Land Repurposing Program Compliance Issues: Nine out of 14 Land Repurposing Program participants are showing water usage levels that exceed their agreement thresholds, despite most participants actually stopping irrigation as required. The monitoring data is detecting water use from factors like remaining tree roots and soil moisture rather than active irrigation, leading the board to unanimously approve waivers for these technical monitoring issues while maintaining that participants are following their agreements properly.
Board Appeals for Land Classification Denied: Two separate appeals from Crane family operations seeking irrigated agriculture classifications for their parcels were unanimously denied by the board. These appeals involved properties where infrastructure was installed but the board determined it didn't meet the requirements for significant crop or irrigation infrastructure under the October 2024 rules.
Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Project Approved: The board unanimously approved a $2 million contract for the Nevada Ranch Project to convert 150 acres of almonds into native grassland with a 50-year deed restriction. This is part of the state's Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program that provides funding for agricultural land conversion.
The Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing solicitation remains open with applications expected to close at the next board meeting.
A public commenter claimed to have discovered asteroid material affecting well performance and water quality on their property, requesting further discussion with the board.
The Le Grand Community Project is currently under review by the Department of Conservation for potential approval.
Staff will conduct site visits and collect written attestations from Land Repurposing Program participants to verify compliance with no-irrigation requirements.
The strategic planning committee will engage in discussions with other GSAs about policies regarding borderland parcels.
The consent calendar including meeting minutes and payment of invoices was approved.
Lessons learned from the Land Repurposing Program suggest future agreements should require immediate tree removal to avoid monitoring complications.
Approved:
Denied:
To engage with the Merced Subbasin GSA, contact staff or attend board meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the boardroom at 2222 M Street, Third Floor, Merced, CA. Public comment is welcomed at each meeting.
