Project Narrative

In the coming year, GSAs in basins designated by the state as Ònon-criticalÓ will be developing their GSPs. These plans, due in January 2022, will set forth pumping limits and identify projects to help rebalance groundwater use. SGMA requires the plans to address Òbeneficial users,Ó which include nature and Òdisadvantaged communities.Ó But many GSAs lack the capacity and/or expertise to address beneficial users without technical assistance. TNC has developed a number of tools and approaches that can help reduce the time and costs incurred by GSAs to comply with SGMA provisions to address nature and is working to give heightened voice to the drinking water challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. From summer 2020 through summer 2021, we will be providing technical assistance to help GSAs develop their plans. We will also review draft and final plans, providing comments to the local GSA and the state agency overseeing SGMA implementation, on how well GSAs addressed beneficial users Ð especially nature and drinking water for disadvantaged communities Ð in their plans. Meanwhile, GSAs in basins designated by the state as Òcritical,Ó which submitted plans in January 2020, will be implementing their plans. TNC has three projects underway to help agencies achieve sustainable groundwater management. They are: 1. Multi-benefit recharge: To increase groundwater supply, we are working with several GSAs in the Sacramento Valley to implement bird-friendly recharge practices, benefiting farmers through financial incentives, groundwater users through increased supply, and birds by providing seasonal habitat. 2. Strategic restoration: To help reduce groundwater demand, we are partnered with Pixley Irrigation District and Audubon California to develop a program that includes strategically retiring agricultural lands and restoring the lands to upland, arid habitat. By so doing, we will help Pixley ID reduce groundwater pumping, an action identified in their GSP. In addition, through restoration, we will be working to recover several dozen listed species that rely on arid habitat. 3. Groundwater market: Working with partners in Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency, we are helping to launch the first groundwater market under SGMA. Pilot trading began last year and the next phase of the market should open in 2021. TNC will be trading in the market, as needed to stimulate the market and test market function. We will also be sharing lessons learned with other GSAs to help develop markets that work to prevent harm to, and possibly benefit, groundwater dependent plants and animals.