2010 DOC Watershed Coordinator Grant Program

Transcription

1 2010 DOC Watershed Coordinator Grant rogram Quarter 12/Third Annual Report Grant number: Grantee name and contact information: Tulare Basin Wildlife artners (TBW) Carole K. Combs, Executive Director, TBW; roject/grant Manager, Tulare Basin Watershed Initiative (TBWI) Address:.O. Box 1180, Three Rivers, CA hone: (559) ; Website: Watershed name(s) + HUC(s): Tulare-Buena Vista Lakes and location(s) [counties]: resno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties State Senate District number(s): 12, 14, 16, 18 Senators(s): Canella, Berryhill, Vidak, uller State Assembly District number(s): 23, 26, 31, 32, 34 Assembly Member(s): atterson, Conway, erea, Salas, Grove reparer name and title: Kathy Wood McLaughlin, Tulare Basin Watershed Coordinator hone: (559) ; kathy@tularebasinwatershed.org Website: Quarterly Reporting eriod: 02/19/14-05/18/14; 05/19/13-05/18/14 Report submission date: 05/28/ Executive Summary: The goal of the Tulare Basin Wildlife artner s Watershed Initiative (TBWI) is to create a healthy regional watershed with ecologically functional waterways, wetlands and uplands, providing abundant clean water for both people and wildlife. The Initiative promotes integrated natural resource management in the Tulare Basin watershed. The Initiative s main objective is to ensure that water supply, water quality and flood control practices funded and carried out through the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) process consider and incorporate ecological, watershed, and sustainability principles in project design. Over the initial three years of the DOC grant, the Watershed Coordinator (WC) lead outreach efforts to the seven Tulare Basin IRWM planning groups and worked closely with natural resources agencies and non-profit organizations operating in the Basin. 1

2 Utilizing the TBW s conservation planning documents, the Tulare Basin Conservation lan Water Supply Strategies Report, and appropriate state and federal land managing agency planning documents, the WC determined overlap with the objectives and priorities in the various Tulare Basin IRWM plans. This effort added environmental value and enhanced funding opportunities for IRWM and other water-related projects in the Basin. During the initial three years of the grant, objectives for the WC included improving overall public and stakeholder involvement for organizations not currently represented in IRWM groups such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Resource Conservation Districts (RCD), and other conservation or civic organizations active in the Basin. The Initiative has worked to bring state, federal and private resources to facilitate the funding of these projects. A six-month extension, through November 18, 2014 was granted in April with a focus on drought response and preparedness. rojects will also be identified to address climate change adaption and resiliency in the Basin. The duties will be split between two WCs; Kathy Wood McLaughlin will focus in the northern Tulare Basin and Dave Clendenen in the southern area/kern County. The Initiative continues to work to secure funding for the continuation and long-term sustainability of the WC functions beyond Activities and Accomplishments Summary: List major activities and accomplishments completed this quarter. During this quarter, early spring precipitation provided some respite from the drought in March and April; however, as described by one landowner in the Arroyo asajero watershed, the ground was so dry that there was no run-off even after a five-inch rain. To help with drought response within the Tulare Basin Watershed, the TBWI WC has assisted with the review of drought-related projects in preparation for submission for DWR Drought Implementation grant program through the IRWMs this summer. The TBWI also advanced the work of its recently launched Watershed Connections, an effort to convene resource managers, stakeholders and researchers throughout the entire Tulare Basin hydrologic region, from the Sierra Nevada to the San Joaquin Valley floor. The objective of the first meeting held on ebruary 25 was to initiate watershed-level planning and problem solving through a process based on sound science and social need. Meeting proceedings can be found on the TBW website: Based on input at the ebruary 25 meeting, the TBW applied for and was granted Department of Water Resources (DWR)-funded, Center for Collaborative olicy (CC) professional facilitator services for a one-day workshop on June 10 at Southern California Edison Energy Education Center in Tulare, CA. Specific objectives for the workshop are to: 1) build on previous Watershed Connections outputs to identify high priority Basin-wide issues; 2) identify information gaps and needs to assess the region s water resource issues, and identify potential means to fill gaps; 3) develop a preliminary list of prioritized Basin-wide water resource projects; and 4) build consensus around a governance framework for future regional collaboration. The TBWI, in collaboration with the State Water Action lan and local interests, aims to achieve significant progress toward regional sustainability. The long-term goal is the development of infrastructure and water management practices that not only benefit water supply and water 2

3 quality, but also create ecosystem benefits through projects that are vital for the health of agriculture, communities, and wildlife in the Tulare Basin watershed. The Watershed Connections workshop will inform this effort. riority Actions/ocus: The priorities from the Annual Work lan for Year 3 with Q12 accomplishments: (1) Development and integration of conservation, habitat and climate change project elements into the planning/implementation grant applications of the seven Tulare Basin IRWM groups to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR): The WC and Core team members participated in the TB IRWM Collaboration Group monthly meetings. The WC continued to participate in meetings regarding the IRWM Strategic Vision and Tulare Basin Design Team for the California Water lan. (2) Deer Creek Watershed ocus Area and Southwestern Tulare County Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Integrated Resource Management: In an ongoing effort to identify opportunities and execute projects in the Southwestern region of Tulare County (Deer Creek Watershed), the TBWI Core Team continues to engage community leaders and other stakeholders in the region. The TBWI launched its Rural Communities Resource Center (RCRC), found at in early April. RCRC is an online tool that features news, grant opportunities, events, resources and other information for DACs and the nonprofits/agencies with whom they work. The development of this new section on the TBWI website was funded by acific Gas and Electric Company. (See CD for screen shots of the RCRC.) TBWI team members have been working closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the Atwell Island roject (AI) to build community support and interest in the 8,000-acre wetland and upland restoration site. The Communications and Outreach Specialist (COS) is developing a bird guide for AI, in English and Spanish, which will be used to encourage community members, birders, and tourists to enjoy the wildlife and native plants at AI. The TBWI Operations Assistant (OA) has been working with community members in Alpaugh and Allensworth to participate in the Summer Night Lights program, a youth gang prevention program. TBWI will be coordinating two interactive, educational activities that engage youth in learning about water conservation through a creative community collage display. The TBWI OA will focus on local water shortage issues (and quality) but will also relate local water issues to water issues in other communities around the world. The TBWI OA has also been working with Deer Creek watershed community members and our nonprofit partners to explore broadband expansion opportunities, to enhance use of the TBWI s RCRC. The ixley Conservation roject, funded through a grant from the US Bureau of Reclamation s (BOR) Central Valley roject Conservation rogram (CVC) awarded in 2012, continued to progress with appraisal of the properties by the USWS Realty 3

4 Office in Sacramento. The project is proceeding in the context of concern expressed by agency and non-governmental organization representatives that land prices in the region are skyrocketing as a result of rapid conversion of marginal farmland, as well as valuable native habitat, to high value crops such as pistachios. Investment groups from outside the area are purchasing tracts of land throughout the Tulare Basin and pumping groundwater to produce the more salt tolerant nut tree. No progress on appraisal process noted during Q12. (3) Southern Sierra IRWM development. The WC participated in the Southern Sierra Regional Water Management Group (SS RWMG) Coordinating Committee and lanning Committee meetings to guide the development of the SS RWMG IRWM plan. The final plan will be submitted to DWR by November Completion of the plan is critical to submitting proposals for Round 3 IRWM implementation grants in (4) Climate Change Science, Adaptation and Resiliency. The Assistant Watershed Coordinator (AWC) organized the initial Watershed Connections stakeholder meeting, an effort to initiate watershed-level coordination and planning, with an emphasis on connecting upper watershed managers with lower watershed consumers. This meeting, held at the Southwest Research Station of the US orest Service in resno, will be followed by the Watershed Connections workshop on June 10 in Tulare. The WC participated in a panel discussion, with a focus on water and climate change resiliency, at the Dinkey Landscape Restoration Collaborative meeting on May 15 at the Sierra National orest Supervisor s office in Clovis. The AWC, WC and COS are coordinating with the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint and Tulare Basin counties to facilitate better integration of natural resource patterns and parameters into local land use planning. Included in this effort is identification of wildlife and riparian corridors, groundwater recharge sites, and key floodplains as areas to protect and restore as essential components of regional climate change adaptation. (5) Communication and Outreach implementation: serving as a catalyst for the integration of landscape level conservation through water management strategies geared to provide water supply reliability for agriculture, communities, and habitat in the Tulare Basin. During this quarter, the TBWI COS distributed three e-newsletters to the e-newsletter list-serve, which has 225 subscribers. Our newsletters continue to show good analytics for viewership. (See enclosed CD for pdfs of the newsletters; subscribe to newsletters at: In addition to launching the RCRC section of the TBWI website, the TBWI COS worked with a website developer to upgrade the entire site. The COS launched the new look of the website along with the RCRC in early April. The COS has received positive feedback regarding the website redesign, as well as the functionality and content of both the RCRC and the website as a whole. The TBWI website is located at It serves a uniquely valuable role as a tool to assist project managers in developing watershed projects and initiatives in the Tulare Basin. Th The TBWI COS also routinely updates the Tulare Basin Wildlife artners acebook page: (6) West Hills Integrated Resource Management (IRM) in partnership with the Westside RCD 4

5 (WRCD). The WC attended the March 20 WRCD meeting with a focus on drought response in the Los Gatos Creek/Arroyo asajero watershed (Los Gatos-Avenal sub basin of the Tulare Buena Vista Lakes Hydrologic Basin). As a result of the overarching concerns with drought and the decline in revenues to water districts that sponsor the WRCD, the development of the West Hills Resource Management lan (RM) had been delayed. However, WRCD is pursuing funding to hire a coordinator for two-to-three years to develop the watershed partnership and RM. The WC has continued working with the WRCD on the merger of WRCD and Tranquility RCD in Western resno County. Both of these RCDs include high value conservation lands including the Alkali Scrub Ecological Reserve, Mendota Wildlife Area, Arroyo asajero and several WR wetlands adjacent to the North ork of the Kings River. (7) Secure ongoing funding to continue the work of the Tulare Basin Watershed Coordinator beyond the initial three-year Department of Conservation (DOC) grant. The TBW Executive Director (ED) submitted a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the California Water oundation (CW) for continued funding for the work of the Tulare Basin WC for a thirty-six month period after the end of this DOC grant (@ $300,000). The ED and the co-wcs met with Kate Williams, CW rogram Manager on March 3 in Sacramento. Benefits to the Watershed Accrued in Quarter 12 by TBWI and artners The WC provided assistance to the Tulare Basin Wetlands Association (TBWA) and associated duck clubs related to assessments for participation in the Irrigated Lands Regulatory rogram. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is developing alternate discharge reporting requirements that will be less costly to wetland managers. This is a significant issue since the cost is based on acreage/ownership and could force landowners who voluntarily maintain wetlands to convert to income-generating cropland. The TBWI WC and team have provided a significant return on the DOC investment through the three-year Watershed Coordinator grant awarded to the TBW in In addition to the direct benefits of technical assistance in project design and implementation, grant-writing, and facilitation services, the WC and Core Team members have leveraged DOC grant dollars for specific program activities and projects through state, federal and private sources. (See Table 1, which indicates that the TBW has tripled the original $300,000 DOC investment through successful attraction of complementary funding.) rojects include acquisition of important conservation lands; watershed restoration; outreach and education to communities, elected officials, and lands use planners; and website development for information transfer. In addition, the AWC has established Tulare Basin Working Group (TBWG) sub-groups to focus on wetlands and water supply issues, cross-elevational watershed communications (which quickly evolved into the above-mentioned TBW Watershed Connections program, supported by DWR and SCE), and outreach to regional county natural resource planners and decision-makers (funded in December 2013 by the resno Regional oundation as the TBW Land Use and Natural Resource Integration/LUNRI program, now actively underway). The TBWI has been very successful throughout the grant period to date in building new partnerships. 5

6 New Tulare Basin multi-benefit projects; status since last report on new ventures : The WC assisted the WRCD with the submission of a Habitat Restoration grant under the provisions of CVIA b- 1- other in October The vision for this project is a multi-agency partnership with private landowners that will span the upper watershed to the floor of the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Its purposes will be to improve rangeland, reduce flooding and deposition of sediments (including selenium) into stream courses and wetlands, restore riparian vegetation, and enhance pollinator habitat. Although the grant application to the CVC/HR program in collaboration with the WRCD was not funded, the WRCD board and the WC plan to continue to work on the watershed program in the Los Gatos-Avenal sub basin of the Tulare-Buena Vista Lakes Basin. To support the effort, the Hollister Office of the BLM applied for drought funds through USGS to conduct a hydrologic study to inform the development of the RM for the West Hills. Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) water projects: The WC reviewed several projects for applicability to the rop 84 IRWM Drought Solicitation including Orange Cove, City of San Joaquin, Sultana and East Orosi. The TBWI OA is continuing to build relations in the communities of Alpaugh and Allensworth to provide support for the water and environmental needs in these communities. There is no update to report at this time regarding the AAA Water Exchange roject (Alpaugh, Allensworth, Angiola). TBWI continues to monitor, promote, and stay involved in the development of Tulare County s Tulare Lake Basin Disadvantaged Communities Water Study. As of May 19, final draft reports were issued for public feedback. Raising awareness about IRM and its benefits in the Tulare Basin: The WC participated on the Steering Committee for the SJV Greenprint, thereby continuing to build relationships with other Valley groups interested in pursuing watershed-based IRM. The WC participated in the water panel for the Dinkey Landscape Restoration Collaborative, providing information on the DOC Watershed rogram and the benefits to the Tulare Basin. The TBWI e-newsletters (distributed approximately every two weeks) serve as a digital means of keeping partners connected and committed to IRM in the Tulare Basin. The content of our e-newsletters has focused heavily on the drought, its affects on the watershed, and opportunities for coping with the dry conditions. The drought calls the region s attention to the need for more integrated resource management. (See the enclosed CD for Ds of the e-newsletters distributed in Quarter 12.) The TBW issued its 2013 annual report in April The report calls attention to the need for better integrated resource management, particularly in this time of drought, in an effort to find balance among water uses vying for scarce water supplies. The report also features an article about the unique character of the Tulare Lake Basin, and the importance of celebrating and protecting its ecological features. (An electronic version of the TBW annual report is provided on the CD, and also found online at: _report_final.pdf) The TBWI COS distributed the TBW March News update covering recent news and updates related to the TBWI, TBW, and partners. (Available online at 6

7 and on enclosed CD: TBW-News-Update_March2014 ) Expanding the TBWI network of partners: Dinkey Collaborative, Tulare Basin Working Group representatives of local elected officals, including Congressional staff, Boards of Supervisors. Collaborating for a healthy upper watershed: TBWI Core Team member John Shelton, CA Department of ish and Wildlife (DW) and the WC continue to participate on the Sierra Water Work Group (SWWG). We have been actively participating on the planning team for the SWWG s third annual Summit in Kings Beach, California. The Summit will be held on June and will focus on the effects of drought in the Sierra, with panel discussions focused on water rights, climate change, economic impacts, funding opportunities to address water issues and drought impacts. The Summit will provide an opportunity for the twelve sierra IRWMs to provide updates on their activities. Watershed Connections: As mentioned previously, the AWC coordinated a Watershed Connections meeting on ebruary 25, 2014 to discuss improving communication and collaboration among upper watershed managers and foothill and valley water consumers in the Tulare Basin. The AWC is working with Michelle Selmon/DWR Climate Change Specialist, and representatives from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National ark Service, Sequoia National orest, Tulare Basin IRWM groups, the Association for California Water Agencies, and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to improve watershed-level planning and project development. Meeting proceeding can be found at: The AWC is now working with CC facilitator, Rich Wilson, to coordinate a one-day workshop on June 10, 2104 to build upon the work started at the ebruary 25 meeting. The workshop will emphasize regional collaboration for local water security and sustainability. Tulare Basin Working Group (TBWG): The Spring TBWG meeting and tour was held on May 1, The meeting focused on the effect the drought is having on Tulare Basin wetlands and associated species. Tour stops included the privately owned and managed Burbank Land Club and the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Meeting highlights included a perspective by Congressman Costa s District Director Ian LeMay on federal, drought-related water legislation. (hotos of the meeting can be found on the enclosed CD; meeting proceedings, including agenda, minutes, and relevant publications can be found on the TBW website at: San Joaquin Valley Recovery Team (SJVRT): Several members of the TBWI Core Team continue to participate on the SJVRT to develop a GIS map that will evaluate the protection needs of gap recovery areas and habitat linkages identified in the Recovery lan. SJVRT and TBWI Core Team members are also coordinating with the GIS team from the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint to ensure that the two mapping efforts are complementary. An update was provided at the TBWG meeting on May1 at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. Completed performance measures (Ms) as listed in work plan. Identify the completed Ms for this quarter. 7

8 Watershed Goal: The goal of the Tulare-Buena Vista Lakes Watershed Coordinator is to create a healthy regional watershed with ecologically functional waterways, wetlands and uplands, providing abundant clean water for both people and wildlife. The Watershed Coordinator (WC) will cooperate with the seven Tulare Basin IRWM groups and with the Tulare Basin Working Group (TBWG) to promote integrated natural resource management in the Tulare Basin Watershed (in resno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties). Work lan Objective #1: Identify environmental benefits that can be added to specific IRWM water projects, adding environmental value and enhancing funding opportunities for these projects, as well as providing the following end result benefit to the watershed: conceptualization and implementation of projects emanating from relevant conservation plans that provide strategically located wetland, riparian and upland wildlife habitat. erformance Measurement: acilitate the development and implementation of up to 14 environmental projects from TBW and public agency planning documents that can add environmental value to IRWM projects. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: The WC and TBWI Core Team members attended meetings of the six active Tulare Basin IRWM groups and attended monthly meetings of the Tulare Basin IRWM Collaboration Group (TB IRWMG). (Task 1.2) The WC also served as a communication conduit between the Southern Sierra RWMG and the Kings Basin Water Association (KBWA). (Task 1.2) Work lan Objective #2: Match IRWM and other projects that have environmental benefits to grant opportunities and work to bring state, federal, and private resources to facilitate the funding of these projects, with the end result benefit to the watershed of increased fundability of IRWM water projects as well as providing additional valuable habitat for wetland, riparian, and upland wildlife species through these integrated projects. erformance Measurement: acilitate the preparation by IRWM cooperators of funding proposals that add environmental benefits to IRWM projects. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: 8

9 TBWI Team members explored and shared a variety of grant opportunities, including potential funding from National ish and Wildlife oundation, roposition 1E, Local Groundwater Assistance (LGA), the mental rotection Agency (EA) and private foundations. Relevant grant opportunities and deadlines are posted on the TBWI website and sent out in e-newsletters to a mailing list of 224 subscribers (IRWM and TBWG partners). (Task 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) The TBWI team collects and disseminates grant opportunities for watershed projects to other team members and partners through our monthly e-newsletters. Grant opportunities are updated on the TBWI Grant Opportunities page as soon as they are received. The COS and OA assemble this list from listings such as the San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center at resno State, ACWA, DWR, and other sources. (Tasks 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) Work lan Objective #3: Coordinate with Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) and the San Joaquin Valley Resource Conservation & Development (RC & D) Council as well as with other conservation and civic organizations not currently represented in IRWM groups to promote consideration of resources other than water (e.g. soil, air, open space, recreation, and wildlife) in IRWM projects; the end result benefit of this objective will be increased public involvement that will lead in turn to increased benefits from the IRWM water projects for a wider array of the public, enhancing the regional agricultural heritage, economy, and quality of life. erformance Measurement: acilitate development and implementation of up to 12 IRWM projects that integrate benefits to soil, air, open space, recreation, wildlife and other resources. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: The WC participated on the SJV Greenprint Steering committee under its hase 1 grant funded by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC). (Task 3.2, 3.3) The WC participated in meetings of the San Joaquin Valley Committee for Sustainable Conservation, an umbrella group of nonprofit organizations working with agricultural interests on regional solutions to improve water supply and water quality in the San Joaquin Valley. (Tasks 3.2, 3.3) The WC continued collaboration with the San Joaquin River Stewardship Council, Tree resno, and Urban Tree oundation to develop community-building projects involving natural resources such as tree plantings and environmental education events. (Tasks 3.2, 3.3) Work lan Objective #4: Coordinate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist implementation of Wetland Reserve rogram (WR) and other NRCS programs; the end result benefit of this objective to the watershed will be additional wetland and riparian projects funded by NRCS and increased acreage of these essential wildlife habitats. erformance Measurement: Identification and implementation of up to 12 WR and other NRCS program projects in conjunction with IRWM projects. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: 9

10 The NRCS Southern WR Implementation Team Leader participated on the TBWI Core Team and routinely provided guidance on NRCS programs and outreach opportunities. (Tasks 4.1, 4.2, 4.3) The WC and TBWI Core Team continued to place a strong focus on the tasks of identifying water and funding sources for water for Wetland Reserve rogram (WR) lands in the Tulare Basin that do not currently have water. (Task 4.2) The NRCS resno Office collaborated with the TBWI and WRCD on the Arroyo asajero project in western resno County submitted to BOR for CVC grant funding. (Task 4.2) Work lan Objective #5: Coordinate with disadvantaged community interests to identify specific overlap between those interests and environmental interests and work to integrate both components into specific IRWM water projects; the end result benefit of this objective is that IRWM water projects will demonstrate increased synergy between wildlife needs and open space needs of people living in disadvantaged communities. erformance Measurement: acilitate the integration of up to six projects that provide environmental benefits for disadvantaged communities in IRWM water projects. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: The WC participated in the Tulare Basin-wide boundary workgroup to determine methods to include all the DACs into IRWM boundaries to enhance their consideration for IRWM implementation grants. (Tasks 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) The WC participated in the Kings Basin IRWM boundary and DAC workgroup meeting in late ebruary (Tasks 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) As mentioned previously, the TBWI launched the RCRC, a new section on the TBWI website dedicated to serving the needs of DACs and targeted to Community Services Districts and other DAC governance entities or nonprofits that have the authority to develop projects in rural communities for watershed-improvement activities. acific Gas and Electric Company granted the TBWI $5,000 in August 2013 to conduct this work. (Note: As the TB IRWM and TB DAC groups are well aware, there is great potential for DACs to benefit from the State IRWM program, which incentivizes projects that include solutions to DAC water supply and quality problems.) (Tasks 5.2, 5.3) Work lan Objective #6: rovide riparian and wildlife corridor concepts to assist IRWM groups with integration of climate change adaptation and sustainability strategies into specific IRWM water projects; the end result benefit to the watershed is that IRWM water projects will include climate change adaptation and sustainability benefits that will provide movement corridors for plants and animals and fewer species will be extirpated from portions of their ranges and listed an threatened or endangered. erformance Measurement: Integrate up to 12 TBW corridor project concepts or project components with climate change adaptation and sustainability benefits into specific IRWM water projects. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: The AWC convened a group of upper watershed managers, lower watershed resource managers/stakeholders and researchers and scientists on ebruary 25, 2014 to initiate 10

11 watershed-level planning and problem-solving through a process based on sound science and social need. Meeting agenda, minutes, and supplemental materials are posted at (Task 6.1) West Hills Resource Management lanning is underway with the WRCD to address climate change and integrated resource management in Western resno County (see Work lan Objective #3 above). (Task 6.1) The newly redesigned TBW website ( hosts its four conservation plans, including the Tulare Basin Riparian and Wildlife Corridor Conservation Report, which identifies sixteen key corridors connecting conservation areas and surrounding landscapes. (Task 6.1) Work lan Objective #7: Ensure stakeholder support of the Watershed Coordinator s efforts through twelve-month reports by the Watershed Coordinator to the Tulare Basin IRWM Coordination Group (TB IRWMG, composed of lead representatives of the seven Tulare Basin IRWM groups) and to the Tulare Basin Working Group (TBWG), soliciting evaluation and consensus recommendations concerning the optimal organizational and funding basis for continuing the position beyond March 2014; the end result benefit to the watershed of this objective will be achievement of stakeholder consensus on the value of continuing the position, with post-grant optimal organizational platform agreed upon, and the need for funding continuity and long-term sustainability agreed upon. erformance Measurement: Completed twelve-month reports by the WC and performance evaluations by the TB IRWMG and TBWG, with summary reports (including summaries of reports to DOC) posted on the TBW website. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: The TBWI team designed and distributed an online survey on ebruary 14 to request TBWI partners and stakeholders evaluations of TBWI activities and accomplishments throughout the three-year DOC grant period. About 50% of respondents indicated that there is great opportunity in the region for 1) habitat restoration, 2) groundwater replenishment, 3) improving drinking water conditions, and 4) improving coordination between upper and lower watershed managers and consumers. Read more about the results from the survey here: The WC and TBWI Core Team members participated regularly in the seven IRWM group meetings and sub-committees, presented information on TBWI progress and plans, made useful contributions and received helpful feedback. (Tasks 7.1, 7.2, 7.3) Work lan Objective #8: Coordinate with the TBW, TB IRWMG, TBWG participants and other interested parties to secure funding for the continuation and sustainability of the position after the end of the grant; the end result benefit to the watershed will be continued integration of environmental components in water and flood control projects in the Tulare Basin. erformance Measurement: Secure a minimum commitment of funds for two additional years, with a long-term funding strategy for ten years or more. Completed measures and outcomes addressed: 11

12 The WC attended meetings with R, SGC, Conservation Strategy Group and others regarding continuation of funding for the WC beyond the May 18, 2014 DOC grant end date. (Task 8.1) In late April, the DOC extended the Tulare Basin Watershed Coordinator grant for an additional six months, through November 18, The focus under the extension will be on-the-ground project implementation under DOC-approved drought response work plans. (Task 8.1) Dave Clendenen, Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting (VNLC) has joined the TBWI team as Co-share WC under the extension. (Task 8.1) The co-wcs and the TBW Executive Director (ED) met with Kate Williams, rogram Manager of the California Water oundation (CW) on March 3, 2014 at the Resources Legacy oundation office in Sacramento. The TBW ED and the co-wcs provided a presentation on the goals and objectives of the next phase of the TBWI with specific emphasis on regional watershed ecosystem restoration projects to enhance regional selfsufficiency and climate change adaptation capacity during conditions of drought, flood, or normal times. (Task 8.1) 3. New funding obtained from the Grant Start Date through this reporting period Grant proposals submitted to date: 12

13 Table 1: Grant proposals submitted throughout the grant rogram Name Lawrence oundation undi ng Entit y & Type unding Source General NRCS WR WS Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) Heller Charitable oundation BLM- Bakersfield Regional Office acific Gas and Electric Company (G&E) resno Regional oundation Wick Kenny oundation Southern Cal Edison (SCE) Heller Charitable oundation Constellation Energy Eco State NW/Wells argo Mig. Bird rog. ment & Heatlh Healthy Lands Initiativ e resno Office Gov t Rel.s ment program Watersh ed ment ment & Health ment Healthy Commu nities NRCS WR G&E resno Gov t Rel.s urpose Requested Amount Status Award Amount Cash match support for WC operating costs funds Assistant WC functions in 2012 operating costs, TBWI updated brochure Wetland Tour vans WC operating expenses TBWI Web site, communications/out reach (TBW-BLM Coop Agr mnt increase) WC operating expenses TBWI Web site, COS functions WC operating expenses WC operating expenses TBWI website COS functions re-proposal for TBWI Website funds Assistant WC functions in 2013 COS functions $10,000 $27,500 $1, $ N N/A $27,500 $1, $ Award Date N/A 8/12/11 8/16/11 3/30/12 $12,870 N N/A N/A $27,000 $3,000 $7,700 N $27,000 $3,000 N/A 8/17/11 7/21/11 N/A $5,000 $5,000 1/5/12 $5,000 $2,500 1/12/12 $23,000 N N/A N/A $5,000 N $5,000 N/A $45,000 N N/A N/A $27,500 $27,500 8/8/12 $5,000 $5,000 8/11/12 13

14 S.D. Bechtel und ment & Water rogra m BOR CVC BOR CVC resno Regional oundation Kenney Brothers oundation Heller oundation Roll Global Request G&E Southern Cal Edison (SCE) BLM BLM Carole Combs NRCS Contrib Agreement CW ment Watersh ed ment & Health General resno Gov t Rel.s Edison Int l Coop, agr mnt Coop agr mnt Amd #1 CA WR Donation Watershed TBWI website upgrades and maintenance Acquisition for ixley NWR, SW Tulare Co Watershed ocus Area Additions funds for ixley NWR Acquisition DAC Roundtable support Cash match support for WC operating expenses TBWI Interactive Mapping $62,000 $885,100 $448,000 (initial funding) 5/5/13 NA $200,000 9/15/13 $15,000 N NA NA $5,000 $5,000 12/12 $23,000; N NA NA TBWI general supports $5,000 N NA NA Cash match, COS functions in support of TBWI/DAC Collaborating for Sustainable Solutions in Rural Communities rogram riends of Atwell Island roject Transition of Atwell Island Land retirement project TBW/TBWI brochure reprint DOC TBWI match Jan May 2014 TBWI/WC June 2014 May 2017; updated ebruary 2014: WC Co-Share July 14 June 15; LOI update pending for WC/Watershed Connections June 2014 (Jan. 15- June 15 re: IRWM Round 3, $$TBD) $5,000 $5,000 6/4/13 $10,000 $10,000 8/12/13 $80,000 $27,000 6/28/13 $36,000 $36,000 11/25/13 $1,095 $1,095 4/11/13 $18,000 N NA NA ($300,000) $138,600 (TBD) 14

15 resno Regional oundation ment BOR CVC WRCD General William and lora Hewlett oundation Western Conservation rogram Heller Charitable oundation General ment LUNRI program $19,000 $19,000 12/17/13 Westhills RM, Restoration W. resno Co. Stream Groups CARCD conference registration & lodging General TBWI Support LUNRI program $17,500 $197,500 N NA NA $ $ /13-16/13 $60,000 N NA NA N NA NA CA DOC S Watershed Drought Extension 5/19-11/18, 2014 $49, /8/14 Cumulative Total $1,784, $906,

16 a. New non-grant funding obtained to date. Table 2: New non-grant funding obtained throughout the grant rogram Name WS CVJV RollGiving 1% for the lanet/rollgiving TWS SJV Chapter Scott Vasquez Kings-Tulare CC resno-madera CC William Loudermilk, Conservation Solutions unding Entity & Type Grant Agr mnt Mod. Employee contrib Employee contrib Contrib Contrib unding Source Migratory Bird rogram Olsen/aramount arms; MG urpose unded Conservation Strategy Group Consulting September August 2012, assisted WC and Core Team with funding and project implementation strategies Amount Received Date Receiv ed $36,000 8/11/11 General Support $300 12/12 Donation General Support $400 1/13 Donation Donation Employee Contrib Employee Contrib TBW Advisor General Support General Support General Support General Support General Support $250 $25 $122.98, $69.04 $56.48 $25.11 $ $1, $ $ /13 4/7/14 10/12, 2/4/13 6/26/13 4/13 7/18/13 10/5/12 7/3/13 11/27/13 David Mitchell TBW BOD General Support $ /18/13 Richard Moss TBW BOD General Support $ /17/13 Thomas Stanton TBW BOD General Support $ /27/13 resno-madera CC Kings -Tulare CC Employee Contrib Employee Contrib General Support General Support $ $ $24.82 $55.23 $71.13 $ /28/13 2/7/14 4/7/14 10/31/13 2/7/14 5/5/14 Cumulative Total $ 38, inal copies of outreach materials and other products created during the reporting period. hotos submitted in digital format on CD. The CD enclosed with the original copy of this Report includes: Screen shots of new TBWI website Rural Communities Resource Center ( TBWI e-newsletters for ebruary, March, and April (D) TBW 2014 Annual Report 16

17 TBW March 2014 News Update TBWG May 1, 2014 meeting photos The TBWI website is available at: 5. If applicable, describe any problems or setbacks related to the implementation of the grant or the work plan. On ebruary 14-16, 2014 a team of agency and non-profit organization biologists reviewed deep disking that had occurred at the site of previous pristine Guernsey Valley Sink/Saltgrass Grassland -- on five parcels (1,840 acres) south of Kansas Avenue in Kings County. The TBW had included these parcels in its 2010 Riparian and Wildlife Corridor Conservation lan for DW/WCB recommending high priority action; the project area is included in the TBW Conceptual rojects List (updated October 2013, posted on the TBW website) under the Kansas Avenue-Guernsey Wildlife Corridor description, which states that the total 3,765-acre project area is highly fragmented, requiring significant restoration on adjacent farmed lands to link the fragments and... encompasses some of the highest quality upland habitat in the Tulare Basin. Such habitat destruction can happen wherever a landowner wishes, in effect, as no regulations are in place to prevent it. We presume that the landowner intends to rely on groundwater (highly problematic) for nut trees. As a result of drought conditions, CVIA Level 4 zero delivery and greatly diminished Level 2 water delivery, the Kern National Wildlife Refuge expects a serious decline in wetland habitat during the coming months. Tulare Basin duck clubs and wetland areas protected and restored by Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl Association are struggling to identify solutions for new water in order to avoid the use of precious groundwater resources -- to keep some portion of the wetland habitat they manage in reasonable condition. A significant number of Tulare Basin water districts are engaged in in-fighting over water rights rather than adapting to drought conditions and collaborating. The TBW-TBWI views the drought as a challenge and opportunity. We are attempting to facilitate short and long-term solutions that align with the California Water Action lan. 6. One hard copy and one electronic copy (in MS Word; no D files) of this Quarter 12/ annual report submitted to Kevin eth, DOC Grant Administrator, May 28,