Federal and state agencies in California have signed an agreement to enhance collaboration on landscape-scale floodplain water projects in the Sacramento River Basin. This agreement aims to increase funding opportunities for large-scale projects and improve the efficiency of planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and sharing information about projects located on floodplains. These projects will enhance flood protection, restore habitats for fish and wildlife, improve groundwater aquifer recharge, ensure reliable water supply, and support farming and managed wetland operations.
Agencies that oversee water, agriculture, fish and wildlife, public lands, and flood control in California came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
- US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
- US Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
- California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
- California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
The Sacramento River Basin, a critical ecosystem and economic hub, is home to diverse wildlife, including endangered species like Chinook salmon. By restoring floodplains and implementing sustainable water management practices, this initiative seeks to protect these valuable resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The agreement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to water management, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems, human communities, and economic activities. By investing in floodplain restoration and sustainable water practices, California can build a more resilient future, adapt to climate change, and ensure the long-term health of its water resources.
