May Board Meeting Recap

The Delta Conservancy Board met on May 27 for an off-site meeting in Pittsburg that was followed by a site visit to a Conservancy-funded project. During the hybrid business meeting, Conservancy staff delivered program updates and Board members heard from the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta Protection Commission, and California Department of Water Resources.

After the meeting concluded, in-person attendees had the opportunity to visit Pittsburg's Central Harbor Park and Boat Launch to see the variety of upgrades funded by the Conservancy’s Community Enhancement Grant Program. The improvements will increase public access to the Delta, provide economic and tourism benefits, and further educate people about the Delta’s importance. The Conservancy recognizes that too many Californians cannot easily access the Delta’s outdoor spaces, and we are committed to making sure all residents can experience this special region.

Watch this video to learn more about the project.

Bay-Delta Science Conference Updates

This year's Bay-Delta Science Conference will be held in person at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento from September 28-30.

The conference offers a space for scientists, engineers, resource managers, policymakers, and community partners to come together to exchange ideas, build new relationships, and engage in collective problem-solving. The Conference will include a plenary session, concurrent oral sessions, poster session, interspersed art (visual, audio, spoken) and storytelling interludes, and art-science collaboration exhibits.

Important dates to know:

• Deadline for Abstracts: The submission portal for oral and poster abstracts is open until 11:59 p.m. on June 5. Click here to submit a proposal. 
• Call for Artwork: The conference will feature artwork relating to the Bay-Delta Estuary or conference theme. Artists of all forms and media – including but not limited to painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, digital, music, storytelling, poetry, and performance – are encouraged to submit their work. Submissions are due July 15. Visit this webpage to learn more.
• Call for Nominations – Environmental Awards: New this year, projects at the Bay-Delta Science Conference have the chance to win Creative Environmental Awards and Outstanding Environmental Project Awards. For projects to be considered for an award, the project must be completed, and nominations must be submitted by August 14. Visit the conference's awards webpage to learn more. 

Applications Open for Seat on Delta Protection Advisory Committee

Applications to fill the Utilities-Related Infrastructure seat on the Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) are open. The committee provides recommendations to the Delta Protection Commission on diverse interests within the Delta, including the region’s ecosystem, water supply, socioeconomic sustainability, recreation, agriculture, flood control, environment, water resources, utility infrastructure, and other Delta issues.

Learn more and apply here.

Applications Live for National Heritage Area Advisory Committee

Applications have opened for five seats and one alternate position on the Delta National Heritage Area Advisory Committee.

The committee advises the Delta Protection Commission about implementation of the National Heritage Area Management Plan. Its members also act as ambassadors to the partners and communities in the NHA.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 20.

Learn more and apply here.

Public Comment Open for Statewide Park Program

California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services has opened a public comment period for the draft Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Round 5 Application Guide.

The program provides funding to create new parks, expand recreation opportunities, and improve existing parks in critically underserved communities throughout California.

Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) allocates $188.5 million for the Round 5 funding cycle. Grant funding will be awarded through a competitive process anticipated to open this summer.

Public comments will be accepted through June 26.

How to Comment:

• Email comments to: OGALS@parks.ca.gov
• Attend a virtual public comment hearing on June 15. To register, please RSVP here.