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The slender-horned spineflower is an endangered plant being re-established and protected as a part of the Wash Plan HCP. (Photo by Mike Romich)
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Field tours bring wildlife partner agencies to continue progress
Several wildlife agency partners accompanied District staff on various field tours of the wash to learn more about the progress being made on the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan, and to view critical areas covered by upcoming permit applications. The Wash Plan is a collaborative, integrated, and fiscally sound approach to land use that ensures improved capture and storage of water from rivers and streams; establishes habitat for sensitive, threatened, or endangered species; designates disturbed land areas for mining operations that support local jobs; and provides space for roads, trails and other public benefits. Agencies participating in the tours included the Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Collaborative committee to enhance water storage and habitat
The San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District recently agreed to draw from the best of both districts to promote a brighter future for groundwater storage and protection of threatened species in the region. As a part of that collaboration, a new Partnership Agreement Policy Committee has been formed to review and advise District staff on a variety of new items, including: the use of conservation easements to offset environmental impacts of enhancing groundwater recharge and storage; funding to build new recharge projects and to support the management of habitat mitigation land; and the development of plans for projects that will improve on local water storage in the future.
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Mining operations in the wash have exceeded minimum requirements, boosting funds for use in land management planning, habitat and more.
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Mining surplus boosts funds for land management, habitat
Mining operations this year brought higher than expected revenue to the Land Resources Enterprise Fund, which supports land management, planning, habitat, Wash Plan needs and other costs associated with lands held by the District. The District has negotiated its mining leases to guarantee a minimum amount of revenue each year, regardless of production. This year, production exceeded that minimum guarantee, resulting in added revenue and large stockpiles for ongoing projects.
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District hires in-house counsel
Longtime legal adviser David B. Cosgrove has been hired to serve as in-house counsel to the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and the San Bernardino Valley Conservation Trust. Cosgrove has spent an impressive legal career specializing in water law and land use issues for several cities and water agencies. His areas of expertise include groundwater adjudication issues, compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, endangered species and general public entity issues.
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Newsom: Statewide water restrictions possible in September
Californians could soon face mandatory statewide water restrictions — but likely not until the end of September, Gov. Gavin Newsom said recently. The timing suggests the governor may be trying to avoid unpopular mandates before the Sept. 14 recall election — but California’s devastating drought and ever-expanding fire season have their own schedules.
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'Water supply alert' issued for Southern California
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