facts for kids
![]() USGS aerial imagery of Tinsley Island, with Medford Island to its west and Fern Island to its east.
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Geography | |
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Location | Northern California |
Coordinates | 38°02′16″N 121°29′45″W / 38.03778°N 121.49583°W |
Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
Highest elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
Administration | |
United States
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State | ![]() |
County | San Joaquin |

Tinsley Island is a small island located in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in Northern California. It is part of San Joaquin County, California. The island is managed by a group called Reclamation District 2108.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured Tinsley Island's elevation in 1981. They found it was at sea level, meaning its elevation is 0 ft (0 m). The island's exact location is 38°02′16″N 121°29′45″W / 38.03778°N 121.49583°W.
Contents
What is Tinsley Island?
Tinsley Island is a small piece of land surrounded by water. It is located within the large network of waterways known as the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. This delta is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet before flowing into San Francisco Bay.
Where is Tinsley Island Located?
The island is found in the northern part of California. It is specifically within San Joaquin County. The delta area is known for its many islands and channels.
How is Tinsley Island Managed?
Tinsley Island is looked after by Reclamation District 2108. A "Reclamation District" is a special local government group. Their main job is to manage water and land in certain areas. This often includes building and maintaining levees. Levees are walls built to protect land from flooding.
The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta
The delta is a very important natural area in California. It is a mix of rivers, channels, and islands. This area provides water for farms and cities across California. It is also home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
Why is the Delta Important?
The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta helps supply drinking water to millions of people. It also supports a lot of farming. The delta is a vital habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Many different species live in its waters and on its islands.
Delta Islands and Their History
Many islands in the delta, like Tinsley Island, were formed over time. Some were created by natural processes. Others were made by people changing the land for farming. These islands often sit at or below sea level. This means they need levees to stay dry.