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May 2026
News from the Delta Conservancy
Project Milestones, Climate Initiatives, and Community Stewardship
Our Mission: The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy leads efforts to support the Delta’s unique environment, economy, and communities. Through our programs and grant-funded projects, we focus on bringing balanced environmental, economic, and social benefits to the region. We partner closely with local communities, tribes, organizations, scientists, and state and federal agencies to find creative and collaborative solutions to the Delta’s challenges.
Solicitation Open: Rice Incentive Program
As part of the Delta Conservancy’s commitment to climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, supporting local agriculture, and community development, we have launched our Proposition 4 Climate Bond Grant Program – a competitive program with several funding cycles beginning in 2026.
We are currently seeking concept proposals for our Rice Incentive Program. Eligible entities administering the Program will pay farmers directly to convert to rice and provide technical assistance. The Program is intended to support farmers, including historically underserved farmers who otherwise cannot convert their fields to rice due to inability to pay or finance high upfront conversion costs. The rice conversion projects will stop ongoing subsidence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions occurring on highly organic soils in the Delta that threaten the region’s communities, agriculture, ecosystem, and the State and Federal water projects. Concept proposals must be received no later than June 15.
Visit our Prop 4 Climate Bond webpage to learn more.
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Project Highlights
Delta Conservancy-funded projects completed this year
Asian American Heritage Park
Funding Source: Proposition 68
Location: Sacramento County
Project Type: Implementation
The Asian American Heritage Park, located in the heart of Isleton, commemorates the history and contributions of the Asian American community in the Delta. Visitors will find culturally relevant objects and exhibits on the history and heritage of the Chinese and Japanese who once occupied the Asian American Historic District of Isleton and the events that impacted these communities. Park elements include interpretive signage; landscaping; decorative walkways; an artistic ceramic water feature; and a Kansho-do, a Japanese bell temple.
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San Joaquin River Floodplain Restoration and Floodway Enhancement at Banta-Carbona
Funding Source: Proposition 1
Location: San Joaquin County
Project Type: Planning
The goal of this project is to advance a multi-benefit habitat restoration project at Banta-Carbona Irrigation District’s intake fish screen – a barrier protecting threatened and endangered fish species at BCID’s San Joaquin River diversion point. The Conservancy funded the design and permitting for improvements that will provide rearing habitat for juvenile salmon, reduce flood risk, and address sedimentation, which can interfere with the fish screen and water supply.
Watch a video about the project.
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Delta Working Waterways Habitat Restoration
Funding Source: Proposition 1
Location: Solano County
Project Type: Planning
Funding provided for this project completed the permitting, site design, and planning for several habitat restoration sites along waterways that drain into the Delta. Once implemented, the project sites will mimic or restore the function of floodplains, riparian forest, and wetlands and provide benefits to fish, wildlife, local agriculture, and water quality.
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Delta Carbon Program
Created in 2025, the Delta Carbon Team is facilitated by the Conservancy and co-led with The Nature Conservancy. The team meets quarterly to discuss Delta carbon issues with a vision to reverse subsidence and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic viability and improving climate resilience in the Delta.
Visit the Conservancy’s updated Delta Carbon Program webpage for meeting information and to learn more about the team.
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Delta Waterway Cleanup on Sherman Island
As part of Earth Month, our team recently partnered with the Rio Vista Windsports Association for a waterway cleanup on Sherman Island. Thanks to the more than two-dozen volunteers who attended the event, we collected 3,380 pounds of trash from a 1.5-mile stretch along the Sacramento River.
Environmental stewardship initiatives like this reinforce our ongoing commitment to improving public access to the Delta and supporting the long-term health of the region. We appreciate everyone who contributed their time and effort for this cleanup! Stay tuned for information on future cleanup efforts this fall.
 Volunteers at the spring cleanup on Sherman Island.
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