agenda -...

1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6 West Sacramento, CA 95691 www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov

AGENDA

Meeting of the Board of Directors and Liaison Advisors for the

SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA CONSERVANCY Monday, November 20, 2017

9:00 am – 1:00 pm Delta Conservancy Conference Room

1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6, West Sacramento, CA

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

2. Welcome, Roll Call, and Introductions

3. Public Comments (New Business)

4. Consent Calendar (Action Item)

September 27, 2017 Meeting Summary and Action Items (Attachment)

5. Executive Officer’s Report, Campbell Ingram

Program Update (Attachment) September 27, 2017 - Board Meeting Directives and Responses Expenditure Report (Attachment) Outreach-Delta Meeting Matrix (Attachment)

6. Proposition 1 Grant Program Update, Aaron Haiman (Attachment)

7. Request for Approval of Resolution 2017-04 to Enter into an Interagency Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to Support the Implementation of Delta Mercury Exposure Reduction Program, Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon (Action Item) (Attachment)

8. Request for Approval of the 2018 Delta Conservancy Implementation Plan, Debra Kustic (Action Item) (Attachment)

9. Cache Slough Regional Planning Effort Phase 1 Update, Campbell Ingram (Attachment)

10. Presentation of the Yolo Habitat Conservation Plan, TBD

11. Delta Stewardship Council Delta Plan Update, Jessica Law

12. California Water Fix and Eco Restore Updates, B.G. Heiland and Kris Tjernell

13. Delta Protection Commission Update, Erik Vink

14. 2018 Delta Conservancy Board Calendar and Potential Agenda Items for the January Board Meeting, Campbell Ingram (Attachment)

15. Public Comments

16. ADJOURN

• Attachments and additional information are on the Delta Conservancy’s website at:

CONSERVANCY BOARD

Katherine Miller, Chair

San Joaquin County

Dolly Sandoval, Vice-Chair Appointed Public Member

Michael Cohen

California Department of Finance

Senator Bill Dodd Ex-Officio Member

Mike Eaton

Appointed Public Member

Assemblymember Jim Frazier

Ex-Officio Member

Darla Guenzler, PhD Appointed Public Member

John Laird, Secretary

California Natural Resources Agency

Karen Mitchoff

Contra Costa County

Don Nottoli Sacramento County

Elizabeth Patterson

Solano County

Jim Provenza Yolo County

Dan Taylor

Appointed Public Member

LIAISON ADVISORS

Charlotte Ambrose National Marine

Fisheries Service

Pablo Arroyave U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Steve Chappell

Suisun Resource Conservation District

Matt Gerhart

California Coastal Conservancy

Martha Ozonoff

Yolo Basin Foundation

Steve Goldbeck San Francisco Bay Conservation and

Development Commission

Paul Souza U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service

Stu Townsley U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers

Michael Villines Central Valley Flood

Protection Board

Erik Vink Delta Protection Commission

http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov/

http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov.

• If you have any questions or need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Brandon Chapin, Board Liaison, at (916) 375-2091.

• Public comments are generally limited to three minutes but may be more or less at the discretion of the Chair.

• The Board may consider the agenda items listed above in a different order at the Delta Conservancy Board meeting pursuant to the determination of the Board Chair. All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be deliberated upon and subject to action at the discretion of the Delta Conservancy Board.


Agenda Item: 4 Attachment: 1

Meeting Date: November 20, 2017 Page 1

MEETING SUMMARY AND ACTION ITEMS Board Meeting – September 27, 2017

69 Big Break Road, Oakley

CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chair Katherine Miller. From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Delta Conservancy Board participated in a tour of the Dutch Slough Revegetation Project and the Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project. ROLL CALL

Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. Board Members Present: Katherine Miller, Dolly Sandoval, Don Nottoli, Jim Provenza, Todd

Ferrara, Karen Finn, Mike Eaton, Darla Guenzler Ex Officio Members Present: Assemblymember Jim Frazier Liaison Advisors Present: Cody Aichele, Steve Chappell, Erik Vink, Dan Welsh

The Chair introduced Mike Moran, from the East Bay Municipal Parks District. Mr. Moran gave a quick overview of the Big Break Center. The Chair thanked Conservancy staff for the tour of the nearby Proposition 1 funded projects. The Conservancy anticipates providing tours in the future. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS TAKEN

1. Agenda Item 5 – Consent Calendar (Action Item) MOTION: Board Member Nottoli moved, with a second from Board Member Guenzler, to approve the summary of the July 26, 2017 Board meeting. No other issues were included in the consent calendar. A voice vote was taken by the Board to approve the motion.




2. Agenda Item 7 – Executive Officer’s Report The Executive Officer announced that Beckye Stanton will be leaving the Conservancy to take a position with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) where she will work on harmful algal bloom issues statewide. The Executive Officer announced that the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5, a parks and water bond, and it currently awaits the Governor’s signature. If the Governor signs the bill, the Bond would go on the June 2018 ballot and would provide $12 million for the Conservancy if passed by California voters. The Executive Officer provided information on the upcoming State of the Estuary Conference on October 10-11, and the Delta Flood Safety Fair on October 21. The Delta cleanup sites hosted by the Conservancy as part of Coastal Cleanup were a success. At the Conservancy’s three sites, 57 volunteers collected more than 4,400 pounds of trash. The Executive Officer presented the Program Update that included information on the Proposition 1 Grant Program, Delta Carbon Projects, Cache Slough Regional Planning, the Central Delta Corridor Partnership, the Arundo Control and Restoration Project, the Delta Invasive Species Symposium, the Watershed Program, and the Delta Marketing Project. The Board discussed the next steps for the Cache Slough Regional Planning project and requested that the final report from Phase 1 be provided to the Board at the next Board meeting. The Executive Officer also presented the Expenditure Report and the Outreach-Delta Meeting Matrix.

3. Agenda Item 7 – Proposition 1 Grant Program Update Beckye Stanton provided an update on the Proposition 1 Grant Program and reviewed the staff report. . The Conservancy received 18 concept proposals during the Cycle 3 concept proposal stage, requesting more than $26 million. Staff is currently reviewing an increase to the amount of funding available for the current solicitation cycle (Cycle 3) to up to $18 million due to the large number of applicants. Staff also presented an approach for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to serve as an external reviewer of agricultural sustainability related Proposition 1 Grant Program proposals. Staff provided an update on current Cycle 1 and 2 projects. The Board discussed the proposed increase to the available funding for the current solicitation cycle and the addition of an agricultural sustainability related external reviewer for Proposition 1 Grant Program proposals. There was general support for increasing the amount available for the current Proposition 1 solicitation cycle and adding a CDFA external reviewer for agricultural sustainability proposals. The Board also discussed the need to consider availability of other types of funding when reviewing projects, and the deadline extension for the Ducks Unlimited Project to complete the CEQA process that was approved at the July Board Meeting.

4. Agenda Item 8 – Request for Approval of the California Environmental Quality Act Responsible Agency Findings and Grant Award for the Restoration of Priority Wetlands for Endangered Species at the Cosumnes River Preserve Project (Action Item) Aaron Haiman presented the staff report and resolution #17-002 for the approval of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Responsible Agency Findings and grant award. Staff recommended that the Board consider the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration, prepared by the County of Sacramento Office of Planning and Environmental Review as the lead agency in



accordance with CEQA, and adopt Resolution 17-002 which finds that the Board concurs with the CEQA responsible agency findings, adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, and finds that no additional mitigation measures within the Board’s authority are necessary, and directs staff to file the Notice of Determination with the State Clearinghouse. Staff also recommended, contingent upon the adoption of the responsible agency findings, that the Board approve the grant request for the Restoration of Priority Freshwater Wetlands for Endangered Species at the Cosumnes River Preserve project, and authorize the Executive Officer to execute the grant agreement. The board previously reserved funds as part of the second Proposition 1 grant cycle, MOTION: Board Member Eaton moved, with a second from Board Member Provenza, to adopt Resolution 17-002 which finds that the Board concurs with the CEQA responsible agency findings, adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, finds that no additional mitigation measures within the Board’s authority are necessary, and directs staff to file the Notice of Determination with the State Clearinghouse. A roll call vote occurred with all members present voting to approve the motion. MOTION: Board Member Eaton moved, with a second from Board Member Provenza, to approve the grant request for the Restoration of Priority Freshwater Wetlands for Endangered Species at the Cosumnes River Preserve project and authorize the Executive Officer to execute the grant agreement. A roll call vote occurred with all members present voting to approve the motion.

5. Agenda Item 9 – Request for Approval to Enter into Agreements total $57,750 in Support of Regional Restoration Planning in the Suisun Marsh (Action Item) Liaison Advisor Steve Chappell recused himself from the discussion due to the Suisun Resource Conservation District being a potential beneficiary of the agreement under consideration. Aaron Haiman presented the staff report, and the proposed statement of work for the agreement with the Suisun Resource Conservation District, for the Regional Restoration Planning in the Suisun Marsh Project. The Suisun Resource Conservation District, the Department of Water Resources, and the Delta Conservancy have formed a partnership to address the need for water infrastructure improvements in the Suisun Marsh. These improvements will be required to achieve the ecological objectives for the Marsh set out in the Suisun Marsh Management Plan and the recently released Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy. The completion of this assessment will result in a prioritized list of actions for flood/drainage infrastructure improvements on individual managed wetlands that will be eligible for future funding through Proposition 1 and also local/regional grants and landowner assistance programs. Staff recommended that the Board approve the request to enter into an agreement with the Suisun Marsh Resource Conservation District for $57,750 to support the Suisun Marsh Improvements Assessment.



The Board discussed the use of Proposition 1 planning funds and the project’s coordination with the Suisun Marsh GeoTracker effort. The Board requested that they receive a presentation of the final report when the project is complete. MOTION: Board Member Nottoli moved, with a second from Board Member Sandoval, to enter into an agreement with the Suisun Marsh Resource Conservation District for $57,750 to support the Suisun Marsh Improvements Assessment. A roll call vote occurred with all members present voting to approve the motion. Liaison Advisor Steve Chappell returned to the meeting.

6. Agenda Item 10 – Mercury Exposure Program Update Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon provided an update on the Mercury Exposure Reduction Program. The program seeks to reduce human exposure to mercury from consuming fish from the Delta and is a collaborative effort with the State Water Board, California Department of Public Health and OEHHA. To protect public health, Delta fish consumption advisories have been issued by OEHHA, advisory signs have begun to be posted throughout the Delta, and small grants have been provided to local community groups to provide outreach on the advisories to affected communities. A new agreement with the State Water Board is in progress and staff expects to execute the agreement in December 2017. These funds would be used to hire a project coordinator to continue community outreach and to manage the small grants program. The Board thanked staff for the success of the program to date.

7. Agenda Item 11 – Request to Enter into a Contract to Receive $300,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Subsequently Enter into a $264,000 Contract with the San Francisco Estuary Institute/Aquatic Science Center to Develop a Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory for Landscape Scale Evaluation of Wetlands in the Delta and Suisun Marsh (Action Item)

Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon presented the staff report and the proposed scope of work for the agreement with the Aquatic Science Center, for the development of a Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory for Landscape Scale Evaluation of Wetlands in the Delta and Suisun Marsh. The Conservancy, in partnership with the State Water Board, the Delta Science Program, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the San Francisco Estuary Institute’s Aquatic Science Center, is facilitating the development of a publically available basemap of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh aquatic resources using a standardized, regionally relevant classification system for consistent tracking and reporting. Staff recommended that the Board approve the receipt of funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in the amount of $300,000 and authorize staff to enter into a contract with the San Francisco Estuary



Institute/Aquatic Science Center for $264,000 to develop a Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory for Landscape Scale Evaluation of Wetlands in the Delta and Suisun Marsh. The Board discussed the funding breakdown of the grant from the U.S. EPA, the potential nexus with agricultural sustainability, and the need for the scope of work to be clear that the Board will consider for approval any amendments to the contract. MOTION: Board Member Guenzler moved, with a second from Board Member Provenza, to approve the Scope of Work (with inclusion of the requested changes), approve the receipt of funds from the U.S. EPA in the amount of $300,000, authorize staff to enter into a contract with the San Francisco Estuary Institute/Aquatic Science Center for $264,000 to develop a Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory for Landscape Scale Evaluation of Wetlands in the Delta and Suisun Marsh, and request staff to explore the inclusion of agricultural sustainability issues. A roll call vote occurred with all members present voting to approve the motion.

8. Agenda Item 12 – Presentation of the Draft 2018 Delta Conservancy Implementation Plan The Executive Officer presented the Draft 2018 Delta Conservancy Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan is a companion document to the 2017-2022 Delta Conservancy Strategic Plan and provides a more detailed accounting of the tasks the Conservancy will undertake in 2018 to implement the Strategic Plan. The Conservancy will adopt an Implementation Plan at the beginning of each calendar year. Staff requested that the Board review the Draft Implementation Plan and provide comments by November 1, 2018. Staff will bring a final draft of the Implementation Plan to the Board for consideration at the November 20, 2017 Board Meeting. The Board discussed a review schedule for the Strategic and Implementation Plans and the potential to develop an Annual Report.

9. Agenda Item 13 – Request for Approval of the Update to the Delta Conservancy’s Climate Change Policy (Action Item) Beckye Stanton presented the staff report and Resolution #17-003 approving updates to the Delta Conservancy’s Climate Change Policy. The Conservancy adopted its Climate Change Policy in 2012 and included it as Appendix C of the 2012 Delta Conservancy Strategic Plan. This update incorporates new information available since 2012, including new Executive Orders, state legislation, plans, and the Board’s adoption of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan. Staff recommended that the Board approve Resolution 17-003 to adopt the Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy – 2017 Update. The Board discussed the inclusion of additional references, such as the Science and Modeling done by the Climate Action Team’s Working Groups, and Assembly Bill 2800 and Senate Bill 1386. The Board requested to receive a copy of the final Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy – 2017 Update, with the additional references, at the November 2017 Board meeting.



MOTION: Board Member Ferrara moved, with a second from Board Member Nottoli, to approve Resolution 17-003 to adopt the Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy – 2017 Update (with inclusion of the references requested). A roll call vote occurred with all members present voting to approve the motion.

10. Agenda Item 14 – Delta Conservation Framework Update Brooke Jacobs and Cristina Sloop, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, presented the current process for the development of the Delta Conservation Framework. The Delta Conservation Framework is a document that envisions conservation efforts of the Delta, Yolo Bypass, and Suisun Marsh through 2050. The draft Delta Conservation Framework is posted and available for public comment through November 10, 2017. Public workshops will occur on October 19 and October 30. The Board discussed the process for finalizing the document and how the Framework fits in with other Delta restoration planning efforts.

11. Agenda Item 15 – Delta Stewardship Council Delta Plan Update The Executive Officer provided the update on the Delta Stewardship Council. The Council will meet on September 28 and is currently updating the Ecosystem Chapter of the Delta Plan. The Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee will meet on November 13.

12. Agenda Item 16 – California Water Fix and Eco Restore Updates The Executive Officer provided an update on California Water Fix and Eco Restore. Water Fix Water contractors are currently reviewing the project and making final funding determinations. Phase 1 of the State Water Board Point of Diversion hearings is complete. Staff expects Phase 2 to begin in January 2018. Eco Restore Escrow closed on Chips Island allowing DWR to move forward on an 896-acre tidal marsh restoration project. The Request for Proposals process resulted in two approved projects and agreements are currently in development.

13. Agenda Item 17 – Delta Protection Commission Update Erik Vink provided an update on the Delta Protection Commission. The Commission is hosting the Delta Flood Safety Fair on October 21 in Walnut Grove and produced a 2018 Flood Safety Calendar for distribution in the Delta. The Commission is currently updating the Land Use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone and is expecting to complete a draft of the Economic Indicators Report soon.



14. Agenda Item 18 – Scheduling and Potential Agenda Items for the November Board Meeting

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November Board Meeting has been rescheduled to November 20, 2017. Along with standing items, the Board will consider approval of the 2018 Delta Conservancy Implementation Plan and receive presentations on the Yolo Habitat Conservation Plan and the Cache Slough Regional Restoration Strategy.

15. Agenda Item 19 – Public Comments No public comment.

BOARD DIRECTIVES TO STAFF

• The Board requested that staff provide the final reports and presentations on the Cache Slough and Suisun Regional Restoration Strategies when complete.

• The Board requested to receive a copy of the final Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy – 2017 Update, with the approved additional references, at the November 2017 Board meeting.

MEETING ADJOURNED by Chair Miller at 1:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted on October 4, 2017 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Contact Brandon Chapin, Board Liaison Sacramento-San Joaquín Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 375-2091 Audio files of Board meetings are available on the Board Meeting Materials section of the Delta Conservancy web page at www.DeltaConservancy.ca.gov. Board meetings are typically four hours in length, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; using the meeting agenda to help locate topics of interest within the audio file is recommended.

mailto:[email protected]




EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

November 20, 2017

~ PROGRAM UPDATE ~

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROGRAM Delta Carbon Projects: The Delta Conservancy continues to meet with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to develop a pilot project on existing DWR managed wetlands on Sherman and Twitchell Islands as a way to demonstrate the newly adopted California Wetland protocol. The Delta Conservancy has entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to work on their behalf to continue to explore these opportunities, which can be found here. The next step is to open an American Carbon Registry account on DWR’s behalf and list the potential projects with the registry. Additionally, the Delta Conservancy and our partners are meeting with other interested parties including other private land owners and investors who have expressed willingness to fund carbon projects.

Regional Planning to Identify Effective Investments of Proposition 1 Funding Cache Slough Regional Planning: The group has completed Phase 1 of the planning effort and has a draft final report that is available online at http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/planning‐efforts‐related‐ecosystem‐restoration/. The group will continue to meet to develop a scope of work for Phase 2 of the effort. An overview of the project and draft final report is included in Agenda Item 9. Central Delta Corridor Partnership: The Delta Conservancy continues to convene this group of owners of publically financed and publically owned lands to discuss coordinated management and restoration opportunities. At meetings in September and October, the corridor land‐owners (Department of Water Resources, Metropolitan Water District, the Nature Conservancy, California Waterfowl Association, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) began to develop a scope of work and outreach strategy for the development of a Corridor Strategy that will identify restoration, sustainability and coordinated land management opportunities. Invasive Species Coordination, Control, and Restoration Arundo Control and Restoration Project: Construction continued at the Ulatis Creek restoration site with ground preparation activities, installation and operation of an area‐wide irrigation system, non‐native weed control, and native grass

1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6West Sacramento, CA 95691 www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov



and forb seed broadcasting (see Figures 1, 2, and 3). The Delta Conservancy’s partners, Sonoma Ecology Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have begun treatments of integrated chemical (herbicide spraying) and biological control (release of Arundo Wasps) at Brannan Island State Recreational Area. The USDA approved an additional $43,511 in funds and a 1‐year time extension to complete the project. The Department of Water Resources is reviewing the Delta Conservancy’s proposal for funding Phase 2 of this project, which would expand the resources, and scope of the existing program.

Figure 1. Ulatis Creek habitat restoration site showing baseline conditions. Nonnative grasses are in the foreground and some Arundo is visible in the background.

Figure 2. Ulatis Creek habitat restoration site after ground preparation activities.

Figure 3. Ulatis Creek habitat restoration site during irrigation to control nonnatives and support native plants seeded in September and October.



WATERSHED PROGRAM Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Water Quality Monitoring: The Delta Conservancy is collaborating with the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR) and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) to develop a three‐year water quality monitoring program to assess the effects of non‐point sources of pollution entering the SLNWR. The Delta Conservancy will be conducting the field monitoring and the SRCSD Environmental Laboratory will provide in‐kind services for environmental analytical services. This project will be jointly supported by SLNWR, SRCSD, and the Delta Conservancy. The Delta Conservancy will provide staff and in‐kind use of its field monitoring equipment. The SNLWR will provide $5,000 for Delta Conservancy staff time to conduct the field monitoring. The SRCSD will provide analytical services which the cost will be determined after the specific laboratory analyses are finalized in December 2017. Yolo Basin Water Quality Monitoring and Education and Outreach: The Delta Conservancy is collaborating with the Yolo Basin Foundation (YBF) on a Water Quality Monitoring Classroom and Field Trip Program. This project is an extension of the YBF’s Discover the Flyway field trips program, combining in‐class lectures with hands‐on field learning. The water quality monitoring includes monitoring for conventional pollutants 3‐4 times during the wet and dry seasons for two years. This project supports existing efforts of the Foundation and introduces students to important issues of water quality, healthy communities, and climate change. The Delta Conservancy’s Bureau of Reclamation Grant funds the project. The total cost for the project is $4,991 and will be completed by the end of June 2018. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Delta Marketing: The Delta Conservancy has selected a contractor to develop the Delta Signage Plan and provide draft designs for new signs. There will be a series of public meetings over the next few months to gather community input on the best locations and sign design. The first public meeting will occur on November 27 from 3‐5 p.m. at the Big Break Center in Oakley, and the second public meeting will occur on December 12 from 5‐7 p.m. at the Jean Harvie Center in Walnut Grove. Both will focus on desired sign locations. The third meeting will focus on design concepts for new signs and will occur in early January, likely in Rio Vista. A public comment period on the draft Signage Plan and draft sign designs, along with two additional public meetings for input, will take place in early spring. The Delta Conservancy continues working with the Delta Protection Commission to procure a contractor for the development of a map of recreation opportunities in the Delta. The Delta Conservancy and Delta Protection Commission expect to complete the map and make it available to the public by the 2018 Delta Summer season.



BOARD DIRECTIVES TO STAFF – September 27, 2017

1) The Board requested that staff provide the final reports and presentations on the Cache Slough

and Suisun Marsh Improvements Assessment when complete.

Staff Response: Staff will provide the reports for both restoration strategies when finalized.

2) The Board requested to receive a copy of the final Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy –

2017 Update, with the approved additional references, at the November 2017 Board meeting.

Staff Response: Staff incorporated comments from the Board into the Delta Conservancy Climate

Change Policy – 2017 Update. The final version is included as an attachment to this agenda item

and available online at http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/strategic-plan/.

DELTA CONSERVANCY BUDGET UPDATE Agenda Item 6 (Attachment 2): Expenditure Report OUTREACH‐DELTA MEETING MATRIX Agenda Item 6 (Attachment 3): Outreach‐Delta Meeting Matrix CORRESPONDENCE None Contact Campbell Ingram, Executive Officer Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 375‐2089

Delta Conservancy Climate Change Policy – 2017 Update

CLIMATE CHANGE GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSERVANCY The Conservancy is a primary state agency to implement ecosystem restoration in the Delta in collaboration and cooperation with local governments and a wide range of interested parties. The Conservancy Board developed the following climate change guidelines to assist it in determining what could increase the Delta’s resiliency to the effects of climate change within the context of the co‐equal responsibilities of advancing environmental protection and the economic well‐being of Delta residents. Actions related to adapting to the effects of climate will be evaluated with the goal of promoting agriculture as a key industry in the Delta.

The Conservancy believes the regional economic and environmental health are linked to the Delta’s vulnerability to potential climate change impacts, such as increased intensity of flooding or severity of drought, and that strengthening the Delta region’s economy will help the Delta adapt to potential future conditions resulting from climate change.

The Conservancy is committed to establishing and maintaining partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, private business‐ and land‐owners, and non‐governmental organizations to develop and implement mitigation and adaptation strategies that address the needs and ability of the Conservancy to meet its mandates over time.

The Conservancy encourages projects that are resilient to climate change impacts. Such projects may be full‐scale, pilot, or demonstration projects. Preferences will be given to projects containing effective or innovative adaptation measures and strategies that would minimize the effects of climate change. All projects should be consistent with state law and the Conservancy’s enabling legislation and 2017‐2022 Strategic Plan.

The Conservancy will recognize the consensus of the scientific community and use the best available science in identifying climate change risks, adaptation strategies, and mitigation opportunities. The Conservancy understands that data continue to be collected and that knowledge about climate change is evolving; therefore, the Conservancy’s Climate Change Policy will be updated periodically to integrate relevant new information and data.

Carbon Management and Reduction/Avoidance of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Conservancy sees carbon management as an integrated approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts in the Delta, using a variety of strategies, including, but not limited to, those described below.

Carbon Offset Credits In 2017, the American Carbon Registry approved a new carbon offset methodology to scientifically quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions from the restoration of California deltaic and coastal wetlands. Opportunities are abundant to enhance current land‐use practices by restoring wetlands or converting to rice cultivation in the Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Marsh, and California coastal areas. Carbon offsets generated by the projects can be sold to corporations to meet their voluntary emissions‐reduction goals. Additional sources of offsets are also being considered by California regulators for eligibility in the state’s Cap‐and‐Trade Program, under which power plants, oil refineries, and other production and manufacturing facilities are mandated to reduce or offset their emissions. The new ACR methodology provides an incentive to landowners in the Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Marsh, and other historically natural wetland areas in California to convert their most subsided and marginal agricultural lands to wetlands or to produce wetlands crops such as rice, which will stop land subsidence and reverse it over time.

Climate Change Research When appropriate and consistent with the Conservancy’s enabling legislation, the Conservancy may support research projects targeted to increasing understanding of climate change impacts to the Delta (e.g. agricultural, economic, environmental), quantify carbon sequestration benefits of habitat enhancement and restoration projects, promote agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of adaptive management strategies. The Conservancy will incorporate climate change scenarios consistent with the data and modeling recognized as the best available science by the Climate Action Team Research Working Group, including the Biodiversity, Agriculture, and Coastal/Ocean Resources Working Groups to ensure consistency across state agencies.

Education, Outreach and Guidance The Conservancy will collaborate with others to provide up‐ to‐date information and guidance on the latest climate change information pertinent to the Delta and best management practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Conservancy may collaborate with others to look for economic development opportunities in the Delta that result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

http://americancarbonregistry.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=26e125363936067d8bb5269b7&id=afc9da7e7d&e=9e957bae51

http://americancarbonregistry.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=26e125363936067d8bb5269b7&id=afc9da7e7d&e=9e957bae51

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/working_groups.html

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/working_groups.html

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/biodiversity.html

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/agriculture.html

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/climate_action_team/coastal.html

Reduction/Avoidance Conservancy staff will work with applicants to identify, evaluate, and incorporate reasonable measures to reduce or avoid the greenhouse gas emissions of Conservancy‐funded projects. The Conservancy will encourage use of best management practices and innovative designs that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and, as possible, will support developing these practices and designs through funding and other actions.

Staff Operations Where feasible, staff will attempt to reduce their work‐related greenhouse gas emissions from travel, through the use of public transportation, carpooling, bicycling, fuel‐ efficient vehicles, clustering meetings and events, and using phone‐ and web‐based conferencing technologies.

Assessing Risk from Climate Change

Sea‐Level Rise. To meet the requirements of Executive Order S‐13‐08, the Conservancy will consider the current range of sea‐level rise (SLR) projections presented in the Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea-Level Rise Science in 2017 (OPC, 2017). When assessing potential impacts, the Conservancy will consider the project’s timeline and the project’s capacity to adapt to SLR. Realized impacts depend on the extent to which a project integrates an accurate projection of SLR.

Other Impacts from Climate Change. Potential climate change impacts in the Delta include, but are not limited to, increased air, soil and water temperature; loss of agricultural land; flooding; drought; severe storms; increased salinity; degraded water quality; declining crop yields; decreased biodiversity; new disease or pest invasion; invasive species; and loss of life. For those projects that have the potential to be impacted by climate change, the Conservancy will weigh the risk of climate change impacts upon the project with the economic benefit of the project in the region. There may be cases where the known near‐term benefits of the project outweigh the uncertain long‐term risks from climate change.

Adaptation Strategies

The Conservancy will encourage programs and funded projects that are consistent with our co‐equal responsibilities to advance environmental protection and the economic well‐being of Delta residents and contain strategies, such as the ones listed in the project examples below, that can assist the Delta in adapting to climate change.

• Innovative projects pertaining to any of the Conservancy’s mandates that incorporate features that are resilient to climate change impacts or increase the area’s ability to adapt to potential impacts from climate change.

http://www.opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/docs/rising-seas-in-california-an-update-on-sea-level-rise-science.pdf


• Delta island subsidence reversal and land accretion (e.g., rice cultivation) projects to reduce the risk of levee failure.

• Projects that reduce flood impacts through levee maintenance and improvement and other measures to protect farmland and reduce damages to Conservancy investments and meet the Conservancy’s legislative mandates.

• Projects that protect or restore habitats (e.g., floodplain, riparian) that can lessen flood flows to reduce flooding in the Delta.

• Projects that create buffer zones adjacent to tidal wetlands to allow tidal wetlands to move toward land in response to SLR.

• Projects that conserve, restore, and enhance habitats and land that sequester carbon. • Projects that incorporate and contribute to overall ecosystem health and viability through

preserving or reestablishing movement corridors for terrestrial and aquatic species. • Projects which incorporate efforts to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive

species or control invasive species populations.

Adaptive Management

Given the uncertainties associated with climate change related impacts on natural resources, restoration that can accommodate or adapt to climate change impacts is more likely to have longer‐term success. A science‐based adaptive management plan and long‐term monitoring will be key components to successfully carrying out restoration and economic development that can adapt to the effects of climate change. The Delta Reform Act requires that ecosystem restoration actions in the Delta include a formal adaptive management strategy (Water Code section 85308(f)). The Delta Plan describes a nine‐step adaptive management framework (Delta Stewardship Council 2013). The three broad phases and their respective steps are described below.

• Plan (define/redefine the problem; establish goals and objectives; model linkages between objectives and proposed actions; select and evaluate research, pilot, or full‐scale action and develop performance measures).

• Do (design and implement action; design and implement monitoring plan). • Evaluate and Respond (analyze, synthesize, and evaluate; communicate current

understanding; adapt).

All implementation projects that include an action that is likely to be deemed a covered action, pursuant to California Water Code (CWC) Section 85057.5, are responsible for ensuring consistency with the Delta Plan, which includes developing a formal Adaptive Management Plan.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR RESOLUTION AND GUIDELINES

The State of California has adopted a wide variety of laws and policies targeted at reducing GHG emissions and addressing the potential impacts from climate change. Below is a summary of key California climate change laws, policies, and resources pertinent to the Delta (by type and entity).

Governor’s Executive Orders

The Governor’s Executive Orders related to climate change are summarized in a table available at http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/state/executive_orders.html.

Governor’s Executive Order B‐30‐15 In 2015, Governor’s Executive Order B‐30‐15 set a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target for 2030 at 40 percent below 1990 levels. Additionally, B‐30‐15 requires state agencies to “take climate change into account in their planning and investment decisions” and directs state agencies to follow general principles acknowledged within sections of the policy, including:

• Giving priority to actions that both build climate preparedness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

• Where possible, flexible and adaptive approaches should be taken to prepare for uncertain climate impacts;

• Actions should protect the state's most vulnerable populations; and • Natural infrastructure solutions should be prioritized.

Legislation and Plans

Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (2006) The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) set the 2020 GHG emission reduction goal into law. It directed the Air Resource Board (ARB) to develop a scoping plan to identify how to best reach the 2020 limit. AB 32 also directed the ARB to adopt regulations requiring the mandatory reporting of GHG emissions and to identify and adopt regulations for discrete early actions to reduce GHG that could be enforceable on or before January 1, 2010. On October 20, 2011, the ARB adopted the final cap‐and‐trade regulation. Rules for quantifying offset credits have been developed for livestock projects, ozone depleting substances projects, urban forest projects, and U.S. forest projects.

AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan The 2008 plan outlines actions to reach the GHG reduction goals required in AB 32. For agriculture, the plan encourages investments in methane capture systems at dairies and increasing carbon sequestration. ARB subsequently proposed the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update in January 2017.

http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/state/executive_orders.html

https://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18938

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/05-06/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/ab_32_bill_20060927_chaptered.pdf

https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/document/adopted_scoping_plan.pdf

https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2030sp_pp_final.pdf

https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2030sp_pp_final.pdf

AB 1482 (2015) This bill requires updates to the state’s climate adaptation strategy every three years.

AB 2800 (2016) This legislation requires state agencies to take into account the current and future impacts of climate change when planning, designing, building, operating, maintaining, and investing in state infrastructure through July 1, 2020. It also requires the Natural Resources Agency to establish a Climate‐Safe Infrastructure Working Group by July 1, 2017 that will make recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 2018.

Senate Bill (SB) 97 (2007) SB 97 required the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to develop recommended amendments to State CEQA Guidelines for addressing GHG emissions. These amendments were to provide guidance on how to determine significance and mitigate the effects of GHG emissions. The CEQA Guidelines were amended in March 2010 to incorporate these provisions.

SB 32 (2016) This bill requires the state board to ensure that statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to 40% below the 1990 level by 2030.

SB 1386 (2016) SB 1386 declares it to be state policy that the protection and management of natural and working lands, as defined, is an important strategy in meeting the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, and would require all state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions to consider this policy when revising, adopting, or establishing policies, regulations, expenditures, or grant criteria relating to the protection and management of natural and working lands.

California Natural Resources Agency

The California Natural Resources Agency has led the state’s climate change adaptation strategy since 2008. The associated strategy documents are identified below (as summarized in the Safeguarding California Plan: 2017 Update):

2009 California Adaptation Strategy • Overview of climate science and statewide hazard‐based climate assessment • Four comprehensive statewide adaptation strategies • Vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies for seven sectors

2014 Safeguarding California: Reducing Climate Risk plan • Update information on climate science • New information on vulnerabilities and activities for nine sectors • Update general policy recommendations

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1482

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB2800

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=200720080SB97



http://resources.ca.gov/docs/climate/Statewide_Adaptation_Strategy.pdf

http://resources.ca.gov/docs/climate/Final_Safeguarding_CA_Plan_July_31_2014.pdf

2016 Safeguarding California Implementation Action Plans • High‐level vulnerability assessments and overview of recommendations from 2014 plan • Explanation of ongoing actions and next steps implementing 2014 recommendations • Addition of “Land Use and Community Development” sector

Safeguarding California Plan: 2017 Update • Update of comprehensive statewide adaptation strategies and relevant implementation

actions • New framework to better integrate sectors and link ongoing research to state

adaptation action • Update high‐level recommendations for all 10 sectors • Outline annual reporting structure for next steps and adaptation actions • Increase focus on vulnerable populations, environmental justice concerns, and equity • Propose conceptual metrics to track and measure climate impacts and the adaptation

responses of state government over time

Amendments to the CEQA Guidelines (2010) On March 18, 2010, the Natural Resource Agency adopted CEQA Guidelines Amendments, implementing SB 97. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research summarized the amendments as follows.

• “Lead agencies must analyze the greenhouse gas emissions of proposed projects, and must reach a conclusion regarding the significance of those emissions.

• When a project’s greenhouse gas emissions may be significant, lead agencies must consider a range of potential mitigation measures to reduce those emissions.

• Lead agencies must analyze potentially significant impacts associated with placing projects in hazardous locations, including locations potentially affected by climate change.

• Lead agencies may significantly streamline the analysis of greenhouse gases on a project level by using a programmatic greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan meeting certain criteria.

• CEQA mandates analysis of a proposed project’s potential energy use (including transportation‐ related energy), sources of energy supply, and ways to reduce energy demand, including through the use of efficient transportation alternatives.”

California Ocean Protection Council

The State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance Document, initially adopted in 2010 and updated in 2013, provides guidance to state agencies for incorporating sea‐level rise projections into planning, design, permitting, construction, investment and other decisions (see http://www.opc.ca.gov/climate‐change/updating‐californias‐sea‐level‐rise‐guidance). A

http://resources.ca.gov/docs/climate/safeguarding/Safeguarding%20California-Implementation%20Action%20Plans.pdf

http://resources.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DRAFT-Safeguarding-California-Plan-2017-Update.pdf

http://resources.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines/

http://www.opc.ca.gov/climate-change/updating-californias-sea-level-rise-guidance

Working Group of the California Ocean Protection Council Science Advisory Team supported and convened by the California Ocean Science Trust produced Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea-Level Rise Science in 2017 (OPC, 2017).

Central Valley Flood Protection Board

The 2017 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Update (Page 2‐4 of CVFPB, 2017) incorporates climate change analyses consistent with Executive Order B‐30‐15 and AB 1482.

REFERENCES

California Natural Resources Agency. 2017. DRAFT REPORT Safeguarding California Plan: 2017 Update. California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy. May 2017. Available from: http://resources.ca.gov/wp‐content/uploads/2017/05/DRAFT‐Safeguarding‐California‐Plan‐2017‐Update.pdf.

CVFPB, Central Valley Flood Protection Board. 2017. 2017 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update. August 2017. Available from: http://water.ca.gov/cvfmp/docs/2017/2017CVFPPUpdate‐Final‐20170811.pdf.

Delta Stewardship Council. 2013. Appendix C: Adaptive Management and the Delta Plan. Available from: http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AppC_Adaptive%20Management_2013.pdf.

OPC, Ocean Protection Council. 2017. Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea‐Level Rise Science. April 2017. Available from: http://www.opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/docs/rising‐seas‐in‐california‐an‐update‐on‐sea‐level‐rise‐science.pdf.



http://cvfpb.ca.gov/docs/2017CVFPPUpdateFinal/2017CVFPPUpdate-Final-20170828.pdf



http://water.ca.gov/cvfmp/docs/2017/2017CVFPPUpdate-Final-20170811.pdf

http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AppC_Adaptive%20Management_2013.pdf

http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AppC_Adaptive%20Management_2013.pdf





BUDGET SUMMARY

1FUND # FUND SOURCE TITLE (State Operations and Local Assistance)

GOVERNOR'SAPPROPRIATION

ADDITIONALADJUSTMENT AUTHORITY

YEAR-TO-DATE EXPENDITURES

YEAR-END BALANCE

2 0001 GENERAL FUND (GF): General operating expenses and equipment $1,332,000 -$368,873 $963,1273 0995 REIMBURSEMENTS (State): State reimbursements $656,000 -$55,468 $600,5324 0140 CA ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSE PLATE FUND (ELPF): Office rent, workers comp. $77,000 -$35,535 $41,4655 0890 FEDERAL TRUST FUND: Reimbursement grants $720,000 -$148,315 $571,6856 6083.1 WATER QUALITY, SUPPLY, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT FUND: (Prop 1 - Program delivery) $437,000 -$129,766 $307,2347 Total State Operation Budget: -$737,957 $2,484,043

8 6083.2 WATER QUALITY, SUPPLY, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT FUND: (Prop 1 - Local assistance) $9,300,000 -$60,082 $9,239,9189 Total Local Assistance Budget: -$60,082 $9,239,918

10 Total Combined State Operation and Local Assistance Budget:

EXPENDITURE SUMMARY

11FUND #

SSJDC ENCUMBRANCES


YEAR-END BALANCE

12 0001 GENERAL FUND13 Salary/Benefits: 14 $939,190 -$302,700 $636,49016 Workers Comp: (amount after balance paid from ELPF) $4,958 -$1,335 $3,62417 $944,148 -$304,035 $640,11318 General Operating:19 $8,536 -$2,151 $6,38420 $4,700 -$1,223 $3,47721 $5,500 -$1,245 $4,25522 $5,000 $0 $5,00023 $23,736 -$4,619 $19,11524 Interdepartmental State Fee's:25 $8,000 -$116 $7,88426 $8,000 -$116 $7,88427 Interagency Agreement (IAA):28 $40,000 -$4,250 $35,75029 $221,000 -$55,250 $165,75030 $3,000 -$603 $2,39731 $4,000 $0 $4,00032 SCO: (expedite claims) $250 $0 $25034 SPB:(compliance review installment plan) $3,432 $0 $3,43235 Subtotal IAA: $271,682 -$60,103 $211,57936 (uncommitted funds - including credit from SCIF) $84,435 $0 $84,435

37 $1,332,000 -$368,873 $963,126

50 0995 REIMBURSEMENT FUND (State)3839 $9,100 $0 $9,10040 $223,556 -$55,468 $168,08841 $232,656 -$55,468 $177,18842 $1,564,656 -$424,341 $1,140,314SUMMARY GENERAL FUND + STATE REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS:

CTO: (Calstrs)

$3,222,000

Subtotal Salary/Benefits:

Training: (tuition and registration fees)

Subtotal Interdepartmental State Fee's:

Subtotal General Operating:Info Technology: (software, hardware)

DOJ: (legal support)

DGS: (general oversight processing; STP, OFAM, state’s vehicle fleet, rental cars, parking facilities and surplus)

SCO: (CalATERS - travel expense claim's)

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Budget Projection and Expenditure Summary for FY 2017-18

CATEGORY EXPENDITURE DETAILS

$9,300,000

(sal/ben for employment positions)

Office Operating: (postage meter, Printing OSP, office supplies, copier, ACR subscription)

$12,522,000

Actual Expenses Through October 31, 2017

DGS: (administrative support- accounting, budget, HR)

State Reimbursement Obligations:

SUMMARY GENERAL FUND ONLY:

(sal/ben for positions & operating expenses reimbursed from DSC)(external contract agreements)

Subtotal State Obligation Expenses:

Communications: (office phone, mobile phone, fedex)

11FUND #

SSJDC ENCUMBRANCES


YEAR-END BALANCE

CATEGORY EXPENDITURE DETAILS

50 0140 CA ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSE PLATE FUND (ELPF)51 General Operating:52 $8,802 -$8,802 $053 $60,883 -$20,294 $40,58954 $1,315 -$438 $87755 $71,000 -$29,535 $41,46556 Interdepartmental State Fee's:57 $6,000 -$6,000 $0

58 $77,000 -$35,535 $41,465

59 0890 FEDERAL TRUST FUND60 Program Implementation (Internal):61 $71,520 $0 $71,52062 (operating expenses) $0 $0 $063 $29,000 $0 $29,00064 $100,520 $0 $100,52065 Consultant & Prof'l Services (External):66 $544,691 -$148,315 $396,37667

68 $645,212 -$148,315 $496,896

69 6083.001 PROP 1 (State Operations - Program Delivery)70 Program Implementation (Internal):71 $411,173 -$129,766 -$129,76673 $411,173 -$129,766 $281,40874

75 $411,173 -$129,766 $281,408

76 -$737,957 $1,960,083

77 6083.101 PROP 1 (Local Assistance)83 Local Assistance Projects:84 $842,513 -$60,082 $782,43185 $842,513 -$60,082 $782,43186

87 $842,513 -$60,082 $782,431

88 -$60,082 $782,431

GRAND TOTAL - STATE OPERATION EXPENSES:

Subtotal Projects:

GRAND TOTAL - LOCAL ASSISTANCE EXPENSES:

(competitive grants)

TOTAL PROP 1 - LOCAL ASSISTANCE:

(SWCAP)

TOTAL FEDERAL TRUST:

Subtotal General Operating:

Subtotal Internal Expenses:

TOTAL ELPF:

Facilities: (lease surcharge)

(sal/ben employment positions)

DOF, SCO, CalHR: (pro rata)

Subtotal Internal Expenses:

TOTAL PROP 1 - PROGRAM DELIVERY:

Operating: (workers comp)Facilities: (office rent)

(external contract agreements)

(sal/ben for employment positions)

Agenda Item: 5 Attachment: 3 Meeting Date: November 20, 2017 Page 1

Outreach – Delta Meeting Matrix September 28, 2017 – November 20, 2017 ACTIVITY MTG PRES OTR SUMMARY DATE CONSERVANCY

REPRESENTATIVE

Cache Slough Phase 2 Steering Committee X Met to discuss SOW for Phase 2 of the planning effort 10/2/2017 Campbell Ingram

Performance Measures Reporting Project Outreach X Meetings with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and State Water Boards staff to get input on Performance Measures Reporting Project in EcoAtlas

10/3/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon

EcoAtlas Project Tracker X Met with the EcoRestore staff to coordinate inclusion of EcoRestore projects in EcoAtlas 10/4/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon

State of the Estuary Conference X X Conservancy staff moderated two sessions, presented a poster and assisted with conference planning 10/10-10/11/2017

Campbell Ingram, Debra Kustic, Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Aaron Haiman

Central Delta Corridor Partnership X Met with the Partnership to discuss SOW concepts for developing a corridor strategy 10/12/2017 Campbell Ingram

All Conservancies X Annual meeting of State conservancies to coordinate and share information 10/16-10/18/2017 Campbell Ingram,

Debra Kustic

Performance Measures Reporting Project Outreach X

Met with Central Valley and San Francisco Joint Ventures to receive input on Performance Measure Reporting Project in EcoAtlas

10/20/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon

Delta Flood Safety Fair X Conservancy information booth at the Delta Flood Safety Fair in Walnut Grove 10/21/2017 Campbell Ingram,

Brandon Chapin



REPRESENTATIVE

California Estuary Monitoring Workgroup Water Quality Subcommittee X X Participated in regularly scheduled meeting. Presented

the progress of the water quality subcommittee. 10/26/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon

Priorities for California's Water X Attended conference presented by the CA Public Policy Institute

10/26/2017 Campbell Ingram, Debra Kustic

California Biodiversity Council (CBC) Interagency Alignment Team (IAT) X Participated in regularly scheduled meeting 10/26/2017 Debra Kustic

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR) Water Quality Monitoring Coordination X Participated in SLNWR water quality coordination

meeting 10/27/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon

Delta Conservation Framework Public Workshop X X Provided welcoming remarks and participated in workshop to solicit public input on the draft Delta Conservation Framework

10/31/2017 Campbell Ingram, Debra Kustic, Aaron Haimen

Abandoned & Derelict Vessels Roundtable X Participated in roundtable organized by Assemblymember Frazier’s office 11/01/2017 Debra Kustic

California Roundtable for Agriculture and the Environment X Attended a regularly scheduled CRAE meeting focused

on conserving working lands 11/1/2017 Campbell Ingram

Assessing Sea Level Rise in the Delta X Attended a DSC/UC Berkeley lead assessment of SLR planning and coordination in the Delta 11/6/2017 Campbell Ingram

California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup Quarterly X X Participated in regularly scheduled meeting. Provided an update on performance measure reporting project. 11/8/2017 Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon



REPRESENTATIVE

Central Valley Salmon Habitat Partnership X Hosted the fall meeting of the CVSHP at the Conservancy office 11/9/2017 Campbell Ingram

Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee X Attended regularly scheduled DPIIC meeting and presented on the regional planning efforts 11/13/2017 Campbell Ingram

CA Biodiversity Council Annual Meeting & Field Trip X Attended annual meeting 11/13-11/14/2017 Debra Kustic

Structured Decision Making Forum X Attended regularly scheduled DSC meeting focused on tools for planning 11/15/2017 Campbell Ingram

San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) Implementation Committee Meeting X Participated in regularly scheduled meeting 11/15/2017 Debra Kustic

Delta Conservation Framework Workshop X Provided welcoming remarks and participated in workshop to solicit public input on the draft Delta Conservation Framework

11/16/2017 Campbell Ingram, Debra Kustic

Central Delta Corridor Partnership X Attended regularly scheduled CDCP meeting and presented a revised SOW and outreach strategy 11/17/2017 Campbell Ingram

Quimby Island Tour X Toured Quimby Is. with CA Waterfowl Association staff to discuss potential carbon projects 11/21/2017 Campbell Ingram

Meeting with DWR Director Grant Davis X Meeting to bring the new Director up to speed on the role of Conservancy and our work with DWR 11/28/2017 Campbell Ingram,

Debra Kustic


Key Events and Upcoming Dates Organization Date Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) Meeting December 14, 2017

Delta Protection Commission (DPC) Meeting January 2018

Strategic Growth Council (SGC) Meeting December 5, 2017



Proposition 1 Grant Program Update

Staff Report CYCLE 3 – FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 SOLICITATION UPDATE

During the concept proposal solicitation, the Conservancy received 18 concept proposals, requesting more than $26 million (see Table 1 below). Conservancy staff evaluated the concept proposals, provided feedback in writing to all applicants, and offered each the opportunity to meet in person by September 29, 2017 to aid them in assembling a complete, clear, and responsive full proposal. The full proposal submission period opened October 2 and will close November 30, 2017. Staff sent a reminder to all agencies that agreed to participate on the Professional Review Panel for full proposals. The email included an overview of the timeline and responsibilities of review panel members. Table 1 lists all concept proposals received in Cycle 3 (this table was also provided with the Proposition 1 Grant Program Update in September).




Table 1. Summary of Cycle 3 (FY17-18) Concept Proposals Received

Project ID Project Name Applicant County Category Funding Priority Amount Requested

Prop 1-1701 Bay Point Restoration Project East Bay Regional Park District

Contra Costa 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or

Enhancement $2,920,000

Prop 1-1702 Restoration Planning at River Garden Farms American Rivers Yolo 1

Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement, Water-related

Agricultural Sustainability $261,084

Prop 1-1703 Marsh Creek Reservoir Habitat and Capacity Restoration

Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water

Conservation District


Enhancement $285,000

Prop 1-1704

Management of Rice Fields to Enhance Instream Flows and Provide Multiple Ecosystem,

Water Supply, and Flood Management Benefits

California Rice Commission multiple 1

Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement Water Quality

Water-related Agricultural Sustainability

$1,158,535

Prop 1-1705 Bouldin Island Multipurpose

Ecosystem Improvements and Sustainable Agricultural Plan

Metropolitan Water District of Southern

California San Joaquin 1

Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement, Water-related

Agricultural Sustainability $310,000

Prop 1-1706

Occurrence, Fate and Transport of Estrogenic Activity in

Effluents Released to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Board of Regents, Nevada System of Higher

Education on behalf of Desert Research

Institute

multiple 1 Water Quality $292,812

Prop 1-1707 Mitchell Trust Farm

Habitat Conservation Easement Acquisition

Yolo Habitat Conservancy Yolo 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or


Prop 1-1708 Mello Conservation Easement Sacramento Valley Conservancy Sacramento 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or


Prop 1-1709 Knightsen Wetland Restoration and Flood Protection Project

East Contra Costa County Habitat

Conservancy





Project ID Project Name Applicant County Category Funding Priority Amount Requested

Prop 1-1710 Grizzly Slough Floodplain Restoration Project

California Department of Water Resources Sacramento 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or


Prop 1-1711 Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project #2 American Rivers Contra

Costa 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement, Water Quality $999,891

Prop 1-1712 Bees Lakes City of West Sacramento Yolo 1 Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement, Water Quality $324,600

Prop 1-1713 Stone Lakes Ducks Unlimited Sacramento 1 Restoration, Protection, and/or Enhancement $554,435

Prop 1-1714 Beneficial reuse of water Hyacinth Reclamation District 548 San Joaquin 1



$117,500

Prop 1-1715

Management for the 21st Century - Developing climate-smart solutions today to meet the challenges of a changing

world

California State University, Sacramento

and DWR multiple 1 Restoration, Protection, and/or

Enhancement, Water Quality $114,750

Prop 1-1716 Brentwood Reservoir City of Brentwood Contra Costa 1 Restoration, Protection, and/or

Enhancement, Water Quality $200,000

Prop 1-1717 Delta Legacy Abandoned Vessel Abatement Project Delta Legacy Horizons multiple 1



$4,927,960

Prop 1-1718 Nutria Eradication CA Department of Fish and Wildlife multiple 2 Restoration, Protection, and/or


TOTAL $26,437,360



APPROVED PROJECT UPDATE

In its first two grant cycles, the Conservancy awarded or reserved $10.3 million of Proposition 1 funds for eligible projects. A brief overview of each grant cycle, the status of each project by grant cycle (in numerical order of Conservancy ID), and a map of all approved project locations are included below (Figure 1). CYCLE 2 – Fiscal Year 2016-2017 The Board awarded or reserved $4.4 million for four projects (one Category 1 planning and three Category 2 implementation). Projects marked with Status Update reflect new information since the last report to the Board.

Project Dutch Slough Revegetation (Category 2) Amount Awarded $2,900,000

County Contra Costa Conservancy ID Prop 1-1602

Grantee Reclamation District 2137 Overview Establish and maintain 468 acres of native tidal marsh, riparian, and

grassland vegetation at the Dutch Slough restoration site Board Action/Deadline Conditional Approval – July 2017

Conditions/Status 1. Revised budget – complete, 7/31/17 2. Water conservation and efficiency plan for grantee – no longer

required due to rescinding of the April 2014 Executive Order. Grant Agreement Status Grant Agreement Pending

Update Due to permitting delays, construction did not begin during the 2017 construction window. Therefore, the revegetation phase, to which Conservancy funds are being applied, will also be delayed. Staff plans to delay execution of the grant agreement until 2019 to ensure implementation does not exceed the 3-year grant funding term.



Status Update Project Petersen Ranch: Working Waterway Habitat Enhancement Project

(Category 2) Amount Awarded $444,795

County Solano Conservancy ID Prop 1-1605

Grantee Solano Resource Conservation District Overview Restore 13.5 acres of riparian habitat and improve water quality through

improved cattle management practices on approximately 525 acres of actively farmland along Lindsey Slough

Board Action/Deadline Conditional Approval – May 2017 Conditions/Status 1. Revised budget – complete, 6/13/17

Grant Agreement Status Active as of 9/1/17 Update The agreement has been executed. Grantee has submitted the first

progress report and invoice. Status Update Project Restoration of Priority Wetlands for Endangered Species at the Cosumnes

River Preserve (Category 2) Amount Awarded $943,549

County Sacramento Conservancy ID Prop 1-1608

Grantee Sacramento County Regional Parks Overview Restore 110 acres of freshwater wetlands to benefit listed species

Board Action/Deadline Funding Reserved – September 27, 2017

Conditions/Status 1. Completion of CEQA requirements and approval of Responsible Agency Findings - incomplete, expected September 27, 2017

2. Revised budget – complete, 8/1/17 3. Proof and verification of adequate water rights – complete, 6/21/17

Grant Agreement Status Grant Agreement Pending Update Grantee has cleared all conditions and funding was approved at the

September board meeting. The grant agreement is being finalized and reviewed by Conservancy staff and legal counsel.



Status Update Project Investigations of restoration techniques that limit invasion of tidal

wetlands (Category 1) Amount Awarded $107,655

County Contra Costa Conservancy ID Prop 1-1612

Grantee The Regents of the University of California (UC Davis) Overview Identify improved methods for tidal wetland revegetation that reduce

invasion by non-native plants at Dutch Slough Board Action/Deadline Conditional Approval – May 2017

Conditions/Status 1. Revised budget – complete, 6/15/17 Grant Agreement Status Grant Agreement Pending

Update This grant agreement has been modified to comply with the California Model Agreement for Research, Training, and Public Services performed by the CSU and UC. Implementation of this grant was delayed because of CCC labor being needed for fire response in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Due to this delay, the grant agreement will be executed in 2017, but will have a start date of July 1, 2018 to ensure implementation does not exceed the 3-year grant funding term.



CYCLE 1 – Fiscal Year 2015-2016 The Board awarded or reserved funding $5.9 million for eight projects. To date, five grant agreements have been fully executed; staff is working with grantees to prepare grant agreements for the remaining three projects.

Project Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Habitat and Drainage Improvement Project (Category 2)

Amount Awarded $2,000,000 County Yolo

Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-003 (1503 on map) Grantee Ducks Unlimited

Overview Implement habitat and working landscape enhancements in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Board Action/Deadline Funding Reserved – original March 22 2017, 1st extension to July 26, 2017, 2nd extension to January 24, 2018

Conditions/Status 1. Completion of CEQA and approval of Responsible Agency Findings - incomplete, expected January 24, 2018

2. Verification of Adequate Water Rights – complete, 7/12/2017 3. Landowner Agreement – required as a condition of the agreement 4. Habitat Maintained for 15 Years – required as a condition of the

landowner agreement 5. Bylaws – complete, 6/7/2016

Grant Agreement Status Funding Reserved Update The Board approved an extension of the deadline to meet CEQA

requirements to January 24, 2018.

Project Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Category 1)

Amount Awarded $89,450 County All Delta Counties

Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-005 (1505 on map) Grantee California Land Stewardship Institute

Overview Develop a program for working with farmers to improve water quality, which is specific to the crops grown and water quality concerns in Delta counties

Grant Agreement Status Active as of 1/9/17 Update The project is meeting its conditions per grant scope of work.



Status Update Project Sherman Island Wetland Restoration Project Phase III (Category 1)

Amount Awarded $100,000 County Sacramento

Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-008 (1508 on map) Grantee Ducks Unlimited

Overview Plan and design for the restoration of 1600 acres of emergent wetlands Board Action/Deadline Conditional Approval – July 2016

Conditions/Status 1. Bylaws – complete, 6/7/2016 Grant Agreement Status Active as of 10/20/2017.

Update The grant agreement has been executed. The first progress report and invoice are due January 31, 2018.

Status Update Project Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project (Category 2)

Amount Awarded $836,409 County Contra Costa

Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-009 (1509 on map) Grantee American Rivers

Overview Convert denuded flood control channel at the confluence of Marsh, Sand, and Deer Creeks into a healthy stream corridor

Board Action/Deadline Funding Reserved – September 2016 Conditions/Status 1. Completion of CEQA requirements and approval of Responsible Agency

Findings – complete, 11/21/2016 2. Verification of Adequate Water Rights – complete, 10/17/2016 3. Landowner Agreement – required as a condition of the agreement 4. Habitat Maintained for 15 Years – required as a condition of the

landowner agreement Grant Agreement Status Active as of 6/27/17

Update The grant agreement has been executed. Landowner Access Agreement is being finalized between the Grantee and the Contra Costa County Water Conservation and Flood Control District. The first progress report and invoice are due January 31, 2018.



Project Paradise Cut Flood and Conservation Easement Acquisition Project

(Category 2) Amount Awarded $2,000,000

County San Joaquin Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-010 (1510 on map)

Grantee San Joaquin Resource Conservation District Overview Purchase flood and conservation easements to protect agriculture for

Swainson's Hawk and to protect the opportunity to build a new flood bypass at Paradise Cut in the future

Board Action/Deadline Funding Reserved – March 2017 Conditions/Status 1. Completion of CEQA requirements and approval by Board – complete,

3/22/2017 2. Completion of acquisition checklist requirement – complete, 3/6/2017

Grant Agreement Status Grant Agreement Pending Update Conservancy staff is coordinating with the grantee and CA Department of

Fish and Wildlife, who is funding other components of this project, to align grant expectations for easements with multiple State funding sources. Grant agreement negotiation is expected to continue into 2018.

Status Update Project Paradise Cut Conservation and Flood Management Planning Project

(Category 1) Amount Awarded $99,924

County San Joaquin Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-012 (1512 on map)

Grantee San Joaquin Resource Conservation District Overview Develop a conservation and flood management plan for a new flood bypass

at Paradise Cut Board Action/Deadline Conditional Approval – July 2016

Conditions/Status 1. Monitoring Plan – complete, 7/27/2016 Grant Agreement Status Active as of 7/6/17

Update The grant agreement has been executed. Grantee has submitted the first progress report and invoice.



Project: Wildlife Corridors for Flood Escape on the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Project (Category 2) Amount Awarded: $688,195.64

County: Yolo Conservancy ID: Prop 1-Y1-2015-016 (1516 on map)

Grantee: Yolo Resource Conservation District Overview: Restore up to 5 miles (22 acres) of new, floodway-compatible wildlife and

pollinator habitat, providing an exit and transit corridor for wildlife during floods

Grant Agreement Status: Active as of 1/24/17 Update: The project is meeting its conditions per grant scope of work.

Project Lower Marsh and Sand Creek Watershed Riparian Restoration Planning

Project (Category 1) Amount Awarded $73,493

County Contra Costa Conservancy ID Prop 1-Y1-2015-019 (1519 on map)

Grantee American Rivers Overview Improve restoration project efficiency within the Marsh/Sand Creek

watershed through development of a programmatic CEQA document and permit, including stormwater planning.

Grant Agreement Status Active as of 10/19/16 Update The project is meeting its conditions per grant scope of work.



Figure 1. Map of Active Grants from first 2 grant cycles.



PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND BUDGET The Conservancy’s Proposition 1 Ecosystem Restoration and Water Quality Grant Program funds $50 million in multibenefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities. The Conservancy anticipates administering one grant cycle annually through at least fiscal year 19-20. The Grant Program is a two-step process, requiring both a concept proposal and a full proposal. Full proposals are subject to a rigorous scoring and evaluation process by both staff and a professional review panel, and are recommended for funding based upon score and funding availability. Contact Aaron N.K. Haiman, Environmental Scientist Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 376-4023




Request for Approval of Resolution 2017-04 to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the State Water Board to Support the Implementation of Delta Mercury Exposure Reduction Program

Staff Report RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Board approve Resolution 2017-04 to enter into an interagency agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board). The proposed interagency agreement would provide $154,100 to the Delta Conservancy to support the Delta Mercury Exposure Reduction Program (MERP). DESCRIPTION The Delta Conservancy works in partnership with Department of Public Health, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and the Central Valley Water Board on the Delta MERP Steering Committee. Through the Interagency Agreement, the Conservancy will provide technical and administrative support, and program management and coordination to implement exposure reduction activities, including:

• Coordination with community based organizations currently in the Delta to incorporate fish consumption guidance messages into the ongoing activities;

• Collaboration with affected communities, agencies, and others to plan and implement outreach and educational activities to reduce health risks to people who consume contaminated fish;

• Identification of at-risk populations and ways to reach these populations; • Manage the small grants to community-based organizations, tribes, local agencies, and/or

other organizations by the Water Boards to conduct exposure reduction activities; • Identification of community based organizations to help in advisory sign posting; and • Provide trainings to community-based organizations, tribes, local agencies, and/or other

organizations on the interpretation of and teaching of the consumption advisory materials.

BACKGROUND The Delta and San Francisco Bay have been identified in the federal Clean Water Act Section 303(d) as impaired due to elevated concentrations of methylmercury in fish, which poses a human health threat. In 2005, the State Water Board adopted Resolution 2005-0060, which directs the Central Valley Regional Water Board and the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Control Board to “investigate ways, consistent with their regulatory authority, to address public health impacts of mercury in San Francisco




Bay and Delta fish.” In response, the Central Valley Water Board and the San Francisco Water Board separately adopted mercury control programs that require development and implementation of exposure reduction activities geared toward people who eat fish. In 2003, the Central Valley Water Board’s Executive Officer approved a work plan for the Delta MERP. Under this proposed Interagency Agreement, the Conservancy will continue efforts, begun under a prior contract, to implement the exposure reduction activities of Delta MERP. The State Water Board’s Cleanup and Abatement Account and monetary contributions from individual agencies and other entities participating in the program provide funding for the agreement. The Delta Reform Act of 2009 established the Conservancy and includes three relevant mandates; (1) to protect and improve water quality; (2) protect, conserve, and restore the region’s physical, agricultural, cultural, historical, and living resources; and (3) promote environmental education. These efforts are consistent with the following objective as outlined in the Delta Conservancy’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, Goal 2, Delta Ecosystem Viability.

• Objective 2: Strengthen the coordination of water quality monitoring, data integration, and implementation of best management practices in partnership with existing Delta watershed efforts.

Contact Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, Program Advisor Sacramento-San Joaquín Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 376-4022




RESOLUTION NO. 2017-04

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF THE SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA CONSERVANCY APPROVING INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT NUMBER 17-054-150 WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DELTA MERCURY EXPOSURE REDUCTION PROGRAM WHEREAS the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the San Francisco Bay have been identified through the federal Clean Water Act Section 303(d) as impaired due to elevated concentrations of methylmercury in fish, which pose a human health threat; and

WHEREAS the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted Resolution 2005-0060, which directs the Central Valley Regional Water Board (Central Valley Water Board) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (San Francisco Water Board) to “investigate ways, consistent with their regulatory authority, to address public health impacts of mercury in San Francisco Bay and Delta fish”; and

WHEREAS the Central Valley Water Board adopted mercury control programs that require development and implementation of exposure reduction activities geared toward people who eat fish, and WHEREAS, the Central Valley Water Board’s Executive Officer approved a work plan for the Delta Mercury Exposure Reduction Program (MERP), and WHEREAS, the State Water Board seeks to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta Conservancy to implement the objectives of the Delta MERP, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board approve Resolution 2017-04 to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for the implementation of the Delta MERP.



PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA CONSERVANCY BOARD THIS NOVEMBER 20, 2017. VOTE Ayes: Noes: Abstentions: Absent:

Katherine Miller, Board Chair



Request for Approval of the Delta Conservancy 2018 Implementation Plan

Staff Report RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board approve the Delta Conservancy 2018 Implementation Plan. DESCRIPTION The Implementation Plan is a companion document to the 2017-2022 Delta Conservancy Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan provides a high level road map and sets objectives and performance measures to achieve them. The Implementation Plan provides a more detailed accounting of the tasks the Conservancy will undertake in 2018 to implement the Strategic Plan. The Implementation Plan has a brief summary of each initiative, provides an overview of progress and achievements to date, outlines major program objectives for 2018, and notes steps for the future. At the end of the document is a summary table for quick reference. BACKGROUND Staff presented a draft of the Implementation Plan at the September 27, 2017 Board meeting and requested comments. Two sets of comments were received and edits to the Plan were made as appropriate to address them. In finalizing the Implementation Plan, staff updated the draft Plan in order to:

• Reflect updates to projects that occurred since the initial draft • Address comments • Improve readability, flow, grammar, and consistency throughout the document • Present the tasks in the tables in chronological order

Contact Debra Kustic, Deputy Executive Officer Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy [email protected] Phone: (916) 375-2086


DRAFT

Delta Conservancy Implementation Plan

2018

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................................. 2

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ................................................................................................................................. 4

DELTA CARBON MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 6

WATERSHED PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................... 7

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM .......................................................................... 9

ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................................................. 10

APPENDIX A: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SUMMARY TABLE ............................................................................ 12

APPENDIX B: DELTA CONSERVANCY 2017 – 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN – GOALS & OBJECTIVES ............. 19

Edmund G. Brown Jr. Governor

John Laird Secretary for California Natural Resources Agency

Campbell Ingram Executive Officer Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy This Implementation Plan was prepared under the direction of:

Debra Kustic .............................................. Deputy Executive Officer

In collaboration with: Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon ............................................ Special Advisor Brandon Chapin .............. Associate Governmental Program Analyst Aaron Haiman .............................................. Environmental Scientist Laura Jensen .................................. Proposition 1 Program Manager Brian Keegan ............................................... Environmental Scientist Jessica O’Connor ........................................ Administration Manager Beckye Stanton ............. Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Sarah Ward ........................................................... Office Technician

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INTRODUCTION This Implementation Plan (Plan) is a companion document to the Delta Conservancy’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan identifies three goals, 26 objectives, 27 performance measures, and 35 metrics. This Implementation Plan identifies specific tasks for 2018 to further the goals and objectives. The metrics will be used to assess how the Conservancy’s progress in accomplishing these tasks is meeting the performance measures. The Implementation Plan is organized into six categories: Economic Development, Ecosystem Restoration, Delta Carbon Management, Watershed Protection, Environmental Education and Outreach, and Administration. Funding comes from the California General Fund; the California Environmental License Plate Fund; state and federal government grants; and the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1). Conservancy staff strives to identify new and diversified funding to support expansion of programs such as economic development and emerging initiatives such as regional planning, agricultural sustainability, and carbon management. The Conservancy made great strides in 2017. The Delta Tourism Awareness 5-year Marketing Plan was adopted and VisitCADelta.com was launched. Ecosystem Restoration efforts got underway in earnest with the Proposition 1 Grant funded projects beginning implementation. The Conservancy-led Delta Inter-agency Invasive Species Coordination Team hosted a symposium that attracted more than 100 participants. In the spring, the American Carbon Registry (ACR) adopted the California Wetland Protocol that was developed by a Conservancy-led collaborative. Regional planning significantly advanced with the completion of the initial phase of the Cache Slough regional planning effort. The Mercury Exposure Reduction Program saw a successful collaboration to post mercury advisory signs and provide assistance to community groups, raising awareness of eating mercury contaminated fish. The Conservancy continued to strengthen and build partnerships among state, federal, and local entities as well as Delta residents and those who work Delta lands. Stakeholders from all interests participated in workshops and meetings to help inform Conservancy actions and decisions and the Conservancy continually seeks opportunities to support and coordinate its efforts with that of the Delta Protection Commission, Delta Stewardship Council, and other agencies with a focus on the Delta. Executive leadership continues to meet regularly with legislators representing Delta constituents to educate them about the mission of the Conservancy and its unique role in fostering collaboration. There are several new or expanding initiatives for 2018. With ACR adoption of the Wetland Protocol, there is now an opportunity to work with landowners to put it into practice and demonstrate carbon offsets. The Conservancy will assess the viability of its role in land ownership and/or management. In conjunction with the Marketing Task Force, the Conservancy will work to implement priority components of the Marketing Plan, including developing a Delta Signage Plan, a recreation map, and growing the website. The Conservancy will establish an advisory group to consider agricultural sustainability strategies, project planning, prioritization, and implementation. More inwardly focused, the administration component of the Conservancy has a significant workload in 2018 to maintain a productive organization and fulfill mandatory reporting requirements. Above and beyond that which is mandated, in 2018 the Conservancy will also

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AI-12.2-Marketing-Plan-Design_Complete-20170224.pdf


http://www.visitcadelta.com/

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/delta-inter-agency-invasive-species-team/

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focus on updating and streamlining policies, procedures, and practices, and strengthening the organization’s resiliency.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Delta is known for its rich soils, miles of waterways, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. With almost half a million acres of highly productive soils, the Delta is one of California’s oldest and most prominent agricultural landscapes. Its rich heritage includes pioneering reclamation efforts, ethnically diverse landholdings, and technological inventiveness. Legacy communities along the Sacramento River and elsewhere are a living testament to the Delta’s unique history and continuing vitality. One of the Conservancy’s goals is to “Promote multi-benefit Delta working landscapes and a robust Delta tourism economy, in collaboration with local stakeholders and the Delta Protection Commission, to enhance the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta.” The Conservancy looks broadly at the economic development of the Delta and at the Delta as a place to help strengthen, define, and promote the Delta. Delta Marketing The Conservancy and the Delta Protection Commission (DPC) are partners in assisting Delta residents and businesses develop a sustainable recreation and tourism infrastructure. The Conservancy and DPC worked with the Delta community to develop a Delta logo and tag line; a Delta Brand Standards Handbook; and established the Delta Marketing Task Force, a partnership of Delta businesses, chambers of commerce, visitors’ bureaus, and local residents. In FY 16/17, the Task Force, with assistance from the Conservancy and the DPC, developed a Delta Tourism Awareness 5-year Marketing Plan and launched the Delta recreation and tourism website VisitCADelta.com. The Task Force identified key strategies that serve as a roadmap of opportunities to improve tourism during the next 5 years. Website and Marketing Plan Implementation VisitCADelta.com highlights businesses and recreational opportunities and is a key strategy of the Marketing Plan. Currently, the Delta Conservancy and DPC manage the website and update and content, but are exploring opportunities to transfer management to the Task Force. Two other key strategies are a Delta Signage Plan and a recreation map of the Delta. The Conservancy will convene five stakeholder workshops to engage the Delta community and interested parties in prioritizing locations for various types of signs in the Delta and design a coordinated look for signage. Fabrication and placement of a small number of signs designed during the Signage Plan process will occur in the second half of 2018 through an interagency agreement with the DPC. Also in partnership with the DPC, the Conservancy is developing a printed map (tied to information on VisitCADelta.com) showing recreation opportunities in the Delta and providing interesting heritage and cultural facts. The Conservancy will continue to work with the Task Force to define emerging priorities related to the Marketing Plan, recreation, tourism, and historical preservation projects and seek funding to implement them. To monitor success, the Conservancy and Task Force will survey visitors to establish a baseline of attitudes towards the Delta and track changes over time.


http://www.visitcadelta.com/

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Table 1: Delta Marketing Plan Implementation Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Recreation map Qtr 2 Signage Plan Qtr 2 Release visitors survey Qtr 3 Develop guidelines/social media policy for web site Qtr 3 Fabrication and placement of limited number of signs Qtr 4 Seek and pursue funding to support plan implementation; and recreation, tourism, and historical preservation projects Ongoing

Define emerging priorities with the Delta Marketing Task Force Ongoing Update and develop content for visitCADelta.com Ongoing Potential transition of website management to Delta Marketing Task Force Ongoing Funding: Signage Plan: $68,100 from Delta Stewardship Council. Sign fabrication and placement, recreation map: $45,000 General operating budget

Agriculture Sustainability Analysis Conservancy staff will work with Delta counties and local interests to establish a stakeholder advisory group that includes Delta farmers to assess objectives and types of analysis to be performed related to agricultural investments and economic offset strategies for agricultural conversions. Once established, the Conservancy will work with the group to develop a scope of work and identify funding for any necessary support services. The project should result in an increased understanding of Delta agricultural sustainability and a locally supported agriculture investment strategy. This work will build on investments in agricultural analysis that have been completed for Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties. Table 2: Agricultural Sustainability Analysis

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Work with county representatives to establish an advisory group Qtr 2 Develop scope of work and funding requirements Qtr 3 Develop support contracts and initiate planning effort Qtr 4 Funding: Up to $1 million from a combination of Prop. 1 planning funds and Bay-Delta funds

Partner Agency Support The Conservancy participates in projects that support the Delta as a place, recreation and tourism, and economic enhancement. The Conservancy is not the lead agency for the following projects, but works closely with partner agencies to achieve project goals and objectives. Delta Trails Led by the DPC, the Great Delta Trail will be a continuous recreational trail network through all five Delta counties. The plan is to link the San Francisco Bay Trail system to the planned Sacramento River trail in Yolo and Sacramento counties. The Great Delta Trail can benefit from the Delta Marketing Plan. The Conservancy supports DPC efforts to create the Great Delta Trail through attending meetings and looking for trail connectivity opportunities. National Heritage Area Designation The DPC, in partnership with local governments, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies, is seeking National Heritage Area (NHA) designation for the Delta. NHA

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designation could bring national recognition and planning and financial resources to the region. Legislation was introduced in Congress to designate the Delta as an NHA. The DPC is developing a Delta Heritage Area Initiative that could include identification of projects and signage; the Delta Signage Plan will support this initiative. The Conservancy works with the DPC to support the designation of the NHA.

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION The Conservancy, in collaboration with state, federal, and local agencies is working on the following initiatives to protect, enhance, and restore the Delta ecosystem. Ecosystem Restoration and Water Quality Grant Program This competitive grant program focuses on multibenefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects that address at least one of the following.

• Ecosystem Protection, Restoration, and Enhancement • Water Quality • Water-related Agricultural Sustainability

Thus far, the Conservancy has implemented two grant cycles which awarded or reserved $10.3 million for 12 projects and will administer one grant cycle annually through at least 2020. Eighteen concept proposals were received for Cycle 3 (FY17-18) and full proposals are due November 30, 2017.

Table 3: Ecosystem Restoration and Water Quality Grant Program

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Award Cycle 3 (FY17-18) Grants Qtr 1 Plan Cycle 4 (FY18-19) Grants Qtr 2 Cycle 4 Concept Proposal Solicitation Qtr 3 Cycle 4 Full Proposal Solicitation Qtr 4 Funding: ~$10 million Proposition 1 Local Assistance

Invasive Species Coordination, Control, and Restoration Arundo Control and Restoration Arundo donax is an invasive riparian plant that damages levees and waterway banks, utilizes more water than native vegetation, and displaces native plants and wildlife. Phase 1 of this project was initiated in FY 2014. Through its partners, Solano Resource Conservation District and Sonoma Ecology Center, the Conservancy completed maps and prioritization for control of Arundo sites, identified sites for biological control, and initiated a control and restoration pilot project in the Cache Slough Complex. The Conservancy has requested additional funding for Phase 2 to expand activities within the Delta. Delta Inter-agency Invasive Species Coordination (DIISC) Team The Conservancy leads this forum for state and federal agency participants to coordinate management actions, identify research needs and funding sources, and collaborate on outreach. The DIISC Team hosted a symposium on Delta invasive species in August 2017 and holds quarterly coordination meetings.

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/delta-inter-agency-invasive-species-team/

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Table 4: Invasive Species Coordination, Control, and Restoration Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Complete restoration of ~18 acres native riparian habitat along Ulatis Creek Qtr 1 Secure funding for Phase 2 Qtr 1 Maintain/monitor control and restoration sites in Cache Slough Complex Ongoing Establish new sites & partners for chemical or biological control of Arundo Ongoing Facilitate quarterly DIISC meetings Ongoing Identify and apply for grant(s) to fund invasive species research priorities Ongoing Funding: Phase 1: DWR ~$1 million grant & USDA ~$91,000 grant. The Conservancy provides in-kind contributions. Phase 2: Requests submitted to DWR (~$2 million)

Suisun Marsh Water Infrastructure Improvements Assessment The Delta Conservancy is partnering with the Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to assess needed water infrastructure improvements in the Suisun Marsh to achieve the ecological objectives in the Suisun Marsh Management Plan (SMP) and the recently released Delta Smelt Resilience Strategy (DSRS). It is expected that the analysis will result in a prioritized list of Proposition 1 eligible projects. Table 5: Suisun Marsh Water Infrastructure Improvements Assessment

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Complete landowner outreach and infrastructure surveys Qtr 2 Develop prioritization model and prioritized improvements Qtr 3 Complete final report Qtr 4 Funding: $57,750 Proposition 1 Planning & $60,800 DWR Delta Smelt Resilience funding

Regional Planning to Identify Effective Investments of Proposition 1 Funding Conservancy-led regional planning efforts are expected to be the place where best available tools and a workflow process are brought together to ensure community input, best available science, and adaptive management are the cornerstones of planning to ensure effective investment of Proposition 1 and future funding. Phase 1 of a pilot effort in the Cache Slough complex was successfully completed in 2017 and was a high level overview of existing and relevant data/information and demonstrated that the agencies and local interests can work collaboratively to develop a regional plan. The group evaluated existing ecosystem, agriculture, water supply, and flood system information and began the effort of overlaying information sets to identify opportunity areas. The group is currently working to develop a scope of work (SOW) for Phase 2 of the effort. In a separate effort, the Conservancy has brought together owners and managers of publically owned or publically financed lands in the Delta, largely along a corridor from the West Delta up through the Mokelumne system. This effort is in the early stages, but shows great promise for coordinating restoration activities on public lands to achieve ecosystem objectives without taking private lands out of production. The group is currently developing a SOW to produce a corridor strategy.

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Table 6: Regional Planning Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Work with Cache Slough partners to develop Phase II SOW Qtr 1 Complete SOW and initiate corridor strategy development process Qtr 1 Initiate Phase II of Cache Slough Effort Qtr 2 Continue to Convene publically owned/finance land owners Ongoing Funding: Phase 2 Cache Sough: 1 PY & $400,000 needed; Publically Owned Lands: $500,000 needed. (Both from a combination of Prop. 1 planning funds and Bay-Delta funds)

Land Ownership and Management The Conservancy’s enabling legislation authorizes the organization to hold title and easements for lands within the Delta. During outreach for the development of the Strategic Plan, staff heard repeated requests from agencies and community members to explore and define the Conservancy’s potential role in future land ownership and management. To that end, staff will begin to explore the issue through a process that reaches out to stakeholders to better define interests and opportunities and work with the Board to define ownership and management principles and assess resource and staff requirements to effectively manage lands. This information will be discussed in publically noticed Board meetings and may result in a land ownership and management policy or strategy. Table 7: Land Ownership and Management

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Identify interested stakeholders and solicit input Qtr 2 Develop draft ownership/management principles and resource requirements Qtr 3 Present information to the Board Ongoing Funding: General operating budget

DELTA CARBON MANAGEMENT The Conservancy Board adopted a climate change policy in 2012 and updated it in 2017. The policy guides the Conservancy in developing, establishing, and supporting projects that mitigate for climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and that can increase the system’s capacity to adapt to climate change effects. For the past several years, the Conservancy has worked with a large partnership to develop pilot projects and inform policies that recognizes the Delta as a significant carbon sequestration opportunity area. Partners include the Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, UC Berkeley, the American Carbon Registry, The Nature Conservancy, and Hydrofocus, Inc. The group developed a California Wetland Protocol which was adopted by the American Carbon Registry in the spring of 2017. The partnership is now working with public and private landowners and project developers to develop pilot projects to verify greenhouse gas emission reduction credits and realize revenue by trading credits on the voluntary carbon market. If the voluntary protocol can be demonstrated, the California Air Resources Board will consider adopting the protocol under the Cap-and-Trade compliance market and thereby double the value of the credits and further incentivize change.

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Table 8: Delta Carbon Projects Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Develop framework for identifying priority areas for pilot projects Qtr 2 Work with DWR to develop carbon credit sale agreements for existing managed wetlands on Sherman and Twichtell Islands

Qtr 3

Secure funding to support future projects Qtr 4 Funding: $3M - $5M from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund needed to support a carbon project program capable of developing multiple projects with interested partners

WATERSHED PROTECTION Conservancy staff facilitates the Delta Watershed Initiative Network (WIN), which is comprised of many organizations that support water quality improvements in the Delta and on working lands by coordinating efforts, encouraging data access and sharing, and implementation of best management practices. Project Tracking, Reporting and Improved Data Integration and Access For the past several years, the Conservancy has worked with a large partnership to identify needs, secure funding, and implement multiple projects to facilitate project tracking, reporting, and improved data integration and access to support habitat and water quality management in the Delta. The Habitat Tracking Database project enhanced the capabilities of California EcoAtlas to meet project tracking, assessment, and reporting needs for habitat restoration projects in the San Francisco Bay and Central Valley. The Delta Environmental Data for Understanding California Estuary (DEDUCE) project developed a data repository for Delta water quality data by expanding the San Francisco Bay Data Center and provided a road map to make regional data publically available in the California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN). The Data Visualization project developed the capacity to display large, complex datasets as graphics and maps with interactive capabilities to facilitate data query and analyses in EcoAtals. The Conservancy will continue to collaborate with the Water Quality Monitoring Council; state, federal, local agencies; and other stakeholders to encourage use of these tools and EcoAtlas to track Delta restoration projects and inform decision making. Currently, in collaboration with the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC), the Conservancy is enhancing EcoAtlas to serve as a primary point of collection and tracking of performance measure data related to restoration projects. This project also will ensure that EcoAtlas and Delta View, the DSC internal system for tracking projects, are integrated, thereby eliminating duplication of restoration tracking and reporting. With funding recently received from U.S. EPA, the Conservancy will implement the Delta Aquatic Resources Inventory (DARI) project that will establish a standard regional typology of aquatic resources and develop a common base map of aquatic resources for the Delta. The project will also train Delta agency GIS staff on how to use the DARI outputs for watershed restoration planning, tracking, and reporting. Future efforts will include training agency GIS staff (2019) and integrating DARI into EcoAtlas (2020).

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Table 9: Project Tracking/Reporting and Improved Data Integration/Access: Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Develop new capabilities to improve performance measures reporting for wetland restoration projects

Qtr 2

Develop a Bay-Delta habitat mapping workgroup Qtr 3 Update and apply DARI mapping standard operating procedures Qtr 4 Work with restoration project managers to enter or update project information in EcoAtlas

Ongoing

Funding: DARI: $300,000 U.S. EPA grant Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment The Conservancy, in collaboration with state, federal, and local agencies is working on water quality monitoring and assessment to protect water quality and enhance and restore the Delta ecosystem. The Conservancy currently has two water quality monitoring initiatives. Staff is collaborating with the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR) and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District to develop a three-year water quality monitoring program at SLNWR. This expands prior monitoring work at SLNWR. For the Yolo Basin, the Conservancy has contracted with the Yolo Basin Foundation to monitor the El Macero Channel (South Davis Drain) and conduct environmental education events. Table 10: Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Develop a 3-year monitoring plan for SLNWR Qtr 1 Develop a monitoring plan for Yolo Basin Qtr 1 Continue coordination with watershed organizations: develop monitoring plans for watersheds to increase consistency in data collection and reporting Ongoing

Identify & secure funding for implementation of best management practices Ongoing Funding: Coordinated Monitoring: $10,000 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grant. SLRWR Monitoring: Up to $5,000 from SLNWR

Waterway Cleanups The Conservancy participates in two annual waterway clean up events: the California Coastal Clean-up and the Sacramento Area Creek Council Clean-up. The Conservancy partners with State Parks, Sacramento Area Creeks Council, California Coastal Commission, Sacramento County Parks, Sacramento Regional Sanitation District, and HammerDirt. The goals of the clean-ups are to: (1) protect and improve water quality; (2) raise awareness and understanding of good stewardship practices; (3) provide the community with opportunities to implement stewardship practices; and (4) collect data on types and amounts of trash in the Delta. The Conservancy has participated in clean up events since 2013 and in 2017 topped all prior years with approximately 350 volunteers participating and 15,000 tons of trash and illegally dumped tires collected. The Conservancy will continue to organize these events and hopes to increase the number of sites if resources permit. The Conservancy will continue to partner with Yolo Resource Conservation District (YRCD), the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps, and private landowners to assist them in obtaining grants from CalRecycle to remove illegally dumped tires from 16 acres along Babel Slough just south of West Sacramento in Yolo County. Conservancy staff is working with landowners to secure required rights of entry for the project.

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Table 11: Delta Waterway Cleanups Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Track litter trends over time at specific sites Ongoing Biannual clean-ups and environmental education at 3 sites Q2 & Q3 Assist YRCD to secure landowner access affidavits for tire removal Qtr 4 Assist YRCD submit request to extend CalRecycle grants Qtr 4 Expand number of clean-up sites and number of volunteers Ongoing Funding: Waterway Cleanups ~ $2,000 general operating budget annually

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM The Environmental Education and Outreach Program is reflected throughout the Conservancy’s programs and is a main component of the Delta WIN and the Water Education efforts. In addition, the Conservancy continues to maintain its website and social media profiles, develop educational materials, and participate in outreach events in and of relevance to the Delta (such as those organized by the Center for Land Based Learning), and conduct educational outreach in classrooms. Water Education The Conservancy, in partnership with the Water Education Foundation (WEF) conducts up to three Delta specific workshops annually and writes associated white paper(s). The partnership also supports WEF water tours and executive briefings. These initiatives target the general public, as well as local, state, and federal officials, and provide meaningful communication regarding Delta water supply reliability, water quality, and ecological restoration. These efforts will span the next three years and continue the successful grant-funded projects completed between 2012 and 2015 which produced several Delta workshops and brochures. Table 12: Environmental Education and Outreach

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Produce Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) educational materials Ongoing Develop other environmental education materials and hold environmental education events

As needed

Support Delta water tours and executive briefing Ongoing Develop fact sheets for Proposition 1 and other Conservancy programs Ongoing WEF workshop(s) and related white papers Ongoing Educational outreach in schools Ongoing Funding: $2,664,767 US Bureau of Reclamation 5-year grant

Environmental Justice The Conservancy supports the tenet of environmental justice by ensuring that the Delta community has ample opportunity to participate in decisions made by the Conservancy. The Conservancy actively seeks out and facilitates involvement of those potentially affected by its programs and activities by encouraging participation at public Board meetings, conducting stakeholder workshops, and by posting information on its web site and inviting public comment. In addition, the Conservancy takes an active role in educating the public about potential public health hazards through the Mercury Exposure Reduction Program.

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Mercury Exposure Reduction Program The Mercury Exposure Reduction Program (MERP) is a collaborative effort among federal and State agencies, local governments, and community organizations to conduct exposure reduction activities to address the health risks to consumers of Delta fish. Low-income and minority populations in the Delta are disproportionately affected because they rely more heavily on subsistence fishing and are less aware of the health risks associated with consuming contaminated fish. The Conservancy’s role in this project is project management, advisory sign coordination, and training and outreach to the Delta community. A small grants program is also anticipated to be a component of this project. The Conservancy expects to enter into an interagency agreement (IAA) with the State Water Board to begin the second phase of the project, which builds upon efforts conducted under a prior IAA. Table 13: Mercury Exposure Reduction Program

Project Goals for 2018 Timeline Hire a community coordinator Qtr 1 Create and convene stakeholder meetings Qtr 2 Coordinate and post advisories Ongoing Implement exposure reduction activities Ongoing Funding: $170,000 State Water Board IAA executed ~ November 2017

ADMINISTRATION There is a significant administrative foundation required to support the myriad programs that the Conservancy implements. Despite being a small agency, the Conservancy generally must meet the same reporting and administrative mandates as larger departments. Financial management, human resources, and information technology are all critical components of administration that support the Conservancy. As its programs continue to grow and mature, the Conservancy must document and refine its processes and procedures to ensure operating efficiency and create a succession plan to ensure continued administrative and programmatic success as transitions occur. Strong administrative capacity supports awareness and trust of the Conservancy’s work among Delta agencies and local interests that is vital to achieving its mission. Steps taken toward operational efficiency also contribute toward succession planning. One example is the Procurement Accreditation process and the resulting update to the Policy and Procedure Manual the Conservancy completed in 2017. Approved by the Department of General Services, the guide details procedures to ensure purchasing and contracting practices comply with mandates. It also serves as a manual in the event of turnover of key staff that handle these duties. The recent State Personnel Board Compliance Review provided better guideline for human resource recruitments and file management, which is another example of steps that are being taken by the Conservancy toward operational efficiency. While the Conservancy cannot avoid turnover due to staff seeking advancement, it can engage and empower staff and create an environment to help attract and retain quality staff and lessen the impact of transitions through succession planning. Key in 2018 will be identifying processes, knowledge, and expertise that are critical to the success of the Conservancy and developing a succession plan that addresses short term needs (e.g. staff illness or vacation) and longer term needs such as staff turnover.

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Table 14: Administration Project Goals for 2018 Timeline

Proposition 1 grant acquisitions process and template Quarter 1 Staff engagement survey Quarter 1 Identify critical processes, knowledge, and expertise and develop risk management plan

Quarter 3

Prioritize and develop new/update existing policies and procedures Quarter 4 Analyze and streamline accounting practices Quarter 4 Financial Reporting (such as Governor’s budget building, bond accountability reporting, update System for Award Management, Indirect Cost Rate Proposal)

Ongoing

Human resource related mandates (such as establishing a Disability Advisory Committee, Job Action Contingency Plan, Workforce Plan, Succession Plan, Upward Mobility Program)

Ongoing

Various other administrative requirements (Such as State Agency Recycle Campaign and State Agency Reporting System reports, Contracting Activity Report and Improvement Plans, State Leadership Accountability Report)

Ongoing

Funding: General operating budget

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APPENDIX A: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SUMMARY TABLE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Delta Marketing Improve visibility of the Delta as a place and Delta products by implementing the strategies in the 5-year Delta Marketing Plan that was developed in collaboration with the Delta Marketing Task Force.

Progress & Achievements • Adopted 5-year Marketing

Plan • Developed

VisitCADelta.com

2018 Program Objectives • Develop Delta recreation map • Develop Delta Signage Plan • Release Delta visitors survey • Develop guidelines/social media policy

for website • Continue to update and develop website • Explore opportunities to transition

website management to Task Force • Work with the Delta Protection

Commission to fabricate and place signs designed per the Signage Plan

FUTURE STEPS: Assist Delta Marketing Task Force in securing funding to implement additional strategies from the 5-year Marketing Plan

Agricultural Sustainability Analysis Initiate a collaborative effort to define objectives and conduct analysis.

Progress & Achievements • New project

2018 Program Objectives • Work with Delta county staff to establish

a stakeholder advisory group, develop a scope of work, and identify funding sources for the analysis

• Contract for services and analysis

FUTURE STEPS: Once analysis is complete, work with stakeholder group to identify funding for implementation of high priority investments

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=E50iOg4P&id=334370C0BD31533F892031B944216D6CCAB8024B&thid=OIP.E50iOg4Px34My8aZY35NBQEyDL&q=agriculture&simid=607992050419830698&selectedIndex=0

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ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Ecosystem Restoration & Water Quality Grant Program Distribute Proposition 1 bond funding to Delta specific projects.

Progress & Achievements • Administered 2 grant

cycles • Awarded or reserved

$10.3 million for 12 projects

2018 Program Objectives • Complete third grant cycle • Develop grant agreements • Monitor and track success of funded

projects • Plan and begin cycle 4

FUTURE STEPS: Administer grant cycle each fiscal year through FY 19-20. Continue to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the grant program and ongoing effective management, synthesis, and communication of successes

Invasive Species Chemical or biological control of Arundo and habitat restoration, primarily in Cache Slough Complex. Delta Inter-agency Invasive Species Coordination (DIISC) Team lead.

Progress & Achievements • Map and prioritize Arundo

sites • Control Arundo and

restore habitat in Cache Slough Complex

• Identified biological control sites

• Led quarterly DIISC meetings and assisted with 2 symposiums

2018 Program Objectives • Maintain/monitor existing Arundo control

and restoration sites and implement new sites

• Continue quarterly DIISC meetings • Secure funding and identify additional

partners for Phase 2 efforts and research needs

FUTURE STEPS: Expand Arundo control and restoration actions and involvement in and activities of the DIISC Team

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Suisun Marsh Assessment Prioritize water infrastructure improvements to achieve the ecological objectives in the Suisun Marsh Management Plan and the Delta Smelt Resilience Strategy.

Progress & Achievements • Agreement executed,

analysis underway

2018 Program Objectives • Complete landowner outreach and

infrastructure surveys • Develop prioritization model and

prioritized improvements • Complete final report

FUTURE STEPS: Outreach to ensure prioritized efforts are aware of Proposition 1 funding eligibility

Regional Planning Comprehensive, collaborative regional planning to identify Proposition 1 eligible projects.

Progress & Achievements • Completed Phase 1 of the

Cache Slough Regional Planning Effort

2018 Program Objectives • Develop scope of work & secure funding

for Phase 2 of Cache Slough Regional Planning

• Continue to convene publically owned/financed lands working group to develop a coordinated management strategy

FUTURE STEPS: Expand regional planning efforts to include the Northeast and South Delta

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Land Ownership and Management Explore potential role in future land ownership and management.

Progress & Achievements • New Effort

2018 Program Objectives • Identify interested stakeholders and solicit

input • Work with the Board to draft

ownership/management principles and identify resource requirements

FUTURE STEPS: Dependent on exploration outcomes

DELTA CARBON MANAGEMENT

Delta Carbon Projects Develop managed wetland and rice cultivation projects to reduce GHG emissions, stop and reverse subsidence in the Western Delta.

Progress & Achievements • ACR CA Wetland Protocol

approved • Established relationships

with carbon project developers

2018 Program Objectives • Continue work with DWR and other

landowners to develop pilot projects to demonstrate protocol

• Develop framework for pilot project development

• Work with ARB to consider adopting the protocol into the Compliance Program

FUTURE STEPS: Seek programmatic funding to support future projects

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WATERSHED PROTECTION

Project Tracking, Reporting and Improved Data Integration and Access Improve and expand capabilities for tracking, visualizing, and reporting wetland management data to encompass Bay-Delta restoration project tracking.

Progress & Achievements • Updated habitat

restoration project database

• Developed a data repository

• Integrated project data between EcoAtlas and the Delta View

• Initiated DARI Project

2018 Program Objectives • Develop process to enter and maintain

project information in EcoAtlas • Outreach to encourage managers to

update project information in EcoAtlas • Develop new capabilities for wetland

restoration performance measures reporting

• Develop Bay Delta Habitat Mapping Workgroup

• Update and apply DARI Mapping SOP

FUTURE STEPS: Train GIS staff and complete the DARI Project

Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment The Conservancy, in collaboration with state, federal and local agencies is working on water quality monitoring and assessment to protect water quality and enhance and restore the Delta ecosystem.

Progress & Achievements • Coordinated water

quality monitoring • Completed 2015-17

monitoring for the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR)

2018 Program Objectives • Develop and implement monitoring plans

for SLNWR and Yolo Basin • Identify & secure funding for

implementation of best management practices

• Continue coordination with watershed organizations

FUTURE STEPS: Continue to expand water quality monitoring and assessment

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Delta Waterway Cleanup Provide bi-annual Delta waterway cleanups to protect and improve water quality in the Delta ecosystem, raise awareness of good stewardship practices, and provide community stewardship opportunities.

Progress & Achievements • 3 waterway cleanups in

2017 • Began tracking litter • Conducted outreach

events to classrooms

2018 Program Objectives • Increase number of sites and volunteers • Collect data about litter found in the Delta • Continue cleanups • Work with communities to reduce impacts

of illegal dumping • Seek and apply for funding

FUTURE STEPS: Continue implementing cleanups and outreach. Expand if resources allow

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Water Education through Public Outreach Grants Provide public outreach regarding water supply reliability, water quality, and ecological restoration efforts in the Delta, in partnership with the Water Education Foundation.

Progress & Achievements • Conducted workshop in

2017 • Completed white paper • Facilitated Delta

Restoration Network (DRN) meeting

2018 Program Objectives • Conduct environmental education with

Delta students • Conduct public workshop(s) • Produce a white paper(s) • Produce educational materials

FUTURE STEPS: Continue to provide environmental education for public outreach to increase awareness

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Mercury Exposure Reduction Program (MERP) Provide information about the health risks to consumers, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, of consuming Delta fish contaminated with high levels of mercury.

Progress & Achievements • Secured funding • Hired Public Health

Specialist • Coordinated 3

stakeholder meetings • Developed/maintained

webpages • Participated on review

panel for small grants ($60,000 awarded to 4 community-based organizations)

• Conducted outreach

2018 Program Objectives • Hire community coordinator • Convene stakeholder meetings • Continue outreach to community-based

organizations and leaders • Coordinate and post advisory signs

FUTURE STEPS: Continue to increase awareness of advisories and risk of human exposure to contaminants

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APPENDIX B: DELTA CONSERVANCY 2017 – 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN – GOALS & OBJECTIVES GOAL 1: Delta Agricultural and

Economic Enhancement GOAL 2: Delta Ecosystem Viability GOAL 3: Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability

Objectives by Category Objectives by Category Objectives by Category Delta Economic and Agricultural Enhancement

1. Work directly with local land owners, farmers, and others to analyze the state of Delta agriculture and identify priority agricultural investments and economic offset strategies for agricultural land conversions

2. Establish an agricultural stakeholder group to consult on agricultural sustainability strategy identification and evaluation; and on agricultural sustainability project planning, prioritization, and implementation

3. Support the Delta Marketing Task Force and Delta Protection Commission in identifying and securing funding to implement priority objectives in the Five-Year Delta Marketing Plan in cooperation with local business stakeholders

Ecosystem Restoration and Protection

4. Support water quality improvements on working lands by coordinating with agencies and local interests to identify and implement best management practices

5. Increase accessibility and utility of regional water quality data

Grants and Funding 6. Fund Proposition 1-eligible agricultural sustainability

projects that provide ecosystem and/or watershed protection and/or restoration benefits

7. Identify, track, and pursue funding opportunities to support implementation of agricultural analysis-identified priority investments

8. Identify, track, and pursue funding to support implementation of priority objectives in the Five-Year Delta Marketing Plan, recreation and tourism projects, and historical preservation projects

Ecosystem Restoration and Protection 1. Protect, restore, or enhance habitat and improve water

quality through implementation of grant-funded projects

2. Strengthen the coordination of water quality monitoring, data integration, implementation of best management practices, and environmental education efforts in partnership with existing Delta watershed efforts

3. Complete regional restoration strategies and priorities for the Cache Slough Complex and for additional region(s) in coordination with Delta stakeholders; collaborate with partners to implement high priority projects identified in regional plans

4. Determine appropriate conditions under which the Conservancy would consider land ownership/management

5. Continue to implement an invasive species control program and implement other on-the-ground projects to protect, restore, or enhance Delta habitat

Delta Economic and Agricultural Enhancement 6. Collaborate with Delta interests and agencies to develop

programs and promote incentives for land management projects that reduce carbon emissions

7. Evaluate public use opportunities on public land in the Delta and make recommendations on how to improve opportunities for recreation and education

Grants and Funding 8. Fund Proposition 1-eligible projects that provide

ecosystem protection, restoration, and enhancement; water quality; and/or water-related agricultural sustainability benefits

9. Seek funding and project development resources for high priority restoration projects identified through regional planning efforts

Administration 1. Provide a safe, creative, inspiring, and equitable working

environment for staff and management consistent with state standards

2. Employ management practices to empower staff creativity, increase staff retention, and promote organizational capabilities to match the diverse needs of the Delta community

3. Develop a staff succession plan to ensure the efficient transfer of institutional knowledge

4. Continuously evaluate and improve organizational efficiency, programmatic structure, and workplace environment

5. Enable effective and sustainable Conservancy operation within the Delta community by strengthening existing partnerships and developing lasting new partnerships with Delta agencies and local interests

6. Increase awareness of the Conservancy’s achievements among funders, partners, and the public through in-person outreach, social media, and other methods

Grants and Funding

7. Diversify and expand funding sources to adequately support program work, sustain current staff, and grow staff as needed to meet program needs and Conservancy goals

8. Identify and plan for potential long-term funding scenarios to position the Conservancy to sustain and grow its programs via future bonds or other funding sources

9. Promote Conservancy goals and objectives through Board engagement to constructively support Conservancy funding efforts including the pursuit of bond funding

For a complete list of the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan goals and objectives, please see the Conservancy’s web site at http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/strategic-plan



Cache Slough Regional Planning Effort Phase 1 Update

Staff Report DESCRIPTION The Cache Slough Comprehensive Regional Planning Project was initiated to consider how integration of potentially competing land uses such as ecosystem, agriculture, water supply and quality, and flood risk reduction can occur and how these uses can be better coordinated over time. The goals for the state agencies are to plan for the advancement of Proposition 1 eligible projects including ecosystem restoration and agricultural sustainability efforts and the integration of flood risk reduction projects. Local agencies’ goals are to protect, preserve and enhance agriculture and other land uses, and protect water supply and water quality. Phase 1 of the Cache Slough Planning Project allowed for beneficial use interests (e.g., agriculture, flood management, water supply, ecosystem, and recreation) at the state, regional, and local levels to collaboratively engage in discussions and data development. Phase 1 also began the process of devising a balanced approach for sustainable integrated management of resources and land uses for current and future conditions within the Cache Slough Complex (CSC). A work group was established consisting of representatives from Solano and Yolo counties; Solano, Dixon, and Yolo County Resource Conservation Districts; Reclamation District 2068; Solano County Water Agency; Natural Resources Agency; Department of Fish and Wildlife; Department of Water Resources; Delta Stewardship Council; and Delta Conservancy, with technical support from The Catalyst Group, FlowWest, and the San Francisco Estuary Institute. The work group and sub-groups met several times per month from November 2016 through June 2017. The collaboration effort was successful in demonstrating that the various interest groups are motivated to work together to gather, evaluate, and support the use of appropriate data sets and other information for consideration in the planning process. The collaboration also proved to be valuable in developing relationships, bridging information divides, and sharing other viewpoints, all of which would be helpful in developing a regional plan as a potential Phase 2 effort. The Draft Final Report for Phase 1 can be found at http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/planning-efforts-related-ecosystem-restoration/.


http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/planning-efforts-related-ecosystem-restoration/

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/planning-efforts-related-ecosystem-restoration/



BACKGROUND The Delta Reform Act of 2009 established the Conservancy and includes several relevant authority areas; (1) to protect and enhance habitat and habitat restoration; (2) protect and preserve Delta agriculture and working landscapes; (3) protect and improve water quality; (4) identify priority projects and initiatives for which funding is needed; and (5) protect, conserve, and restore the region’s physical, agricultural, cultural, historical and living resources. This project is consistent with the following objectives as outlined in the Delta Conservancy’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, Goal 1, Delta Agriculture and Economic Enhancement.

• Objective 1: Work directly with local land owners, farmers, and others to analyze the state of Delta agriculture and identify priority agricultural investments and economic offset strategies for agricultural land conversions

Strategic Plan Goal 2, Delta Ecosystem Viability.

• Objective 1: Protect, restore or enhance habitat and improve water quality through implementation of grant funding projects

• Objective 3: Complete regional restoration strategies and priorities for the Cache Slough Complex and for additional region(s) in coordination with Delta stakeholders; collaborate with partners to implement high priority projects identified in regional plans

Contact Campbell Ingram, Executive Officer Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 375-2089




January 24, 2018 PROPOSED AGENDA

Staff is seeking input from the Board regarding additional agenda items for the January 24, 2018 Board meeting. A tentative list of agenda items beyond the normal standing items includes:

• Request for Approval of the California Environmental Quality Act Responsible Agency Findings and Grant Award for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Habitat and Drainage Improvement Project

• Review update for Proposition 1 Full Proposals • Update on the Delta Signage Plan

Provided on the next page is a calendar of the scheduled Delta Conservancy Board and Program and Policy Subcommittee meetings for 2018. Contact Brandon Chapin, Board Liaison Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 375-2091



2018 Full Board and Program and Policy Subcommittee Meeting Dates

*All meetings are at the Conservancy’s offices in West Sacramento (subject to change)*

Board Meetings (9 A.M. to 1 P.M.): January 24, 2018 March 28, 2018 May 23, 2018 July 25, 2018 September 26, 2018 November 28, 2018 Potential Board Meetings (9 A.M. to 1 P.M. - please hold until confirmed not needed): February 28, 2018 April 25, 2018 June 27, 2018 August 22, 2018 October 24, 2018 Program and Policy Subcommittee Meetings (2 P.M. to 4 P.M.): February 21, 2018 April 18, 2018 June 20, 2018 August 15, 2018 October 17, 2018

agenda -...

Documents