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A California State Agency

2017–2018 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy BoardKatherine Miller, ChairSan Joaquin County Board of Supervisors

Michael CohenCalifornia Department of Finance

Darla GuenzlerAppointed Public Member

Don NottoliSacramento County Board of Supervisors

Jim ProvenzaYolo County Board of Supervisors

Dan TaylorAppointed Public Member

Bill Dodd (non-voting)State Senate, District 3

Dolores “Dolly” Sandoval, Vice-ChairAppointed Public Member

Michael EatonAppointed Public Member

John LairdCalifornia Secretary for Natural Resources

Karen MitchoffContra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Elizabeth PattersonSolano County Representative

Jim Frazier (non-voting)State Assembly, District 11

Liaison Advisors Steve ChappellSuisun Resource Conservation District

Martha OzonoffYolo Basin Foundation

Paul SouzaU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Stu TownsleySouth Pacific Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Pablo ArroyaveU.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Matt GerhartCalifornia Coastal Conservancy

Steve GoldbeckSan Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission

Charlotte AmbroseU.S. National Marine Fisheries Service

Mike VillinesCentral Valley Flood Protection Board

Erik VinkDelta Protection Commission

Edmund G. Brown Jr.Governor

John LairdSecretary for Natural Resources Agency

Campbell IngramExecutive Officer

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

The Conservancy contracted with an external team lead by Kearns & West, Inc. to assist with preparation of this plan. The team members are:

J. Michael Harty, Project Director Kearns & West, Inc.

Sam Magill, Outreach Lead Kearns & West, Inc.

Briana Seapy, Project Manager Kearns & West, Inc.

Michelle Orr ESA PWA

Ramona Swenson ESA PWA

Ellen Cross Strategy Driver, Inc.

Charles Gardiner Catalyst Group, Inc.

AcknowledgementsThe Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

is deeply appreciative of the many individuals,

organizations, and government agencies

that played a role in the development of this

plan. Their input and support was invaluable.

In particular, the Conservancy would like to

acknowledge Conservancy staff.

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SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA CONSERVANCY 2017-2022 Strategic Plan | 5

Executive SummaryThe Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 established the statutory framework for the Conservancy to

oversee actions that would result in mutual benefits to the Delta’s ecosystem and economy. With hard work and diligence,

the Conservancy has successfully embarked upon this statutory mission. The Strategic Plan not only acts as a roadmap

for enhancing the Delta’s ecosystem and economy, but also builds off past successes to carry the Conservancy’s mission

forward during the next five years (2017-2022).

A Foundation of Success

Working collaboratively with the Delta community and

agencies, the Conservancy has built a solid foundation

of success since it was established in 2010. The

implementation of the Proposition 1 Grant Program has

awarded almost $5.9 million in funding for 8 projects, and

the Conservancy has also secured $7 million in funding

from other diverse sources to support high priority efforts.

The Conservancy’s commitment to collaborative planning

has produced successful regional planning efforts, a

Delta marketing plan and tourism infrastructure, and a

network to support watershed health. Other initiatives

have included invasive species control, mapping and

pilot projects, tracking tools for habitat improvement

projects, and the approval of a new wetland protocol for

greenhouse gas emission offset credits.

The Next Five Years

The Conservancy’s strategy for the next five years reflects

a commitment to focus, momentum, and accountability

and its accomplishments provide the groundwork for the

Conservancy’s future success to build upon. A successful

Conservancy will have fostered its role as a valued partner

in the Delta region while continuing to advance successful

projects and initiatives that protect, enhance, and restore

the Delta’s economy, agriculture, working landscapes, and

environment. To achieve this vision and meet its goals, the

Conservancy has set clear and measurable objectives and

performance measures to ensure accountability, measure

success, and inform future decision-making.

THE CONSERVANCY’S MISSION:

Working collaboratively and in coordination

with local communities, the Conservancy will

lead efforts to protect, enhance, and restore

the Delta’s economy, agriculture and working

landscapes, and environment for the benefit of

the Delta region, its local communities, and the

citizens of California.

SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA CONSERVANCY 2017-2022 Strategic Plan 6

Executive Summary

Three Strategic Goals

The Conservancy has set three strategic goals that reflect

its mission and priorities:

Goal 1: Delta Agricultural and Economic Enhancement -

Promote multi-benefit Delta working landscapes and a

robust Delta tourism economy, in collaboration with local

stakeholders and the Delta Protection Commission, to

enhance the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource,

and agricultural values of the Delta.

Goal 2: Delta Ecosystem Viability -

Fund and implement high priority projects that increase

Delta ecosystem viability through sustaining critical

habitat, restoring ecological function, improving water

quality, protecting listed species, increasing ecosystem

diversity, and managing for climate change; and continue

to work collaboratively to define multi-benefit restoration

objectives.

Goal 3: Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability -

Cultivate a durable and effective organization via strategic

collaboration, effective staffing and management, and

long-term financial planning.

For each goal there is a Description of Success, as well as

detailed Objectives, Performance Measures, and Metrics

that reflect the Conservancy’s commitment to outcomes

and accountability. An annual Implementation Plan will

provide detail regarding activities related to specific

projects to achieve these goals and will serve as a tool for

ongoing planning dialogues between the Conservancy’s

Board and staff.

The following table summarizes the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan’s Organization.

GOAL 1: Delta Agricultural and

Economic Enhancement

Description of Success

Objectives by Category

Delta Economic and Agricultural Enhancement

Ecosystem Restoration and Protection

Grants and Funding

Performance Measures and Metrics

GOAL 2: Delta Ecosystem Viability





Grants and Funding


GOAL 3: Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability



Administration

Grants and Funding



Executive Summary

Community Involvement, Outreach and Engagement

The success of this plan is centered on the Conservancy’s commitment to meaningful involvement of the Delta

community. This commitment has been a guiding principle for the Conservancy since it was established and is at the

heart of its identity as a reliable collaborator, effective convener, and valued partner. The fundamentals of partnering

and coordinating with the Delta community are interwoven with the goals, objectives, and performance measures that

comprise this plan.

A copy of this Strategic Plan can be found at the Conservancy’s website: http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov.

A printed copy may be requested by contacting the Conservancy at [email protected] or by phone

via (916) 375-2084.

http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov

mailto:[email protected]


Executive Summary

DEL

TA C

ON

SERV

AN

CY 2

017

STRA

TEG

IC P

LAN

– G

OA

LS &

OBJ

ECTI

VES

GO

AL

1: D

elta

Agr

icul

tura

l and

Ec

onom

ic E

nhan

cem

ent

Obj

ectiv

es b

y Ca

tego

ry

Del

ta E

cono

mic

and

Agr

icul

tura

l Enh

ance

men

t1.

W

ork

dire

ctly

with

loca

l lan

d ow

ners

, far

mer

s, an

d ot

hers

to a

naly

ze th

e st

ate

of D

elta

agr

icul

ture

an

d id

entif

y pr

iorit

y ag

ricul

tura

l inv

estm

ents

and

ec

onom

ic o

ffset

str

ateg

ies f

or a

gric

ultu

ral l

and

conv

ersio

ns2.

Es

tabl

ish a

n ag

ricul

tura

l sta

keho

lder

gro

up to

co

nsul

t on

agric

ultu

ral s

usta

inab

ility

str

ateg

y id

entifi

catio

n an

d ev

alua

tion;

and

on

agric

ultu

ral

sust

aina

bilit

y pr

ojec

t pla

nnin

g, p

riorit

izat

ion,

and

im

plem

enta

tion

3.

Supp

ort t

he D

elta

Mar

ketin

g Ta

sk F

orce

and

Del

ta

Prot

ectio

n Co

mm

issio

n in

iden

tifyi

ng a

nd s

ecur

ing

fund

ing

to im

plem

ent p

riorit

y ob

ject

ives

in th

e Fi

ve-

Year

Del

ta M

arke

ting

Plan

in c

oope

ratio

n w

ith lo

cal

busin

ess s

take

hold

ers

Ecos

yste

m R

esto

ratio

n an

d Pr

otec

tion

4.

Supp

ort o

utflo

w w

ater

qua

lity

impr

ovem

ents

on

wor

king

land

s by

coor

dina

ting

with

age

ncie

s and

lo

cal i

nter

ests

to id

entif

y an

d im

plem

ent b

est

man

agem

ent p

ract

ices

5.

Incr

ease

acc

essib

ility

and

util

ity o

f reg

iona

l wat

er

qual

ity d

ata

Gra

nts

and

Fund

ing

6.

Fund

Pro

posit

ion

1-el

igib

le a

gric

ultu

ral s

usta

inab

ility

pr

ojec

ts th

at p

rovi

de e

cosy

stem

and

/or w

ater

shed

pr

otec

tion

and/

or re

stor

atio

n be

nefit

s7.

Iden

tify,

trac

k, a

nd p

ursu

e fu

ndin

g op

port

uniti

es

to su

ppor

t im

plem

enta

tion

of a

gric

ultu

ral a

naly

sis-

iden

tified

prio

rity

inve

stm

ents

8.

Iden

tify,

trac

k, a

nd p

ursu

e fu

ndin

g to

supp

ort

impl

emen

tatio

n of

prio

rity

obje

ctiv

es in

the

Five

-Ye

ar D

elta

Mar

ketin

g Pl

an, r

ecre

atio

n an

d to

urism

pr

ojec

ts, a

nd h

istor

ical

pre

serv

atio

n pr

ojec

ts

GO

AL

2: D

elta

Eco

syst

em V

iabi

lity

Obj

e ctiv

es b

y Ca

tego

ry

Ecos

yste

m R

esto

ratio

n an

d Pr

otec

tion

1.

Prot

ect,

rest

ore,

or e

nhan

ce h

abita

t and

impr

ove

wat

er q

u alit

y th

roug

h im

plem

enta

tion

of g

rant

-fu

nded

pro

ject

s2.

St

reng

then

the

coor

dina

tion

of w

ater

qua

lity

mon

itorin

g, d

ata

inte

grat

ion,

impl

emen

tatio

n of

be

st m

anag

emen

t pra

ctic

es, a

nd e

nviro

nmen

tal

educ

atio

n eff

orts

in p

artn

ersh

ip w

ith e

xist

ing

Del

ta

wat

ersh

ed e

ffort

s 3.

Co

mpl

ete

regi

onal

rest

orat

ion

stra

tegi

es a

nd

prio

ritie

s for

the

Cach

e Sl

ough

Com

plex

and

fo

r add

ition

al re

gion

(s) in

coo

rdin

atio

n w

ith

Del

ta s

take

hold

ers;

colla

bora

te w

ith p

artn

ers t

o im

plem

ent h

igh

prio

rity

proj

ects

iden

tified

in

regi

onal

pla

ns4.

D

eter

min

e ap

prop

riate

con

ditio

ns u

nder

whi

ch

the

Cons

erva

ncy

wou

ld c

onsid

er la

nd o

wne

rshi

p/m

anag

emen

t 5.

Co

ntin

ue to

impl

emen

t an

inva

sive

spec

ies c

ontro

l pr

ogra

m a

nd im

plem

ent o

ther

on-

the-

grou

nd

proj

ects

to p

rote

ct, r

esto

re, o

r enh

ance

Del

ta h

abita

t

Del

ta E

cono

mic

and

Agr

icul

tura

l Enh

ance

men

t6.

Co

llabo

rate

with

Del

ta in

tere

sts a

nd a

genc

ies t

o de

velo

p pr

ogra

ms a

nd p

rom

ote

ince

ntiv

es fo

r lan

d m

anag

emen

t pro

ject

s tha

t red

uce

carb

on e

miss

ions

7. Ev

alua

te p

ublic

use

opp

ortu

nitie

s on

publ

ic la

nd in

th

e D

elta

and

mak

e re

com

men

datio

ns o

n ho

w to

im

prov

e op

port

uniti

es fo

r rec

reat

ion

and

educ

atio

n

Gra

nts

and

Fund

ing

8.

Fund

Pro

posit

ion

1-el

igib

le p

roje

cts t

hat

prov

ide

ecos

yste

m p

rote

ctio

n, re

stor

atio

n, a

nd

enha

ncem

ent;

wat

er q

ualit

y; a

nd/o

r wat

er-re

late

d ag

ricul

tura

l sus

tain

abili

ty b

enefi

ts

9.

Seek

fund

ing

and

proj

ect d

evel

opm

ent r

esou

rces

for

high

prio

rity

rest

orat

ion

proj

ects

iden

tified

thro

ugh

regi

onal

pla

nnin

g eff

orts

GO

AL

3: C

onse

rvan

cy O

rgan

izat

iona

l St

reng

th a

nd S

usta

inab

ility

Obj

ectiv

es b

y Ca

tego

ry

Adm

inis

trat

ion

1.

Prov

ide

a sa

fe, c

reat

ive,

insp

iring

, and

equ

itabl

e w

orki

ng e

n viro

nmen

t for

sta

ff an

d m

anag

emen

t co

nsist

ent w

ith s

tate

sta

ndar

ds2.

Em

ploy

man

agem

ent p

ract

ices

to e

mpo

wer

sta

ff cr

eativ

ity, i

ncre

ase

staff

rete

ntio

n, a

nd p

rom

ote

orga

niza

tiona

l cap

abili

ties t

o m

atch

the

dive

rse

need

s of t

he D

elta

com

mun

ity3.

D

evel

op a

sta

ff su

cces

sion

plan

to e

nsur

e th

e effi

cien

t tra

nsfe

r of i

nstit

utio

nal k

now

ledg

e4.

Co

ntin

uous

ly e

valu

ate

and

impr

ove

orga

niza

tiona

l effi

cien

cy, p

rogr

amm

atic

str

uctu

re, a

nd w

orkp

lace

en

viro

nmen

t5.

En

able

effe

ctiv

e an

d su

stai

nabl

e Co

nser

vanc

y op

erat

ion

with

in th

e D

elta

com

mun

ity b

y st

reng

then

ing

exist

ing

part

ners

hips

and

dev

elop

ing

last

ing

new

par

tner

ship

s with

Del

ta a

genc

ies a

nd

loca

l int

eres

ts6.

In

crea

se a

war

enes

s of t

he C

onse

rvan

cy’s

achi

evem

ents

am

ong

fund

ers,

part

ners

, and

the

publ

ic th

roug

h in

-per

son

outre

ach,

soc

ial m

edia

, an

d ot

her m

etho

ds

Gra

nts

and

Fund

ing

7. D

iver

sify

and

expa

nd fu

ndin

g so

urce

s to

adeq

uate

ly

supp

ort p

rogr

am w

ork,

sust

ain

curre

nt s

taff,

and

gr

ow s

taff

as n

eede

d to

mee

t pro

gram

nee

ds a

nd

Cons

erva

ncy

goal

s8.

Id

entif

y an

d pl

an fo

r pot

entia

l lon

g-te

rm fu

ndin

g sc

enar

ios t

o po

sitio

n th

e Co

nser

vanc

y to

sust

ain

and

grow

its p

rogr

ams v

ia fu

ture

bon

ds o

r oth

er fu

ndin

g so

urce

s9.

Pr

omot

e Co

nser

vanc

y go

als a

nd o

bjec

tives

thro

ugh

Boar

d en

gage

men

t to

cons

truc

tivel

y su

ppor

t Co

nser

vanc

y fu

ndin

g eff

orts

incl

udin

g th

e pu

rsui

t of

bond

fund

ing

Section Description


ContentsExecutive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

A Foundation for Future Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Conditions for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Preparing this Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

II. Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Community Involvement, Outreach, and Engagement – A Guiding Principle . . . . . . . 18

Goal 1: Delta Agricultural and Economic Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PERFORMANCE MEASURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Goal 2: Delta Ecosystem Viability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


Goal 3: Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23


III. Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Appendix A: Strategic Plan Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Appendix B: Important Delta Conservancy Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Appendix C: Delta Conservancy’s Legislative Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Figures & Tables

Figure 1. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Service Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Table 1. 2017 Strategic Plan Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Table 2. Goal 1 Performance Measures 20




I. IntroductionThe Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009

established the statutory framework for the Conservancy

to oversee actions that would result in mutual benefits

to the Delta’s ecosystem and economy.1 With hard work

and diligence, the Conservancy has successfully embarked

upon this statutory mission. The Strategic Plan not only

acts as a roadmap for enhancing the Delta’s ecosystem

and economy, but also builds off past successes to carry

the Conservancy’s mission forward during the next five

years (2017-2022).

THE CONSERVANCY’S MISSION:

Working collaboratively and in coordination

with local communities, the Conservancy will

lead efforts to protect, enhance, and restore

the Delta’s economy, agriculture and working

landscapes, and environment for the benefit of

the Delta region, its local communities, and the

citizens of California.

The Conservancy’s strategy for continued progress

and success is built around focus, momentum, and

accountability for delivering results. Focus is reflected in

three goals and concrete objectives described in Section II.

Momentum is reflected in the commitment to realizing

the benefits of collaborative investments in existing

projects and programs (see below) along with new

initiatives. Accountability is reflected in a commitment

to performance measures associated with each Goal,

ongoing assessment of progress, and openness to

learning and adaptation.

The Conservancy will implement its three-pronged

strategy over the next five years through the following

projects, initiatives, and programs:

• Putting its Proposition 1 grant funding

authorization of $50 million to work for the

Delta through planning and implementation

of (1) ecosystem protection, restoration, and

enhancement, (2) water quality, or (3) water-

related agricultural sustainability projects that

lead to measurable outcomes;

• Maintaining its role as a leader for comprehensive

regional planning for the advancement of

proposition 1 eligible projects by completing

the Cache Slough regional planning effort and

initiating similar efforts in other locations;

• Supporting current programs and initiatives such

as Arundo control, the Delta Mercury Exposure

Reduction Program, the Delta Restoration

Network, and project trackers that are consistent

with the goals and objectives in this Plan (these

projects are discussed starting on page 9);

• Coordinating the implementation of the

Five-Year Marketing Strategy that promotes

measurable economic success across the Delta

through collaboration with the Delta Marketing

Taskforce, in partnership with the Delta

Protection Commission;

• Continuing to strengthen the Conservancy

as an effective, efficient organization through

its staffing, procedures, structure, and

consistent commitment to meaningful external

engagement;

1 For details on the Delta Conservancy’s legislative statutes, reference the following webpage: http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov/legislation

http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov/legislation


About the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta and the Conservancy

• Continuing to secure new funding to support

its goals and objectives; and

• Exploring the conditions under which the

Conservancy might assume land ownership or

management responsibilities.

A Foundation for Future Success

The Conservancy’s successes since it was established

in 2010 serve as the foundation for decision-making and

action during the next five years. Key accomplishments

include:

Proposition 1 Grant Program

Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure

Improvement Act of 2014, allocated $50 million for

competitive grants to be awarded by the Conservancy to

support multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection

and restoration projects in accordance with statewide

priorities.2 The Board and staff established a successful

grant program with three focal areas: 1) ecosystem

protection, restoration, and enhancement, (2) water quality,

and (3) water-related agricultural sustainability.

The Conservancy has administered two rounds of grants,

awarding $5.9 million for eight proposals in the 2015/2016

fiscal year and $4.4 million for four proposals in the

2016/2017 fiscal year. Specific funded activities include:

restoration of upland, floodplain, and wetland ecosystems;

enhancement of agricultural land and wetlands; acquisition

of flood and conservation easements; and planning efforts

for restoration projects and water quality improvements on

working lands. The third grant solicitation is scheduled for

Summer 2017.

Diversified Funding SourcesThe Conservancy sought and was awarded more than

$7 million in funding from multiple sources, including: • U.S. Department of Commerce Economic

Development Administration to support a Delta

marketing campaign

• S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation for the Delta Dialogue

and Data Platform Proof of Concept projects

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance

restoration project tracking, and for advancing

reporting of performance measures for wetland

restoration projects within the EcoAtlas platform

• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Bay-Delta Fund for

environmental education and outreach

• California Department of Water Resources for

giant reed (Arundo) control and restoration

Relationships, Outreach and Engagement

The Conservancy has developed partnerships with

the diverse Delta community in addition to state, local,

and federal agencies. Maintaining and expanding these

relationships will continue to be key to the Conservancy’s

ongoing success. Consistent with its 2012 Plan, the

Conservancy has been a leader “through collaboration

and cooperation with others.”3 The Delta Marketing

Project, the Delta Restoration Network, and regional

integrated restoration planning efforts are examples of

the Conservancy’s commitment to collaborative

engagement with all interested stakeholders in decision-

making processes.

2 See California Water Code, Sections 79730, 797313 2012 Delta Conservancy Strategic Plan p. 31



Collaborative Planning

The Conservancy is leading comprehensive regional

planning that began in 2016 for the advancement of

Proposition 1 eligible projects for the Cache Slough

Complex. This pilot effort is developing a restoration

strategy that integrates habitat restoration, water quality

enhancements, regional flood improvements, and

sustainable agriculture in an effort to identify projects

that would be eligible for Proposition 1 funding. In Phase

I, the collaborative collected information for ecosystems,

agriculture, flood protection and water supply to develop

a shared understanding of the region’s baseline resource

conditions and initial indications of eligible projects. Phase

II is expected to develop a regional strategy to serve as

the basis for on-the-ground restoration projects that are

broadly supported by regional stakeholders.

Delta Marketing ProjectThe Conservancy received a grant from the U.S.

Department of Commerce Economic Development

Administration to form a Delta Marketing Taskforce and

create an infrastructure for the Delta community to

manage the Delta’s long-term marketing needs. A 5-year

Delta Marketing Plan and a tourism-focused website (www.

visitcadelta.org) were developed through collaboration

with the Taskforce and in partnership with the Delta

Protection Commission. These efforts are the second phase

of the Delta Awareness Campaign, which started with a

collaborative development of a Delta Brand.

Delta Watershed Initiative Network

The Conservancy initiated the Delta Watershed Initiative

Network (WIN) in 2014 to focus on watershed protection.

The Delta WIN has successfully facilitated a regional

network of projects to support healthy watersheds.

Projects included coordination of water quality monitoring,

improving data integration, and providing environmental

stewardship activities such as waterway cleanups in the fall

and spring.

http://www.visitcadelta.org

http://www.visitcadelta.org



Delta Mercury Exposure Reduction Program (MERP)

This project focuses on reducing human health risks from

eating fish caught in the Delta that are contaminated with

elevated levels of mercury. The Conservancy partnered

with the California Department of Public Health, Office of

Health Hazard Assessment, and Central Valley Regional

Water Quality Control Board on this project. Through

this coordination, and working collaboratively with a

stakeholder advisory group, Delta MERP has developed

and field-tested fish consumption brochures and advisory

signs for posting at fishing locations throughout the Delta.

Delta MERP anticipates posting approximately 50 signs

throughout the Delta in 2017.

Arundo Control and Restoration

The Conservancy is working with multiple partners around

the Delta to control Arundo, a non-native invasive grass.

Arundo grows along the edges of sloughs and canals in

the Delta and restricts shoreline access, creates fire hazards,

and displaces native plants and associated wildlife. Project

activities include mapping Arundo sites and prioritizing

restoration value; identifying potential sites for biological

control; and conducting a pilot project for Arundo control

and habitat restoration in the Cache Slough Complex and

other Delta locations.

This Strategic Plan is consistent with the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan, the Delta Protection Commission’s Land Use and Resource Management Plan, the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, the 2011 Suisun Marsh Habitat Management Plan, and the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act.

Project Tracker (EcoAtlas)

EcoAtlas is a set of tools for generating, assembling,

storing, visualizing, sharing, and reporting environmental

data and information for effective wetland management.

The Conservancy enhanced EcoAtlas’ functionalities to

accommodate project-tracking needs for the Delta. To date,

the Conservancy has uploaded into EcoAtlas hundreds of

habitat protection, enhancement, and restoration projects

throughout the Bay-Delta region. The Conservancy

continues to support ongoing efforts to improve data

management and accessibility within EcoAtlas.

Conditions for SuccessThe following are key resources, actions, decisions, and outcomes that will shape the Conservancy’s ability to achieve the goals and objectives of this Plan. While it is not possible to precisely quantify the impact of each condition, or to predict its future occurrence, the conditions identified below reflect a “best guess” about what it will take for the Conservancy to succeed.

3 Funding – Diversified and long-term funding, such as that from future bonds or other sources, to support project development and implementation, grant-making, and sufficient staffing.

3 Staff Capacity – Adequate and qualified personnel resources, including expertise to effectively manage Conservancy programs and projects.

3 Community Involvement – Active participation by the Delta community to help guide Conservancy planning, programs, and projects.

3 Organizational Cohesion – Clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability of Conservancy Board and staff for achieving the Conservancy’s goals and objectives.



Preparing this Strategic Plan

This Plan reflects extensive input gathered through: electronic surveys targeting four distinct audiences (Conservancy Board

members, members of the public, key agency contacts, and Conservancy staff); two public workshops (one held in each

the North and South Delta); and in-person meetings with state agency representatives and Conservancy staff. A detailed

review of this input process can be found in Appendix A.

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Delta CrossChannel GatesDelta CrossChannel Gates

Figure 1. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Service Area Map

Figure 1. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Service Area Map

Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta


II. Goals and ObjectivesThis Plan is organized around three goals that reflect the Conservancy’s mission. For each goal there is a

description of what “success” will look like. Each goal has multiple objectives organized by the categories

identified in the table below and a list of performance measures linked to objectives. Table 1 presents an

organizing framework for these Plan elements.

Table 1. 2017 Strategic Plan Organization

GOAL 1: Delta Agricultural and

Economic Enhancement

GOAL 2: Delta Ecosystem Viability

GOAL 3: Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability

Description of Success Description of Success Description of Success

Objectives by Category Objectives by Category Objectives by Category



Grants and Funding



Grants and Funding

Administration

Grants and Funding




THE DELTA COMMUNITY IS:

Delta residents, businesses, agricultural sector, landowners,

elected officials, agricultural organizations, conservation

organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Section Description


Community Involvement, Outreach, and Engagement – A Guiding Principle

Effective outreach and engagement are at the core of

the Conservancy’s mission and the foundation of this

Strategic Plan. The Conservancy is committed to consistent,

meaningful engagement with the Delta community and

its stakeholders. The Conservancy has built its identity

as an effective convener and a reliable collaborator by

establishing individual relationships, educating the public

about the Conservancy and its legislative purpose, defining

a meaningful and complementary role among other Delta

agencies, and inviting the Delta community to participate

in planning and decision-making about habitat protection

and economic development. Commitments to partner

and coordinate with the Delta community are interwoven

throughout the goals, objectives, and performance

measures described in this section.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:Delta Agricultural and Economic Enhancement

Promote multi-benefit Delta working landscapes and a robust Delta tourism economy, in collaboration with

local stakeholders and the Delta Protection Commission, to enhance the unique cultural, recreational, natural

resource, and agricultural values of the Delta.

Success is a Conservancy that is a trusted partner in the Delta agricultural and business communitiesand supports efforts to increase Delta agricultural and economic well-being, while complementing Delta ecosystem viability.

OBJECTIVESDelta Economic and Agricultural Enhancement

1. Work directly with local land owners, farmers, and

others to analyze the state of Delta agriculture and

identify priority agricultural investments and economic

offset strategies for agricultural land conversions

2. Establish an agricultural stakeholder group to consult

on agricultural sustainability strategy identification and

evaluation; and on agricultural sustainability project

planning, prioritization, and implementation

3. Support the Delta Marketing Task Force and Delta

Protection Commission in identifying and securing

funding to implement priority objectives in the Five-

Year Delta Marketing Plan in cooperation with local

business stakeholders


4. Support outflow water quality improvements on

working lands by coordinating with agencies and

local interests to identify and implement best

management practices

5. Increase accessibility and utility of regional water

quality data

Grants and Funding

6. Fund Proposition 1-eligible agricultural sustainability

projects that provide ecosystem and/or watershed

protection and/or restoration benefits

7. Identify, track, and pursue funding opportunities

to support implementation of agricultural analysis-

identified priority investments

8. Identify, track, and pursue funding to support

implementation of priority objectives in the Five-Year

Delta Marketing Plan, recreation and tourism projects,

and historical preservation projects

While sufficient funding is an explicit condition for success,

strategic pursuit of funding opportunities is an objective

identified within each goal to emphasize the Conservancy’s

commitment to financial stability.




PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The performance measures for Goal 1 focus on Conservancy partnerships, analysis, and

funding for economic growth and agricultural sustainability. During the next five years,

the Conservancy will track its accomplishments and report on its contributions to the

broader economic development goals for the region (Table 2).

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

To track the Delta Conservancy’s

progress, and contribute to

broader performance tracking in

the Delta, each goal includes a table

of performance measures.

Table 2. Goal 1 Performance Measures

OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES METRICS

1, 2, 6, 7

• Development and maintenance of successfulpartnership with an agricultural stakeholdergroup

• Preparation of a Delta agricultural analysis inconsultation with stakeholder group

• Identification/prioritization of agriculturalinvestments and offset strategies in consultationwith stakeholder group

• Funding secured for agricultural sustainabilityprojects

• Delta agricultural report• Approved/accepted priorities and number of

supporting partners• Amount of funding secured/percent of

priorities funded• Number of grant projects and total funding

3, 8

• Funding secured for accomplishing objectives ofthe 5-year Delta Marketing Plan

• Strength and value of partnership with DPC andDelta Marketing Task Force

• Number of 5-year Delta Marketing Planobjectives completed

• Conservancy contribution to Deltacollaborative partnerships

4, 5

• Identify and evaluate best managementpractices in partnership with the agriculturalsector and agencies

• Implement Best Management Practices in theDelta in partnership with the agricultural sectorand agencies

• Increase regional water quality data access

• Identified best management practices• Number and acreage of projects implementing

Best Management Practices• Improvements to accessibility and utility of

regional water quality data

These performance measures promote the Conservancy’s vision

of an economically vibrant Delta with a robust agricultural

community and a growing tourism and recreation sector.


Goal 2:Delta Ecosystem Viability

Fund and implement high priority projects that increase Delta ecosystem viability through sustaining critical

habitat, restoring ecological function, improving water quality, protecting listed species, increasing ecosystem

diversity, and managing for climate change; and continue to work collaboratively to define multi-benefit

restoration objectives.

Success is a Conservancy that leads locally-supported habitat conservation and water qualityimprovements in the Delta through collaboration with local stakeholders and agencies to define and implement restoration priorities.

OBJECTIVESEcosystem Restoration and Protection

1. Protect, restore, or enhance habitat and improve

water quality through implementation of

grant-funded projects

2. Strengthen the coordination of water quality

monitoring, data integration, implementation of

best management practices, and environmental

education efforts in partnership with existing Delta

watershed efforts

3. Complete regional restoration strategies and priorities

for the Cache Slough Complex and for additional

region(s) in coordination with Delta stakeholders;

collaborate with partners to implement high priority

projects identified in regional plans

4. Determine appropriate conditions under which

the Conservancy would consider land ownership/

management

5. Continue to implement an invasive species control

program and implement other on-the-ground projects

to protect, restore, or enhance Delta habitat


6. Collaborate with Delta interests and agencies to

develop programs and promote incentives for land

management projects that reduce carbon emissions

7. Evaluate public use opportunities on public land in the

Delta and make recommendations on how to improve

opportunities for recreation and education

Grants and Funding

8. Fund Proposition 1-eligible projects that provide

ecosystem protection, restoration, and enhancement;

water quality; and/or water-related agricultural

sustainability benefits

9. Seek funding and project development resources for

high priority restoration projects identified through

regional planning efforts





The performance measures for Goal 2 focus on partnerships and funding for the planning, protection, restoration, and

management of priority habitats and water quality improvements (Table 3).



1, 2, 5

• Habitat restoration, enhancement, andimprovement projects

• Number of projects and partnerships for habitatrestoration, invasive species management,watershed protection, or water qualityenhancement

• Acres of protected, restored, or enhanced landby habitat and location

• Acres with Best Management Practices and/orother management techniques for water qualityand weed treatment/invasive species control

3

• Comprehensive regional planning foradvancement of Proposition 1 eligible projects

• Completed comprehensive regional planning foradvancement of Proposition 1 strategies

• Number of ecosystem restoration-focusedpartnerships and collaborations

• Number of projects implementing regionalstrategies

4• Analysis of Conservancy land ownership and

management options• Completion and approval of land ownership and

management analysis

6, 7

• Effective carbon sequestration projectimplementation in partnership with theagricultural sector

• Analysis of recreational and educationalopportunities and recommendations to improve

• Number/locations of projects• Dollars invested in multi-benefit carbon

sequestration, recreation, and education• Acres with subsidence reversal or carbon

sequestration practices• Carbon sequestered and offset revenue realized• Completed analysis of and recommendations

regarding recreational and educationopportunities

• Number/distribution of recreational andeducational projects implemented

8, 9

• Funding for projects that provide ecosystemand/or watershed protection and/or restorationbenefits

• Long-term funding capacity and stability

• Number of projects funded and total funding• Stable or upward trends in funding• Number and diversity of funding sources

The Conservancy envisions that implementation of habitat restoration projects and Best Management Practices in priority areas will increase habitats that support native resident and migratory Delta species, enhance water quality, and decrease invasive nonnative species while considering impacts to agricultural sustainability. Conservancy-funded projects will have quantifiable performance measures that utilize adaptive management to generate conservation outcomes and lessons learned.


Goal 3:Conservancy Organizational Strength and Sustainability

Cultivate a durable and effective organization via strategic collaboration, effective staffing and management,

and long-term financial planning.

Success is a Conservancy that is an indispensable partner in solving complex problems in the Delta; that isempowered to effectively engage the Delta community and successfully advance the goals of the organization; and that secures sufficient funding in the near- and long-term to sustain and meet program needs.

OBJECTIVESAdministration

1. Provide a safe, creative, inspiring, and equitable working

environment for staff and management consistent with

state standards

2. Employ management practices to empower staff

creativity, increase staff retention, and promote

organizational capabilities to match the diverse needs

of the Delta community

3. Develop a staff succession plan to ensure the efficient

transfer of institutional knowledge

4. Continuously evaluate and improve organizational

efficiency, programmatic structure, and workplace

environment

5. Enable effective and sustainable Conservancy operation

within the Delta community by strengthening existing

partnerships and developing lasting new partnerships

with Delta agencies and local interests

6. Increase awareness of the Conservancy’s achievements

among funders, partners, and the public through

in-person outreach, social media, and other methods

Grants and Funding

7. Diversify and expand funding sources to adequately

support program work, sustain current staff, and

grow staff as needed to meet program needs and

Conservancy goals

8. Identify and plan for potential long-term funding

scenarios to position the Conservancy to sustain

and grow its programs via future bonds or other

funding sources

9. Promote Conservancy goals and objectives through

Board engagement to constructively support

Conservancy funding efforts including the pursuit of

bond funding





The performance measures for Goal 3 focus on Conservancy staff continuity and effectiveness, organizational visibility, and

funding stability (Table 4).



1, 2, 3, 4

• Staff creativity and retention• Employee development and satisfaction

• Staff organization/skills aligned with goals• Staff satisfaction as shown through employee

survey/exit interviews

5, 6

• Promotional materials, annual reports, etc.• In-person outreach to stakeholders and the

public• Web and social media presence• Promotion of Conservancy activities and goals• Strength and depth of partnerships and

engagement

• Materials developed/updated annually• Number of events or outreach methods• Number of sign-ups to mailing list• Number of active participants in public meetings• Hits, follows, comments• Opportunities presented for stakeholder

engagement

7, 8, 9

• Long-term funding capacity and stability • Trends in funding for core capabilities and forproject grants

• Number and diversity of funding sources

Goal 3 performance measures focus primarily on the organizational sustainability of the Conservancy and strong

collaboration. Building the skills and resources of the Conservancy will improve and support effective and lasting

partnerships with agencies and local interests to address the complex opportunities and challenges in the Delta.


III. ImplementationThe Delta Conservancy will use the Strategic Plan to provide overarching guidance for its projects, programs, and initiatives. Annually, the Conservancy will develop an Implementation Plan that details how it will achieve the goals and objectives of this Strategic Plan and assess progress via the performance measures. Twice a year, the Conservancy Board will review this Strategic Plan to re-focus on-going Conservancy efforts. At least every five years, the Conservancy will update its Strategic Plan.

The Conservancy will continue to operate in a manner consistent with the core principle of meaningful

outreach and engagement with Delta agencies and local interests.

Appendix A

Appendix A:Strategic Plan Development

This Strategic Plan has been developed through a multi-phase process that reflects the Conservancy’s

commitment to collaboration, consultation, and transparency.

The planning process incorporated elements from the 2012

Strategic Plan development while accommodating the

context of 2016-2017:

• In Phase I, the Strategic Plan team consulted

extensively with the Conservancy’s Executive

Officer and staff about experiences with outreach

and engagement since 2012 and current

Conservancy structure and policy priorities.

• Based on Phase I dialog, Phase II involved

gathered input via three approaches:

(1) multiple online surveys for the Conservancy

Board, Delta agencies, and other stakeholders

and the interested public; (2) two public

workshops in the Delta; and (3) agency-specific

individual interviews involving the Conservancy’s

Executive Officer and Deputy Executive Officer

and key managers for other Delta agencies. The

Strategic Plan team compiled all information

gathered in Phase II into a summary document

that was presented to the Board for discussion on

January 25, 2017.

• In Phase III, the Strategic Plan team prepared

a draft for Board review prior to being posted

online for comments. The Board offered feedback

about the draft at its meeting on April 26, 2017.

The revised draft was posted for public comment

on the Conservancy’s web page for 45 days,

beginning May 8, 2017.

• In Phase IV, Conservancy staff considered all

comments received to date and finalized the draft

Strategic Plan. The Board adopted the Strategic

Plan at its meeting on July 26, 2017.



Appendix B

Appendix B:Important Delta Conservancy Documents

The Delta Conservancy’s 2017 Strategic Plan was developed with the following documents serving as a

foundation and a guide for consistency.

The Delta Conservancy’s 2012 Strategic Plan:

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/docs/Delta_Conservancy_Strategic_Plan_Designed_20June2012.pdf

The Delta Conservancy’s Legislative Statutes:

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/legislation/

The Delta Plan:*

http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-plan-0

The Delta Protection Commission’s Land Use and Resources Management Plan for the Primary Zone of the Delta:*

http://www.delta.ca.gov/files/2016/10/Land-Use-and-Resource-Management-Plan-2.25.10_.pdf

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan:*

http://www.water.ca.gov/cvfmp/

The Suisun Marsh Management Plan:*

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/3/Suisun-Marsh

The Suisan Marsh Preservation Act:*

http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/plans/suisun_marsh_preservation_act.html

* The Conservancy’s enabling legislation requires its Strategic Plan to be consistent with each of these documents.

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/legislation/

http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-plan-0

http://www.delta.ca.gov/files/2016/10/Land-Use-and-Resource-Management-Plan-2.25.10_.pdf

http://www.water.ca.gov/cvfmp/

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/3/Suisun-Marsh

http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/plans/suisun_marsh_preservation_act.html

http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/docs/Delta_Conservancy_Strategic_Plan_Designed_20June2012.pdf

Appendix C

Appendix C: Delta Conservancy’s Legislative Responsibilities

The Delta Conservancy was established as part of SBX7 1, enacted in November 2009, to carry out two

mandates beginning in February 2010:

• Act as a primary state agency to implement ecosystem restoration in the Delta (Public Resource Code §32320(a)),

and

• Support efforts that advance environmental protection and the economic well-being of Delta residents

(Public Resource Code §32320(b)).

For the Delta Conservancy, supporting efforts that advance environmental protection and the economic well-being of

Delta residents can be thought of as “coequal” responsibilities.

The Legislature directed that the Conservancy’s role of

providing support include efforts that:

1. Protect and enhance habitat and habitat restoration

2. Protect and preserve Delta agriculture and working

landscapes

3. Provide increased opportunities for tourism and

recreation in the Delta

4. Promote Delta legacy communities and economic

vitality in the Delta, in coordination with the Delta

Protection Commission

5. Increase the resilience of the Delta to the effects of

natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, in

coordination with the Delta Protection Commission

6. Protect and improve water quality

7. Assist the Delta regional economy through the

operation of the Conservancy’s program

8. Identify priority projects and initiatives for which

funding is needed

9. Protect, conserve and restore the region’s physical,

agricultural, cultural, historical and living resources

10. Assist local entities in the implementation of their

habitat conservation plans (HCPs) and natural

community conservation plans (NCCPs)

11. Facilitate take protection and safe harbor agreements

under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973

(16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.), the California Endangered

Species Act (Chapter 1.5, commencing with §2050, of

Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code) and the Natural

Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10,

commencing with §2800, of Division 3 of the Fish and

Game Code) for adjacent landowners and local public

agencies, and

12. Promote environmental education through grant

funding

The Legislature also directed the Conservancy to “undertake efforts to enhance public use and enjoyment of lands owned

by the public” when supporting such efforts. (Public Resource Code §32322(c))



Notes

A California State Agency

1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6

West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 375-2084 Fax: (916) 375-4948

Email: [email protected]

Website: deltaconservancy.ca.gov

http://www.deltaconservancy.ca.gov

mailto:[email protected]