Photo: U.C. Davis. Graphic source: UCLA
UC Multi-campus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) project for salinity management adaptation by UC Davis (MAIN), UC Berkeley, UC San Diego and UC Merced
By Brett Milligan, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Director, Metamorphic Landscapes Lab & Maggie Gallagher, Geography Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
The Just Transitions in the Delta research team cordially invites the public to attend the project’s final public workshop and interactive exhibition at the Jean Harvie Community Center in Walnut Grove, CA on Thursday, November 5th from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
In addition, an interactive exhibition of research findings will be open to the public at the Jean Harvie Center from Tuesday, November 3rd – Saturday November 7th from 11:00am – 3:00pm.
For the past four years, the Just Transitions in the Delta Project has explored climate change and salinity management adaptation scenarios for the Delta with multiple communities, experts and public participants, and designed six Delta climate adaptation scenarios based on this public input. On November 5th, the project team – including interdisciplinary experts from across four UC campuses – will present the results of modeling of the future effects of these scenarios, as well as comparison of their performance across key social, ecological, and economic indicators.
However, salinity intrusion into the Delta was a challenge and first measured in the 1800’s and early 1900’s according to the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum and, according to a 2010 Contra Costa Water District report, it was primarily natural and “the result of tides that move seawater into the system and are controlled in large part by the amount of fresh water passing through the system.” Much of the additional challenge today is due to the upstream and in-Delta diversion of fresh water for agricultural, residential and commercial uses, as well as south Delta pumping according to the Delta Stewardship Council.
The term Just Transition is used in the domains of climate, energy, and environmental justice and refers to efforts to reduce inequity in society. This project seeks to advance such efforts by democratizing science and decision making in the Delta through a participatory scenario planning process. This method of public engagement provides opportunities for all communities affected by Delta policy and planning outcomes to contribute to and inform efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The workshop and interactive public exhibition will focus on sharing the final outcomes of the project with the public, and receiving input on future directions for Delta climate adaptation and participatory planning. All workshop and exhibition participants will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the most preferred scenario.
Please join us for the exhibition, the workshop, or both!
Open House Exhibition: Daily, Tuesday November 3rd – Saturday November 7th, 11:00am – 3:00pm
All project content and research findings will be on display in an open gallery setting, with opportunities to immerse yourself in the future visions of the Delta at your own pace. The exhibit will consist of detailed scenario visualizations and interactive digital models that reveal how scenarios compare across a range of publicly defined criteria. Participants can cast their vote for most preferred scenario through an interactive water component of the exhibition.
Public Workshop: Thursday November 5th, 9:00am – 4:00pm (open gallery and reception from 9-10am)
This more structured event will include presentations by the project team, breakout sessions on focused topics, and group discussions. All activities will be aimed at sharing and reviewing the results of the project’s scenario planning process, with time for reflection on what was learned by all who have participated in the project. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Workshop registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYXuPjL-T0W8DO3Rv4-zSbV-3pbL77E-weFqLQg6RZi-2Rig/viewform?usp=header
Project information: https://delta-just-transitions-ucdavis.hub.arcgis.com/
Jean Harvie Community Center
Address: 14273 River Road, Walnut Grove, CA
Location: HERE.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Leave a Reply