At the January meeting of the California Water Commission (CWC), DWR outlined an initial framework for the California Water Plan Update 2028 and implementation of Senate Bill 72, which directs DWR to develop a data-driven, action-oriented roadmap to address climate-driven water supply losses. With Update 2028, DWR plans to focus on improved data and modeling, localized water supply targets for urban, agricultural, tribal, and environmental needs, and place-specific actions such as storage, conservation, recycling, stormwater capture, conveyance, and demand management. Although broadly supported as ambitious, key issues raised include funding constraints, balancing supply targets with ecosystem needs, maintaining existing supplies, major infrastructure requirements, and the importance of clear, plain-language communication to ensure meaningful public participation. A recording of the January meeting is available on the CWC Archives webpage.

California’s snowpack has declined significantly after a dry January, which is historically the wettest month of the year in California. DWR’s second snow survey at Phillips Station found snow water equivalent at 46% of average there, and statewide snowpack at 59% of average — down from 89% from three weeks ago following early-season storms. Warm, dry conditions have eroded earlier gains, and forecasts show no major precipitation in the next two weeks. Although February and March could still bring snow, catching up becomes harder as the season progresses. Despite the low snowpack, major reservoirs are at 126% of average because of prior wet years and effective water storage. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for March 2. For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit California Weather Watch.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) recently announced the 2026 Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Climate Bond Solicitation, offering $9.2 million to support California Native American tribes and tribally led entities. The funding will support ancestral land return and tribal-led nature-based climate solutions, including land and water rights acquisitions. To qualify, projects must be in California and benefit California Native American tribes, with preference given to partially funded, escrow-ready land acquisition projects. Online applications will be accepted via RAPTR beginning Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Awards will be announced on Nov. 23. Two informational webinars are offerred next Tuesday, Feb. 10. Registration is required. Session 1 will be from noon to 1:30 pm. Session 2 will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Detailed information is available on the California Grants Portal webpage for this funding opportunity.

Today at noon, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) will honor the 100th anniversary of the first Black History Week by celebrating Black leaders who connect people to nature and collective action to create healthier communities. Join CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot for “Black Leadership in Action: Connecting Communities to Nature,” an hour-long conversation with leaders who will share what makes a movement, how to build trust, grow participation, and turn shared values into action across neighborhoods, parks, coastlines, and public lands. Registration is required.

Today’s Lunch-MAR meeting — “Accelerating Soil Health and Sustainable Agricultural Productivity with Realtime Data” — will feature Kathleen Glass from AquaSpy. Her presentation will focus on exploring how below-ground nitrate, water, and redox sensors provide data intelligence that can inform smart nitrogen strategies and support better soil health and cleaner water through reduced runoff and leaching. The hour-long webinar begins at 12:30p.m. Registration is not required to attend.

Twenty water professionals from across California were selected for the Water Education Foundation's highly competitive 2026 William R. Gianelli Water Leaders program, a yearlong leadership initiative founded in 1997 to prepare emerging leaders for collaborative water-resource decision-making. The diverse cohort — spanning engineers, lawyers, scientists, and communications and resource specialists — will focus on strategies to secure an additional 9 million acre-feet of water by 2040, as required under Senate Bill (SB) 72, to offset water losses anticipated as the climate continues to warm. Guided by leading experts and policymakers, participants will develop policy recommendations to present to the Water Education Foundation’s Board of Directors at the program’s conclusion. Read more about this cohort on the Water Education Foundation website.