Yiguo Liang

The meeting, which was a workshop, opened with general remarks emphasizing gratitude and resilience despite constrained resources. Public comments were addressed first, focusing on Contract 3B concerning the Lower American River erosion control. A speaker urged the Board to hold a workshop before April 2025 to discuss design features and alternatives to mitigate harm to riparian forest and Heritage Oaks planned for removal starting in Fall 2025. Updates were provided by the Administrative Services division, covering the status of annual appraisals, upcoming annual recognition awards, budget and contract statuses, and human resources data, including recruitment challenges and internal promotions. The Chief Engineer introduced the two branches of the engineering division: Operations and Flood System Improvement, outlining their respective focuses.

The meeting commenced with establishing attendance and quorum. Executive Officer Chris Leaf announced two staff departures: Zach Ramsey of the inspection section, who is moving to a promotional opportunity with DWR, and Bonnie Irving, the tribal liaison, whose last day will be November 20th. The agenda overview included minutes approval, consent items (including approval of the strategic plan and two permits for project work), public comment, a legislative update, reports from the US Army Corps of Engineers, and board items. During public comment, a stakeholder expressed concerns regarding communication processes, the delayed issuance of vegetation management guidelines mandated in 2014, and the current design adherence to rock structures over bio-engineering alternatives for a river section. The stakeholder also requested prompt board action to approve a tolling agreement to suspend litigation deadlines while seeking cooperative resolution on high maintenance area assessments. A board member raised concerns regarding potential impacts from FEMA program dissolution and the state's mobilization efforts in response to the uncertain federal landscape.

The Central Valley Flood Protection Board's Strategic Plan 2025 aims to provide exceptional leadership, services, and accountability in flood risk reduction to mitigate catastrophic flooding in the California Central Valley. The plan is structured around three core goals: preserving and enhancing the integrity and function of flood risk reduction systems, supporting effective planning and implementation of multi-benefit projects and regional actions, and fostering collaborative partnerships to advance flood risk reduction initiatives. Key strategies include coordinating with the USACE, maintaining existing State Plan of Flood Control facilities, regulating new facilities, managing state lands, promoting transparency, and integrating ecosystem enhancement projects.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the establishment of State Maintenance Area 20 in Yuba County, amendments to agreements for transferring excess credits from the Sutter Basin to the San Joaquin River Basin, and the affirmation of a Cease and Desist Order for Enforcement Case No. 2025-15719. The board also adopted Resolution 2025-06, declaring October 18-25, 2025, as Flood Preparedness Week. Additionally, there were updates on pertinent state legislation, federal news, and staff activities.

The strategic plan for the Central Valley Flood Protection Board outlines its vision to provide exceptional leadership, services, and accountability in flood risk reduction, with a mission to mitigate catastrophic flooding risks to people and property in the California Central Valley. The plan is structured around three core goals: preserving and enhancing the integrity and function of flood risk reduction systems, supporting effective planning and implementation of multi-benefit flood risk reduction projects, and promoting collaborative partnerships to advance flood risk reduction efforts.