California State Wildlife Action Plan: 2015 Update: Volume 1

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | September 28th, 2015

SWAP 2015 provides an ecosystem approach for conserving California’s fish and wildlife resources by identifying strategies intended to improve conditions of Species of

SWAP 2015 provides an ecosystem approach for conserving California’s fish and wildlife resources by identifying strategies intended to improve conditions of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and the habitats upon which they depend (see Figure 1 of the Executive Summary). CDFW designed SWAP 2015 to guide resource managers, conservation partners, and the public in how they can directly or indirectly participate in conserving California’s precious natural heritage. This section provides an overview of the structure of SWAP 2015 to help readers navigate through the document and find information. SWAP 2015 is organized as follows: Executive Summary provides a summary of: the vision for wildlife conservation in California; statewide goals; the process used to develop conservation strategies based on an ecosystem approach; conservation targets and strategies for seven provinces and anadromous fish; statewide summary; plans for integration and implementation; and process for adaptive management and monitoring. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to SWAP 2015. The challenge of sustaining biodiversity, a summary of CDFW responsibility, and the vision for California wildlife conservation are described. Chapter 1 also explains the requirements for updating SWAP, summarizes major changes since the original 2005 SWAP, and describes the analytical approach used in the 2015 update. Chapter 2 describes California’s natural diversity, identifies SGCN and the criteria used to evaluate species and habitat conditions, and addresses major pressures and stresses currently affecting the SGCN and their habitats. Chapter 3 describes the existing conservation approaches in the state, including the major regulations protecting natural resources, CDFW planning tools, and major conservation programs. Chapter 4 presents the statewide goals of SWAP 2015 and broad, state-level conservation strategies that will be implemented to achieve the desired conservation outcomes. Chapter 5 is divided into seven sections that describe for each geographic province the conservation targets, SGCN and other focal species, KEAs, stresses, pressures, and conservation strategies, including goals and objectives for the provinces. Chapter 6 focuses on conservation strategies developed for anadromous fish in California. Chapter 7 describes how SWAP 2015 will be integrated with other programs and coordinated with partners for the implementation, including through companion plans. Chapter 8 describes the monitoring plan for the conservation strategies, including the mandate for CDFW to use monitoring and adaptive management. It also presents a summary of the effectiveness evaluation of how SWAP 2005 was implemented. The chapter describes how the recommendations from the SWAP 2005 evaluation have been integrated into SWAP 2015. Rationales for selecting conservation strategies presented in SWAP 2015 and a framework for monitoring the effectiveness of the strategies are also described. Chapter 9 provides the list of preparers of SWAP 2015. Chapter 10 provides bibliographic references used in each chapter. Chapter 11 provides a glossary of major terms used in SWAP 2015. Several appendices accompany SWAP 2015 to provide more detailed information and extensive tables that support the document. Database files created during the development of SWAP 2015 to compile and evaluate ecological information and to create strategies can be accessed at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/SWAP/.

California Water Action Plan (2014)

State of California | January 1st, 2014

California has seen many flood events, including the most recent flood of 1995 when 48 of 58 counties declared a state of emergency. After two years of dry weather and sh

California has seen many flood events, including the most recent flood of 1995 when 48 of 58 counties declared a state of emergency. After two years of dry weather and shrinking reservoir supplies, we are reminded once again that nothing focuses Californians’ attention on our limited water resources like drought. There is broad agreement that the state’s water management system is currently unable to satisfactorily meet both ecological and human needs, too exposed to wet and dry climate cycles and natural disasters, and inadequate to handle the additional pressures of future population growth and climate change. Solutions are complex and expensive, and they require the cooperation and sustained commitment of all Californians working together. To be sustainable, solutions must strike a balance between the need to provide for public health and safety (e.g., safe drinking water, clean rivers and beaches, flood protection), protect the environment, and support a stable California economy. This action plan lays out our challenges, our goals and decisive actions needed now to put California’s water resources on a safer, more sustainable path. While this plan commits the state to moving forward, it also serves to recognize that state government cannot do this alone. Collaboration between federal, state, local and tribal governments, in coordination with our partners in a wide range of industry, government and nongovernmental organizations is not only important—it is essential. The input and contributions received from all of these partners throughout the drafting of this action plan have resulted in a comprehensive and inclusive plan.

California Water Action Plan (2016 Update)

State of California | January 1st, 2016

California is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in memory. The 2016 water year is off to a good start, but with four consecutive dry years and the record l

California is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in memory. The 2016 water year is off to a good start, but with four consecutive dry years and the record low snowpack of 2015, drought conditions may continue for a fifth straight year. Flooding in the midst of drought is likely, given strong El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Nothing focuses Californians’ attention on our water resources like the extremes of flood and drought. There is broad agreement that the state’s water management system is currently unable to satisfactorily meet both ecological and human needs, too exposed to wet and dry climate cycles and natural disasters, and inadequate to handle the additional pressures of future population growth and climate change. Solutions are complex and expensive, and they require the cooperation and sustained commitment of all Californians working together. To be sustainable, solutions must strike a balance between the need to provide for public health and safety (e.g., safe drinking water, clean rivers and beaches, flood protection), protect the environment, and support a stable California economy. This action plan lays out our challenges, our goals and decisive actions needed now to put California’s water resources on a safer, more sustainable path. While this plan commits the state to moving forward, it also serves to recognize that state government cannot do this alone. Collaboration between federal, state, local and tribal governments, in coordination with our partners in a wide range of industry, government and nongovernmental organizations is not only important—it is essential. The input and contributions received from all of these partners throughout the drafting of this action plan have resulted in a comprehensive and inclusive plan.

California Water Action Plan Implementation Report: 2014–2018 Summary of Accomplishments

California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) | June 13th, 2019

California Water Myths

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | November 25th, 2009

California faces enormous challenges in establishing a sustainable path for water resource management. One challenge is the rhetoric surrounding major water issues in the

California faces enormous challenges in establishing a sustainable path for water resource management. One challenge is the rhetoric surrounding major water issues in the state. This study highlights eight common water myths, focusing on water supply, ecosystems, and legal and governance issues. In combating these myths, the report sets the stage for a more informed approach to water policy and management.

California Water Plan 2013: Central Coast Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

The Central Coast Hydrologic Region is the most groundwater-dependent hydrologic region in California, with approximately 80 percent of agricultural, municipal, and domes

The Central Coast Hydrologic Region is the most groundwater-dependent hydrologic region in California, with approximately 80 percent of agricultural, municipal, and domestic water demands met by the extraction of groundwater. Imported surface water allocations from the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project total up to 106,000 acre-feet (af) per year; however, actual volumes of imported water received vary annually. The economy of the Central Coast relies heavily on agriculture and viticulture, which thrives in the temperate climate, rich soils, and moderate rainfall. Major water-related challenges for the region include groundwater and surface water quality degradation, groundwater basin overdraft, flood risk, seawater intrusion, and aging infrastructure. Urban, environmental, and disadvantaged community (DAC) interests in the Central Coast are currently well-represented in the region’s integrated regional water management efforts, which include new and updated integrated regional water management (IRWM) plans and numerous implementation projects.

California Water Plan 2013: Colorado River Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

Despite the subtropical desert climate, reliable water supplies for the Colorado River Hydrologic Region have made it possible to establish, maintain, and even expand the

Despite the subtropical desert climate, reliable water supplies for the Colorado River Hydrologic Region have made it possible to establish, maintain, and even expand the key local industries — agriculture, recreation, and tourism. At the same time, the region’s topographic landscape, shaped by tectonic and past volcanic activities, remains as scenic and beautiful. This includes the Salton Sea, which is sustained by agricultural tailwater, tile drain water, and treated and untreated urban wastewater flows. Water agencies in the region have not stopped planning and implementing programs and projects to maintain the quality and quantity of water supplies, particularly groundwater, for the future. This includes water use efficiency conservation and groundwater storage and conjunctive use programs and water supply transfers. Activities are also under way to protect and enhance the region’s important environmental resources — in particular, the Salton Sea, which provides critical habitat for resident and migratory birds.

California Water Plan 2013: Highlights

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

California Water Plan Update 2013 (Update 2013) is a resource and tool to guide investment priorities and legislative action and ensure resilient and sustainable water re

California Water Plan Update 2013 (Update 2013) is a resource and tool to guide investment priorities and legislative action and ensure resilient and sustainable water resources moving forward based on decades of scientific data and analyses, nearly 40 State agency plans, and the voices of hundreds of stakeholders. Update 2013 applies at statewide, regional, and local scales and serves to advise a diverse audience, including elected officials, planners and resource managers, tribal governments and communities, academia, and the general public. Consistent with State law, Update 2013 lays out recommendations rather than mandates.

California Water Plan 2013: Mountain Counties Regional Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

As the State works to solve the water crisis in California, the potential for redirected impacts in the Mountain Counties Area is acute. It is critical that the State rec

As the State works to solve the water crisis in California, the potential for redirected impacts in the Mountain Counties Area is acute. It is critical that the State recognize the significance and importance of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the local communities, the environment, the Delta, and all of California, now and for future generations. Water resource managers are working with elected officials, governmental agencies, businesses, farmers and conservationists on innovative programs for watershed management, water use efficiency, conservation, reuse, and recycling. Water managers and others in the region are actively balancing the water supplies that support both a vibrant economy and a healthy environment. They are also continually improving the management of surface and groundwater sources to sustain this important balance for this region and California. Statewide Significance Water is the number one resource exported from the Sierra Nevada, and the 16-county Mountain Counties Area is the primary source for most of that exported water. The Mountain Counties Area is over 15,700 square miles and represents 9.9 percent of the state. More than 40 percent of California’s developed water supply originates in the Mountain Counties area serving end users throughout the state. -The reservoirs in the region produce hydroelectricity to supply homes and businesses in the western United States. Mountain Counties has more hydroelectric generation facilities than any other region in California. - Agriculture in this region feeds the state and the world and is an economic driver for California’s economy. Recreation and tourism in the Sierra Nevada mountains help communities thrive economically as guests come from all over the world to hike, ski, fish, raft, and boat. Water stored behind designated reservoirs in the ten major watershed areas have dedicated in-stream flow releases designed to meet the many beneficial uses for the environment, agriculture, and urban users and provides storage to reduce the magnitude of flood flows.

California Water Plan 2013: North Coast Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2016

The North Coast Hydrologic Region is a unique setting with an extreme diversity of land use and climate. Land use includes aquaculture and larger urban areas near the coa

The North Coast Hydrologic Region is a unique setting with an extreme diversity of land use and climate. Land use includes aquaculture and larger urban areas near the coast to large cattle operations and low populations in the high mountain deserts. Ranching, farming, rural residential, timber harvest, vineyards, marijuana cultivation, U.S. Forest Service, and park land uses are prevalent. Variation in climate is immense with high precipitation along the coastal mountains to desert conditions in the Modoc Plateau. This chapter begins with an overview of the region, describing the setting and conditions within the region. Topics include information on the watersheds and sub-watersheds in the region with emphasis on developed resources. The chapter continues with a review of activities concerning resource administration and laws affecting resource management. This chapter concludes with a discussion of suggested resource management strategies to help assist local water managers in planning for future water needs.