New report released on Delta Drought Response Pilot Program
The Delta Conservancy’s report on their 2023 Delta Drought Response Pilot Program reveals mixed results in testing drought-resistant field management practices in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The program involved 61 projects across 18,450 acres, where Delta farmers tried various water conservation methods, like crop changes, reduced irrigation, and creating bird habitats by flooding fields. Key findings include that water savings were inconsistent, especially in low-elevation areas, while higher elevations showed more potential. Factors like crop type, soil, and local flooding also influenced results. The report suggests that future water conservation efforts need to balance water savings with environmental goals, like supporting wildlife.