Comments on the Scientific Basis for Implementation of Voluntary Agreements for the Sacramento River, Delta, and Tributaries

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | March 8th, 2023

Dam removal and anadromous salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) conservation in California

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries (Springer) | June 4th, 2014

Dam removal is often proposed for restoration of anadromous salmonid populations, which are in serious decline in California. However, the benefits of dam removal vary du

Dam removal is often proposed for restoration of anadromous salmonid populations, which are in serious decline in California. However, the benefits of dam removal vary due to differences in affected populations and potential for environmental impacts. Here, we develop an assessment method to examine the relationship between dam removal and salmonid conservation, focusing on dams that act as complete migration barriers. Specifically, we (1) review the effects of dams on anadromous salmonids, (2) describe factors specific to dam removal in California, (3) propose a method to evaluate dam removal effects on salmonids, (4) apply this method to evaluate 24 dams, and (5) discuss potential effects of removing four dams on the Klamath River. Our flexible rating system can rapidly assess the likely effects of dam removal, as a first step in the prioritization of multiple dam removals. We rated eight dams proposed for removal and compared them with another 16 dams, which are not candidates for removal. Twelve of the 24 dams evaluated had scores that indicated at least a moderate benefit to salmonids following removal. In particular, scores indicated that removal of the four dams on the Klamath River is warranted for salmonid conservation. Ultimately, all dams will be abandoned, removed, or rebuilt even if the timespan is hundreds of years. Thus, periodic evaluation of the environmental benefits of dam removal is needed using criteria such as those presented in this paper.

Data to Decisions: How to Make Science More Relevant for Management of the San Francisco Estuary

University of California, Davis (UC Davis) | March 23rd, 2023

Delta Adapts: Creating a Climate Resilient Future

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | June 25th, 2021

The time to act is now. Climate change is already altering the physical environment of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh (Delta), and we will continue t

The time to act is now. Climate change is already altering the physical environment of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh (Delta), and we will continue to experience its effects through hotter temperatures, more severe wildfires, and prolonged droughts. Over the long term, climate change in the Delta is expected to harm human health and safety, disrupt the economy, diminish water supply availability and usability, shift ecosystem function, compromise sensitive habitats, and increase the challenges of providing basic services. Many of these impacts will disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Although the exact extent and timing of these impacts is uncertain, this climate change vulnerability assessment phase of Delta Adapts will help the Delta Stewardship Council (Council) understand specific regional climate risks and vulnerabilities. Regional, collaborative adaptation strategies rooted in science are more critical than ever. The next phase of Delta Adapts, preparing an adaptation strategy, will identify ways to address the risks and vulnerabilities.

Delta Science Plan (2016 update)

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | May 9th, 2016

The Delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers is the hub of California’s extensive water supply system and critical to the State’s economy. However, emerging sca

The Delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers is the hub of California’s extensive water supply system and critical to the State’s economy. However, emerging scarcities of water in the Delta watersheds, which are expected to intensify with global warming, threaten California’s ability to sustain further economic development and population growth.  At the same time, patterns of water and land use have resulted in severe declines in the abundances of many valuable native species. Protecting and restoring these species while maintaining a reliable water supply and building California’s economic future is an absolute priority. The economic and environmental stakes in the Delta are enormous. Over 27 million people rely on Delta water and the ecosystem has been degraded to the point where over 60 native species are listed as threatened or endangered. The Delta and its water supply infrastructure are also highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, and droughts. Proposed actions under the Bay Delta Conservation Plan to reduce risks to the people, ecosystems and economy of California are likely to cost many billions of dollars. Achieving the co-goals of the Delta Plan will depend upon acquiring and communicating a new shared body of scientific knowledge to catalyze cultural change. The Delta Science Plan is intended to be that catalyst. The Delta Science Plan provides direction for achieving an integrated, collaborative and transparent science of the Delta to enhance policy and management decisions. The Plan is transformative and uses principles that have proven successful in other Big Science programs – embracing emerging technologies and fostering open science communities. The science plan uses collaboration to build trust and acquire a shared body of scientific knowledge. It proposes new mechanisms for synthesis and communication that will enhance decision-making and reduce conflicts that hinder policy decisions. Vigorous and sustained investment in the Delta Science Plan will ensure that the responsible agencies have the knowledge, trust and collaboration necessary to achieve the coequal goals.

Delta Science Plan (2019)

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | May 23rd, 2019

A coordinated, science-based approach is essential for managing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) to achieve the vision of One Delta, One Science and further the

A coordinated, science-based approach is essential for managing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) to achieve the vision of One Delta, One Science and further the coequal goals in a manner that enhances and protects the Delta as an evolving place. As members of the 18 federal and state agencies composing the Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee (DPIIC), we recognize that we must avoid a siloed, single-interest approach to management and science issues in the Delta. Such an approach hampers effective management and efficient resource use to address complex issues including increasing risks from climate change related effects such as sea level rise, prolonged dry periods, and floods. Our focus must be twofold: a more integrated effort among federal and state agencies and stakeholders to advance Delta-relevant scientific knowledge and using that knowledge to inform decisions that address these complex natural resource management issues. The Delta Science Plan is a call to action for a more collaborative Delta science community that contributes to improving decision-making in the Delta. This document provides direction for collectively prioritizing research questions, setting goals, developing shared protocols for how science is conducted, and verifying and communicating scientific results with an eye towards usability for decision-makers and the public. This direction is only possible if the Delta science community, including members of DPIIC, work together to implement and conduct work consistent with the actions identified in the document and to speak with one voice to marshal support for scientific efforts. The members of DPIIC are committed to promoting and investing in coordinated and collaborative efforts that generate scientific knowledge to support both the Delta Plan and the objectives identified in the 2009 Delta Reform Act. This commitment has been expressed through DPIIC’s endorsement and acceptance of the Interim Science Action Agenda (2014), the High-Impact Science Actions (2015), and the Science Action Agenda (2017); documents that identify and prioritize collaborative science efforts. In endorsing the Delta Science Plan, we accept the document as a shared guide to build the collaborative science community and support efforts to work together in carrying out integrated actions that achieve the vision of One Delta, One Science.

Delta Vision Strategic Plan

State of California | October 17th, 2008

When it was created by Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-17-06 in 2006, the charge of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Task Force) was nothing less th

When it was created by Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-17-06 in 2006, the charge of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Task Force) was nothing less than to create a vision to repair the ecological damage to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta), and then prepare a strategic plan which would sustain the Delta in future decades while ensuring a reliable water supply for the two-thirds of California’s population who depend in whole or in part on water from the Delta.

Delta Vision Strategic Plan -- from Phil Isenberg, 1939-2023

State of California | October 17th, 2008

When it was created by Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-17-06 in 2006, the charge of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Task Force) was nothing less th

When it was created by Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-17-06 in 2006, the charge of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Task Force) was nothing less than to create a vision to repair the ecological damage to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta), and then prepare a strategic plan which would sustain the Delta in future decades while ensuring a reliable water supply for the two-thirds of California’s population who depend in whole or in part on water from the Delta.

Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Integrity Policy

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | June 15th, 2017

In order to guide the scientific work by the Department and pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 715(d), the Department adopts this scientific integrity policy, to ensu

In order to guide the scientific work by the Department and pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 715(d), the Department adopts this scientific integrity policy, to ensure integrity and public confidence in our scientific work. This Scientific Integrity Policy (Policy) affirms the standards for high quality and ethical scientific inquiry within the Department. Given the vital role of science in the management of natural resources, the Department endeavors to maintain and strengthen its commitment to scientific information that is developed and used according to the highest professional standards. These efforts are essential to maintaining the confidence of the public and other stakeholders, and to enhance the reputation of the Department’s scientific programs, policies and staff. Furthermore, the Department is committed to providing an environment that encourages and supports the conduct, communication, and transparency of excellent science. In support of the above, this Policy is to be considered as the collective guiding principles for all scientific endeavors within the Department. The purposes of this Policy are: To foster the development and use of high quality scientific work that is used to inform policy and management within the Department as well as decisions of the Fish and Game Commission. To ensure that the public and decision makers have access to the scientific methodology and analyses behind the Department’s policy positions. This Policy is intended to provide overarching guidance through the standards and protocols listed below. Guidance documents may be added, changed or removed from the list by the Director (or designee), as needed to remain current and relevant.

Department of the Interior Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap

Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability (Duke University) | December 1st, 2023