For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Jonasson
(559) 241-6233
Westlands Water District Supports use of Adaptive Management
Fresno, California – Westlands Water District is encouraged by the recent decision
to employ adaptive management as part of implementing a regulation affecting
our federal and state water projects. The decision was related to the
implementation of the Fall X2 measure, one piece of a set of operational
measures set to enforce the Endangered Species Act. This example of relying on
recent scientific information and real-time monitoring is an encouraging
example of how flexible management can contribute to achieving the co-equal
goals of ecosystem protection and a reliable water supply for the farms that
feed that nation.
Based on the broad body of scientific knowledge, which includes a recent
peer-reviewed scientific assessment of the benefits of implementation of the
Fall X2 action, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) modified the Fall X2 action using an
adaptive management component of the action. The Fall X2 action is intended to
provide beneficial habitat conditions in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta
for endangered Delta smelt and other native species after a wet or above-normal
water year. Through adaptive management this year, the Fall X2 measure was
implemented in September while adding an action to operate the Suisun Marsh
Salinity Gates, providing much-needed additional food and habitat for the
species.
The Fall X2 action for Delta Smelt has the potential to result in a large water
supply reduction for cities and farms. In 2023 the water cost to implement the
Fall X2 action was greater than 730,000 acre-feet between the Central Valley
and State Water projects. This year’s action demonstrates the ability to use
recent scientific information and monitoring to adaptively manage the
enforcement of the Endangered Species Act while providing similar or better
outcomes for the species. This year’s action also acknowledges the value of
preserving our water resources for future purposes, including fish and wildlife
benefits.
Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District, stated, “Water is the
lifeblood of our valley. We are encouraged to see the dedication from both
State and Federal agencies to maximize the value of our limited water supplies
while improving fishery conditions through flexibility and innovation. We
applaud operators of both projects and fisheries agencies for their demonstrated commitment to science-based decision-making and their efforts to make transparent adaptive management a fundamental practice in the Delta.”
Fall X2 action modification aligns with the intended protections outlined in the
2020 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and the 2019 Biological Opinion while smartly
conserving our water supplies. Westlands looks forward to continuing our
partnership with State and Federal agencies to refine these processes further,
enhancing outcomes for both fisheries and water supply across California.
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About Westlands Water District
Fall X2 action modification aligns with the intended protections outlined in the 2020 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and the 2019 Biological Opinion while smartly conserving our water supplies. Westlands looks forward to continuing our partnership with State and Federal agencies to refine these processes further, enhancing outcomes for both fisheries and water supply across California.