Golden State Today

State and federal agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance flood protection and wildlife habitat in the Sacramento River Basin. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the agreement, which aims to improve collaboration on projects that benefit both flood management and environmental conservation.

The MOU focuses on increasing flood protection, restoring habitats, improving groundwater recharge, ensuring water supply reliability, and supporting agricultural and wetland operations. The initiative is supported by the Floodplain Forward Coalition, which includes landowners, irrigation districts, as well as educational and conservation groups.

Governor Newsom stated: “As California grapples with more extreme cycles of wet and dry, it’s more important than ever that we leverage our common interests to meet the needs of our communities, wildlife and economy. This state-federal partnership with support from wide-ranging stakeholders demonstrates the kind of collaborative solutions that can safeguard our communities, wildlife, businesses and water supplies in the face of climate impacts.”

The signing took place in Sacramento with representatives from various organizations including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Department of Water Resources, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Sacramento Valley bypasses are vital overflow areas for protecting farms and cities from floods while also providing crucial habitats for species such as Chinook salmon during their migrations.

Further details about the MOU are available online.