Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Conservation Strategy 2022 Update

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | November 4th, 2022

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Conservation Strategy (Conservation Strategy or Strategy) is a primary component of the CVFPP in accordance with the Cent

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Conservation Strategy (Conservation Strategy or Strategy) is a primary component of the CVFPP in accordance with the Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008. It aligns with and contributes to the attainment of all CVFPP goals, while focusing on improving ecosystem quality, quantity, function, and sustainability within the Systemwide Planning Area (SPA). Its purpose is to provide actionable and measurable targets to improve riverine, aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat in the flood system through the integration of ecological principles with flood risk reduction projects, operation and maintenance activities, institutional support, and other means (e.g., the remediation of fish passage barriers). The Conservation Strategy also provides data, information, and guidance to floodplain managers to assist in the development of multi-benefit flood infrastructure improvement projects by integrating project components and management strategies that benefit native species and their habitats.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update 2017

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | August 29th, 2017

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) has guided the State’s participation in managing flood risk in areas protected by the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) has guided the State’s participation in managing flood risk in areas protected by the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC) since the plan’s adoption pursuant to the Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008 in 2012. A strategic, long-range plan, the CVFPP and its updates describe a programmatic vision for flood system improvements over time in accordance with the requirements of the 2008 Act. The CVFPP was prepared by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and adopted by Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) through Resolution 2012-25. As conceived by the legislature, the CVFPP is updated every 5 years, beginning in 2017.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan: Conservation Strategy

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | August 8th, 2017

In the Central Valley of California, flood risks, water supplies, and the functioning of ecosystems are linked, with actions in one area affecting the other areas. The ma

In the Central Valley of California, flood risks, water supplies, and the functioning of ecosystems are linked, with actions in one area affecting the other areas. The majority of flows that pass through the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC) are regulated by reservoirs operated for flood management, water supply, water quality, power generation, wildlife and fisheries habitat, and recreation. Similarly, the system of river and bypass channels, levees, and water control structures in the Central Valley does more than just contain floodwaters that previously flooded the valley floor for months at a time. It supports agricultural uses in the bypasses, serves as valued recreational areas and open space, helps in the management of surface water supplies and management of groundwater and water quality, and provides critical remnant riparian and floodplain habitats for numerous fish and wildlife species. The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) recognizes these interconnections in its approach to flood management. The CVFPP is a long-term planning document that provides a framework for prioritization of investments in the SPFC. It seeks to improve flood risk management (the primary goal), as well as improve operations and maintenance (O&M), promote ecosystem functions, improve institutional support, and promote multi-benefit projects where feasible (supporting goals) (California Department of Water Resources [DWR] 2012a). This Conservation Strategy (or Strategy) is an integral part of the CVFPP. It supports the attainment of all CVFPP goals, but focuses on the improvement of ecosystem functions through the integration of ecological restoration with flood risk reduction projects where feasible. This Conservation Strategy, including Appendices A-L, describes the basis for recommending various conservation actions and setting long-term objectives for the Central Valley flood management system as a whole. The integration of specific environmental restoration features with DWR’s proposed flood management system improvements is summarized in Chapters 2 and 3 of the CVFPP and will also be described further in the 2017 CVFPP update and supporting documents, such as the Sacramento River Basin-Wide Feasibility Study (BWFS) and the San Joaquin River BWFS. The Conservation Strategy and CVFPP as a whole would contribute to achieving the California Water Action Plan’s overarching goals of  reliability, restoration, and resilience (California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and California Environmental Protection Agency 2015, 2016). In particular, this Strategy and the CVFPP as a whole are integral to three of the 10 “key actions” identified in the California Water Action Plan: Increase flood protection. Protect and restore important ecosystems. Increase operational and regulatory efficiency. Note: This document has extensive appendices and errata. Appendix A: Regulatory Setting, Appendix B: Advance Mitigation; Appendix C: Description of Construction Activities for Structural Modifications; Appendix D: Vegetation Management Strategy; Appendix E: Invasive Plant Management Plan; Appendix F: Existing Conditions; Appendix G: Identification of Target Species and Focussed Conservation Plans; Appendix H: Central Valley Chinook Salmon Rearing Habitat Needed to Satisfy the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (AFRP) Doubling Goal; Appendix I: Floodplain Restoration Opportunities Analysis; Appendix J: Existing Conservation Objectives from other Plans; Appendix K: Synthesis of Fish Migration Improvement Opportunities in the Central Valley Flood System; Appendix L: Measurable Objectives Development - Summary of Conservation Needs and Scale of Restoration Opportunities; 2016 CVFPP Conservation Strategy: Errata; Conservation Strategy Development Process Overview

Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Contracts Fact Sheet

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | April 6th, 2016

Reclamation fact sheet on the Central Valley Project water contracts.

Reclamation fact sheet on the Central Valley Project water contracts.

Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Transfer Program Fact Sheet

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | February 1st, 2015

Water transfers and exchanges are an integral part of CVP water operations, particularly in drought years, as long as transfers can occur consistent with stat

Water transfers and exchanges are an integral part of CVP water operations, particularly in drought years, as long as transfers can occur consistent with state and federal laws governing water transfers. In 2014, Reclamation facilitated the transfer of over 257,000 acre-feet of water. Of the 257,000 acre-feet, 213,220 acre-feet was considered “new water” to the system, meaning specific actions (such as reservoir reoperation, crop idling/shifting, groundwater substitution, or Yuba Accord purchases) were taken to make the water available. The remaining quantity was considered an in-basin transfer or a reallocation of contract supply. • §3405(a) of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) authorizes the transfer of all or a portion of a CVP contractors contracted water supply to any other California water user or water agency, State or Federal agency, Indian Tribe, or private non-profit organization for project purposes or any purpose recognized as beneficial under State law. • CVP water transfers are subject to the conditions prescribed in §3405(a), 1993 Interim Guidelines for Implementation of Water Transfers, and the Department of the Interior Final CVPIA Administrative Proposal on Water Transfers (1998). • Water transfer provisions of CVPIA do not apply to permanent contract assignments under which a CVP contractor relinquishes their contractual right to Project water; water banking and recharge actions outside of the contractors boundaries; water for water exchanges; forbearance actions whereby CVP contractors are paid not to exercise their right to water; and transfers of base supply water under settlement contracts which are carried out in accordance with State law. • Since 1992, the Region and the State of California Department of Water Resources, owners and operators of the two largest water projects in California, have collaborated to develop criteria to facilitate water transfers. • The Region facilitates both short and long-term transfers of CVP water. Long-term transfer approvals are accomplished through programmatic environmental documentation, with annual approvals of physical water transfers.

Central Valley Project and State Water Project Drought Operations Plan and Operational Forecast April 1, 2014 through November 15, 2014

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | April 8th, 2014

Central Valley Project Documents, Part One, Authorizing Documents

U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) | March 27th, 1956

Central Valley Project Improvement Act Implementation Plan For Fish Programs

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | July 20th, 2015

The purpose of this Plan is to describe the approach for prioritizing and implementing the anadromous fish-related provisions under the CVPIA over the next 5-10 years. Th

The purpose of this Plan is to describe the approach for prioritizing and implementing the anadromous fish-related provisions under the CVPIA over the next 5-10 years. This Plan will build upon the Final Restoration Plan (FRP, USFWS 2001) to integrate a decision-making framework across all programs with the goal of making all reasonable efforts to at least double natural production of anadromous fish in California’s Central Valley on a long-term, sustainable basis. The Plan develops an annual process for setting priorities and funding projects across CVPIA fish-related provisions and watersheds in the Central Valley. The new process uses an Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) approach with support from Decision-Support Models (DSMs) to prioritize implementation of management actions that have the highest probability of achieving biological objectives for wild populations of native anadromous fish. The ARM approach will also guide plans for monitoring and research by synthesizing existing monitoring data, annually updating DSMs using new information, and estimating the value of new information to the decision making process.

Central Valley Project Municipal and Industrial Water Shortage Policy Guidelines and Procedures

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | February 2nd, 2017

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) prepared the Central Valley Project (CVP) Municipal and Industrial (M&I) Water Shortage Policy (WSP) Environmental Impact Stat

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) prepared the Central Valley Project (CVP) Municipal and Industrial (M&I) Water Shortage Policy (WSP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of CVP M&I WSP alternatives. A Record of Decision was signed on November 13, 2015, to implement Alternative 4 (Appendix A), Updated M&I WSP (preferred alternative). The purposes of the M&I WSP are to: Define water shortage terms and conditions for applicable CVP Contractors. Determine the quantity of water made available to CVP Contractors from the CVP that; together with the M&I Contractors’ drought water conservation measures and other Non-CVP water supplies, would assist the M&I Contractors in their efforts to protect public health and safety (PHS) during severe or continuing droughts. Provide information to Contractors for their use in water supply planning and development of drought contingency plans.

Central Valley Project Operations, Total Water Management Study, Central Valley Basin, California

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | January 1st, 1975