Strategic Plan

SFCWA Mission and Implementing Strategies 

Amended April 18, 2013

Mission: Assist SFCWA member agencies in assuring a sufficient reliable and high quality water supply for their customers through the development and execution of the Science program and Habitat Conservation program to improve the Delta Ecosystem and assist the SWP and CVP in meeting operational objectives. This mission shall be pursued utilizing the following implementing strategies:

• Implement and facilitate habitat projects including related monitoring and adaptive management.
• Implement BDCP conservation measures to address regulatory requirements.
•  Coordinate research and publish findings on Delta ecosystem stressors toward developing management actions that further California’s co-equal goals of a restored Delta ecosystem and water supply reliability.
• Assist in development and  implementation of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan
• Assist in development and implementation of the Delta Habitat Conservation and Conveyance Program
• Participate in joint media outreach team comprised of SWP and CVP member agencies
• Communicate SFCWA member agency interests before the Delta Conservancy and Central Valley Flood Protection Board
• Facilitate the dissemination and understanding of Science findings.

 

Strategic Objectives:

As directed by the SFCWA Board of Directors, the SFCWA will pursue the following 2013-2014 objectives in support of its mission.

Habitat Program

1. Complete environmental review, permitting, DWR/USBR funding agreements and design of the Yolo Ranch habitat restoration project by July 2013.
2. Update the habitat program funding strategy upon completion of a Conditional Habitat Credit Purchase credit agreement with DWR for the Lower Yolo Ranch Restoration Project
3. Prepare a work plan, budget and schedule for completion of the Tule Red Habitat Restoration Project by March of 2013.
4. Pending a habitat funding strategy, consider a staffing plan to pursue the SFCWA Habitat Program within two months of adoption of a funding strategy.
5. Complete an agreement with USBR defining USBR role in Habitat restoration and funding
6. Prepare a recommendation on pursuit of the McCormack-Williamson restoration project by December of 2012.  Prepare a budget, schedule and work plan for development of the Project by March of 2013.
7. Prepare a monitoring plan for the Lower Yolo Ranch Restoration Project in support of adaptive management by March of 2013.

Delta Governance and Water Management

8. In coordination with member agencies monitor and engage effectively with activities of the Delta Conservancy, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Delta Science Program, Delta Regional Monitoring Program, Delta Independent Science Board, and Interagency Ecological Program.
9. Seek partnerships with the Conservancy and others to advance habitat improvement in the Delta.  Support the growth of the Delta Conservancy’s capacity to develop and manage habitat projects.
10. Assist member agencies in responding to water management and scientific developments.
11. Assist member agencies in supporting solutions related to Suisun Marsh.
12. Maintain coordination efforts with statewide and regional water interests regarding strategies to recover salmonid stocks.
13. Seek proposals for Board consideration of a study of the use of Delta geometry changes and hydraulic operations as a tool to manage Delta water quality.  Present a recommendation to the Board by May of 2013.

Science Program

14.Develop a research plan for Science Program funding, that identifies priority projects, their relevance to SFCWA, how the results will be used by SFCWA, and a description of each project including estimated costs and completion dates.
15.Continue collaborative efforts with Delta science entities to improve monitoring, assessment and reporting of Bay Delta monitoring and research results through the facilitation of the California Estuary Monitoring Workgroup and data portal.
16.Participate in and support science conference forums and work efforts to increase mutual collaboration and understanding among entities engaged in Delta Science.

(note: annual review of objectives annually on or about August Board meeting)