Additional News Links
CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- September 2007
WATER POLICY NEWS FLASH: URGENT DEADLINE - YOUR COMMENTS NEEDED ON "DELTA VISION" DRAFT
On September 12, 2007, the Blue Ribbon Task Force’s staff posted for public review the first discussion draft of a Delta Vision. This draft will be considered by the Task Force at its next meeting on September 20-21, 2007. Over the next week, stakeholders are invited to review the draft and provide written comment to Delta Vision staff. The Vision draft can be viewed at http://www.deltavision.ca.gov/. Instructions on submitting comments are posted at that website.
In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-17-06 that establishes the cabinet-level Delta Vision Committee Chaired by Secretary of Resources, Michael Chrisman. The Committee oversees the work of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, also established by the Executive Order, whose charge it is to develop a vision by January 1, 2008 for the sustainable management of a durable Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. By the end of 2008, the Task Force is directed to submit to the Committee for approval and transmittal to the Governor, a long-range strategic plan for the Delta that is based on this vision.
The Governor asked that the vision and subsequent plan be comprehensive in nature, addressing not only water and environmental issues, but also transportation, land use and agriculture, local and state economies and others. The Delta Vision will affect agriculture, both in-Delta and throughout the state. For that reason, I sit on the Delta Vision Committee. In addition, a 43-member Delta Vision Stakeholders Coordinating Group was appointed to advise the Task Force. This Group includes several in-Delta agricultural representatives as well as agricultural water districts that rely on Delta water.
There will be other opportunities to review and comment on subsequent iterations of the Delta Vision. I encourage you to review the Delta Vision website and participate as opportunities are made available. In the meantime, Ken Trott is representing the Department of Food and Agriculture on the Delta Vision staff team and can be reached at (916) 651-9445.
As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
A.G. Kawamura
Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433