Strategic Forest Reserves can protect biodiversity in the western United States and mitigate climate change

Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) | December 14th, 2021

Forest preservation is crucial for protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Here we assess current forest preservation in the western United States using sp

Forest preservation is crucial for protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Here we assess current forest preservation in the western United States using spatial data and find that beyond the 18.9% (17.5 Mha) currently protected, an additional 11.1% (10.3 Mha) is needed to achieve 30% preservation by 2030 (30 × 30). To help meet this regional preservation target, we developed a framework that prioritizes forestlands for preservation using spatial metrics of biodiversity and/or carbon within each ecoregion. We show that meeting this preservation target would lead to greater protection of animal and tree species habitat, current carbon stocks, future carbon accumulation, and forests that are important for surface drinking water. The highest priority forestlands are primarily owned by the federal government, though substantial areas are also owned by private entities and state and tribal governments. Establishing Strategic Forest Reserves would help protect biodiversity and carbon for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Strategic Plan for the Future of Integrated Regional Water Management in California

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | April 24th, 2013

Integrated regional water management (IRWM) was officially embraced by the State of California in 2002 with the passage of the Integrated Regional Water Management Planni

Integrated regional water management (IRWM) was officially embraced by the State of California in 2002 with the passage of the Integrated Regional Water Management Planning Act (SB 1672). Thanks to voter-approved bond funds, California has since made profound improvements in water resource management. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has supported IRWM with grants and technical services to regional water management groups (RWMGs) statewide. Forty-eight RWMGs now cover 87% of the state’s geographic area and 99% of the population. The names and locations of individual IRWM regions and RWMGs, along with other information, can be found at www.water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/fundingarea.cfm. DWR is developing the Strategic Plan for the Future of IRWM in California. The need for the strategic plan and the specific tasks that will be completed for the plan’s development are described herein. Information on how groups and individuals can be involved in the plan’s development are also included.

Strategic Plan for the Future of Integrated Regional Water Management in California: Review of IRWM Planning and Implementation in California

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | February 20th, 2015

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) has become a water management standard throughout most of California following passage of the 2002 IRWM Planning Act (SB 1672)

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) has become a water management standard throughout most of California following passage of the 2002 IRWM Planning Act (SB 1672). The dedicated efforts of regional water management groups and the support of state bond funds have resulted in 48 IRWM regions identifying and implementing integrated regional water management solutions to improve public safety, foster environmental stewardship, and support economic stability throughout the state. Under the principles of IRWM, individuals and agencies have built strong working relationships, identified regional water management needs, and defined crucial steps to meet those needs together.  IRWM is essential for California's future and is a key part of the California Water Action Plan. As the Department of Water Resources works with its partners to produce a Strategic Plan for the Future of IRWM in California (Strategic Plan), we have surveyed the IRWM landscape to identify key characteristics and trends in IRWM planning and implementation. Survey results were presented to stakeholders at the second round of Strategic Plan development workshops in October and November 2013 and subsequently updated to reflect IRWM planning and implementation efforts as of October 2014. These updated results, along with additional information, are presented in this technical memorandum. Please visit the Strategic Plan website at http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/stratplan/ to learn more about the Strategic Plan development effort. For more information about the California Water Action Plan, please visit http://resources.ca.gov/docs/california_water_action_plan/ Final_California_Water_Action_Plan.pdf.

Strategic Plan to Protect California Coast and Ocean 2020-2025

California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) | February 26th, 2020

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 1 Report – Identification and Characterization of Existing Salt Accumulation Areas

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | December 13th, 2013

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase 3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. This draft report represents the findings of Phase 1. Subsequent phases of SSALTS will be implemented following completion of this phase.  

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 2 Report – Development of Potential Salt Management Strategies

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | October 1st, 2014

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. The Phase 1 report was finalized in December 2013. This report summarizes the findings of Phase 2. Phase 3 work will begin after the stakeholders have reviewed the Phase 2 report and provided comments.

Strategic stream gauging network design for sustainable water management

Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) | June 3rd, 2024

Stream gauging stations that monitor the flow of water in rivers and streams provide critical information to water managers, but biases and gaps in gauge placement, compo

Stream gauging stations that monitor the flow of water in rivers and streams provide critical information to water managers, but biases and gaps in gauge placement, compounded by gauge deactivations, limit our ability to track river flows and address global water challenges. Here we introduce an approach for identifying gauging sites to efficiently fill gaps in monitoring coverage within river networks while also addressing water management priorities, including reservoir operations, biodiversity conservation and hydroclimatic monitoring. Applying this approach to gauges in California, United States, we found substantial gaps in the stream monitoring network. Hypothetically reconfiguring gauges to locations that maximize coverage and representation of management objectives highlights the current network’s biases. Through the strategic reactivation and placement of additional gauges, we demonstrate how stream gauging networks can be designed to support sustainable water management.

Strategic Workplan for Activities in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | July 16th, 2008

Strategies for Managing the Colorado River in an Uncertain Future

Utah State University | January 11th, 2020

Colorado River managers and stakeholders face many uncertainties—issues such as climate change, future water demand, and evolving ecological priorities. Managers and st

Colorado River managers and stakeholders face many uncertainties—issues such as climate change, future water demand, and evolving ecological priorities. Managers and stakeholders are looking for new ways to communicate about uncertain future conditions, help cope with an uncertain future, and develop public policy when future conditions are highly uncertain. Historically, Colorado River managers have operated Lake Powell and Lake Mead under the assumption that the future natural flow regime of the Colorado River at Lee Ferry will resemble the previously observed regime, but most climate scientists believe that the flow regime is changing, and that future flows will be lower, more variable, and more uncertain.

Strategies for Managing the Effects of Urban Development on Streams

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | November 8th, 2012

This report serves as a companion report associated with the NAWQA effects of urban development on stream ecosystems Circular 1373, and illustrates management strategies

This report serves as a companion report associated with the NAWQA effects of urban development on stream ecosystems Circular 1373, and illustrates management strategies used in the United States to reduce the impacts of urban development on stream systems described in Coles and others, 2012 (see Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems). Chapter 2 of this report presents a brief history of urban stream management in the United States, providing a context for the management strategies presented in later chapters. Chapter 3 introduces broad management goals linked to the USGS urban study findings about the relation between urban development and the physical, chemical, and biological condition of stream systems, and illustrates how these goals have been addressed using case study examples. Chapter 4 presents more detailed examples of management strategies that can be used to suppport the broad goals introduced in Chapter 3. The management strategies are drawn from the experiences of jurisdictions that are seeking to protect the condition of streams in urbanizing watersheds. These strategies are presented not as recommended courses of action but as examples of how municipalities have responded to the challenges of managing urban streams. Chapter 5 discusses three recurring challenges faced by those managing urbanizing streams as they develop and implement management strategies to improve the health of these stream systems. RELATED DOCUMENT: Effects of Urban Development on Stream Ecosystems in Nine Metropolitan Study Areas Across the United States