Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) is seeking public input on a plan that would allow agricultural landowners to voluntarily convert marginal farmland to other uses in an effort to reduce groundwater demand while providing environmental benefits.
The agency has released a public review draft of the Pajaro Valley Multibenefit Land Repurposing Plan, which outlines how state funding could be used for projects that provide flood protection, wildlife habitat, water supply improvements and open space.
The public has until Nov. 6 to comment on the plan.
The effort is funded through the California Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program, which supports voluntary changes in land use intended to reduce groundwater pumping.
The program focuses on marginal agricultural land, where transitioning to other uses could help conserve groundwater while providing additional benefits to the surrounding community.
According to PVWMA, the plan establishes priorities and a process for selecting projects that could receive funding in future rounds.
It also describes how PV Water and its regional partners have worked together under an existing state block grant to implement six initial projects.
The plan does not require property owners to take land out of agricultural production, nor does it identify specific parcels for conversion.
Instead, it provides a framework for landowners and other partners to propose voluntary projects that could qualify for state funding.
The effort comes as the Pajaro Valley continues working to address groundwater overdraft, a longstanding problem in a region where agriculture is a major economic driver.
PV Water has scheduled several opportunities for residents and landowners to learn about the proposal and provide feedback.
A virtual workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon to 1pm on Zoom. The session will be recorded and posted on the agency’s website.
An in-person workshop will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 4–6pm in the Civic Plaza Community Room on the fourth floor of the Watsonville Civic Center, 275 Main St.
PVWMA will also host virtual office hours Wednesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1pm, allowing participants to ask questions directly of agency staff.
The agency and its partners are also offering presentations to community organizations and individual meetings during the public comment period.
After the comment period closes, PVWMA will review the comments and incorporate changes as appropriate.
The Pajaro Valley Multibenefit Land Repurposing Plan Steering Committee will then review the final draft before PV Water submits it to the California Department of Conservation for approval.
Written comments can be submitted through an online form or emailed to me******@*****er.org. Comments in Spanish are welcome, and Spanish-language materials are available upon request.
To read the draft plan, find workshop links or submit comments, visit pvwater.org/pajaro-valley-mlrp.
