Erik Gustafson

This document outlines the North Sacramento River Corridor Interbasin Coordination (NSRC IBC) Framework Update, detailing a 5-Year Implementation Update with priorities for advancing five collaborative pillars through 2032. The primary focus is on developing a coordinated regional approach to Interconnected Surface Waters (ISW) to address DWR's Recommended Corrective Actions, ensuring SGMA compliance, and promoting regional collaboration. The framework encompasses information sharing, joint analysis and evaluation, coordination on mutually beneficial activities, coordinated communication and engagement, and an issue resolution process, aiming to provide better information, lower costs, and preserve local authority for the participating subbasins.

The Stakeholder Advisory Committee discussed several topics related to groundwater management. Presentations included a recap of the Recharge Feasibility Analysis, updates on the timeline for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Periodic Evaluation and Plan Amendments, and an overview of the North Sacramento River Corridor Interbasin Coordination Framework and interconnected surface water initiative. Additionally, the committee reviewed a strawman proposal for the Groundwater Level Sustainability Indicator, including discussions on the Representative Monitoring Site network and analysis of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems, and received updates from the GSA Program Manager.

The joint board meeting covered several key topics, including a recharge feasibility analysis project recap, an update on the Vina Groundwater Sustainability Plan Periodic Evaluation, and the consideration of amendments to the Land Subsidence Sustainable Management Criteria in response to Department of Water Resources corrective actions. Additionally, the boards addressed groundwater sustainability fees, the fiscal year 2026-27 annual operations budget, and the certification of legal processes for property tax roll assessments. Other agenda items included the formation of an ad hoc nomination committee for a board vacancy and a conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation.

The committee will review and provide recommendations regarding amendments to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan concerning land subsidence management criteria and the approach for addressing interconnected surface water. Additionally, the agenda includes an update on the timeline for the Periodic Evaluation and a report from the Program Manager covering water well ordinance updates and interbasin coordination.

The meeting included an update on the status and timeline for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Periodic Evaluation, a review of SGM grant-funded projects, and a discussion regarding the development of a Well Mitigation Program in the Vina Subbasin. The committee made recommendations to the Board regarding the structure of the Well Mitigation Program and funding for its development in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the Program Manager provided updates on the proposed budget and fees, requests for proposals for implementation support, and a vacancy for a stakeholder representative.