Project Underway: Lower Yolo Tidal Restoration Project
Westlands Water District supports improving the Delta ecosystem and is working with the California Department of Water Resources, the Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service to undertake actions to address factors that limit the natural production of viable native fish populations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Rivers’ watershed.
The District is in the final design stage of its Lower Yolo Restoration Project, a habitat restoration plan that is being developed through a collaboration between the District and the Department of Water Resources. When completed, the project will restore approximately 2,200 acres of tidal marsh land habitat.
The California Natural Resources Agency identified the Lower Yolo Tidal Restoration Project as a priority restoration project under EcoRestore, an initiative to help coordinate and advance critical habitat restoration in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta.
The Lower Yolo Restoration Project, which is expected to enhance fishery habitat and ecosystem health, has four
primary objectives:
- enhance regional food web productivity in support of delta Smelt recovery.
- provide rearing habitats for out-migrating salmonids.
- support a broad range of other aquatic and wetlanddependent species, including Sacramento splittail.
- provide ecosystem functions associated with the
combination of Delta freshwater aquatic/tidal marsh/floodplain/seasonal wetland/lowland grassland
interfaces that existed historically.
Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in late Spring/Summer 2020 and expected to be completed by December 2020.
When California achieves the co-equal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for the state and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem, everyone wins.
Westlands is proud to play a role in helping California meet the state and federal requirement to restore 8,000 acres of wetland habitat in the Delta.
IN THE NEWS
FEDS RAISE WATER ALLOCATIONS FOR FARMERS. WESTLANDS ISN’T IMPRESSED.
GV Wire: Citing the latest storms sweeping through California, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation approved a slight increase in water allocation to westside farmers. The agency that provides water to those farmers says it’s still not enough. READ FULL ARTICLE
GAVIN NEWSOM OFFICIALLY KILLS TWIN DELTA TUNNELS, EYES DOWNSIZED CA WATER PROJECT
Sacramento Bee: Scrapping the twin tunnel plan, Gov. Newsom’s administration plans to begin the application and environmental process to support their plan for a downsized, single tunnel. READ FULL ARTICLE
SNOW SURVEY SAYS 178% OF AVERAGE IN CENTRAL SIERRA. HERE’S HOW PG&E DETERMINES THAT
The Fresno Bee: We often hear about the Sierra Nevada snowpack, but how do they determine the levels? Pacific Gas & Electric Co. hydrologists show how snowpack levels are determined. READ FULL ARTICLE
FARMERS LOOK TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
University of California Agricultural Issues Center: In California’s agriculture industry, the discussion is less about whether disruption is coming than it is about how farmers will adapt. READ FULL ARTICLE
WESTLANDS WATER DISTRICT TO AWARD SENIORS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
Your Central Valley: The Westlands Water District is helping students on the Valley’s west side continue their education. For the 13th year, they are giving away scholarships to college-bound seniors. READ FULL ARTICLE
IMPORTANT NOTICES
South-of-Delta Water Allocation Upped to 70 Percent
On May 22, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced an increased allocation to 70 percent for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors. This increase is welcome, however, given continued wet hydrologic conditions and current Central Valley Project (CVP) reservoir
storage, which is well above the long-term average, it is difficult to comprehend why the allocation remains below 100 percent. Read our full press release here.
Meet the District’s Special Advisor to the
General Manager, Kathryn Boren
Westlands Water District is pleased to welcome Kathryn Boren, Special Advisor to the General Manager. Kathryn has a diversified background in community relations and public affairs ranging from community benefit organizations to, most recently, Whole Foods Market. Kathryn’s approach to the issues facing Westlands Water District is one of participation, inclusivity and clarity of communication across all subjects to properly represent the people of Westlands Water District.
Kathryn was born and raised in Mountain View, CA and has lived in the Central Valley for over 10 years; she now considers the Valley home, raising her young daughter with her husband. Additionally, Kathryn discovered her love for yoga as a student at Fresno State University, and has been instructing others on the practice ever since.
Westlands Water District Special Projects Manager Announces Retirement
Dan Pope, the Special Projects Manager for Westlands Water District, announced last week that he is retiring from the District on September 6, 2019. Mr. Pope began an extended medical leave in mid-May. The District is grateful for his years of service and wishes him all the best in his recovery and future endeavors. Read the full press release here.
Congratulations to the Community Food Bank on
Continued Success
On May 14, The Community Food Bank held its 27th Annual Empty Bowl Full Hearts Benefit Dinner in Clovis, CA. Westlands Water District is proud to be a long-time partner with the Community Food Bank in supporting the local community. The District’s farmers are committed to working with the Community Food Bank to provide healthy food to ensure our communities remain vibrant today and for future generations.
Water Supply Update
Westlands Water District just released episode 2 of our “Let’s Talk About Water Supply” video series, titled Water Supply Update. In this episode, Jose Gutierrez, our COO, explains water supply conditions and pumping restrictions. Be sure to follow us on YouTube for more educational water-related content.
Statement from Westlands Water District on Bureau of Reclamation’s April Allocation Announcement
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced on April 18th that the allocation for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors is being increased to 65%. See the complete Statement from Westlands Water District website.
Water Education Foundation Tour Came to Westlands
Earlier this month, Westlands Water District staff participated in a three-day tour of the Central Valley lead by the Water Education Foundation. During the tour, staff had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with water experts from across the Central Valley and to learn about projects underway in neighboring water and drainage districts. For more information on the Water Education Foundation, visit their website.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
On Wednesday, April 3rd, Westlands Water District hosted a Special Board Meeting at it’s Five Points Field Office. The presentation provided an overview of the District’s SGMA Augmentation Strategies and an update on the District’s SGMA efforts. Information concerning the District’s SGMA activities is available at District’s Website. For additional information, contact Kiti Campbell at (559) 241-6226 or sgma@westlandswater.org.