Benefit Objective. The Program will improve groundwater levels adjacent to the Cosumnes River through the in- lieu recharge of groundwater levels from the delivery of recycled water, which in turn will improve Cosumnes River streamflow rates and volumes. This additional flow is anticipated to provide an improvement in the annual average days with flows above 20 cfs at Twin Cities Road (connectivity flow days). The improved connectivity flow days will be beneficial for anadromous Chinook salmon and provide improved habitat for native resident fish and other aquatic organisms. Flows (and volumes) will be improved by an annual average of approximately 13,000 Acre Feet (AF) above modeled future baseline conditions at Twin Cities Road.
Benefit Objective. The Program’s in-lieu groundwater recharge has the potential to increase both the quantity and quality of groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDE) including wetlands and riparian habitat throughout the Program’s Groundwater Benefit Area. Plant species native to these GDEs are dependent on the presence of shallow groundwater to support mature vegetation and seedling establishment. The Program will enhance a total of 2,633 acres of passive wetlands and riparian habitat, supported by increased groundwater levels within at least 10 feet below ground surface (bgs) on managed and unmanaged lands within the Program Area.
Benefit Objective. The Sacramento-San Xxxxxxx Delta (Delta), including the lower Cosumnes River floodplain, is a very important region for wintering Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis). The Sandhill crane is listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act primarily because of limited habitat availability. The objective of the Sandhill crane habitat benefit is to increase the acreage of available habitat (roosting and foraging) for Sandhill cranes within the Delta. The Program will provide an annual average of 3,500 acres of additional Sandhill crane habitat within the Program’s Water Delivery Area, with a minimum of 2,500 acres each year for the Term of the Contract. Habitat will be provided by the Program through collaborative landowner management and an annual average wintertime application of 8,750 acre-feet of recycled water.
Benefit Objective. Wetlands are an important facet of California’s Central Valley for an abundance of native species including breeding waterfowl, the federally and state-listed giant garter snake, and an array of plant species that depend on this type of habitat. The Program’s recycled water delivery has the potential to increase both the quantity and quality of wetlands throughout the Program Area. The Program will create, restore, or enhance a total of 1,300 acres of active wetland habitat within the Program Area through increased groundwater levels of 10 feet bgs or higher (shallower) or through delivery of recycled water for the Program life, management via landowner agreement, and protection via long-term agreements that are agreed upon by the Department and Regional San, easement, or fee title. All active wetland acres enrolled in the Program will have associated parcel-specific management plans that include details of improvements needed to implement management objectives. These management plans will be either internal or external agreements or contracts, prescribing agreed upon terms for the management of acres enrolled under the active wetland benefit. Management strategies will include delivery of recycled water for acres outside of the Program’s Groundwater Benefit Area and land management activities such as invasive weed control, plantings, and/or protection from herbivory.
Benefit Objective. Over 90% of riparian ecosystems in the Central Valley have been lost or modified. These ecosystems provide tremendous value in many forms such as providing habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species, flood control, and water quality improvements. The Program’s in-lieu groundwater recharge and active recycled water delivery, coupled with active land management practices, has the potential to increase both the quantity and quality of riparian forests throughout the Program Area. The Program will create, enhance, or restore a total of 500 acres of riparian habitat that are supported by increased groundwater elevations to 10 feet bgs or higher (shallower) and/or by direct water delivery, as needed, to vegetation for the Term of the Contract or until groundwater is within 10 feet bgs and supportive of native vegetation. In addition, these acres will receive active land management strategies, and will be protected through a conservation easement or equivalent that is approved by the Department. All active riparian acres enrolled in the Program will have associated parcel-specific management plans, that include details of improvements needed to implement management objectives. These management plans will be either internal or external agreements or contracts that prescribe agreed upon terms for the management of acres enrolled under the active riparian benefit. Management strategies may include delivery of recycled water and land management activities including weed control, plantings, and protection from herbivory.
Benefit Objective. California’s vernal pool complexes are considered an endangered ecosystem as a result of land conversion and development. The objective of the vernal pool complex benefit is to permanently protect and enhance 353 acres of vernal pool complex habitat and maintain habitat functionality through targeted land management activities. Specifically, the Program intends to influence vernal pool complex habitat through the management of annual grasses using grazing strategies.
