Implementation
- Work with the agricultural sector to understand the tolerance of current crop mixes to withstand increased flooding, and explore options to shift crop types to suit changing conditions.
- Support the efforts of California Trout’s Nigiri Project and other, similar projects to incentivize farmers to manage fields for fish habitat and aquatic food production (e.g., rice).
- Coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CA DWR, the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Trout, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, resource conservation districts, and others to identify and implement actions local farmers can take to anticipate increased flooding.
Benefits: Historically, during the period when the Sacramento River reaches a threshold elevation, water is diverted into the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, which has five times the capacity of the Sacramento River. Investing in options to use this water for aquaculture and fish and wildlife restoration habitat would benefit the County’s economy and native ecosystems.
Co-benefit
This measure will have co-benefits related to preparations for sea-level rise.
Timeframe: Near term
