Important dates and fun events are on the horizon...

This bulletin was sent at 04/19/2022 06:00 AM PDT

Delta Happenings

Your Weekly Delta Updates

In this issue...

Volunteer for the Delta Protection Advisory Committee
Apply for the Commission's Executive Director position
Celebrate Opening Day on the Delta at the San Joaquin Yacht Club
Fill out the Delta Island Adaptations Public Survey
Have FUN at a beloved Delta event - the Asparagus Festival
Boaters, don't forget to get your Mussel Fee Sticker from DMV
Weekly Harmful Algal Bloom Report
Delta Photo of the Week

Join the Delta Protection Advisory Committee

The Delta Protection Commission is advised by a Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC), a 15 member volunteer body consisting of representatives of diverse interests within the Delta. Members are appointed by the Commission to a 3-year term and may be re-appointed. DPAC generally meets 5-6 times a year. Currently, meetings are held virtually via Zoom but may resume in Walnut Grove as COVID-19 protocols are lifted. The Commission strives for diversity in representation on DPAC, including geographic diversity throughout the entire Delta region.

We are seeking applications from individuals to serve on DPAC representing the following categories:

Delta Business (3-year term)
Delta Agriculture (1-year term)
Delta Conservation/Habitat NGO (3-year term)
Delta General Public (3-year term)
Delta Water Exporter (3-year term)
Delta Flood Entity (3-year term)

The DPAC application form (PDF) is available. For more information on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee, please see the DPAC Charter (PDF).

Applications are due by close of business on April 22, 2022. The Commission is anticipated to consider the appointments at its May 19, 2022 meeting.

Download the DPAC Application Form (PDF)

The Commission is Seeking an Executive Director

The final filing date is Friday, April 29

Our Executive Director, Erik Vink, is retiring from the Delta Protection Commission. He will be wrapping up his work this summer and supporting the transition to a new Executive Director. Are you looking to make a difference in the Delta? The job application period is now open!

Under policy direction from the Delta Protection Commission, the Executive Director plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Commission staff as directed by the Legislature and the Governor under the Delta Protection Act of 1992 (Public Resources Code Section 29760 et. seq.). The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Commission. The Commission is comprised of 15 members, including five county supervisors from the Delta region, three city council members from the Delta region, three reclamation districts trustees from the Delta region, and four state agency representatives. The Commission’s primary role is to advise the Delta Stewardship Council on protecting and enhancing the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place (also referred to as “Delta as Place”). The Commission also implements the Land Use and Resource Management Plan (Management Plan) and Economic Sustainability Plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to assure compliance as intended by the Act. The goals of the Management Plan are to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore the overall quality of the Delta environment. This charge includes assuring the goals of the Management Plan for the Primary Zone and the monitoring of activities in the Secondary Zone are fulfilled.

Learn more about the Delta Protection Commission.

For information about the job duties, salary, application process, and more, visit the Job Posting on the CalCareers website.

Apply for the Executive Director Position Online

Opening Day on the Delta at the San Joaquin Yacht Club

Saturday, April 23
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

San Joaquin Yacht Club
550 Riverview Pl., Bethel Island, CA 94511

It’s opening day, and it’s sure to be a party with a Mardi Gras theme! Enjoy the parade and competition for best decorated boat with a cash prize. All floating craft are welcome! Arrive early to register or just be there by noon to enjoy the parade. Viewing locations include the Rusty Porthole, Sugar Barge, and San Joaquin Yacht Club. Dinner and awards will start at 5:00 PM.

Get All the Details for the Opening Day Event

Map showing four Delta Islands: Webb Tract, Holland Tract, Bouldin Island, and Bacon Island

Delta Island Adaptations Public Survey

Survey closes the end of April

The goal of the Delta Islands Adaptation (DIA) Project is to improve the resilience and sustainability, by the most cost-effective means, of the islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta owned by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The four islands considered in the study include Webb Tract, Bouldin Island, Bacon Island, and Holland Tract. The DIA survey is for public input on the project objectives and opportunities.

Visit the DIA project page to learn more.

Fill out the DIA Survey

San Joaquin Asparagus Festival

Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8
1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton

Enjoy the Delta’s finest foods in the Asparagus Festival! Not only will asparagus be the star, but this year will also feature potatoes! Enjoy several food vendors from asparagus ice cream to artisan goods. Alongside food are the carnival, scholarship pageant, and more!

See information on the Asparagus Festival

Invasive mussels species compared to the size of a dime

Change in Boating Mussel Fee Stickers

Delta Boater alert! Many Delta boaters may be unaware that the process for purchasing a boating Mussel Fee Sticker has changed. Now boaters will need to purchase their sticker separate from vessel registration. You can buy the sticker from DMV online or at a DMV field office. According to the Division of Boating and Waterways FAQ page, law enforcement may cite a freshwater boater operating a vessel without the sticker.

Quagga and zebra mussels pose serious risks and costs to recreational boat owners. The mussels can block a boat’s engine and cause overheating, increase the drag on the bottom of a boat, and/or jam a boat’s steering equipment. These invasive freshwater mussels also threaten aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, and the environment in general. The fee provides funding for infestation prevention and education efforts for quagga and zebra mussel prevention programs.

View the Mussel Fee Sticker FAQ

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Weekly Report

There are currently no "Danger" or "Caution" level advisories in the Delta.

This information may change after the release of this notice. To check for the most updated information including other alert levels in the Delta, visit the HAB Incident Reports Map.

View the HABs Map