Bay-Delta Conservation Plan

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan is a planning and environmental permitting process to restore habitat for Delta fisheries in a way that reliably delivers water supplies to 25 million Californians. Federal and state agencies, environmental organizations, fishery agencies, water agencies, and other organizations are working together to develop the Plan.

Launched in 2006, the BDCP is currently focused on the following:

• Identifying conservation strategies to improve the overall ecological health of the Delta
• Identifying ecologically friendly ways to move fresh water through and/or around the Delta
• Addressing toxic pollutants, invasive species, and impairments to water quality
• Providing a framework and funding to implement the plan over time

The BDCP process is developing a comprehensive plan to obtain long-term operating permits under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.  The proposed BDCP conservation strategy includes a more modern and reliable water conveyance system in the Delta, restoration of up to 115,000 acres of natural habitat, and actions to address other stressors affecting the Delta ecosystem.

• Read ACWA's briefing book on the BDCP, "Delta's Moment for Decisions"
• Visit the BDCP website
• Read the Natural Resources Agency's BDCP Highlights Document (December 2010)
• Read the Interim Federal Action Plan Status update (December 2010)