Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Plan Released by Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency May 11, 2026 Member Submitted News PAJARO RIVER WATERSHED — The Advisory Group for the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program is pleased to announce the publication of the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Plan (PRWRP, a comprehensive, watershed-scale plan developed to strengthen resilience to climate change across the Pajaro River Watershed. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) selected the Pajaro River Watershed in 2024 as one of five watersheds to pilot the Watershed Resilience Program. Funding for the project has been provided in full or in part from the Budget Acts of 2022 and through an agreement with DWR. Developed over an 18-month collaborative process, the PRWRP brings together public agencies, Tribal representatives, agricultural leaders, environmental NGOs, community-based organizations, nonprofits, watershed residents, and regional partners to address interconnected climate challenges including flooding, drought, groundwater sustainability, habitat degradation, and water quality. The Plan identifies priority adaptation strategies and implementation actions to protect water resources, enhance ecosystem health, support community and Tribal priorities, and build long-term resilience across the watershed. “The PRWRP reflects the shared commitment of watershed partners to work toward coordinated, multi-benefit solutions for climate resilience in the watershed,” said Brian Lockwood, General Manager of PV Water. “By aligning priorities and working together, we strengthen the region’s ability to acquire funding, implement projects , and deliver meaningful benefits to communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.” The PRWRP establishes a framework for ongoing coordination through a Strategic Coordination Plan that encourages continued collaboration among partners. Advisory Group members and watershed organizations have expressed support for partnering in implementation by engaging in coordination sessions, collaborating on regional grant proposals, and advancing priority “Keystone Actions” along with multi-benefit projects identified in the Plan. The PRWRP emphasizes watershed-scale solutions such as floodplain restoration, groundwater recharge, agricultural land stewardship, voluntary land repurposing, and nature-based and infrastructure solutions that can reduce climate risks while supporting water supply reliability, ecosystem health, and a thriving community. Advisory Group members recognize that successful implementation will require continued collaboration among agencies, Tribes, community organizations, growers, businesses, and regional partners. Through shared planning tools, coordinated funding strategies, and sustained engagement, the PRWRP provides a pathway for advancing climate resilience throughout the watershed. For more information about the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program, Plan, and upcoming implementation opportunities, please visit: https://www.pvwater.org/prwrp
