January Newsletter – San Joaquin River Conservancy

Introducing a monthly Newsletter on parkway progress brought to you by the San Joaquin River Conservancy

January 31, 2025

Executive Officers Report

Happy New Year! The Conservancy team warmly welcomes both new and returning Governing Board members as we embark on our first full year of working together. As you know, there is one vacancy on the Board. Executive staff is working closely with the tribal community and GovOps office to find qualified candidates and fill the vacant tribal representative seat.

The Climate Bond passed in the last election and Executive Staff is working closely with the Agency and Department of Finance in creating a roll out plan for the distribution of funding. $11m is available to the Conservancy for program delivery and projects that address climate change impacts, habitat restoration, community access, and resource protection. The PACE is working on the top 3 community priorities to present to the Board later this year.

SJRC Regulations are still in process, and Conservancy staff have drafted a consultation letter to reengage local tribes in meaningful discussions and planning. We will keep the Board updated as we make progress on finalizing the draft SJRC regulations.

Administrative and Contract Updates

The Conservancy is currently in the process of updating the website for consistency with other State agencies and posting more on social media. If you have any suggestions on ways we can improve, please let us know.

The Conservancy will begin working on a draft 5-year strategic plan, fee collection policy, CEQA policy, and JEDI policy with a Board member or delegate.

Notable contract and agreement updates include the following:

SRCD Wildfire and Nature Based Solutions Contract is with DGS for review and signature.
River Parkway Trust Sycamore Island and Van Buren Unit Operation Agreement Amendment and Extension is with DGS for review and signature.
River Parkway Trust E Pond Habitat Enhancement License Agreement has been requested and is in process.
FAIHP License Agreement has been requested and is in process.

Partnerships and Property Updates

On January 10th we proudly announced the reopening of both Wildwood Native Park and Sycamore Island, including the Van Buren Unit. The Conservancy also received a special kudos from Agency Secretary, Wade Crowfoot, on our progress with opening SJRC Parkway properties.

The Conservancy’s next goal is to begin negotiating operation and maintenance of the Jensen River Ranch Extension and Lanes Boat Launch with the City of Fresno. Opening these properties to the public will add approximately 25-acres of recreation opportunities within the Parkway. Several interested Parkway partners have already offered to help with property minor improvements at Jensen River Ranch Extension and Lanes, to meet the minimum standards for opening.

Thank you to all of our partners in helping us achieve our goals!

The Conservancy will continue to work with Parkway partners to continue to open closed properties, according to the Boards priorities, and operate and maintain open properties in a safe manner, improving the visitors experience.