Delta Conservancy Board Approves New Project and 2024 Implementation Plan
January 24, 2024 WEST SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board on Wednesday convened for its first meeting of 2024, approving a new project as well as the Conservancy’s Implementation Plan for 2024.
The Board voted unanimously to approve up to $715,180 in grant funding to Suisun City for the Suisun City Fishing Dock Planning Project.
The funding will help plan the construction of a public fishing dock in the Suisun Slough, located within Suisun City. The dock will be Americans with Disabilities Act accessible and feature benches, shade, fishing pole holders, and an educational kiosk.
“This is a huge first step in giving Suisun City residents a much-needed amenity downtown. The fishing dock project will provide an updated, inclusive recreation space that will be a tourist attraction regionally and will highlight the Delta’s beautiful and unique ecosystem,” said Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez. “Thank you to the State of California and the Delta Conservancy for turning this need into a reality.”
The Board also approved the Conservancy’s 2024 Implementation Plan, which is a companion document to the Conservancy’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan provides a high-level road map and sets objectives and performance measures to achieve them. The annual Implementation Plan provides the more detailed tasks the Conservancy will undertake in the coming year.
Lastly, the Board received an overview of the Conservancy’s 2023 Annual Report highlighting the achievements and milestones from the past year. View the 2023 Annual Report here: https://bit.ly/3HlieY1
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Delta Conservancy Board Approves $13 Million for Nature-Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration Projects
October 25, 2023 OAKLEY – The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board on Wednesday approved awarding up to $13.3 million for three climate-benefit projects that will provide fish and wildlife habitat, halt or reverse subsidence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support the Delta economy, and more.
The grant funding for these projects was made possible by the Amended Budget Act of 2022, which provided the Delta Conservancy with a general fund allocation of $36 million for projects that support Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration.
“This funding offers a great opportunity to implement projects that offer nature-based solutions to habitat loss, subsidence, and carbon emissions on Delta islands. We have the science that tells us rewetting the landscape will be beneficial; now we can start putting this knowledge into practice,” said Karen Buhr, Delta Conservancy Deputy Executive Officer.
The projects approved Wednesday will contribute to California’s 30×30 goal of conserving 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030.
Delta Rice Conversion Program
The Board approved an award of up to $4.3 million to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support conversion of at least 3,000 and up to 7,500 acres of current agriculture in San Joaquin and Contra Costa counties to wildlife-friendly rice for the purpose of stopping subsidence (reduction in land elevation); reducing greenhouse gas emissions; providing ecosystem benefits, particularly for migratory birds; and supporting the local Delta economy.
The money TNC receives will support lands where farming has been hindered by subsidence, which is caused by the drainage of wetlands and the oxidation of peat soil, resulting in the release of carbon. In addition to climate benefits, rice cultivation has community benefits, including decreased flooding risk and increased economic viability since rice can be a higher priced commodity than other crops.
“Rice farming is an important part of a resilient future for the Delta. This incentive program for interested landowners will lead to economically viable agricultural operations that also reduce land subsidence, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve habitat for wildlife. The Delta Rice Conversion Program is a win-win opportunity; we appreciate the State of California and Delta Conservancy’s leadership in making it possible,” said Rodd Kelsey, TNC Land Program Director.
Wetland Restoration on Staten Island
The Board also approved an award of up to $6.7 million to TNC to restore 426 acres of wetland on Staten Island in San Joaquin County. The wetland restoration effort will be part of a broader carbon farming project on the island to create and support vital habitat for birds and other species, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore carbon stocks, halt and reverse subsidence, provide other co-benefits like improved water quality, and serve as a demonstration project to help scale similar wetland and carbon farming projects across the Delta.
“The Nature Conservancy’s vision for its Staten Island farm is to maintain and expand its role as a learning laboratory advancing wildlife-friendly farming, wetland restoration, and climate-responsive agricultural practices in the Delta. The Wetland Restoration Project on Staten Island will demonstrate how wetland restoration in some of the more subsided portions of the Delta can support higher-quality wildlife habitat, reduce greenhouse gases and stop land subsidence, and maintain economic returns for landowners,” said Sydney Chamberlin, TNC Project Manager. “The Nature Conservancy will be pursuing private funding to complement this public investment.”
Land Acquisition on Bethel Island
Lastly, the Board approved an award of up to $2.2 million to John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) to acquire a 600-acre property on Bethel Island in Contra Costa County for permanent environmental protection and stewardship.
Acquisition is the first phase of an anticipated multi-phase project to restore wetlands, riparian forest, and sand dunes on the property. Once constructed, the managed wetlands will reverse subsidence and reduce carbon emissions; protect native and special status species; and enhance quality of life for Bethel Island residents, including severely disadvantaged communities on and near the island, by providing public access to open space.
“Few conservation priorities are as important to Californians as protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay, a region essential to the health of freshwater and marine habitats and to the well-being of many cities and towns,” said Linus Eukel, John Muir Land Trust Executive Director. “On Bethel Island, nature-based solutions will address the multiple threats posed by climate change and encroaching development. This project will improve vital habitat for native wildlife and preserve the rural character of a place cherished by residents and visitors for generations to come.”
September 14, 2023 WEST SACRAMENTO – Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week, taking place this year from September 24 through 30, is a celebration of the lifeblood of California’s water system and the people who call the region home.
Delta Week was made an official event in recent years, but those who work and live in the Delta have long known that it’s a special and vital place.
“Delta Week is when we highlight the magic of the Delta and help others to appreciate and care about this great region,” says Delta Conservancy Executive Officer Campbell Ingram.
The Delta is formed by the union of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Those rivers mingle with smaller tributaries and tidal flows to form the highly biodiverse and productive San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary.
The Delta is important for many reasons. Some include:
Provides water to about 27 million Californians.
It’s a world-class recreational destination, attracting about 12 million visitors per year.
Hosts one of the largest estuaries on the West Coast of North and South America.
Home to more than 750 plant and animal species, including 55 fish species.
Provides migratory waterfowl an important stop on the Pacific Flyway.
Contains more than 500,000 acres of agricultural land that provides food for worldwide distribution.
At the Conservancy, we are committed to improving the Delta in the near and long term. Through both internal programs and grant-funded projects, our goal is to bring integrated environmental, economic, and social benefits to the Delta. Some examples of ongoing projects the Conservancy is helping fund include:
Restoring the 1883 Clarksburg Schoolhouse and developing it into a Delta Welcome Center, which will promote the Delta’s history and culture, recreation and tourism, natural environment, and agricultural industry.
Planning for a future aquatic center in Stockton that will make it possible for all, regardless of ability or means, to access Delta waterways in small, human-powered watercraft.
Bolstering the sustainability of Webb Tract in Contra Costa County while maintaining agriculture and providing habitat benefits by constructing up to 3,500 acres of managed, flooded wetlands and up to 1,500 acres of rice fields.
Providing funding for the Pacific Flyway Center’s Walk in the Marsh project, which will include three miles of Americans with Disability Act-compliant hiking trails, boardwalks, and educational signage through restored wetlands in Suisun Marsh, along with other amenities.
Improvements to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, resulting in new and enhanced habitat for wildlife, improved agricultural sustainability and wildlife-friendly agricultural practices, and increased public access.
Providing financial incentives to Delta farmers to reduce their water use and protect wildlife and water quality under a collaborative program that helps improve mutual understanding of agricultural practices and water conservation opportunities.
Check out our Updates & Events webpage for details on the Delta Invasive Species Symposium and Delta Restoration Forum happening later this year.
Participate in Delta Waterway Cleanups!
Cleanups on September 23 for Coastal Cleanup Day
August 31, 2023 WEST SACRAMENTO – The Delta Conservancy is seeking volunteers to participate in two cleanups happening in the Delta on September 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Conservancy is co-hosting cleanup sites this year at Brannan Island State Recreation Area and Sherman Island in coordination with Park Delta Bay, LLC and Rio Vista Windsurfing Association and Sherman Island Kiteboarding Organization (RVWA-SIKO).
Trash flowing into the Delta is a serious water pollution problem for both humans and wildlife. Participating in cleanups not only protects the Delta but also our oceans, as trash travels through storm drains, creeks, and rivers both locally and out to the coast.
These cleanups are taking place as part of Coastal Cleanup Day. Click here for information on more cleanups happening across the state.
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Supervisor Mitch Mashburn Re-elected as Delta Conservancy Board Chair
July 26, 2023 WEST SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board on Wednesday re-elected its chair and elected a new vice chair.
Solano County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn will serve as the Conservancy Board’s chair for 2023-2024. He was first elected as chair in 2022 and represents the 5th District of Solano County, which includes the city of Rio Vista, Elmira, portions of Fairfield, Suisun City, and Vacaville, as well as the rolling hills of eastern Solano County.
Additionally, Leo Winternitz — an appointed public member of the Board with experience in environmental management and water resources — was elected as vice chair.
“We greatly appreciate the support and oversight of our governing Board made up of appointed public members, county supervisors from the five Delta counties, representatives from local nonprofits, special districts, and state and federal agencies,” said Delta Conservancy Executive Officer Campbell Ingram.
The Delta Conservancy’s next Board meeting is scheduled for October 25 at 9 a.m. Meeting location information will be posted to the Conservancy website by early October.
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Delta Conservancy Board Approves $24 Million for Wetland Restoration, Community Access, Climate Resiliency Projects
Awards made as part of Climate, Access, and Resource (CAR) and Nature Based Solutions (NBS) funding
May 24, 2023 WEST SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board on Wednesday approved $24 million for two projects that will restore wetlands, improve community access, and support climate resiliency in Contra Costa County.
Under the larger of the two projects, the Board unanimously approved up to $20.9 million in grant funding for the Wetland Mosaic Landscape on Webb Tract Project proposed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. During the two-phase project, Metropolitan will design and construct up to 3,500 acres of managed, flooded wetlands and up to 1,500 acres of rice fields on Webb Tract, located in the northeastern portion of Contra Costa County and owned by Metropolitan.
The grant funding for this project was made possible by the Amended Budget Act of 2022, which provided the Delta Conservancy with a general fund allocation of $36 million for projects that support Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration.
“This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how we can manage the deeply subsided islands of the Delta in a way that stops subsidence and related carbon emissions, maintains agriculture, provides habitat benefits, and – most importantly – improves the long-term economic viability and resilience of the islands,” said Delta Conservancy Executive Officer Campbell Ingram.
“This project will significantly improve the sustainability of Webb Tract in multiple ways and help develop methods and strategies that can potentially be applied throughout the Delta,” said Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. “We anticipate it will help reverse ongoing subsidence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create new critical habitat, while also supporting the studies that can lead to carbon sequestration opportunities and the development of sustainable agriculture.”
Metropolitan will work with local interested parties, farmers, and a design firm to develop the mosaic of expected land uses that are consistent with the existing topography.
Under the second project approved by the Board, the City of Pittsburg will receive up to $3.5 million in grant funding for the Central Harbor Park and Boat Launch Facility Upgrade Implementation Project, which will revitalize Pittsburg’s downtown waterfront park, adjacent parking lot and boat launch facilities.
With the funding, the city will be able to improve parking lots, paths of travel, shade structures, facility lighting and a boat launch ramp approach. Additionally, the city will install break-in-proof restrooms, educational signage, a public safety substation, landscaping to prevent erosion, shade trees, public fire pits, leasable event space and a fish-cleaning station.
The grant funding for this project was made possible by the Budget Act of 2022, which provided the Delta Conservancy with $6.1 million for projects that support climate resilience, community access and natural resource protection activities that benefit the Delta (collectively known as Climate, Access and Resource funding). The project was spurred by community input and concerns about climate resiliency, degradation of the park, and aging infrastructure.
“The project area is foundational to an exciting reimagining of the waterfront that aims to attract continued development,” said City of Pittsburg Assistant to the City Manager Sara Bellafronte. “The funding will build upon the existing infrastructure and elevate the area to a family- and event-friendly space that will motivate even more people to spend time and money at the waterfront and care for the Delta, which is such an incredible landscape and resource.”
Improvements to the Central Harbor Park and Boat Launch Facility are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The Wetland Mosaic Landscape on Webb Tract Project is expected to be a three- to four-year project.
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Conservancy Board Approves $2.5M for Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton
Award made as part of Climate, Access, and Resource (CAR) funding from the state
March 22, 2023 WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board on Wednesday approved a new multimillion-dollar planning project that aims to bring a world-class water sports facility to the city of Stockton, bolstering recreation and tourism opportunities in the community.
The Board approved $2.5 million in grant funding for the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton planning project, which was proposed by the San Joaquin Community Foundation and received dozens of letters of support from institutions and community members.
The grant funding from the Delta Conservancy was made possible by the Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022, which provided the Delta Conservancy with one-time general fund allocations of $5,250,000 and $6,125,000 for projects that support climate resilience, community access, and natural resource protection activities that benefit the Delta (collectively known as Climate, Access, and Resource (CAR) funding).
The Americans with Disabilities Act-friendly facility on the Delta will make it possible for all, regardless of ability or means, to access Delta waterways in small, human-powered watercraft. The award of up to $2.5 million will go toward project design, planning, and outreach, which will enable the project to be shovel-ready immediately upon completion of the planning phase.
“We are pleased to sponsor the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton project, and grateful for the support and partnership of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy,” said Moses Zapien, CEO of the San Joaquin Community Foundation. “Once completed, this public investment will bring much-needed hands-on education and employment opportunities for our region and dramatically improve access to the Delta waterways for recreation and tourism. Stockton is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton will be impactful to the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
There are four properties being considered as site locations for the Delta Aquatic Center, which will include a building, docks, and parking lot. Additionally, the project will house the Delta Sculling Center, which will conduct programs for disadvantaged, disabled, and youth populations. The project will also partner with other community-based organizations to promote activities such as urban gardening and provide space for educational programming for youth. The cost of construction to build the facility is estimated at $15 million. During the planning phase, the project will seek community input on programs to be offered onsite, and look to the public, private, and corporate sectors for charitable support to build the aquatic center.
“Stockton is surrounded by 700 miles of interlacing waterways, and if we take care of it, we will all reap the benefits. It has been our dream to find a bigger and safer place to enjoy the Delta and to offer the entire community access to this amazing waterway,” said Dr. Pat Tirone, director of the Delta Sculling Center, and advisory board member for the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton. “This award from the Delta Conservancy is a major step in moving closer toward making access to the Delta available to everyone, regardless of their ZIP code.”
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Delta Conservancy Announces Availability of $42M in Grant Funding
Dec. 22, 2022 WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy is announcing the availability of $42 million in new funding for projects that support Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration (NBS: WR) and Climate Resilience, Community Access, and Natural Resource Protection (CAR).
The Amended Budget Act of 2022 provided the Conservancy with $36 million in NBS: WR funds to support the restoration, conservation, and climate resilience for wetlands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Example projects include, but are not limited to:
Managed and tidal wetland restoration
Crop conversion to rice cultivation
Technical assistance to access the Voluntary Carbon Market
Planning to prepare for and support eligible projects (e.g., scoping, design, environmental compliance, science)
The Amended Budget Act of 2022 additionally provided the Conservancy with $6 million in CAR funds for multi-benefit projects that promote community access to parks, open space, nature or cultural amenities; support climate resiliency to drought, floods, or extreme climatic events; protect food and water security; protect and conserve natural resources; and support biodiversity.
Example projects include, but are not limited to:
Community access (e.g., parks, open space, nature, cultural amenities, museums, historical or cultural
sites, recreation and tourism, and environmental education)
Delta Conservancy Board Approves Millions for Projects
Nov. 16, 2022 WEST SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board today approved dozens of new projects, totaling up to $10.8 million, and paved the way for an additional $42 million for multi-benefit projects in the Delta.
The Board unanimously approved an award of up to $10.8 million for 64 Delta Drought Response Pilot Program (DDRPP) projects for water year 2023.
The 2023 Delta Drought Response Pilot Program was developed through a collaborative effort between the Department of Water Resources, the Office of the Delta Watermaster, The Nature Conservancy, and the Delta Conservancy, in coordination with Delta water users.
The goals of the 2023 program are to reduce drought stress in the Delta watershed by incentivizing agricultural water users to incorporate practices into their operations that:
Conserve water on a net basis during the 2023 water year
Protect Delta water quality by providing an added buffer against salinity intrusion
Promote soil health
Mitigate potential drought impacts on fish and migratory birds
Additionally, the Board approved draft solicitation notices for Climate Resilience, Community Access, and Natural Resource Protection (CAR) and Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration (NBS: WR) funding. The funding opportunities, $42 million in total, will be administered as non-competitive grant programs without proposal submission deadlines.
Grants funded through CAR funding should be multi-benefit projects that advance the state’s initiatives to build climate resilience, expand outdoor access for all, and advance California’s 30×30 goal to conserve and protect 30 percent of the state’s land and coastal waters by 2030. Grants funded through NBS: WR should support restoration, conservation, and climate resilience for wetlands in the Delta and Suisun Marsh.
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Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week 2022
Sen. Dodd Announces Delta Week
Sept. 21, 2022 SACRAMENTO – In recognition of the critical role the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta plays in California’s economy and environment, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has designated the last week of September as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week.
“The Delta is a cherished watershed and the very lifeblood of California’s water system,” Sen. Dodd said. “It is vital to our state as both a natural resource teeming with abundant wildlife and fish and a vital economic driver for tourism, recreation and Delta farmers. We must continue to protect it for future generations by preventing pollution and further marshland degradation and promoting its environmental health.”
In Recognition of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week 2022
Sept. 22, 2022 WEST SACRAMENTO — You can’t overstate the beauty and significance of the Delta. At the confluence of California’s two largest rivers, the Delta is the hub of California’s water supply, an incredible agricultural region, a great recreation and tourism destination, and an incredible ecosystem.
The Delta is such a special place, and we at the Delta Conservancy are proud of our partnerships and efforts to provide balanced ecosystem restoration and economic development in this great region. To date, the Delta Conservancy has funded over 70 locally supported grants that have improved important ecological functions, provided critical economic improvements through improved access for recreation and tourism, improved climate resilience, and supported drought management efforts. We do this work in partnership with the Delta community, our sister agencies, and a host of project partners.
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