Bay Delta Initiative
Conservation Beyond Boundaries...
The Bay Delta region, located in the Sacramento and San Joaquin watersheds of California, encompasses over 38 million acres and is one of the most important estuary systems in the nation. This area provides drinking water for more than 23 million people and irrigation water to four million acres of farmland, and is a region with general economic activities estimated at over $400 billion annually. However, increased demand for limited water resources and declining water quality threaten the continued economic and environmental well-being of the Bay Delta area.
The Bay Delta Initiative began by request of local policymakers. The initiative strives to address the critical water quantity, water quality and habitat restoration needs of the Bay Delta area. NRCS, in consultation with local conservation partners, has identified three resource conservation priorities:
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Water conservation on irrigated cropland with emphasis on increasing water use efficiency within federal and state Water Project Areas.
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Water quality improvements on irrigated cropland and dairies with emphasis on improved nutrient management and reduced soil erosion.
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Ecosystem restoration for increased habitat and improved water supply.
NRCS is providing agricultural producers technical and financial assistance in the Bay Delta region to implement conservation practices that improve water quality and quantity, and restore and protect wetland, riparian and wet meadow habitat. Farm Bill conservation programs available to producers include Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Bay Delta page links:
Bay Delta Landowner Success Stories:
Interim Federal Action Plan Status Update for the Bay Delta
For more information on the Bay Delta Initiative:
Christopher Hartley
Conservation Initiatives Coordinator
Phone: (202) 690-1588
Email: christopher.hartley@ca.usda.gov
