Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Regional Conservation Investment Strategy
DWR’s Delta Levees Program is developing a Regional Conservation Investment Strategy (RCIS) for the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta (Delta). The proposed Delta RCIS would provide a roadmap for conservation actions, integrating existing regional conservation priorities and strategies to help guide investments and infrastructure planning and advance mitigation opportunities in the Delta.
This RCIS will recommend and prioritize conservation actions to address concerns such as flood damage from sea level rise, more frequent and severe storms, and climate change in the region. It will specifically address the four habitat types regulated by California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Delta Levees Program: riparian forest, scrub-shrub, shaded riverine aquatic, and freshwater marsh (Water Code Sections 12314 and 12987). Additionally, the proposed RCIS will evaluate focal and non-focal species as well as other key conservation elements identified with input from a Steering Committee. Focal species are sensitive species identified and analyzed within an RCIS that will benefit from conservation actions and/or habitat enhancement actions set forth in the RCIS. Non-focal species are species that are associated with a focal species or other conservation element in an RCIS due to shared ecological needs and requirements and could benefit from implementation of conservation actions and or habitat enhancement actions for the associated focal species or other conservation element.
The goals of the Delta RCIS are:
- Identify high-priority areas for habitat restoration, such as wetlands and floodplains, and recommend restoration techniques and enhancement projects.
- Apply science-based approaches to conservation by using data and analysis to guide decision making.
- Safeguard ecosystems and wildlife against climate change by identifying conservation actions that increase the region’s resilience.
- Foster collaborative conservation efforts by engaging with local interested parties including conservation nonprofits, landowners, California Native American Tribes, local governments, and the general public.
Public input will be integral to the development of the Delta RCIS. You can find opportunities to engage and provide feedback by checking the Events page.
Contact Us to get involved in the Delta RCIS
The Delta RCIS is being drafted, and your input is invaluable to the process. Contact us to see how you can get involved!
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