The California Department of Conservation has approved 13 new projects for the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program which now has more than 4,800 acres of land enrolled. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has allocated nearly $80 million to help transition the least-viable irrigated agricultural lands into alternative uses that conserve groundwater and support local ecosystems.
Projects vary greatly and include practices such as transitioning active farmland into wildlife habitats, converting almond and pistachio orchards into cattle rangeland, and developing solar-integrated groundwater recharge basins. The initiative reduces reliance on groundwater pumping and provides agricultural communities with a critical tool for Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance.
Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the effort, requiring comprehensive outreach to align regional priorities with proposed land transitions. Recent projects in Santa Cruz, Madera, and Merced counties specifically integrate public benefits, such as restoring wetland habitats, building stormwater retention basins, and developing open spaces with public walking trails and pollinator gardens. This collaborative approach ensures that water conservation efforts directly improve local air, soil, and water quality for disadvantaged communities.
In 2026 the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program will transition from planning to large-scale implementation supported by an additional $32 million from California’s Proposition 4 Climate Bond.
Read the full 2025 Annual Report to explore the specific projects and regional impacts in detail.
