The next Lunch-MAR meeting will focus on the DWR-led San Joaquin Flood-MAR Watershed Studies. The project team will present and describe results from the five watershed studies that provide a compelling case for innovative and at-scale implementation centering on Flood-MAR adaptation strategies. Learn more at the Wednesday, Dec. 3, Lunch-MAR presentation. The hour-long webinar begins at 12:30 p.m.

A new article on the Sustainable Conservation website summarizes the importance of the Merced River Watershed Flood-MAR Reconnaissance Study, a three-year DWR project completed in partnership with Merced Irrigation District. “Building Climate Resilience in California's Central Valley” notes how the study serves as a critical model for integrated, climate-smart water management in the San Joaquin Valley, a region facing severe water challenges, including chronic groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and extreme climate risks revolving around droughts and floods. The article also examines the study’s conclusion: combining Flood-MAR with forecast-informed reservoir operations and strategic infrastructure investments could achieve a 40% to 60% reduction in groundwater overdraft.

Mark your calendars for the sixth biennial Delta Invasive Species Symposium on Thursday, Dec. 4. Themed “Modeling and Managing Invasive Species for Tomorrow’s Delta,” the symposium will broadly address management of the future Delta through presentations highlighting modeling, future environmental conditions, using innovative tools and approaches, and methods for dealing with uncertainties. See the event agenda for more information. This free event is organized by the Delta Interagency Invasive Species Coordination Team and will be held in person with a virtual attendance option. The day-long symposium will take place at the California Natural Resources Agency building in downtown Sacramento from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration (in-person or via virtual attendance) is required.

The California Water Commission (CWC) will meet today at 9:30 a.m. to discuss, among other topics, the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) and proposed changes to give CWC the discretion to make supplemental funding determinations for the existing WSIP projects using uncommitted WSIP funding. The public will be able to observe the meeting in person or online and provide public comments at the meeting or remotely. For more information on attending the meeting in person, via Zoom, or by phone, visit the CWC meeting webpage.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has released its revised draft Tribal Stewardship Policy and Toolkit for public comment. These revisions are in response to more than 400 comments and feedback from 51 California Native American Tribes, 4 Tribally led organizations, and 175 non-Tribal entities. CRNA will host a public listening session to discuss the revised draft on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is now open for this virtual listening session. All public comments on the revised draft Tribal Stewardship Policy and Toolkit can be emailed to tribalaffairs@resources.ca.gov and must be received by Friday, Jan 9.

Reminder that the Fall 2025 Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Forum is happening this morning. Hosted by DWR, “SGMA After 10 Years – How to Keep the Momentum Going” will be a virtual event on Zoom, staring at 9 a.m. and running until 12:30 p.m. Registration is free, but required. This GSA Forum will feature interviews with GSA representatives, highlighting approaches they have taken to navigate SGMA implementation challenges. DWR will also host a Q&A session about periodic evaluations and an informational session on current and planned tools, resources, and opportunities to aid GSAs during implementation. See the agenda for details. Visit DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Program webpage to learn more about the program.