1 Arne Simonsen Chair Delta Protection Commission October 23, 2008 Governor’s Delta Vision Process E.O. S-17-06

2 Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force – 33 days of meetings, plus SCG, ++ Blue Ribbon Task Force charged with “developing a durable vision for sustainable management of the Delta over the long term” Call to “restore and maintain identified functions and values important to the Delta’s environmental quality and economic and social well-being of the state” Seven members appointed to serve on Task Force by the Governor Independent findings and recommendations Vision in November 2007 and Strategic Plan in October 2008, both to Governor and DV Committee

3 Delta Vision Committee Chaired by Resources Secretary Chrisman Includes Secretaries of Business, Transportation and Housing, Agriculture, and Environment, plus President, Public Utilities Commission Recommends an implementation plan of the vision and strategic plan to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2008

4 Findings (Facts) California’s water supply is static; it is not growing – but, it is over-promised Overall demands for water are increasing; there is not yet effective conservation but some efficiency gains The Delta ecosystem is in serious decline and threatened by catastrophic failures Improving the Delta ecosystem is legally required for improving water delivery through the Delta Current governance is incapable of meeting challenges

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13 Water use rises with population Source: DWR, October 10, 2008

14 Goals in Task Force strategic plan 1.Legally acknowledge the co-equal goals of restoring the Delta ecosystem and creating a more reliable water supply for California. 2.Recognize and enhance the unique cultural, recreational, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place, an action critical to achieving the co-equal goals. 3.Restore the Delta ecosystem as the heart of a healthy estuary. 4.Promote statewide water conservation, efficiency, and sustainable use.

15 Task Force goals (continued) 5.Build facilities to improve the existing water conveyance system and expand statewide storage, and operate both to achieve the co- equal goals. 6.Reduce risks to people, property, and state interests in the Delta by effective emergency preparedness, appropriate land uses, and strategic levee investments. 7.Establish a new governance structure with the authority, responsibility, accountability, science support, and secure funding to achieve these goals.

16 About the Strategic Plan Comprehensive: 21 strategies and 71 actions recommended Builds on existing laws and competencies but requires new legislation and governmental capacity Urges use of performance indicators and targets, providing initial examples Anticipates adaptive management, supported by robust science

17 Future of the Delta Communities, land forms, and uses Changes expected from conveyance, levee projects, ecosystem restoration, SLR, floods, urbanization pressures Fears of change and exclusion from decisions TF recommends “Delta as Place” with formal designation, focused programs and investments

18 Water rights Water uses supposed to be decided within water rights system Face value of water rights in Delta watershed is 8.4 times average annual unimpaired flows Lack of information and enforcement Diversions without legal basis appear large Fears of loss of water TF recommends real use of water rights system, including reasonable use and public trust, increased information and enforcement

19 Governance Governance inadequacies specifically identified in E. O. S included (a) no one level of government in charge or capable of [meeting] threats to the Delta and (b) that prior efforts too narrowly focused Fears of change and loss of control (local, agency, private) TF recommends (a) Council to effect change through (b) Delta Plan requiring consistency of actions among existing agencies, (c) Delta Conservancy for ecosystem restoration and (d) enhancing Delta Protection Commission as state-local arena to address land use issues and support Delta as Place strategies

20 Take away points California water supply oversubscribed: per SWRCB, face value of Delta water shed water permits is 8.4 times average annual flows; inability of SWP or CVP to satisfy contracts Ecosystem in crisis: ban on salmon fishing, declines in pelagic fishes, invasive species Institutions failing: ESA listings, court actions, inadequate efforts to improve water quality, water conservation efforts insufficient, DFG and SWRCB unable to make critical decisions re stream flows, inadequate levee policies Partial solutions fail: Monterey agreement attacked, Bay- Delta Authority inactive, Environmental Water Account and VAMP fail to get desired results, “phase 8” processes stalled Improved conveyance valuable but insufficient to meet either long term water needs or ecosystem needs Delta Vision proposes large, but critical changes